Nursing and Health Science Program of Study
TCU has a long history of offering courses and degrees that contribute to the health and well-being of the community. Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences enhances that tradition by uniting Nursing, the School of Nurse Anesthesia, the Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kinesiology and Social Work – in an integrated unit. The degree programs offered by Harris College build on a strong liberal arts foundation and prepare graduates to practice in complex and varied professional settings. Many of the courses offered in Harris College allow students to learn through practice in professional and clinical settings encountering multiple and diverse disciplines, practitioners and clients. In both classroom and practice environments, students develop skills essential to finding information, using technology and solving problems.
By integrating clinical practice, professional and community service, and research activities, Harris College faculty demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and leadership. They create an atmosphere where learning is a part of the lives of all members of the Harris College community. Faculty are committed to providing individual attention to students in order for them to achieve and grow, and are actively involved in teaching research and work closely with students in laboratory and clinical experiences at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty members also serve as advisers providing career and professional guidance.
Mission
TCU Nursing is dedicated to professional nursing education based on a foundation of liberal arts, sciences, and humanities, and to the promotion of an environment that encourages lifelong learning.
TCU Nursing further affirms to enhance the human condition by preparing graduates who think and practice as ethical leaders, and advance knowledge of health and human development within the global community. The Nursing program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, a Post-Graduate certificate, and a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate.
The Program endorses the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Texas Christian University.
TCU Nursing Vision
To advance the health of all.
TCU Nursing Mission
To lead nursing education, practice and scholarship.
TCU Nursing Values
Collaboration
Human Dignity
Innovation
Integrity
Social Justice
Harris Ambassadors
“The mission of Harris Ambassadors is to support and enhance the College’s undergraduate and graduate student experience. This is achieved by serving as official student representatives of Harris College through active participation as experience facilitators, peer advisors and student influencers.”
Harris College Degree and Majors
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers the following degrees and majors:
- Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (BSAT)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in:
Habilitation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Speech-Language Pathology
Health and Fitness
Movement Science
Physical Education
Physical Education with Strength and Conditioning
Curriculum
Students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree must fulfill all University degree requirements described in this catalog. This includes completion of the minimum number of credit hours, typically 120, specified by their majors in the following categories:
Core Curriculum (CC): 39-63 credit hours
- Essential Competencies: 12 credit hours plus six hours writing Emphasis
- Human Experiences and Endeavors: 27 credit hours
- Heritage, Mission, Vision and Values: 18 credit hours that may overlay with other elements of a student's degree requirements
Curriculum Requirements of the Major: variable credit hours
Multiple Majors
Students with a first major in Harris College may declare an additional major on the BS degree. Approval by the department and college of both majors is necessary. The degree awarded will be that of the first major. All degree requirements for each major must be satisfied, including all TCU Core Curriculum requirements associated with any major.
Transfer Credit
To take courses at another college or university, students enrolled at TCU, must obtain preapproval for the course(s) using the Transfer Credit Request System. Students should seek course recommendations and guidance from department advisors prior to submitting the transfer request which is automatically routed to the department chair or director, and the Office of the Dean of Harris College. No more than 12 semester hours, except those earned in an approved study abroad program, may be transferred over from other schools, after admission to TCU. Transfer credit cannot be transferred from a community college that will interfere with the last 30 hours being taken at TCU. Students may take a course off campus during an academic semester so long as, using the Transfer Credit Request System, 1) it is preapproved by a department/faculty advisor, unit head and the Office of the Dean of Harris College, 2) all hours taken in that semester totals no more than 18 hours, and 3) it does not interrupt the last 30 hours being taken at TCU.
Degree Plan and Notification of Intent to Graduate
Students must request a degree plan in the Office of the Dean of Harris College, typically after completing 60 hours. After a degree is awarded, no further work may be applied to the degree. Students must also file an Intent to Graduate in the Office of the Dean at the beginning of the last year of coursework.
Academic Advisement
Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements of the major. It is essential that students understand their degree plans and maintain communication with their departments. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a departmental adviser on a regular basis for the purpose of reviewing progress toward the degree.
Harris College Minors
The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers the following minors:
- Habilitation of the Deaf (COSD with an emphasis in Speech Pathology or Deaf and Hard of Hearing studies)
- Speech-Language Pathology (COSD)
- Health (KINE)
- Fitness (KINE)
- Interdisciplinary Healthy Aging (HCHS)
- Movement Science (KINE)
- Physical Education (KINE)
- Social Work (SOWO)