Admission Requirements

Admission Criteria

• The primary consideration for admission is the secondary school academic record. Nursing requires Algebra and Biology, and recommends Chemistry.
• For Fall 2025 admissions: The School of Nursing has waived requirements for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT).
• Submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a science or math teacher.
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Application Process

• Complete an online application for Undergraduate Admission.
• Upload application requirements to your applicant portal. You are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted. No final decision can be made on any application until all required documentation is on file.
• If accepted, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your place in class.

Current Duquesne students who wish to transfer to the School of Nursing, or to learn more about the internal transfer process, should visit the School of Nursing Intranet site (often referenced as "DORI").

(current student at another college or university)

Admission of transfer students to the School of Nursing is based on space availability within an existing class.

Please note that:

• Only courses taken within the past 10 years will be evaluated for transfer credit. For courses in the natural sciences, the limit is five years.
• You cannot enroll in nursing clinical practicum courses during the first semester of attendance at Duquesne University.
• You must take all required nursing courses at Duquesne; nursing courses from other institutions are not accepted.

For additional information regarding transferring to Duquesne, learn more from the Office of Admissions.

Admissions Criteria

School of Nursing Minimum Transfer Requirements:

• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Have a grade of "C" or higher (a "C-" will not be accepted) in all requested transfer coursework.
• Must have completed at least one full semester of college coursework before applying, with another full semester in progress. Admission decisions may be contingent on students having completed two full semesters prior to enrolling in the BSN program.
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

The School of Nursing seeks to enroll students who demonstrate the ability to be successful in a rigorous program of study. To that end, students should consider taking the following courses, along with other core courses required by Duquesne University:

• Biology with lab - 4 credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab - 4 credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab - 4 credits
• Microbiology with lab - 4 credits
• Statistics - 3 credits

Application Process

• Complete an application for Undergraduate Admission.
• Complete the Duquesne University External Transfer Form.
• Ask your Science or Math professor to complete the Undergraduate Recommendation Form.
• Have the following documents sent directly to the Duquesne University Office of Admissions:
  
  • Official college transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Completed essay
    
    Mailing address:
    Office of Admissions
    Duquesne University
    600 Forbes Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For additional information regarding transferring to Duquesne, learn more from the Office of Admissions.

Duquesne University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign nationals. However, no immigration documents can be issued until all application materials, including financial resource certification, have been received. All international students are required to have health insurance per U.S. immigration law and University policy. For more information, please contact the University's Center for Global Engagement.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

English is the language of instruction at Duquesne University.

All accepted undergraduate students whose first language is other than English are required to sit for English Language Placement Tests.

Applicants to undergraduate degree programs are required to take the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. Scores should be submitted as part of the application.

Students who submit official TOEFL scores of 90 iBT or higher, IELTS scores of 7 or higher, or Duolingo scores of 120 or higher, current to within one year, are excused from English Language Placement Tests except for the written and spoken English tests. Scores must be sent directly to the Center for Global Engagement at intladmissions@duq.edu.

If test results indicate needed assistance with English, the student will be enrolled for appropriate courses in the on-campus ESL Program.

The number of major-related courses that may be taken together with any assigned ESL classes will depend upon placement testing results.

School of Nursing Admissions Criteria

In addition to the School of Nursing admissions requirements listed above, you must meet all international admissions requirements as determined by International Admissions.

In order for your application to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, you must:

1.  Have completed the following required courses:

• Algebra I (1 year)
• General Science (1 year)
• Biology (1 year)
• Chemistry (1 year)
• English (4 years)
• Social Studies (3-4 years)

You may also want to consider completing the following recommended courses:

• Algebra II
• Plane Geometry I
• Trigonometry
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Advanced Science
• Oral Communication
• Fine Arts

2.  Have graduated from an institution of higher learning recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. high school.
3.  Have a demonstrated record of acceptable academic success.
4.  Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

A personal/phone interview with a representative of the School of Nursing is also highly recommended prior to admission.

Application Process

1.  Complete the online Duquesne University Undergraduate Application.

2.  Provide an official transcript of high school grades.

3.  Provide a statement addressing your decision to pursue a BSN degree and future career goals. Use a separate sheet and limit to one-typed page, double spaced.

