UC Berkeley Extension and Samuel Merritt University Partner to Launch Streamlined Pathway to a BSN Degree

UC Berkeley Extension and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) are proud to announce a collaborative 2+2 linkage pathway designed to support aspiring nurses in achieving their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This innovative partnership provides students with a clear, structured route from preparatory coursework at UC Berkeley Extension to completing their nursing education at SMU.

Through the Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program, students can take foundational science and general education courses at UC Berkeley Extension—tailored to their academic background—to meet prerequisites in order to transfer into SMU’s BSN program. Each fall, 10 guaranteed seats are reserved for high-achieving students who complete the program and meet the eligibility requirements.

“This pathway expands access to quality nursing education while helping address California’s growing need for skilled nurses,” said Monica GuhaMajumdar, Ph.D., Sciences Department Director at UC Berkeley Extension. “We’re proud to collaborate with SMU to create a clear, supportive path for students from diverse academic starting points. Students receive a Berkeley-quality education with the added benefit of personalized academic advising and a curriculum that meets each learner’s needs—whether they’re coming straight from high school or transferring with community college experience. Our focus on flexibility, support and academic excellence ensures students are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing school and their future careers.”

Key features of the linkage program include:

• Guaranteed admission for 10 students each fall who meet program requirements
• Evening and weekend courses to support working learners
• Eligibility for the Pre-Nursing Excelerator Scholarship, which aims to increase access to learning opportunities for motivated adults who have faced challenges in pursuing education due to financial limitations, institutional or social barriers, or other adversities. The scholarship is available to eligible students who have been admitted into the Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program.
• Customizable coursework aligned to each student’s academic history
• Dedicated academic advising throughout the program

To qualify, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, apply to and gain admission to the Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program, and indicate their interest in the SMU linkage pathway at the time of enrollment.

“This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to expanding access to nursing education and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Michelle DeCoux Hampton, Associate Dean of Operations & Scholarship at SMU’s College of Nursing. “Often, qualified students might give up on their dreams of pursuing nursing education because they lack the resources and support throughout the complicated and lengthy process of completing prerequisite courses—long before they're accepted to a nursing program. The opportunity to progress through the process following a clear and supportive pathway empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve their academic goals and meet the urgent demand for skilled nurses across California.”

Students with no prior college coursework can complete the program over two years, while those with previous community college credits may qualify for an accelerated one-year path.

For more information about the program and how to apply, visit our webpage or email extension-prehealth@berkeley.edu.

About UC Berkeley Extension

Founded in 1891, UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education branch of the University of California, Berkeley. Extension offers more than 2,000 courses each year, including online courses, along with more than 70 professional certificates, plus many specialized programs of study. Most courses take place in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. Free and low-cost public events are also frequently held as part of Extension’s service to the local community.

The University of California, Berkeley, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC Berkeley Extension—like all other UC Berkeley schools, colleges and departments—is accredited by WASC through the University.

About Samuel Merritt University

Since 1909, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has been a leader in healthcare education. With campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Fresno, SMU prepares students to address critical healthcare workforce needs across California. From launching innovative programs to becoming a doctoral degree-granting institution in 2002, SMU has continually expanded its impact.

In 2024, SMU opened its Fresno campus to address Central Valley healthcare challenges. In 2026, SMU will open new campuses on the San Francisco Peninsula and in Oakland. The flagship City Center Campus in downtown Oakland will feature cutting-edge facilities, including a Health Sciences Simulation Center and a Motion Analysis Research Center, further cementing SMU’s commitment to educating compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.

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