Degree Options
We are the largest school of our kind in the nation and one of the most respected multiprogram nursing schools in the world. Additionally, we’re the only school in Indiana to offer a full range of nursing programs, including the PhD and DNP. Please explore the various degree options we offer. Review the list of School of Nursing course descriptions.
Undergraduate programs
Our undergraduate programs are designed to meet the current and future challenges of nursing. However you envision your future in nursing, you can find an appropriate program at the School of Nursing. Our baccalaureate degree (BSN) programs are designed for students who wish to enter nursing for the first time, including a second degree option for anyone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
If you are a registered nurse (RN) who holds an associate degree (ASN) or a nursing diploma, the statewide RN to BSN Degree Completion Program is specifically designed to help you complete your bachelors in nursing. It's a distance accessible program so there's no need to come to campus. Coursework is completed via online and video conferencing technologies that connect you to IU faculty across the state of Indiana. You would, however, enroll in the IU campus closest to you and visit that campus for advising, technical support, and graduation.
RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing may be interested in the RN to MSN option or BSN to PhD degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Second Degree BSN, Accelerated Track
Statewide RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
IUPUI campus connection for the RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
Graduate programs
Our graduate program—including master’s and post-master’s options—is one of the most comprehensive in the world, putting our students in high demand after they graduate. In 2011, U.S. News & World Report ranked us 15th in the nation out of hundreds of graduate nursing programs. Higher still were our rankings in adult health (3rd), mental health/psychiatric nursing (6th), and family nurse practitioner (11th).
Our master's program features eight tracks of study, three of which are distance accessible. The Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education and Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing tracks are all distance accessible.
We continue to pursue ways to make our programs accessible to busy, career-oriented students, with expanding online course offerings and a weekend format for our nursing administration and community health majors. Additionally, students have the opportunities to be involved in research through our centers and institutes.
Master of Science in Nursing
RN to MSN option
Graduate certificates
Post-master’s options
Doctoral programs
The IU School of Nursing is the largest nursing school in the country to offer both PhD and DNP programs along with graduate and undergraduate studies. The PhD in Nursing Science program has two areas of concentration, clinical nursing science and health systems, and is focused on a career as a nurse scientist and researcher The DNP program is a practice-focused professional doctorate that leads with excellence in quality improvement and patient safety through evidence-based practice and translational science. Ranked 9th for NIH funding in 2010, the faculty at the IU School of Nursing have a proven track record of successfully funded research. Postdoctoral options are also available.
Need help deciding between a DNP and PhD for your doctoral program? This questionnaire will help you begin to think about the decision.
BSN to PhD option
PhD in Nursing Science
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduate certificates
Resources
Academic Information
Learn more about our academic resources.
