Program Overview

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Pre-BSN Nursing University Transfer Program

Program Overview

The University Transfer Pre-BSN Nursing program is designed for students who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree before entering the workforce. The pre-major provides you the opportunity to complete common nursing pre-requisite courses, while earning college transferrable credits to satisfy admissions requirements for BSN programs at four-year colleges and universities.

Get a Customized Academic Transfer Plan

Admission requirements to enter Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at four-year institutions vary by school, so it’s essential to have a good idea about where you want to complete your BSN degree. When you enroll in Madison College’s Pre-BSN Nursing program, you’ll need to meet with your faculty advisor who will help you customize your academic plan to ensure you take the required courses you need to enroll at the college or university of your choice.

Academic Support and Guidance

Madison College’s faculty are experts in their fields, ready to share their knowledge and experience with you and support you in your academic success. The faculty will not only support you in the classroom but also be your go-to expert for all questions about your chosen career path. To ensure you stay on track, your faculty advisor will help you with:

• Questions about your program.
• Choosing the best classes to meet your goals.
• Taking courses in the right order to ensure a smooth college transfer experience.

Flexible and Affordable Course Offerings

• Enjoy small class sizes and personal attention.
• Study close to home, whether in Madison or regionally at our Reedsburg, Portage, Fort Atkinson or Watertown campuses.
• Take classes in-person, online or other flexible hybrid offerings.
• Attend full- or part-time.
• Save money with the lowest per-credit tuition in the region.
• Experience a top-quality education that transfers!

Curriculum and Experience

English and Speech (9 credits)

• Six credits must be in composition - English 1 and one other composition course.
• Three credits must be in public speaking.

Composition Courses:

• English 1 (3 credits)
• English 2 (3 credits)
• Introduction to Journalism (3 credits)
• Introduction to Mass Communication (4 credits)
• Science Communication (3 credits)

Public Speaking Courses:

• Speech (3 credits)
• On-Air Performance (3 credits)
• Theory & Practice of Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
• Oral Interpretation (3 credits)

Kinesiology/Health/Wellness (1 credit)

• Completion of one of the listed courses is required.

Kinesiology Courses:

• Conditioning/Weight Training (1 credit)
• Pickleball (1 credit)
• Walking & Running for Fitness (1 credit)
• Introduction to Kinesiology (2 credits)
• Beginning Volleyball (1 credit)
• Social Dance (1 credit)
• Ballet (1 credit)
• Badminton (1 credit)
• Beginning Yoga (1 credit)
• Prev/Care Athletic Injuries (2 credits)
• First Aid and CPR (2 credits)
• Intermediate Yoga (1 credit)
• Beginning Soccer (1 credit)
• Wellness Today (3 credits)
• Health & Fitness for Life (2 credits)
• Blueprint for Healthy Living (2 credits)
• Stress Management Foundations (1 credit)
• Fall Team Sports (1 credit)
• Spring Team Sports (1 credit)
• Roll, Release & Recover (1 credit)
• Movement Education & Skills Lab (1 credit)

Humanities/Fine Arts (6 credits)

• Completion of courses from two disciplines is required.

Art Courses:

• Basic Design (3 credits)
• Drawing 1 (3 credits)
• Drawing 2 (3 credits)
• Life Drawing 1 (3 credits)
• Life Drawing 2 (3 credits)
• Life Drawing 3 (3 credits)
• 2D Studio Independent Study (3 credits)
• Digital Photography Independent Study (3 credits)
• Creative Photography (3 credits)
• Digital Photography (3 credits)
• Painting 1 (3 credits)
• Painting 2 (3 credits)
• Jewelry 1 (3 credits)
• Jewelry 2 (3 credits)
• Ceramics 1 (3 credits)
• Ceramics 2 (3 credits)
• Ceramics Independent Study (3 credits)
• Ceramics Sculpture 1 (3 credits)
• Ceramics Sculpture 2 (3 credits)
• Ceramics Firing Techniques/Alternative Methods (0 credits)
• Ceramics Firing Techniques 2 (3 credits)

Art History:

