The diverse delivery methods are designed to reach a variety of learning styles. The program has the strong support of Head Start programs in a six-state western region. There is a national mandate that 50 percent of teachers in Head Start center programs must possess an AAS, AA, AS, BA, or BS in child development or early childhood education by September 2003. For the RN, the undergraduate program provides students the opportunity to gain a broad liberal education as well as a professional education building upon the achievements of the previous nursing education program and nursing practice. Students complete 43-44 credits of prerequisite courses before they are admitted to the nursing major.
Many students transfer in from the college where they earned their associate degree.
Acceptance to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing major at the freshman level. The nursing major begins in the fall semester of the junior year. There is a separate application and fee for admission to the School of Nursing. RNs may take up to six nursing credits in addition to NURS 3010 prior to admission to the nursing major as long as specified prerequisites have been met.