Degree Programs

Nursing Major

Hope students interested in declaring a major in nursing are invited to apply for program admission after meeting the application requirements. Students typically apply in the spring semester of their freshman year and begin nursing courses in their sophomore year. The nursing department accepts 45 students per calendar year into the nursing major. Most students will complete their BSN in four years at Hope. Students graduate with hands-on research experience and at least 500 hours of clinical experience.

While we don’t offer a minor in nursing, nursing students often minor in other subjects such as psychology, sociology or world languages and cultures. Some nursing majors choose to extend their studies to complete a double-major.

Program Admissions Requirements

All required items for the application for admittance into the nursing major must be received by February 1 or October 1 to receive a response prior to registration for the following semester. The application will include the following:

• Nursing Student Admission Application Form
• Two professional references, one of which must be from a Hope professor
• Hope transcript showing:
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) at Hope College of at least 3.2
  • Completion of at least one required natural science course
  • Enrollment in at least one additional natural science course
  • Completion or enrollment in a required social science course
  • Minimum grade of C for each prerequisite nursing course

In addition, consideration will be given to:

• Volunteer and work experience
• Geographical factors
• Cumulative GPA
• Grades and achievement in individual courses
• ACT/SAT scores
• Results of a standardized pre-nursing exam
• Pre-nursing essay, written in a proctored environment
• Professional references
  • The essay and references should focus on:
    • Critical thinking
    • Caring
    • Communication
    • Leadership and other personal strengths