Academic Programs

Undergraduate | Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN | RN Options | Master's | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Doctoral of Philosophy | Certificates | Minors

Baccalaureate Program

Our undergraduate program combines the latest in clinical theory with traditional nursing values that emphasize holistic patient care. The distinct advantage of a four-year program is that it gives students the opportunity to combine a strong theoretical base of biological and behavioral sciences with a foundation in the liberal arts.

Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN

The Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN track is designed to enable students with a previous baccalaureate degree to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree.  This is fast-paced and is designed to build upon the student’s previous education while providing the science and nursing content.  Admission is highly competitive and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades earned in pre-requisite courses. Two of the program courses, (NUR 2000 & NUR 2007), as well as one of the pre-requisite courses, (NUR 2004), are Master's level courses. 

RN Options

RN Options curriculum is designed for registered nurses, who obtained their nursing education through either a CCNE or NLN accredited associate degree program or diploma school of nursing to complete their nursing education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and offers an opportunity to obtain an early admission to graduate nursing education. Courses are taught by nursing leaders who are experts in their field.  Faculty serve as educators, role models and mentors for their students.

Master's Program

Ranked among the top 10 graduate programs in the country, the MSN programs will help you keep pace with the changing demands of healthcare and the nursing profession. We offer multiple areas of concentrations to enhance your career goals.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing admits a FALL COHORT ONLY to all MSN Program areas of concentration except the Anesthesia Nursing area of concentration. The admission deadline, except Nurse Anesthesia is June 1st.  Complete applications will be reviewed and admission decision made by July 30th.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses within a clinical focus (NP, CNS, and Anesthesia) or a systems focus (Nursing Administration).  Graduates are prepared as advanced practice nurses, to a new level of state-of-the-art and science expertise, combining research utilization with education and practice. The DNP program prepares experts in specialized advanced nursing practice.  DNPs focus on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the critical appraisal and application of research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program prepares nurse scholars who will discover and extend scientific knowledge that advances the science and practice of nursing and contributes to other disciplines. Graduates can assume leadership roles within research teams, health care systems, and schools of nursing in academic institutions. The School continues to be a trend setter, modifying the curriculum in response to current and future needs and offering both the MSN to PhD and BSN to PhD tracks. The current program ensures that the reputation for timeliness and excellence will continue.

Certificates

The School of Nursing offers options for skill sets beyond the current degree you have. These opportunities allow you to broaden your educational preparation and increase your marketability. Post-baccalaureate certificates are available, and those credits may be applied to a Master's/DNP Degree program in the future. Post-Master's certificates are also available in clinical concentrations and in nurse specialty roles.

Minors

Students choose a major within the Master's/DNP program, and supplement the knowledge and skills gained in the program by adding a minor or a second skill set. This increases marketability and professional opportunity following program completion. Minors are available in administration, education, informatics, research, gerontology for nurse practitioners, or health care genetics.

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Distance Education

Distance Education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is a formalized teaching learning system specifically designed to be carried out at remote sites using electronic communication and computer technology. Because students are not constrained by their geographic limitations, distance education offers opportunities for students to be an interactive part of the Oakland classroom while physically located at an off-site location. Students are able to participate in class discussions and receive input from the teacher in real time. The majority of the core courses of the Master's Program are offered via Distance Education.

• Distance Education Schedule