Second Bachelor's Track FAQs
Prospective students who already hold a bachelor's degree usually have a number of questions about preparing and applying for this program.
When do I apply? What is required?
All application materials must be submitted to Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Admissions Office, 100 Venture Way, Hadley, MA 01035 by February 1st for the class that begins in September.
What application materials are required?
For application materials, please see the Application deadline information on the program flyer that is posted in the right sidebar in the Second Bachelor’s Track Overview section. Click here
Can I send in my application materials early?
Applications are reviewed only after the deadline, so early submission is not necessary. However, the Continuing and Professional Education Admissions Office starts a file for all application materials that are received.
How will I know that my application is received and complete?
The applicant is responsible for submitting a complete application for admission to the Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Admissions Office by the deadline date. It is required that you submit your application form, application fee, application essay, resume, and sponsor and bank statements (international applicants only) together in one packet. Reference letters may be submitted along with your application in unopened and sealed envelopes with a signature across the back part of the envelope. They may also be sent directly from the recommender to the CPE Admissions Office. Official transcripts must be sent directly from all colleges attended to the CPE Admissions Office; unofficial copies or photocopies are not acceptable. TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native speakers of English only) must be sent directly from the testing agency to the CPE Admissions Office. Students will be notified by mail of their admission status approximately six weeks after the deadline date.
What are the prerequisites?
A minimum of a 3.0 combined GPA and C or better in the following six prerequisite courses: Human Nutrition, Medical or General Microbiology w/lab or General Microbiology w/lab, Anatomy and Physiology I and II (can also be taken as Anatomy and Physiology, as long as there are two semesters of coursework in anatomy and physiology with a lab component), Statistics, and Human Growth and Development Throughout the Lifespan.
For information about courses that fulfill Second Bachelor’s track prerequisites, please contact Sandy Teale at steale@nursing.umass.edu or call (413) 545-0484.
How competitive is the admission process?
The program typically receives about 200 applications per year; of those, about 64 students are accepted into each cycle, which begins in September and ends in December of the following year.
Does it matter how long ago I received my previous bachelor's degree?
There is no time limit; however, you will need to have working knowledge of the course material from all of your prerequisite courses. If a long period of time has elapsed since you completed key prerequisites, you may want to consider retaking them prior to beginning your studies in the Second Bachelor’s program.
Is financial aid available?
Second Bachelor’s students are eligible for loans through the University of Massachusetts Financial Aid Office. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office or visit www.umass.edu/umfa. In addition, Second Bachelor’s students may apply for selected scholarships specifically for nursing students. For more information, go to: http://www.umass.edu/nursing/admissions/scholarships
Can I work and do the program at the same time?
This is a full-time, intensive program with courses regularly scheduled on weekdays and also involving full-day practicums which may include evenings and weekends. To get an indication of time and academic demands, see the Plan of Study on page 2 of the Second Bachelor's program flyer. Although some students will need to work part-time, they should plan to devote semesters entirely to study in order to sustain satisfactory academic progress. If possible, it is recommended that you not work during your time of study.
When are semester breaks scheduled?
The program follows the regular University of Massachusetts Amherst academic calendar.
What degree will I earn?
You will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, entitling you to attend both the university graduation ceremony and the School of Nursing Pinning celebration. Students are eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam (NCLEX [R]) immediately upon graduation.
