Review the Top Online RN to BSN Programs in MI

Q: What are the elements of a quality RN to BSN program in Michigan?

First, ensure the Michigan Board of Nursing authorizes your program by visiting its list of approved nursing programs. Next, you’ll need to make sure that your program is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Selecting an accredited program ensures that it meets the criteria for a quality education. There are some early steps you can take to find the best options for a quality program, all with unbiased information that will help you inform your choice. To narrow things down further, also consider what programs offer specialization or leadership training.

Q: What financial aid is available to Michigan RN to BSN students?

You’ll have many opportunities to fund your education as an RN to BSN student in Michigan. You’ll be eligible for federal and state-level financial aid, so it’s a must to fill out the Free Financial Aid For Student Aid form. Most schools offer need- or merit-based scholarships that they administer. In addition, many scholarships are available specifically for nursing students like yourself. Check into scholarships provided through the Michigan Board of Nursing and the Michigan Nurses Foundation. Getting in touch with the financial aid department of your college or university can give you even more ideas.

Q: What are the different types of delivery for an online RN to BSN program in Michigan?

There are three different approaches to online course delivery. The first is synchronous delivery, which means that a student needs to take computer-based courses at a specific time and day. Then, there is asynchronous delivery where the student still has regular deadlines to meet to pass a course or turn in homework or projects, but there is no set time or day to take the classes. The third option is known as hybrid delivery, and that means you’ll have a mix of online-only and in-person courses or lab work to complete your degree. Whether learning online or hybrid or on-campus, check out our page comparing these options to find the style most suited for your needs.

Q: What are some ways to stay focused while taking an online RN to BSN course in Michigan?

Learning or practicing some effective time management techniques is a great start for being able to balance work and study. It’s important to note that time management can be more difficult when you don’t have to show up to a classroom for lectures. So, because you’ll be interacting with your professors and classmates virtually, make sure that those online times are free of distraction and that you familiarize yourself with proper netiquette. Also, burnout is a real concern if you work full-time while pursuing your BSN, so be sure to make work-life balance a priority and practice great self-care.

Q: How will an RN to BSN program in Michigan prepare me for better career opportunities?

Earning an RN to BSN degree will help you level up your skills and offer new ways to approach nursing. These programs recognize that you already have real-world experience, so they are designed to build on that in a healthcare setting. For example, most programs strongly emphasize leadership training and evidence-based treatment. Some, such as Eastern Michigan University, emphasize how recent cultural shifts affect patients and influence how you care for them. Other programs offer the opportunity to earn additional credentials. For example, RN to BSN students have the option to earn a case management certificate at the University of Michigan–Flint.

Earning a nursing bachelor’s through an online RN to BSN program in Michigan can be a fast and convenient way to advance your nursing career. This EduMed guide provides you with the details on some of the top online RN to BSN programs in Michigan today, including information on tuition, curriculum content, delivery methods, admission requirements, and more. We’ll fill you in on salaries and job prospects once you’ve earned your nursing bachelor’s as well.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Mark Earnest, BA

HealthcarePre-NursingAdv Nursing

Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD

HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

Updated: 01/12/2026

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Inside Three Online RN to BSN Options in Michigan

Because the field of nursing continues to advance into new treatments and technologies, more and more employers are preferring to hire RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. From the nurse’s standpoint, possessing a BSN can mean advancement into leadership and specialized practice roles, as well as higher salaries.

So, if you are a current RN with a nursing diploma or associate degree thinking about making the move to getting your BSN, you’ll want to consider a convenient and affordable online RN to BSN program.

RN to BSN programs allow you to apply credits earned in your diploma or ADN program to your BSN program requirements. You’ll likely also be awarded a substantial number of credits for simply possessing an RN license.

The result is that you may be able to complete all BSN credit requirements (typically around 120 total) by earning as few as an additional 30 credits in your RN to BSN program.

Further, by pursuing your BSN online, you’ll be able to take advantage of the tremendous benefits of online study, including attending to coursework at times that fit your own busy schedule.

This guide will get into the details of all of that below. But to start you off, here are spotlights of three online RN to BSN programs in Michigan today, including information on admissions requirements, program lengths and costs, curriculum content and delivery methods, and more.

Online RN to BSN Program — Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers an Online RN to BSN program that prepares professionals to approach patient care with an understanding of the cultural, political, and socio-economic issues that impact the communities they serve. Evidence-based research is also a prominent part of the curriculum.

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in the program. Transfer credits are encouraged and can be evaluated with an EMU advisor as you create a study program to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Duration: 1 to 2 years

Mode: Online and asynchronous, plus capstone course requiring in-person precepted practice experience

Cost: $328/credit ($9,840 for 30 credits, tuition only)

Admissions Requirements:

Valid RN license
At least a 2.5 GPA
Transcripts

Curriculum:

Reading & Writing in Nursing Studies
Health Assessment for RNs
RN Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: The Professional Role
RN Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: Nurse as Advocate
Nursing Research Concepts for Practice
Community-Based Nursing for RNs
RN Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: Nurse as Leader
Additional two elective courses
Capstone Course

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RN-BSN Degree Completion Program — Siena Heights University

Designed for working RNs, the Nursing RN to BSN (Online) program at Siena Heights University is based on a liberal arts foundation that “embraces caring, diversity, and creativity.” The course of study is presented entirely online and can be completed in as few as 16 months, depending on the student’s number of previously-earned credits.

