Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of California is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in professional nursing practice. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates foundational sciences, liberal arts, and specialized nursing coursework to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Students in the BSN program will engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences, allowing them to develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, and ethical decision-making skills essential for effective nursing practice.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally competent care, aligning with the latest healthcare standards and policies. It also provides opportunities for students to participate in research projects, community outreach, and interprofessional collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of healthcare delivery. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for licensure as registered nurses (RNs) upon graduation and supports lifelong learning through its foundation for advanced practice, graduate studies, and specialization in various nursing fields.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs, partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, and dedicated support from experienced faculty who are experts in nursing education and clinical practice. The UC Nursing program places a strong emphasis on ethical standards, patient safety, and professional responsibility, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments. Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped to enter a diverse array of roles in hospitals, community health organizations, outpatient care, and more, contributing positively to public health and patient outcomes.

The UC Nursing program is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its student body and faculty, promoting equitable healthcare practices and cultural competence. It encourages students to become lifelong learners and leaders in the nursing profession, advocating for improved healthcare policies and practices. Whether students aspire to work in urban hospitals, rural clinics, research institutions, or policymaking, the UC Nursing program provides a solid foundation for a meaningful and impactful career in nursing.

1st YEAR

• Health Status and Care Systems
• Overview of Research Design
• Doctoral Seminar
• Statistics Course
• Leadership in Health Care
• Research Design in Nursing and Health Care
• Applied Health Informatics
• Doctoral Seminar
• Implementation Science
• Doctoral Seminar
• Research Design in Nursing and Health Care
• Research Methodology Courses or Electives.

2nd YEAR

• Doctoral Seminar
• Introduction to Medical Statistics
• Elective

YEAR 3

• Doctoral Seminar
• Dissertation Research and Writing

YEAR 4

• Doctoral Seminar
• Dissertation Research and Writing

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree
• A minimum bachelor's-degree G.P.A. of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose, personal history, research professional history and future goals
• The application process may require an interview
• The G.R.E. is not required
• TOEFL

Scholarships

Each student admitted to the M.S. Leadership and doctoral degree programs at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing receives generous financial support for tuition, fees and additional expenses.

A primary goal of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is to address the growing need for nursing faculty. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s $100 million commitment and additional scholarship sources provide financial support for tuition, fees and additional expenses to Doctor of Philosophy students.

Scholarships enable the School of Nursing to recruit and recognize outstanding graduate students early in their careers, to allow time to make a significant difference through their work, research and scholarship. This support ensures the most qualified, diverse and driven prospective students receive opportunities to continue their education without the worry of significant tuition costs and loss of income.

Each doctoral student admitted in the fall 2017 cohort receives annual funding to cover UC in-state tuition and fees, as well as a variable stipend to support professional development and dissertation expenses for each year, for up to four years, for a total of up to $120,000.

In Years 1 and 2, each doctoral student receives $30,000 per academic year. The support agreement will vary for Years 3 and 4 based on graduate student employment opportunities in the School of Nursing. Employment opportunities include both research and teaching assistant roles. Total funding per student for Years 3 and 4 is approximately $14,000 for tuition and fees. Each student will be eligible for additional funding through service to the School of Nursing up to approximately $16,000 per year, dependent upon employment service to the School of Nursing.

All Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership students are encouraged to seek a variety of forms of financial support and it is essential for students to apply as early as possible.

Financial packages are finalized with each offer of admission.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of California is designed to prepare students for a career in professional nursing practice. The program emphasizes comprehensive education, combining liberal arts, sciences, and clinical experience to develop students’ skills in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students in this program gain a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and psychology, along with nursing-specific coursework that includes fundamentals of nursing practice, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing leadership. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training at various medical facilities throughout California, providing students with real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings.

The program is structured to foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, skills essential for caring for individuals across the lifespan. Students also have opportunities for specialized study in areas such as community health, mental health nursing, pediatrics, and adult health nursing, allowing them to tailor their education to their career interests. The University of California’s nursing program emphasizes evidence-based practice, encouraging students to incorporate current research into patient care strategies. In addition, the program prepares graduates for licensing as Registered Nurses (RNs), with comprehensive preparation to meet the requirements of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Furthermore, the university supports students through various resources, including dedicated faculty mentorship, simulation labs, and advanced technology to enhance learning. After completing the program, graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and other healthcare settings. Many alumni also pursue further education, such as Master's or Doctorate degrees in nursing or related fields to advance their careers. The University of California's nursing program is committed to fostering diversity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning in its students, preparing them to meet the evolving healthcare needs of society.