CSULB's prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a five-semester program for students seeking their first nursing degree. Applicants complete eight prerequisites and apply to both the university and School of Nursing. Casper is required, and the highest-ranked applicants are invited to a written and oral communication exercise. California residents receive admission priority.
- Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Credential
- BSN
- Location
- Long Beach, California, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-10100
- Next deadline
- November 30, 2026 (Cal State Apply)
- Interview
- Interview
- Seats
- limited spots
- Length
- Five semesters of full-time study after prerequisites
Casper Requirement for California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing
California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Undergraduate Health Sciences · CSP-10100
- Languages
- English
- Score distribution deadline
- February 1, 2027
Upcoming Casper test dates
- October 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT
- November 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST
- December 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST
- January 16, 2027 at 10:00 AM PST
Test dates can change: confirm availability in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Register under Nursing - Undergraduate, select California State University, Long Beach - School of Nursing, and use the email address on your nursing application.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- Cal State Apply; School of Nursing BSN application; CSULB Enrollment Services supplemental application for transfers
- Applications open
- October 1, 2026 for submission; Cal State Apply available for preparation August 1, 2026
- Application fee
- $70 nonrefundable Cal State Apply fee
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Cal State Apply | November 30, 2026upcoming |
| Transfer supplemental application | February 1, 2027upcoming |
| School of Nursing BSN application | February 1, 2027upcoming |
| Prerequisite completion | February 1, 2027upcoming |
| Casper score distribution deadline | February 1, 2027upcoming |
| Enrollment deposit, if admitted | May 1, 2027upcoming |
Complete all prerequisite courses before applying.
California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing Admissions Statistics
Period: Fall 2025
- Seats / class size: limited spots
- Applicants: 594
- Admitted: 78
- Average GPA: Admitted applicants: average science GPA 3.96; average general education GPA 3.97
- Ranking: No. 1 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in California by rncareers.org in 2020
These figures describe Fall 2025 applicants and admits, not a Fall 2027 forecast.
Eligibility Requirements for California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing
- Residency
California residents receive admission priority. Out-of-state and international applicants may apply, but space for nonresidents is highly unlikely.
Current CSULB pre-nursing students, undergraduate transfers and second-bachelor's applicants may apply. Pre-nursing is not direct entry and receives no admissions priority.
Other requirements
- After admission: clinical clearance: Maintain health insurance, a California driver's license, auto insurance and CPR certification; complete required physical examination, tuberculosis screening, immunization evidence and background check. Clinical agencies generally require a 12-panel drug screen.
Selection Factors California State University, Long Beach Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Human anatomy with lab | At least 4 semester units; C or better CSULB BIO 208 or equivalent |
| Human physiology with lab | At least 4 semester units; C or better CSULB BIO 207 or equivalent |
| Chemistry with lab | 4-5 semester units or 6-10 quarter units; C or better Preparatory or introductory chemistry is not accepted |
| Microbiology with lab | At least 4 semester units; C or better CSULB BIO 201 or equivalent |
| Statistics or AP Statistics | C or better for a course |
| Oral communication | GE-equivalent course; C or better |
| Written communication or college composition | GE-equivalent course; C or better |
| Critical thinking | GE A3-equivalent course; C or better |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25; separate GPAs are calculated for the four natural-science and four general-education prerequisites. Each prerequisite needs C or better, and each four-course group needs a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Minimum
- 3.25
For a repeated science or GE prerequisite, only the first course earning C or better is used.
Admissions tests
- TEAS (not required): TEAS is not among the School of Nursing's published BSN application components.
Experience and volunteer hours
Not required.
No prior nursing knowledge, experience or skills are required for this prelicensure BSN. The published application-ranking criteria do not assign points for healthcare, volunteer or CNA hours.
Supplementary application
All applicants submit the online School of Nursing BSN application. Transfer applicants also submit the separate CSULB Enrollment Services supplemental application; current CSULB pre-nursing students and second-bachelor's applicants do not submit that transfer supplement.