• Art History: Ancient to Medieval (3 credits)
• Art History: Renaissance to Modern (3 credits)
• Art History: Women In Art (3 credits)
• Art History: Global Arts (3 credits)

Drama Courses:

• Intro To Theatre (3 credits)
• Stagecraft 1 (3 credits)
• Cultural Diversity in Contemporary American Theater (3 credits)
• Stage Technology Practicum (1 credit)
• Drama Practicum (1 cr) (1 credit)
• Drama Practicum (2cr) (2 credits)
• Acting 1 (3 credits)
• Acting 2 (3 credits)
• Movement Theory & Training for Actors (1 credit)

Film Courses:

• Introduction to Film (3 credits)
• History Of World Cinema (3 credits)

Literature Courses:

• Introduction to Literature (3 credits)
• World Indigenous Literatures (3 credits)
• Literature and Science (3 credits)
• Queer Literature (3 credits)
• Ethnic Literature (3 credits)
• Native American Literature (3 credits)
• African American Literature (3 credits)
• Literature and Popular Culture (3 credits)
• U.S. Latino Literature (3 credits)
• Introduction to African Literature (3 credits)
• Children's Literature (3 credits)
• Contemporary Literature (3 credits)
• Classical Mythology (3 credits)
• Women In Literature (3 credits)

Music Courses:

• Choir 1 (1 credit)
• Choir 2 (1 credit)
• Class Voice (1 credit)
• World Music (3 credits)
• Orchestra 1 (1 credit)
• Orchestra 2 (1 credit)
• Concert Band 1 (1 credit)
• Concert Band 2 (1 credit)
• Jazz Ensemble 1 (1 credit)
• Jazz Ensemble 2 (1 credit)
• Class Piano 1 (1 credit)
• Music Appreciation (3 credits)
• Blues to Hip-Hop: Black American Music (3 credits)
• Music Theory Fundamentals (3 credits)
• Hist Pop/Rock Music (3 credits)
• World Drumming Ensemble 1 (1 credit)
• World Drumming Ensemble 2 (1 credit)
• World Drumming Ensemble 3 (1 credit)
• World Drumming Ensemble 4 (1 credit)

Philosophy Courses:

• Think Critically & Creatively (3 credits)
• Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Applications (3 credits)
• Intro Philosophy (3 credits)
• Elementary Logic (4 credits)
• Contemporary Moral Issues (3 credits)
• East/West World View (3 credits)
• Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (3 credits)
• Ethics In Medicine (3 credits)
• Business Ethics (3 credits)

World Languages Courses:

• Spanish 1 (4 credits)
• Spanish 2 (4 credits)
• Spanish 3 (4 credits)
• Spanish 4 (4 credits)
• Spanish 5 (3 credits)
• Spanish 6 (3 credits)
• French 1 (4 credits)
• French 2 (4 credits)
• French 3 (4 credits)
• French 4 (4 credits)
• French 5 (3 credits)
• Intro to Mandarin Chinese 1 (3 credits)
• Intro to Mandarin Chinese 2 (3 credits)
• Mandarin Chinese 3 (3 credits)
• Intro to Modern Arabic 1 (3 credits)
• Intro to Modern Arabic 2 (3 credits)

Writing and Communication Courses:

• Written Communication (3 credits)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
• Technical Reporting (3 credits)
• Speech (3 credits)
• English 2 (3 credits)
• Creative Writing (3 credits)
• Creative Writing/Fiction (3 credits)
• Creative Writing/Poetry (3 credits)
• Creative Writing/Non Fiction (3 credits)
• Introduction to Journalism (3 credits)
• Film Writing (3 credits)
• Introduction to Mass Communication (4 credits)
• World Issues Journalism (3 credits)
• Photo/Video Storytelling (3 credits)
• Science Communication (3 credits)
• Social Media Writing (3 credits)
• On-Air Performance (3 credits)
• Journalism Practicum 1 (1 credit)
• Journalism Practicum 2 (1 credit)
• Journalism Practicum 3 (2 credits)
• Journalism Practicum 4 (2 credits)
• Introduction to Communication Studies (3 credits)
• Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
• Small Group & Interpersonal Communications (3 credits)
• Difficult Conversations (3 credits)
• Oral Interpretation (3 credits)

Interdisciplinary Humanities Courses:

• Media and Democracy (3 credits)
• Intercultural Experience Practicum 1 (1 credit)
• Intercultural Experience Practicum 2 (1 credit)
• Global Studies Capstone (2 credits)
• Leadership As An Art (3 credits)

Mathematics and Statistics (7 credits)

• Basic Statistics is required.
• Select one additional mathematics course at the level of College Algebra or higher.

