At a Glance

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing became the state’s first nationally accredited nursing program in 1957. Since then, we’ve been a leader in improving the quality and accessibility of health care in the state, nation and world.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Take the first step to become a licensed nurse with a BSN from South Carolina. Get hands-on training in our innovative simulation lab and learn from an accomplished faculty who’ve led recent classes to perfect national licensure exam passage rates. 

Smart Start Program

With admission to the Smart Start Nursing Honors Program, you will have automatic admission into the College's Upper Division with dedicated nursing honors classes as early as your freshman year.

Master's Entry to Practice Nursing

Our Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing (MEPN) will prepare non-nurse baccalaureate prepared individuals to enter the nursing profession as master’s degree graduates. This unique program provides the opportunity to gain education and experience as a direct-care provider of nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). 

RN to BSN program 

This cutting-edge RN to BSN online degree program is tailor-made for current practicing registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. With an online format, this program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. 

RN to MSN program

The RN to MSN program is designed for licensed RNs seeking to advance their careers by earning a graduate degree in nursing. This accelerated pathway allows nurses to build on their clinical experience while gaining advanced knowledge in leadership, specialized patient care, education or administration.

Master's Degrees

Advance your career in your preferred practice specialty area with a nurse practitioner degree from one of the nation’s top-ranked online graduate nursing programs. The online format offers you the chance to earn while you learn and is paced for your success at home, at work and at school. On-site practicums and a handful of on-campus immersion sessions provide you with practical learning experience.

Certificate of Graduate Study (post-master's certificate) 

If you’ve earned your MSN but seek to gain additional expertise and qualifications in a new clinical specialty, enroll  in a graduate certificate program from one of the nation’s top online nursing graduate programs. The convenient online format allows you to earn while you learn, and most students complete their program within four to six semesters. 

Doctoral Degrees

Earning your master’s degree has already shown that you can be successful in the nursing profession. Now it’s time to take the next step and reach your academic pinnacle with a DNP or Ph.D.  Our graduates become leaders in research, teaching and practice.

Transferring to the Traditional BSN Program

Students interested in transferring from another college/university to the Pre-Nursing Lower Division within the Traditional BSN Program should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. In order to be eligible, students must have minimum 3.5 GPA on all college work. Students may not have less than a "C" in any science or nursing course.

Master's Entry to Practice Nursing

Our Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing (MEPN) prepares non-nurse baccalaureate prepared individuals to enter the nursing profession as master’s degree graduates. This unique program provides the opportunity to gain education and experience as a direct-care provider of nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). 

Scholarships and Endowments

The College of Nursing strongly encourages you to identify and pursue any scholarship opportunities that will help you pay for your annual educational expenses. With the available scholarships, we hope to make the College of Nursing affordable for all students who wish to pursue a career in nursing.