How applicants are ranked
Applications are scored and ranked on prerequisite performance and Casper results. Applicants with the highest cumulative scores are invited to a mandatory timed written and oral communication exercise; admission or waitlisting follows that exercise and is contingent on university admission.
Interview Format at California State University, Long Beach
Format: Interview
Mandatory School of Nursing Communication Exercise assessing written and oral communication; approximately 120 applicants participate.
- Who is invited
- Applicants with the highest-ranking cumulative application scores
- When
- Approximately 30-45 days after the nursing application deadline; the exact dates are not yet scheduled.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing
- Program length
- Five semesters of full-time study after prerequisites
- Structure
Cohort-based nursing coursework with lectures, labs and clinical placements; the program is primarily organized around fall and spring semesters.
The undergraduate BSN program is structured and demanding, with rigorous coursework. It emphasizes ongoing education and prepares graduates for licensure and practice. Advanced prerequisites lead to hands-on training. Specific course sequences and rotation sites are on the official website.
Campus and facilities
Located in Long Beach, California, with proximity to major hospitals for clinical affiliations. Facilities support simulation labs and research and a collaborative environment.
Tuition and Funding at California State University, Long Beach
- 2026-2027 California-resident undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees: $6,838 tuition plus $1,910 mandatory fees per academic year
- 2026-2027 nonresident additional tuition: $12,246 per academic year
These are university undergraduate estimates for 2026-2027, not published Fall 2027 BSN charges.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a selective process prioritizing academic excellence and healthcare experience. California community college transfers report success by fulfilling prerequisites early. Students emphasize early completion of prerequisites to avoid delays and report that volunteer work, shadowing, or CNA roles differentiate candidates. Third-semester students describe the curriculum as demanding, with rigorous coursework prompting life reflections yet building clinical competence. Current nursing students report a rigorous atmosphere where semesters test resilience; third-semester participants note intense workloads but value peer networks for sharing application strategies and study tips. Pre-nursing majors stress gaining experience early. Committed transfers express excitement upon acceptance. Students create online spaces to share admission tips and program insights, highlighting a supportive community.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing Application
- Complete all eight prerequisites with at least C grades and meet the required science, GE and cumulative GPAs.
- Choose Nursing BS, not Nursing BS-Registered Nurse, on Cal State Apply.
- Submit the separate School of Nursing application and, if transferring, the university supplemental application.
- Register for the required Casper sitting using your nursing-application email.
- If invited, prepare for a timed written and oral communication exercise.
More About California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing
- Program culture
Prioritizes collaboration and real-world preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About California State University, Long Beach Undergraduate Nursing
What is the minimum GPA for CSULB Nursing Undergraduate?
A 3.25 cumulative GPA and 3.0 GPAs in both the science and GE prerequisite groups are required; each prerequisite needs C or better.
Is Casper required for CSULB Nursing?
Yes. All applicants take Undergraduate Health Sciences Casper (CSP-10100).
What are CSULB Nursing application deadlines?
Submit Cal State Apply and the nursing application by the posted deadlines for the current entry term.
How competitive is CSULB Undergraduate Nursing?
CSULB reports hundreds of applicants for a small admitted cohort.
Does CSULB Nursing require healthcare experience?
No prior nursing experience is required; the published ranking criteria do not include experience hours.
What is the Casper format for CSULB Nursing?
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test. Check Acuity Insights for the current test format.
Are interviews part of CSULB Nursing admissions?
The highest-ranked applicants are invited to a mandatory timed written and oral communication exercise.
Can community college transfers apply to CSULB Nursing?
Yes. Transfers must meet university and nursing requirements and submit the transfer supplemental application.
Sources
- CSULB BSN Program
- CSULB Undergraduate BSN FAQ
- CSULB Key Dates and Deadlines
- CSULB Supplemental Application
- CSULB Undergraduate Costs
Last updated: September 26, 2026