Second Degree Option BSN
SDO for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Admission to the SDO program is presently on hold beginning Fall 2026. We encourage you to consider the Master's Entry program in which you will finish with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). See our Master's Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN) program.
Benefits of the SDO
- Earn your BSN degree in 16 months.
- You'll build supportive relationships with other SDO students by moving through your courses together in a cohort model.
- Most courses are the same as the Traditional BSN, with some modifications to allow for accelerated pace.
- Seven-week terms set a fast program pace.
Outcomes
Find out what it means to get your BSN from Detroit Mercy on the BSN Outcomes page.
Sample Plan
For a sense of this track's curriculum, see the SDO BSN sample program plan (PDF).
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Admission Criteria
Admission to the SDO program is presently on hold beginning Fall 2026. We encourage you to consider the Master's Entry program in which you will finish with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). See our Master's Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN) program.
The Nursing Admissions Committee will review applications (Spring) for students who have 4 or less outstanding prerequisites as long as a plan of how they will be completed before the start of the program is submitted. All prerequisites must be completed and grades/transcripts must be received prior to the first day of classes. The MSON admission committee reserves the right to modify.
Criteria
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred
- All sciences and math must be completed within the last seven years, and with a minimum of a “C”
- Applicants are permitted three repeat prerequisite courses; however, an individual prerequisite class can not be taken more than twice.
- Completion of prerequisite courses:
- Academic writing
- Intermediate Algebra
- Introduction to Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Health Care Ethics
- General Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology & Lab
- Nutrition
- Refer to the Nursing Transfer Equivalency Table to view course equivalencies.
Supplemental Application Materials
- Official transcripts (all colleges attended after high school)
- Résumé
- Letter of intent: Minimum of one page including a summary of the candidate's interest in nursing, and choice to attend the University of Detroit Mercy, McAuley School of Nursing. Additionally, it should include any skills, attributes, or professional aspirations that the candidate wishes to be considered for admission.
- Letter of recommendation: One letter of recommendation should be provided from a source that can attest to the professional attributes of the candidate; examples include but are not limited to, letters from previous employers, previous or current instructors, organizations where the candidate was involved in providing professional services or volunteer work. You will be prompted to provide the name/email address of the person providing your letter of recommendation when completing the online application.
Monthly Information Sessions
The McAuley School of Nursing offers monthly information sessions to provide an overview of the Nursing track options and admission requirements. Sessions are interactive and provide time for questions. When you register for a session, you will be provided with a zoom link and detailed information.
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Costs & Financial Aid
All applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the application process, ensuring University of Detroit Mercy's school code is indicated (002323). This will help to ensure timely processing of a financial aid award.
Questions regarding financial aid may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid by calling (313) 993-3350 or finaid@udmercy.edu.