Online RN-to-BS Program

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Apply?
Please see admissions requirements.
What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?
You must have at least a 2.75 GPA and C- or better in science courses to be considered for admission to the RN-BS Program.
Will all of my credits transfer?
The university will only up to 70 transfer credits from 2 year academic institutions and up to 90 credits from 4 year academic institutions.  Students will be awarded 41 transfer credits for their previous nursing education after successful completion of the first online nursing course (NU 360) with a grade of C+ or better.
Are there a certain number of credits that must be taken at UMass Boston?
The university requires students to earn a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston in order to obtain a degree. The five six-credit nursing courses in the online RN to BS program meet this requirement.
I took my science classes 20 years ago. Will those classes still count?
The Online RN-to-BS Program does not have a time limit on accepting science credits.
How do I know what course I’ll need to take?
Please see:
How long is the program?
The actually length of the program will vary depending on the number of transfer credits that a student has upon entering the program and when they chose to complete any additional requirements. The required nursing courses will take five semesters including summers to complete. The online nursing courses will be offered fall, spring and summer semesters.
While my application is being processed are there classes I could be taking?
Yes. The program requires students to complete certain courses prior to beginning the sequence of online nursing courses. Please see plan of study.
Many registered nurses will need to take a separate pharmacology and nutrition course or a challenge examination. You may register to take the NLN examinations in pharmacology and nutrition at www.umb.edu/academics/cnhs/prospective/index.html. A score of 50 percentile or higher on the NLN examination is required to receive transfer credit.
What is the cost of the program?
As of fall 2009, the cost of a six-credit online nursing course is $1920.00 plus a registration fee of $50.00. There is also a one-time cost of $20.00 for headphones for the synchronized chat utilized in the nursing classes. The cost of books varies with each course.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid for online course is available for qualified students thru the University Financial Aid Office.
What are the academic standards for progression and graduation once I matriculate in the program?
The minimum passing grade for nursing and science courses is "C+". Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to progress each semester and to graduate.