What Nursing Degree and Program Levels Does Penn Nursing Offer?

Penn Nursing offers nursing education at three broad levels—undergraduate, graduate, and PhD—with separate admissions paths for each. The right entry point depends on whether you are exploring nursing for the first time or advancing an existing nursing career. The site describes an undergraduate BSN track, master's-level graduate programs, and a PhD program, each with its own "How to Apply" route under Admissions.

Undergraduate: the BSN path

The undergraduate program is the entry point for students exploring a career in nursing. Penn Nursing describes its BSN students as "bold and unafraid," and the school frames the undergraduate experience as preparation for becoming an innovative leader in health care. The curriculum is taught by faculty the site calls world-renowned experts, and the school emphasizes an Ivy League education delivered through rigorous academics.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. The site points to augmented reality classrooms, clinical simulations, experiential global travel coursework, and clinical placements in top-tier facilities. The surrounding campus and Philadelphia setting—a city the site describes as filled with art and culture—are presented as part of the student experience.

If you are a prospective undergraduate, the relevant admissions entry is the BSN route listed under Admissions, alongside general FAQs, international applicant information, and admissions events.

Graduate: master's-level programs

Graduate study is the path for nurses who want to advance an existing career. The site distinguishes this audience directly: "Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals." The graduate level has its own admissions path, separate from the BSN and PhD routes.

The site's navigation also lists a Master of… program entry (the excerpt truncates the full program name), confirming that master's study is part of the graduate offerings. Prospective graduate students should start from the graduate admissions page rather than the undergraduate one, since the application requirements and timelines differ by level.

PhD and doctoral study

The PhD program is listed as a distinct level with its own admissions path. It sits alongside the undergraduate and graduate routes under Admissions, which means applicants follow a separate process rather than a shared application. The site does not detail PhD curriculum or research areas in the available excerpt, so applicants should consult the PhD admissions page for specifics.

Comparing the levels at a glance

All three levels share the school's stated through-line of innovation and its emphasis on evidence-based science and health equity, whether in research, practice, or community health.

How to find program-specific admissions information

Start at the Admissions section of the site, then choose the route that matches your level—BSN, graduate, or PhD. From there, the site offers several supporting resources:

• General FAQs for common application questions
• International Applicants for applicants coming from outside the U.S.
• Request Information to receive details directly
• Admissions Events to engage with the school before applying
• Visit Penn Nursing and Directions for campus visits
• Financial Aid and External Scholarships for funding questions
• Admitted Students for next steps after acceptance

Because each level has a separate path, confirm you are on the correct admissions page before gathering materials—requirements and deadlines are organized by program level rather than in one combined application.

What to check before deciding

The site does not publish tuition figures, program lengths, or admission statistics in the available content, so those details need to come from the specific program pages or a request for information. What the site does make clear is the structure: three levels, three admissions paths, and a set of shared resources for financial aid, international applicants, and visits. Use the level that matches your current stage, and use the Request Information or Admissions Events options if you need details the pages do not cover.