Bachelor of Science Direct Entry
First Time Freshman Program
The Nursing (BS) First Time Freshman program is a direct entry, accelerated pre-licensure program that prioritizes applications from Imperial County. Local high school seniors are encouraged to apply through Cal State Apply between October 1-December 15th each fall for the following fall admission cycle.
EX: High School graduate in 2024 would apply for a Fall 2024 admission to the BSN-Freshman program between October 1-December 15, 2023
Admission Requirements
Admission to the School of Nursing’s Imperial Valley Nursing (BS) program is highly selective. Students are admitted to the School of Nursing according to rank and the number of positions available. Additional information about ranking and the admissions process for freshman can be accessed on the Office of Admissions website.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in A – G coursework
- Minimum grade of B in Intermediate Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with lab courses. If AP or IB level courses were taken in these areas, applicants must have earned a minimum grade of B.
- Preference is given to Imperial County applicants who have taken and earned strong grades in science and mathematics courses.
IMPORTANT! Students admitted to SDSU as undeclared, or as a major other than Nursing, will not be able to change their major to Nursing during their tenure at SDSU.
SDSU Nursing (BS) and General Education Requirements
The program is a cohorted model with the first year devoted to science and general education requirements. The curriculum is designed to be completed in three years because of the ability to take courses through the summer.
EX: August 2024 start and take classes F 24, Sp 25, Su 25, F 25, Sp 26, Su 26, F 26, Sp 27, Su 27 graduate August 2027 and apply for NCLEX (national RN licensing exam).
In addition to the nursing-specific coursework, all candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the requirements listed in the “Graduation Requirements” section of the SDSU General Catalog.
International Experience (Currently Waived until 2025)
All Nursing (BS) students (including incoming freshmen students, continuing SDSU students, transfer students, second bachelor’s degree students, and RN to BS students) are required to participate in a pre-approved international experience to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues, global health, economic, political, cultural, social services, and health challenges experienced by local populations in international environments. Students participate in residence for two or more weeks (exemption from the study abroad portion of the requirement must be approved by the dean of the college based on serious and compelling life events or physical limitations; a relevant course will be substituted). Specific details can be found on the CHHS Undergraduate International Experience website.
