Find the Right Program For You

The Master of Science in Nursing is the next step to advance your nursing career! Choose from two tracks: Nursing Education or Population Health.

The RN-to-BSN program is your next step! With your RN license in hand, you can complete the nursing curriculum in two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed for you! With this program, you can complete your BSN and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in 15 months.

We are happy to welcome transfer students!

If you will be completing your Associate Degree of Nursing and then plan to transfer, the RN-to-BSN program is your next step!

If you will transfer and have a completed bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing area, then the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for you.

If you will not have a previous degree or RN licensure at the time of transfer, then we encourage you to explore the many majors at ISU that include the pre-requisites for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The nursing academic advisor can assist you with connecting to a major that may be a good fit for your interests and previous credit.

You can choose from two pathways to nursing at Iowa State University.

• To attend Iowa State University as a first year student, you can select from several majors with an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Preparatory plan of study. Then, apply to ISU's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to complete an additional degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and preparation to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in 15 months. With two bachelor's degrees and RN licensure, you'll be prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities.
• To transfer to Iowa State University, complete an Associate Degree of Nursing program and obtain your RN licensure in Iowa or a compact state. Then transfer to Iowa State University to complete the RN-to-BSN program in two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time. Iowa State has articulation agreements with several community college nursing programs leading to a smooth transfer. While attending a community college, you can take advantage of the Admissions Partnership Program to receive some of the benefits of being a Cyclone.

Four-year plan

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With this major and focus area you will study: 

• Nutritional needs for individuals to promote health, wellness, and disease prevention
• Nutrition and health throughout the life cycle, including nutritional needs for infants, early childhood, adolescents, adults, and older adults
• Clinical assessment of nutritional status, and appropriate intervention, monitoring, and evaluation
• The nutrition care process for individuals who have diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, renal system, and metabolic disorders 

Career opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in Dietetics:

• Healthcare - Conduct patient screens, gather data and assist registered dietitian nutritionists
• Schools, daycare centers, and restaurants - Manage employees, purchase food, develop menus, and oversee foodservice budgets
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs, public health agencies, and community health programs - Assist dietitians with implementation of programs and classes
• Health clubs and community wellness centers - Educate clients on the connection between food, fitness and health
• Food companies, food vending and distributing operations - Develop menus and oversee foodservice sanitation and food safety
• Graduates are also eligible to apply to accredited master’s programs to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with many career options, including but not limited to working in:
  • Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities providing medical nutrition therapy 
  • Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs providing nutrition guidance for athletes to enhance sports performance and for individuals to improve overall health and wellness
  • Food and nutrition-related business working in communications, marketing, or consulting
  • Private practice with contracts with healthcare or food companies, or their own business
  • Community and public health settings teaching others about food and nutrition
  • Research areas directing or conducting research to answer critical nutrition questions

Four-year plan

Three-year plan

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With this major you will study: 

• Life-span development, including pediatrics and geriatrics.
• Mental health
• Human relationships and interactions

Career opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies:

• Adoption and Foster Care Caseworker: Assess, support, and manage cases for children and families in the foster care and adoption process to ensure safe and stable placements.
• Behavioral Health Technician: Assist in the care and treatment of people with behavioral health issues.
• Case Manager: Assist individuals in accessing social services and resources.
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Help community organizations develop and implement programs that support community well-being.
• Crisis Intervention Specialist: Provide immediate support and resources to people in crisis situations
• Home Visitor: Provide in-home support, education, and resources to families to promote child development, health, and family well-being.
• Public Health Worker: Assist with programs that promote public health and prevent illness.
• Rehabilitation Specialist: Assist people with disabilities or injuries achieve their highest potential. 
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Work with those who struggle with substance use (additional certification may be required).
• Victim Advocate: Provides confidential and respectful support to survivors, including safety planning, education, and referrals to community resources.
• Parent Educator: Provide education and resources to parents that support child development and family dynamics.

Four-year plan

Three-year plan

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With this major and focus area you will study: 

• Health and wellness from multiple levels
• Metabolism, nutrition, and health 
• Courses related to preventative health and wellness

Career opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Health Sciences, Program Focus on Human Health & Nutrition:

• Health Education in areas such as:
  • Wellness Coordination
  • Health Promotion
  • Preventative Education
• Work in Clinical Research for:
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Medical Facilities/Hospitals
  • Universities
  • Behavioral/Physical Health Organizations

Four-year plan

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Nutritional Science: 

With this major you will study: 

• Metabolism & Biochemistry - Understand how nutrients regulate the body in health and disease.
• Chronic Disease Prevention -  Apply nutrition science to reduce risk and improve long-term health.
• Clinical & Translational Research -  Connect laboratory discoveries to real-world health solutions.
• Assessment & Intervention - Develop evidence-based strategies to evaluate and improve nutritional status.

Career opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Science:

• Research & Innovation - Work in biomedical, clinical, or industry labs advancing nutrition science.
• Healthcare & Clinical Research - Coordinate studies and contribute to patient-centered care initiatives.
• Biotech & Pharmaceutical Industry - Support product development, clinical trials, and regulatory science.
• Public Health & Policy - Translate science into programs that improve population health.

Your Launchpad to Advanced Careers:

Nutritional Science graduates are also highly competitive applicants for:

• Medical School
• Dental School
• Physician Assistant Programs
• Pharmacy School
• Accredited Graduate Programs to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• PhD & MS Research Programs and Graduate School