4.  Provide one recommendation letter from a school principal or teacher.

5.  Upload application documents to your applicant portal.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted. No final decision can be made on any application until all required documentation is on file.

Admissions Criteria

1.  BS or BA degree from an accredited college or university

• Your degree may be in progress with an anticipated degree conferral date prior to the start of the program.

2.  Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

• The Admissions Committee may consider recent courses that provide evidence of your academic ability to succeed in this accelerated program.

3.  Completion of prerequisites prior to fall start of program

• You may apply to the Second Degree BSN program prior to completing prerequisite coursework, but it must be completed prior to start of program with a grade of "C" or higher (a "C-" will not be accepted.) It is recommended that you complete as many of the required science prerequisites that you can prior to submitting your application. For success in this accelerated program, you must have a solid understanding of the content in the prerequisite courses.
• The prerequisite coursework may be completed at any accredited college or university. Online coursework is acceptable and, in fact, Portage Learning offers all prerequisite courses required for the Second Degree program. Learn more about Portage and its course offerings.
• Completed within the last 5 years:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
• Completed within the last 10 years:
  • Biology or Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
  • Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan)* (3 credits)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)

*Or similar course covering the following material: Theories of human development from conception through death with emphasis placed on an individual's psychological, cognitive, psychosocial and spiritual development within the context of the family, community and culture. A syllabus is required for courses that have another course title.

4.  Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Application Process

The application and all supporting documents must be submitted to the School of Nursing.

1.  Complete the online Application for Undergraduate Admission.

• On the application, you will be asked to choose the 12-month or 16-month track. You have until the first week of class to change your chosen track. Please contact Nursing Recruiter Janey Mazur, if you decide to change your initial selection.

2.  Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the School of Nursing via Escript to SecondDegreeBSN@duq.edu or mail to:

Duquesne University School of Nursing
Second Degree Application
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s).

Duquesne University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign nationals. However, no immigration documents can be issued until all application materials, including financial resource certification, have been received. All international students are required to have health insurance per U.S. immigration law and University policy. For more information, please visit the Center for Global Engagement.

Applicants please note:  Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo Test scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants.

Students who submit official TOEFL scores of 90 iBT or higher, IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher, or Duolingo scores of 120 or higher, current to within one year, are excused from English Language Placement Tests except for the written and spoken English tests.

You must meet all international admissions requirements as determined by International Admissions, in addition to the School of Nursing admissions requirements.

International Admissions Criteria

1.  BS or BA degree from an institution of higher learning recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. college or university.

2.  A demonstrated record of acceptable academic success.

3.  Completion of prerequisites prior to fall start of program

• You may apply to the Second Degree BSN program prior to completing prerequisite coursework, but all prerequisites must be completed prior to start of program. For success in this accelerated program, you must have a solid understanding of the content in the prerequisite courses.
• The prerequisite coursework may completed at any accredited college or university. Online coursework is acceptable.
• Completed within the last 5 years:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
• Completed within the last 10 years:
  • Biology or Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
  • Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan)* (3 credits)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)

*Or similar course covering the following material: Theories of human development from conception through death with emphasis placed on an individual's psychological, cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual development within the context of the family, community, and culture. A syllabus is required for courses that have another course title.

4.  A score of 90 iBT on TOEFL, a score of 7.0 or higher on IELTS, a Duolingo score of 120 or higher, or a PTE score of 68 or higher.

• The score should be sent directly to International Admissions.

5.  A credential evaluation from the World Education Services (WES) for coursework is required. The results must be sent directly to the School of Nursing.

6.  Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook.

Application Process

The application and all supporting documents must be submitted to the School of Nursing.

1.  Complete the online application for Undergraduate Admission.

• Choose the international application option.
• On the application, you will be asked to choose the 12-month or 16-month track. You have until the first week of class to change your chosen track. Please contact Nursing Recruiter Janey Mazur if you decide to change your initial selection.

2.  Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the School of Nursing via Escript to SecondDegreeBSN@duq.edu or mail to:

Duquesne University School of Nursing
Second Degree Application
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s).

3.  Arrange for TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to be sent directly to International Admissions.

4.  Arrange for WES evaluation to be sent directly to the School of Nursing.