B.S. in Nursing
Our Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program provides our diverse student body with a solid academic foundation that includes theory, clinical experience and attention to personal growth. The program prepares you for a career as a nursing generalist – focused on being a provider and manager/coordinator of care.
As a nursing generalist, you’ll be qualified for direct and indirect patient care, which includes individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. Our program gives you the nursing knowledge, theory and research necessary to become a successful nurse.
Our program includes dedicated faculty who are committed to student success and a reputation in nursing education that sets our graduates apart from others. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Fast Facts
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Over 230 clinical experiences with regional health care partners.
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Over $200,000 in student scholarships awarded to nursing students each year.
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Ranked a 2025 Best Undergraduate Nursing Program by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Highlights
- Beginning in fall 2026, the nursing program will move to a four-semester sequence of courses.
- A robust Student Success Program that helps students meet program demands.
- A dedicated advisor for undergraduate students.
- Student organizations aimed to support you like our Black Student Nurse Organization, Sigma Theta Tau and our Student Nurses Organization.
- Learn about the career potential for NIU nursing majors.
Applying to the NIU School of Nursing
The School of Nursing is a competitive five-semester program. Beginning in fall 2026, the program will shift to a four-semester sequence of courses.
We accept qualified applicants based on comprehensive admission profiles which include grades on prerequisite courses. You must have prerequisite GPA and an overall/cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
- For fall program start: application opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15. with submission encouraged by Jan. 1.
- For spring program start: application opens April 1 and closes June 15 with submission encouraged by June 1.
Learn more about our application process, requirements and other costs to consider when pursuing your nursing degree.
The Northern Illinois University baccalaureate degree nursing program curriculum is approved by the Committee on Nursing of the Illinois Department of Professional Financial Regulation and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Huskie Spotlights
Student Spotlight
I received a merit scholarship for my academics, and I received the Frerichs Scholarship and Ruth I. Hall Nursing Scholarship because of my success in the nursing program so far. The financial support has impacted my experience at NIU by allowing me to focus more on my academics and less on my financial situation.
Alyssa Navarro, Class of 2026
Student Spotlight
I am majoring in nursing and minoring in nutrition. I chose nursing because my mom is a registered nurse and I love the idea of incorporating my natural interest in health sciences to help those in need. I chose to minor in nutrition due to my curiosity about how our daily food choices can affect our health over time. I hope to use this information to further help my patients when I become a nurse.
Sergio Dondiego, Class of 2026
Faculty Spotlight
I want them to feel empowered. I want them to enjoy every moment, and they should feel free to choose their own journey in life. I also want students to know that I trust, respect and appreciate them. Above all, I want them to know that they are precious to me and to this world that will be theirs tomorrow!
Anitha Saravanan, Assistant Professor in Nursing
Contact Us
School of Nursing
3100 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-6554
nursing@niu.edu
Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Our Location
The School of Nursing is located at the NIU Wellness and Literacy Center at 3100 Sycamore Road along with other healthcare disciplines including audiology, physical therapy and speech-language pathology.
State of the Art Learning Environment
In 2026, construction will begin on NIU’s Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center, uniting health-related programs and experts across the university – including nursing, public health, audiology, biomedical engineering and anatomy among other disciplines – to catalyze learning, service and research for students and faculty.