Required Statistics course:

• Basic Statistics (4 credits)

Select at least one of the following Mathematics courses:

• Math for Elementary Teachers (3 credits)
• Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
• College Algebra (3 credits)
• Trigonometry (3 credits)
• Math for Elementary Teachers 2 (3 credits)
• Finite Math (3 credits)
• Calculus Methods for Business and Social Sciences I (5 credits)
• Precalculus (5 credits)
• Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 (5 credits)
• Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 (5 credits)
• Calculus 3 (5 credits)
• Introduction to Engineering Statistics (3 credits)
• Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations (3 credits)
• Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra (3 credits)
• Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)

Natural Science (17 credits)

• Biology

Select a biology option and complete both of the courses for that option.

Biology Option 1 (recommended option):

• Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 credits)

Biology Option 2:

• General Anatomy & Physiology (4 credits)
• Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (4 credits)

Microbiology:

• Select one of the following Microbiology courses.
• Microbiology-University Medical (4 credits)
• General Microbiology (5 credits)

Chemistry:

• Required Chemistry Course
• College Chemistry 1 (5 credits)

Social Science (9 credits)

• Required Courses
• Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

And select one of the following Developmental Psychology courses.

• Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

Electives (11 credits)

• Select any courses offered within the University Transfer program or from the list of additional electives below.
• Molecular Biology 1 (3 credits)
• Research Methods in Molecular Biology (3 credits)
• Accounting 1 - Principles (4 credits)
• Accounting 2 - Principles (4 credits)
• Management Accounting (4 credits)
• Cost Management (4 credits)
• Financial Accounting (4 credits)
• Business Statistics (3 credits)
• Introduction to Business (3 credits)
• Management Techniques (3 credits)
• Business Law 1 (3 credits)
• Marketing Principles (3 credits)
• Personal Finance (3 credits)
• Introduction to Human Resources (3 credits)
• Introduction to Design Software (3 credits)
• ECE: Social Studies, Art, and Music (3 credits)
• ECE: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) (3 credits)
• ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
• ECE: Child Development (3 credits)
• ECE: Children with Differing Abilities (3 credits)
• Metal Repair Techniques (2 credits)
• Mechanisms 1 for Industry (1 credit)
• Controls 1 (2 credits)
• Medical Terminology (3 credits)
• Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• Automotive Fundamentals (2 credits)
• Automotive Service Procedures (3 credits)
• AC/DC Circuit Techniques and Principles (3 credits)
• Statics and Mechanics 2: Centroids, Inertia, and Friction (1 credit)
• Fundamentals of Manufacturing/Engineering Materials (2 credits)
• Manufacturing Processes (2 credits)
• Engineering Technology Applications (3 credits)
• Introductory Engineering Graphics (3 credits)
• Reverse Engineering and Solidworks Assemblies (1 credit)
• Introduction to PLCs (1 credit)
• Circuit Modeling 1 (3 credits)
• Circuit Modeling 2 (4 credits)
• Introduction to Computer Engineering (3 credits)
• College Technical Math 1B (2 credits)
• College Technical Math 1 (5 credits)
• College Technical Math 2 (4 credits)
• Principles of Animal Biology (4 credits)
• General Chemistry (4 credits)
• Survey of Physics (3 credits)
• Intro to Biochemistry (4 credits)
• Microbiology-University Medical (4 credits)
• Think Critically & Creatively (3 credits)
• Intro to Amer Government (3 credits)
• Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
• Introduction to Diversity Studies (3 credits)
• Economics (3 credits)
• Contemporary American Society (3 credits)
• Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)
• Twentieth-Century America (3 credits)
• Early Modern European History (3 credits)
• European History Since 1815 (3 credits)
• History from Pharaohs to Popes (3 credits)
• Early US History (3 credits)
• Modern US History (3 credits)
• Early African History (3 credits)
• 20th-Century World History (3 credits)
• Gender and Women's History in Cultural Representations (3 credits)
• US Latino History (3 credits)
• African American History (3 credits)
• History Nazi Germany (3 credits)
• Modern African History (3 credits)
