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College of Nursing

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing

We develop competent, caring leaders to build healthier communities and to advance the profession of nursing through teaching, research and service.

USC Nursing is full of opportunities for students to learn and engage both in and outside of the classroom and clinical settings. With top-tier NCLEX pass rates and recognition from the National League of Nursing, our students are exceptionally prepared for the profession.

Pre-Nursing

Pre-nursing students take core general education classes, such as English, history, math, and basic science and nursing courses that focus on health and wellness, the history of nursing, nutrition and pathophysiology.

Initial acceptance to pre-nursing is determined solely by the university's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Declaring pre-nursing as a major or being admitted into the pre-nursing major by university admissions does not guarantee admission to the upper division.

Progression to Upper Division

Pre-nursing students are eligible to apply to upper division once enrolled in NURS 216 and all minimum eligibility critiera are met. Acceptance into pre-nursing does not guarantee a student will progress to upper division. The application process to upper division is competitive and based on progression GPA and an interview score. The College of Nursing evaluates each student’s application to upper division based on application criteria.

Upper Division

Upper division nursing students combine clinical hours in various settings with classroom instruction and simulation. In upper division, nursing students are required to enroll full-time and take classes in the sequence offered.

Anticipated start‐up and final semester out-of-pocket costs for pre-nursing and upper division BSN students.

Academic standards for the Traditional BSN program.

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing is fully approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Initial acceptance to pre-nursing is determined solely by the university's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Any USC Columbia student interested in changing their major pre-nursing within the College of Nursing must participate in the change of major process and meet minimum academic requirements for consideration. Click for application.


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