Degrees and Programs
Programs in the School of Nursing
The School of Nursing offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and graduate programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing degree, the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The undergraduate program is designed for students who wish to enter the profession of nursing. Students who have earned an associate’s degree in nursing and wish to obtain the baccalaureate degree may apply as transfer students. The master’s and doctoral degree programs are designed to prepare professionals for advanced nursing practice, leadership, and research in nursing.
The baccalaureate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Objectives of the Bachelor’s Degree Program
The graduate of the baccalaureate program in nursing is expected to
1. Demonstrate critical thinking to integrate knowledge from nursing, biological and behavioral sciences, and the humanities in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.
2. Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment within a problem solving process to safely meet the health care needs of individuals, families, aggregates, populations, and communities in a variety of settings.
3. Exhibit personal responsibility and accountability for practicing nursing according to professional, ethical, and legal practice standards (e.g., Texas Nurse Practice Act, Texas Occupation Code).
4. Participate in the delivery of health care through inter-professional collaboration, delegation, coordination, case management, and consultation.
5. Participate in nursing and inter-professional efforts to improve the delivery of high quality, safe and culturally sensitive health care to diverse individuals, families, aggregates, populations, and communities.
6. Demonstrate core professional values to complement continued personal and professional growth.
7. Critically appraise and apply research findings to demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice.
8. Analyze health policy and its effects on diverse individuals, families, aggregates, populations, communities, and health agencies.
9. Integrate information and health care technology in nursing practice, administration, education, and research.
10.Utilize leadership skills to advance the profession of nursing and promote continuous improvement of the health care delivery system.
Applicability of Certain Courses
ROTC Courses
The dean has the authority to substitute an equivalent air force science, military science, or naval science course or courses for a course or courses prescribed by the School of Nursing; core curriculum courses cannot be substituted. The dean can also make adjustments to compensate for any differences in semester hour value. The total number of semester hours required for the degree remains unchanged.
Correspondence and Extension Courses
Credit earned by correspondence or extension from the University or elsewhere will be counted toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree if approved by either the assistant dean for student services or the assistant dean for undergraduate programs. A student planning to meet pre-professional course requirements with correspondence or extension courses should consult the Office of Student Services to ensure enrollment in appropriate courses. Credit for professional sequence courses may not be earned by correspondence or extension.