• Asian American History (3 credits)
• Principles Of Geometry (3 credits)
• Intermediate Algebra (4 credits)
• Intermediate Algebra Part 1 (3 credits)
• Intermediate Algebra Part 2 (3 credits)
• Computer Science 1 (3 credits)
• Computer Science 2 (3 credits)
• Introduction to Programming in Python (3 credits)
• Data Structures and Algorithms (4 credits)
• Introductory Zoology (5 credits)
• Biological Greek and Latin Terminology (3 credits)
• College Chemistry 2 (5 credits)
• Botany (5 credits)
• Biology for Innovators (1 credit)
• Physics of Everyday Life (3 credits)
• University Physics 1 (5 credits)
• University Physics 2 (5 credits)
• University Physics 1-Calculus-Based (5 credits)
• University Physics 2-Calculus Based (5 credits)
• Introduction To Human Biology (5 credits)
• Statics (3 credits)
• Dynamics (3 credits)
• Mechanics of Materials (4 credits)
• Modern Physics (3 credits)
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Science (4 credits)
• Plants, Parasites, and People (3 credits)
• Plants, Parasites and People Lab (1 credit)
• Modern Physics Lab (1 credit)
• Earth Science (3 credits)
• General Geology (4 credits)
• Weather And Climate (3 credits)
• Survey of Oceanography (3 credits)
• Earth Science Lab (1 credit)
• Weather and Climate Laboratory (1 credit)
• Geologic Evolution of the Earth (4 credits)
• Climate and Climate Change (3 credits)
• Undergraduate Geology Field Experience (2 credits)
• Natural Hazards (3 credits)
• Astronomy: The Solar System (4 credits)
• Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies (4 credits)
• Aviation Meteorology (3 credits)
• Organic Chemistry 1 Lecture (4 credits)
• Organic Chemistry 2 Lecture (4 credits)
• Chemistry for Science and Engineering (5 credits)
• Professional Health Careers Seminar: Planning Your Future (1 credit)
• Human Nutrition (3 credits)
• Science, Mathematics, and Technology Seminar (1 credit)
• Organic Chemistry 1 Lab (2 credits)
• Organic Chemistry 2 Lab (2 credits)
• Cellular and Molecular Biology (5 credits)
• Organismal Biology (5 credits)
• General Microbiology (5 credits)
• Principles of Genetics (4 credits)
• Environmental Issues (3 credits)
• Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (3 credits)
• General Ecology (3 credits)
• General Ecology Lab (1 credit)
• Environmental Science (4 credits)
• Introduction to Renewable Energy (3 credits)
• Solar Photovoltaic Technology (3 credits)
• Solar Photovoltaic Installation Lab (1 credit)
• Engineering Seminar (1 credit)
• Introduction to Engineering (3 credits)
• Advanced Solar Photovoltaic Technology (1 credit)
• Human Sexuality (3 credits)
• Sociology of Relationships and Families (3 credits)
• Introduction to Women's Studies (3 credits)
• Criminology (3 credits)
• Sociology of Mental Health (3 credits)
• Psychology of Men (3 credits)
• Macroeconomics (3 credits)
• Microeconomics (3 credits)
• Exploring Business Majors Seminar (1 credit)
• International Economics (3 credits)
• Education in a Pluralistic Society (3 credits)
• Introduction to Education and Teaching (3 credits)
• Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
• Law and Society (3 credits)
• State and Local Government (3 credits)
• International Relations (3 credits)
• Social Psychology (3 credits)
• Political Theory (3 credits)
• Environmental Economics (3 credits)
• Statistics for the Social Sciences (4 credits)
• Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
• Child Human Development (3 credits)
• Public Policy (3 credits)
• Gender and Politics (3 credits)
• African Politics (3 credits)
• Educational Psychology (3 credits)
• Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. (3 credits)
• Sociology of Gender (3 credits)
• Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies (3 credits)
• Gender and Women’s Studies-Study Abroad Experience (1 credit)
• Energy, Environment and Society (3 credits)
• Couple Relationships (1 credit)
• General Anthropology (3 credits)
• Archaeology & Prehistoric World (3 credits)
• Introduction to Hmong American Studies (3 credits)
• Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity (3 credits)
• Anthropology of Myth, Magic, and Religion (3 credits)
• Introduction to African Studies (3 credits)
• Technology and Society (3 credits)
• Introduction to Data Analytics (3 credits)
• Victimology (3 credits)
• Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
• Sport and Performance Psychology (3 credits)
• College Success (3 credits)
• Study Skills (1 credit)
• Career Development (1 credit)

