Nursing students typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab (BIOL 232)
- General Psychology (PSY 201) or Probability and Statistics (MATH 114)
- Introduction to Health Systems and Professions (NURS 151), MATH 114, PSY 201, a course toward a minor or certificate, or a free elective
About Your First Semester Courses
Over four years, nursing students receive first-rate professional training as well as a broader, liberal arts education. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while they learn to appreciate the ethical and spiritual dimensions of caring for others. Students graduate as well-rounded human beings and a moral, intellectual, and professional leaders.
All Nursing students begin by taking Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 232 - both lecture and lab), the first of four core science courses required by the School of Nursing.
Along with your two LC courses, you are left with several options, of which you will choose two.
Either this semester or next, you will take Introduction to Health Systems and Professions (NURS 151). This course will introduce you to the profession of nursing and more generally health and healthcare systems. You will not be behind in any way if you take the course in the spring instead of the fall.
This year or next, you will need to take General Psychology (PSY 201), which is just what it sounds like: an introductory survey of the psychological study of growth and development, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, cognition and learning, personality and social psychology. PSY 201 is a prerequisite for the growth and development class you will take in your sophomore year. If you would like to minor in Psychology, then you will need to use your electives for Psychology courses.
You will also need to take probability and statistics (MATH 114), both as your math requirement and in preparation for your career as a nurse.
In addition to these options, you may opt to begin a minor or certificate. Many nursing students pursue the Spanish for Health Care Certificate. Knowing another language is both enriching and a strong professional credential. If you want to continue learning a language you studied in high school, you will need to take the language placement exam.
You can also use these courses to explore other academic interests or develop complementary skills. Perhaps, for example, you love literature or think you'd like to know more about how business and economies work. You can also take a course in closely related fields like sociology and social work. Talk it over with your advisor to create a plan that will allow you to follow your interests.
To learn more about the Nursing major, consult the School of Nursing’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.