nursing students in white coats working on an IV while a professor watches

BSN Admission

How to start the BSN program at Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles offers a seamless pathway for non-nurses with prior college coursework to achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and enter the nursing profession. Admission to the BSN program is available for the fall semester only and is based on the successful completion of prerequisite courses and other requirements.  

Become a nursing leader dedicated to making an impact.

Note: Our BSN program is for students with prior college coursework. If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a BS in nursing or a transfer student, explore our pre-nursing major. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, our accelerated BSN is the pathway for you.

BSN application requirements, checklist and process

The BSN program starts once per year in the Fall:

  • Fall term: The application opens on September 1. The application deadline is February 1.

All application checklist items (see below) are due on the deadline date by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Mailed items need to be postmarked by the deadline date, and electronically submitted items must be time stamped by the deadline date to be considered. 

Minimum requirements for BSN admission consideration:

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • 2.7 cumulative GPA in science courses
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses (see below) with a grade of C or better
  • Nursing entrance exam (required for final application review, ensuring readiness for the program. Qualified candidates will be invited to take the exam post-application deadline)
  • Video interview (Required for final application review. Qualified candidates will be invited to submit a video interview after the application deadline)
  • Application checklist requirements must be received on or before the listed deadline

Visit the university course catalog for more information about each required course.

Course Semester Units Quarter Units
Chemistry or Physics* 3 Units 4 Units
Human Anatomy w/ lab* 4 Units 6 Units
Human Physiology w/lab * 4 Units 6 Units
Microbiology w/lab * 4 Units 6 Units
Introduction to Psychology 3 Units 4 Units
Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology 3 Units 4 Units
English 1A 3 Units 4 Units
English 1B 3 Units 4 Units
Introduction to Communication 2-3 Units 3-4 Units
Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematical Ideas 3 Units 4 Units
  • *Science courses must be completed within five years prior to admission.
  • Applicants may apply with up to two prerequisites in progress, but only one can be a science course (chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology and microbiology).
  • Prerequisite courses can only be retaken if the grade is C- or below, and a course can be repeated only once. Failing any two prerequisite courses (C- or below) will result in non-admission.
  • If you have not completed all the above prerequisites before applying, consider the pre-nursing major as a pathway. 

  • Complete application
    • Select Start New Application. Then, Create Application. Under Application Category select Nursing Transfer. Then, select BSN as your Nursing Transfer Anticipated Major.
  • Official transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions
    • All previously attended institutions must send official transcripts directly to MSMU. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. Transcripts submitted for an informal transcript evaluation are not added to application materials.
    • International students must request a comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation to be sent. Visit www.naces.org/members for more information.
  • Proof of enrollment for any current and upcoming prerequisite courses
    • Note that these in progress courses must be completed prior to enrolling at Mount Saint Mary's University and an updated final transcript must be sent.
    • Proof of enrollment for an upcoming course is an education plan from the respective institution stating that the course is planned and the term/year it is available. If currently registered, submit a PDF document showing the class as "enrolled."
  • Advanced Placement (AP) scores (if applicable)
    • Applicants must request that The College Board send an official score report directly to MSMU. A score of 4 or more is required to receive credit, with the exception of psychology, which is credited with a score of 3 or more.
  • One reference (academic or professional; official letterhead required)
    • MSMU contacts recommenders from the contact information listed in the application. However, recommenders may also send their letters directly to nursingdoc@msmu.edu as a PDF document.
  • Personal essay
    • submit 2-3 double-spaced pages addressing the following:
      • How will becoming a nurse help you make a difference in others’ lives?

Mailing address for official application materials: 
ATTN: Office of Admission 
10 Chester Place 
Los Angeles, CA 90007 
Fax Number: 213.477.2569

Official electronic documents can be submitted/ordered to nursingdoc@msmu.edu.
For questions and additional information, contact nursingadmission@msmu.edu. 

  • Complete application
    • Select Start New Application. Then, Create Application. Under Application Category select Nursing Transfer. Then, select BSN as your Nursing Transfer Anticipated Major.
  • Official transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions
    • All previously attended institutions must send official transcripts directly to MSMU. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. Transcripts submitted for an informal transcript evaluation are not added to application materials.
  • Updated personal essay
    • Submit one double-spaced page explaining what has changed since you last applied to the program and how those changes have prepared you as a nursing student.

Students may not apply to more than one of our nursing programs within the same start term.

Mailing address for official application materials: 
ATTN: Office of Admission 
10 Chester Place 
Los Angeles, CA 90007 
Fax Number: 213.477.2569

Official electronic documents can be submitted/ordered to nursingdoc@msmu.edu.
For questions and additional information, contact nursingadmission@msmu.edu. 

Due to the large number of applications for this program, admission is highly selective. Applicants may be placed on a waitlist.

  • If the department selects an applicant for the waitlist, it will only be for the current term.
  • Waitlisted applicants will be notified when the program is no longer taking applicants from the waitlist. Applicants who don’t get accepted may apply again for an upcoming term.
  • Previously waitlisted applicants will not be offered priority consideration for future terms.

Sign up for a BSN information session

Ready to learn more?

Each virtual session will include information on the application process, program curriculum and prerequisites. Admission and Financial Aid representatives will be available to address your questions.

 RSVP now

BSN tuition and scholarships

Want to earn your BSN at MSMU? Here’s everything you need to know about Mount Saint Mary’s undergraduate student tuition.

Undergraduate Students (2025-2026)
Full-Time (12-18 units/semester) $49,548/year
$24,774/semester
Full-Time (per unit) (units in excess of 18/semester) $2,065
Part-Time (per unit) (less than 12 units/semester) $2,065
University Services Fee (per semester) $752 (full-time)
$216 (part-time)
Health Insurance Fee (above 9 units) $1,154 Fall 2025
$1,855 Spring & Summer 2026
Summer Term Courses per unit $98/unit
University Service Fee Summer Term only $50
*For Nursing Majors only, the following fees apply:
Nursing Program Fee (Clinical) $527
Nursing Professional Fee $561

BSN transfer student scholarships

When you apply for admission as a BSN transfer student, you're automatically considered for the Dean's Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship is renewable for all three years of the BSN program. Learn more about transfer merit scholarships.

Why get a BSN at Mount Saint Mary’s University?

Small class sizes. On the job and in nursing environments as early as sophomore year. Dedicated faculty who are working nurses. Opportunities to work in top Los Angeles hospitals.

Learn more about the BSN curriculum, clinical rotations and program outcomes. As you consider Mount Saint Mary's University, explore our articulation agreements.

BSN program Connect with admission