Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1878 as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost. The first school year, just 40 students enrolled. The university now has an annual enrollment that exceeds 10,000 students. The main campus has grown over the years and now encompasses more than 49 acres in the Uptown neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The campus includes 31 buildings, and several of the buildings feature Victorian Gothic architecture. Duquesne University offers many different undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its nine schools and colleges, including the Duquesne School of Nursing.

The School of Nursing was established in 1935. Students may enroll in traditional BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. nursing programs. These options are accredited by the CCNE. The nursing school was also the first in the nation to offer a Ph.D. program online. The RN to BSN program is also offered online. The traditional BSN program is designed to be completed in four years. The accelerated program is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a separate field and includes two pathways. These options include a 12-month program and a 16-month program. The BSN programs include clinical practice at local healthcare clinics and hospitals.

Updated on: 26 Oct, 2025

Program Length & Format

Two pathway options: 12-month pathway (three semesters) and 16-month pathway (four semesters)
Both pathways begin in August each year
Program total credit hours: 67 credits (both pathways)
Program delivery: on-campus coursework and in-person clinical practice in health care settings

Admission Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from an accredited college or university (degree may be in progress with anticipated conferral prior to program start)
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the fall start of the program with a grade of C or higher (C- not accepted)
Admissions Committee may consider recent coursework that demonstrates academic ability

Prerequisites

Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, 4 credits (completed within last 5 years)
Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, 4 credits (completed within last 5 years)
Biology or Chemistry with lab, 4 credits (completed within last 10 years)
Microbiology with lab, 4 credits (completed within last 10 years)
Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan), 3 credits (completed within last 10 years; syllabus required if course title differs)
Nutrition, 3 credits (completed within last 10 years)
Statistics, 3 credits (completed within last 10 years)
Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university; online coursework accepted

Entrance Exams

International applicants must submit one of the following English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
Minimum scores: TOEFL 90 iBT (writing 27; speaking 23), IELTS overall 7.0 (writing 7.0; speaking 7.0), Duolingo 115 (writing 115; speaking 115), PTE 68
English test scores must be current within one year and sent directly to the School of Nursing

Deadlines

International application deadline for fall start: May 15 (all supporting documents must be submitted by this date)

Application

Complete the School of Nursing online application and select 12-month or 16-month track (track may be changed until the first week of class)
Request official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions to be sent directly via Escript or mailed to the School of Nursing address
Duquesne University Registrar will automatically forward any Duquesne transcripts to the School of Nursing; applicants must request transcripts from all other institutions
International applicants must arrange for English test scores and a WES credential evaluation to be sent directly to the School of Nursing

Cost & Financial Aid

Fall 2025 Second Degree BSN students may receive up to $30,000 in scholarships through Duquesne University Discover Award and Joanne and William Conway Scholars Program
BSN-AID program offers scholarships up to $33,000 per student (BSN-AID awards are in addition to a $10,000 Tuition Award)
Financial aid inquiries: [email protected]; phone (412) 396-6607

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Clinical practice included in multiple courses across semesters; program includes clinical practice in health care settings
Sample courses with clinical components: UPNS 200 Fundamentals of Nursing (4 theory/2 clinical lab, 6 credits); UPNS 232 Adult Health and Illness I (4 theory/2 clinical, 6 credits); UPNS 400 Critically Ill Adult (4 theory/2 clinical, 6 credits); UPNS 462 Leadership and Management (2 theory/4 clinical, 6 credits)
Program completion renders students eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam

Credit Transfer

Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any accredited college or university and transferred
Online prerequisite coursework is accepted; Portage Learning offers the program's required prerequisite courses

Contacts

School of Nursing mailing address for transcripts and applications: Duquesne University School of Nursing, Second Degree Application, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Financial aid office: [email protected]; phone (412) 396-6607