The UW-Madison School of Nursing offers an Honors degree for students with an interest in and passion for nursing research. Students admitted to the program are given the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on a research project. Students gain an in-depth understanding of nursing science and have the opportunity to present their research in a variety of venues.
Students who successfully complete the Nursing Honors program graduate with distinguished academic performance and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Honors.
All Traditional BSN students may apply to the program. The application process occurs during the first fall of enrollment in the TBSN program. Admission to the Nursing Honors program is based on completing an application with an essay component.
Informational sessions are offered each fall. View the Fall 2024 Nursing Honor Program Info Session Presentation HERE.
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Application Information
First-year Traditional BSN students can apply to the BSN Honors Program. Applying to the Nursing Honors program incudes completing an essay prompt about how engagement in nursing research would enhance your career.
The application for TBSN Class of 2026 is open October 2, 2024 – October 23, 2024.
Admission decisions for the Nursing Honors program will be made in early December with decisions released to applicants later that month.
Questions about the application should be directed to Academic Affairs.
Required Honors Courses
N679 Nursing Honors Research Seminar (2 cr)
Provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the generation of nursing knowledge and about School of Nursing faculty members’ research projects. It introduces students to the principles, methods, and ethics of nursing research, strategies to evaluate the quality of research, and the importance of research for improving clinical practice.
Senior Honors Thesis (N681 and N682; 1-2 cr)
A two-semester experience in which students actively participate in their faculty mentor’s research program. The senior honors thesis can involve one or more of the following steps of the research process: reviewing the literature; designing nursing interventions for testing; collecting data; analyzing and interpreting data; and preparing scholarly reports, posters, and/or manuscripts. Senior thesis monies are available to students while completing the thesis. Students apply for the funding when submitting their N681 and N682 contracts. Examples of recent honor theses topics include: Improving Quality of Life in CHF Patients, Parenting Styles and Childhood Overweight, Analysis of a Family Strengthening Program, Factors Associated with Multiple Birth Families, Risky Behaviors and Parent/Adolescent Communication, Primary Prevention of Eating Disorders, Pain Assessments and Cognitive Impairments, Hmong Thoughts About Cancer, The Effects of Communication at the End-of-Life.
The Mentor Relationship
Each student in the Honors program has an active role in identifying a faculty mentor. Once a student is assigned a faculty mentor, the mentor helps the student understand the research process and provides research-related resources. The mentor also assists with identification and implementation of the student’s Honors research project (e.g., involvement in the mentor’s research).
Progression Criteria
To remain eligible for the Nursing Honors Program, students must be in good academic standing in the School of Nursing. In addition, students on University Disciplinary Probation will be dropped from the program.
For Further Assistance
Anne Ersig, PhD, RN
Position title: Assistant Professor
Email:
anne.ersig
Phone: 608-263-5251
Darby Sugar
Position title: Director of Advising and Student Services
Email:
darby.sugar
Phone: 608-263-5248