Ethnic Studies (One course)

• Course may also count toward Humanities/Fine Arts, Social Science, or Electives.
• Introduction to Diversity Studies (3 credits)
• World Indigenous Literatures (3 credits)
• Ethnic Literature (3 credits)
• Native American Literature (3 credits)
• African American Literature (3 credits)
• U.S. Latino Literature (3 credits)
• Indigenous American History (3 credits)
• US Latino History (3 credits)
• African American History (3 credits)
• Asian American History (3 credits)
• Blues to Hip-Hop: Black American Music (3 credits)
• Education in a Pluralistic Society (3 credits)
• Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. (3 credits)
• Introduction to Hmong American Studies (3 credits)
• Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity (3 credits)

World Languages (One course)

• May be met with one year in high school with a grade of "C" or better OR one semester in college.
• See World Languages Courses under the Humanities and Fine Arts Requirement above.

Admission

To Apply

• The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

Application Dates

• Summer 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is July 15, 2025
• Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is November 15, 2025
• Spring 2026: Application open, Application completion deadline is April 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

• All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

1. Admission Application

• The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

2. Education Completion

• Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
  • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
  • GED/HSED completion
  • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
    • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
    • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
      • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
      • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
      • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
• All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

Additional Notes

• Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

Career Outcomes

After completing Madison College’s University Transfer Pre-BSN program, you will be able to:

• Apply critical thinking to assess information, ask relevant questions and make informed decisions.
• Utilize mathematical, statistical and logical reasoning to interpret data and solve clinical problems.
• Explore physical and social environments using scientific tools and evidence-based methods.
• Develop self-awareness and self-management skills essential for handling the demands of nursing education and practice.
• Conduct research by formulating questions, implementing investigative strategies and synthesizing findings into academic and professional documentation.
• Engage in collaborative healthcare teamwork to achieve shared goals.
• Communicate effectively by:
  • Actively listening in personal and professional relationships.
  • Reading and comprehending written materials at a grade 14 level in relevant subject areas.
  • Synthesizing and presenting information clearly for diverse audiences.
• Recognize the influence of diverse cultures, historical periods and art forms on a global society.

BSN-Nursing Careers

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree could open many different doors for you.

Nursing Careers in Hospital and Clinical Settings

• Nursing jobs often work in hospital settings where there are many nursing specialties to choose from, including:
  • Cardiac Care Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
  • Geriatric Nurse
  • Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse
  • Medical-Surgical Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Plastic Surgery Nurse
  • Travel Nurse

Nursing Careers Outside of Hospital Settings

• Nurses may pursue nursing jobs outside the hospital in a variety of roles, such as:
  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Forensics Nurse
  • Home Health Nurse
  • Hospice Nurse
  • Legal Nurse Consultant
  • Nurse Educator
  • Public Health Nurse
  • School Nurse
  • Telehealth Nurse
• The nursing profession offers many more specialties you can explore at your destination college or university.
• In addition, you could continue your studies to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Related Programs

• University Transfer - Professional Health
• Associate Degree Nursing (R.N.)
• Nursing Assistant
• Medical Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technician