Admissions Policy

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing complies with the University of Massachusetts Amherst policies on admission. The University of Massachusetts Amherst “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability or veteran status in any aspect of the admission or treatment of students or in employment.”

Undergraduate Nursing Major

Admission to the freshman Nursing class at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is contingent upon successful completion of required high school courses at a level consistent with the University’s and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing’s admissions standards. The University of Massachusetts Amherst uses a holistic admissions review. Factors like personal experiences, strengths, and compatibility with the university are also considered.

Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/HiSET transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the University's Undergraduate Admissions Office. More information about the admissions process is available on the Undergraduate Admissions website. 

Accelerated BS

Admission to the Accelerated BS in Nursing is contingent upon successful completion of a first undergraduate degree (BA or BS) and the required prerequisites for the Accelerated BS in nursing program. Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/High School transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree).

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Accelerated BS in Nursing applications are submitted to the University+ Admissions Office and reviewed and approved by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. More information about the admissions process is on the admissions website. Additional information can be sought by contacting the Flexible Education Division on the University Plus website.

RN to BS

Admission to the RN to BS is program is currently on hold while the program undergoes review and revision (effective fall 2023).

Admission to the RN to BS program includes registered nurses who have completed required prerequisites and whose cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher. Candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation (official High School or GED/HiSET transcript), or its equivalent (e.g., Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree). 

Candidates must include translations and evaluations of non- English transcripts. Candidates must also comply with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. RN to BS applications are submitted to the University+ Flexible Education Division Admissions Office and reviewed and approved by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Applicants are notified about admissions decisions by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. More information about the admission process is available on the University Plus website.

Revised and approved by FA 5/15/19; reapproved 9/21/22; 5/17/23; 4/2/25; 9/25/25