The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is designed to meet the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to provide a curriculum development framework as well as a definition of competencies universally expected of BSN graduates.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) helps BSN graduates keep pace with the changing demands of healthcare and the nursing profession. It provides an organized sequential plan of study that leads to preparation in a specialized nursing role. An online option is available in Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Informatics. 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares BSN and MSN graduates within a specialized advanced clinical focus (Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Practitioner) or systems focus (Health Systems Executive Leadership). The DNP focuses on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the critical appraisal and application of research. Graduates are prepared as nursing leaders for the highest levels of nursing practice. An online option is available for nurses with a master’s degree in the same focus as the area being pursued. The online option in Health Systems Executive Leadership is also available for nurses with a BSN and master’s degree or MSN.  

The dual degree Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offers BSN prepared nurses the opportunity to simultaneously achieve their DNP and PhD degrees. The dual degree plan shares 30 credits between both degrees. Students complete both a DNP capstone project and PhD dissertation, focusing their research on the implementation-translational-clinical end of the spectrum. Certificates provide an educational opportunity for professional nurses to enhance and expand their role and increase marketability. Certificate credits may be applied to a future University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing graduate degree. Certificates are available in clinical practice and nurse specialty roles. Online options include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (w/ 2 onsite lab intensives: 2 days-summer + 1 day-fall), Gerontology for Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Research, and School Nurse PK-12.