Currently, we have two levels of engagement through which students can earn the jointly conferred BSN-H degree. You can either complete an enriched Honors Curriculum option, or you can complete an Honors Thesis option (referred to as a Bachelor of Philosophy in schools/department outside the School of Nursing). Please see the chart below. The curriculum option is designed for students interested in translating existing evidence into practice to drive change at the bedside. The thesis option is designed for students interested in scientific discoveries and in generating new knowledge to address unmet clinical needs at the bedside.
Each option requires a separate application to the David C. Frederick Honors College. The Honor Curriculum option is mapped across the 4-year BSN curriculum. Prospective first-year and transfer students apply as part of the regular application to the University of Pittsburgh. Upper-division students with a minimum 3.500 GPA can apply after completing at least two semesters (24 credits). Applications for upper-division students open in the spring for the following academic year. In contrast, the Honors Thesis option is self-paced with students applying for admission to Honors Thesis (BPhil) degree candidacy on a rolling basis after completing at least two semesters of coursework, but no later than beginning their last semester at Pitt, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.500. You can start in one option and switch to the other, but this will require a new application to the Frederick Honors College.
Alternatively, students may consider earning an Honors Distinction rather than a BSN-H degree. The Honors Distinction offers a lighter credit load than the Honors Curriculum option. Students can declare their intention to pursue an Honors Distinction after completing at least one semester, but no later than beginning their last semester, at Pitt with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000.