Second Degree BSN Admissions (Fall start only)

Admissions Criteria

In order for your application to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee you must meet the following requirements:

  1. BS or BA degree from an accredited college or university (degree requirements can be in progress with an anticipated degree conferral date prior to the start of the program).
  2. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The Admissions Committee may consider recent courses that provide evidence of your academic ability to succeed in this accelerated program.
  3. All prerequisites must be successfully completed prior to the start of the program. The Admissions Committee recommends that you complete as many of the required science prerequisites that you can prior to submitting your application. These prerequisites are the foundational basis for your nursing education. For success in this accelerated program, you must have a solid understanding of the content in the prerequisite courses. Please see the tab below for a list of the prerequisites.
  4. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to become a student.
  5. Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission.

Application Process

The application and all supporting documents (see below) must be submitted to the School of Nursing by May 15, 2021, for Fall 2021 start. The Rolling Admissions Policy permits applicants to receive notification of admission decisions soon after a complete application is received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you submit your application early.

1. Complete the online Application for Undergraduate Admission 

2. Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the School of Nursing via Escript to SecondDegreeBSN@duq.edu or mail to:

Duquesne University School of Nursing
Second Degree Application
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s).

3. Choose the 12-month or 16-month pathway after comparing curriculum. You have until the first week of class to change your chosen pathway. Please contact Nursing Recruiter Gina Plocki if you decide to change your initial choice.

Prerequisites

You may apply to the Second Degree BSN program prior to completing prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to fall enrollment with a grade of "C" or higher (a "C-" will not be accepted.)

The prerequisite coursework may completed at any accredited college or university. Online coursework is acceptable and, in fact, Portage Learning offers all prerequisite courses required for the Second Degree program. Learn more about Portage and its course offerings.

Prerequisites

Completed within the last 5 years: Credits
Anatomy and Physiology I with lab 4
Anatomy and Physiology II with lab 4
Completed within the last 10 years:
Biology or Chemistry with lab 4
Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan)* 3
Microbiology with lab 4
Nutrition 3
Statistics 3

*Or similar course covering the following material: Theories of human development from conception through death with emphasis placed on an individual's psychological, cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual development within the context of the family, community, and culture. (a syllabus is required for courses that have another course title).

The prerequisite courses may not be waived or substituted.

International Admissions Criteria

General Admissions Requirements

In addition to the School of Nursing admissions requirements listed above, you must meet all international admissions requirements as determined by International Admissions.

Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for all non-native English speaking applicants.

Students who submit official TOEFL scores of 575p (90 iBT) or higher, or IELTS scores of 7 or higher, current to within one year, are excused from English Language Placement Tests except for the written and spoken English tests.

School of Nursing Admissions Criteria

1. BS or BA degree from an institution of higher learning recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. college or university.

2. A demonstrated record of acceptable academic success.

3. You may apply to the Second Degree BSN Program before the prerequisite coursework is completed. The following prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to fall enrollment. Please select the "Prerequisites" tab to review the required courses.

4. A score of 575 or higher (90 iBT) on TOEFL, a score of 7 or higher on IELTS, or a Duolingo score of 115. The score should be sent directly to International Admissions.

5. A credential evaluation from the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) for coursework is required. The results must be sent directly to the School of Nursing.

6. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to become a student.

7. Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission.

Application Process

The application and all supporting documents (see below) must be received by May 15, 2020, for Fall 2020 start. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

1. Complete the online Duquesne University Undergraduate Application (Please choose the International application option).

2. Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the School of Nursing via Escript to SecondDegreeBSN@duq.edu or mail to:

Duquesne University School of Nursing
Second Degree Application
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s).

3. Choose the 12-month or 16-month pathway after comparing curriculum. You have until the first week of class to change your chosen pathway. Please contact Nursing Recruiter Gina Plocki if you decide to change your initial choice.

4. Arrange for TOEFL or IELTS scores to be sent directly to International Admissions.

5. Arrange for WES evaluation to be sent directly to the School of Nursing.