A variety of financial aid resources is available to qualifying RN to BSN students, including scholarships and grants, student loans, and more.

Duration: 16 months

Mode: Online and asynchronous

Cost: $375/credit

Admissions Requirements:

An active RN license
At least 40 transferable credits for an accredited institution
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Current professional resume

Curriculum:

Transition to Professional Nursing
Health Care of Communities and Vulnerable Populations
Evidence-Based Research in Nursing Practice
Health Policy and Informatics
Ethical, Cultural, and Spiritual Nursing Practice
Leadership in Healthcare Organizations

RN to BSN Program Pathways — Davenport University

Davenport University’s online BSN Completion Pathway option is for students with an ADN degree and RN licensure seeking to advance their careers by obtaining evidence-based knowledge in community nursing and leadership through online classes and in-person clinical experiences.

Students are awarded 90 transfer credits for their previously-earned ADN and RN licensure. The remaining 31 credits required to receive their BSN degree are earned through coursework completed through Davenport over the course of one year (three semesters).

A flexible series of start dates means that working nurses can best choose starting and ending times according to their current career needs.

Duration: 1 year

Mode: Mostly online, with in-person lab and clinical requirements

Cost: $1,070/credit

Admissions Requirements:

Current active RN license
At least a 2.5 GPA
Associate degree in nursing
Transcripts
Background check
One professional recommendation

Curriculum:

Pathophysiology
Professional Writing
Introduction to Health Careers
Introduction to Biostatistics
Health Care Research
Health Promotion and Education
Health Assessment in Nursing
Evidence Based Nursing Practice
Community Health Nursing/Clinical
Nursing Manager Leader/Clinical
Nursing Capstone

Everything You Need to Know: Student FAQs

As you explore your online RN to BSN program options, you’re bound to have questions of your own regarding how programs work and the benefits of obtaining a nursing bachelors for your career. To help you out, below are the answers to five commonly-asked questions by prospective Michigan RN to BSN students.

What are the elements of a quality RN to BSN program in Michigan?

There are two basic steps to take when considering the quality of an online RN to BSN program in Michigan:

Confirm that the Michigan Board of Nursing authorizes your program by visiting its list of approved nursing programs.
Confirm that the program is programmatically accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Proper programmatic accreditation ensures that the program you’re considering meets important standards of academic quality.

What financial aid is available to Michigan RN to BSN students?

Obtaining funding help is critical to most prospective RN to BSN students. Fortunately, there is a wide range of financial aid resources available to qualifying students, which often include:

Scholarships and grants
Tuition discounts
Employer tuition reimbursement
Tuition deferment and installment plans
Student loans (both public and private)

Federal sources of financial aid are among the most popular, so it’s a must that you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.

Most schools offer their own need- or merit-based scholarships as well. You will additionally want to check into scholarship opportunities provided through the Michigan Board of Nursing and the Michigan Nurses Foundation.

The best place to start your funding search is by contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering.

What are the different types of delivery for an online RN to BSN program in Michigan?

Online RN to BSN programs in Michigan can be fully-online or hybrid-formatted, the latter combining both online and in-person elements. In either case, online content may be delivered in one of two ways:

Synchronous: Students are required to log on and attend class sessions via live stream at specifically-scheduled dates and times.
Asynchronous: Students can log on and complete coursework (prerecorded lectures, assignments, etc.) at any time fitting their individual schedules.

Asynchronous delivery is particularly popular with online RN to BSN programs since it provides tremendous convenience for working RNs who must fit their studies in between nursing shifts. Also, it is not uncommon for programs to combine both synchronous and asynchronous components.

What are some ways to stay focused while taking an online RN to BSN course in Michigan?

Learning and practicing effective time management techniques is a great start for finding the right balance between work and study. Beyond that there are lots of other steps you can take for effective online study, including:

Developing a firm study routine
Developing solid online communication skills
Finding a study partner
Establishing a space exclusively for study
Taking advantage of online resources
Getting plenty of rest to avoid burnout

How will an RN to BSN program in Michigan prepare me for better career opportunities?

Along with helping you level up your nursing skills and offering new ways to approach nursing, earning your nursing bachelor’s through an online RN to BSN program will prepare you to take on leadership and advanced practice roles. That makes you a more attractive prospect in the job market for better paying positions with higher quality employers.

Additionally, having your BSN degree positions you to continue your education to earn a graduate nursing degree leading to filling top administrative positions or becoming a Nurse Practitioner in any of a number of areas of advanced specialized practice.

RN vs. BSN Career & Salary Outlook in Michigan

Registered nurses in Michigan in general and BSN-educated nurses specifically earn solid salaries and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. This is borne out by recent (January 2026) figures from ZipRecruiter, which quoted an annual average salary of $71,500 for RNs in the state.

ZipRecruiter further reported an annual average salary for RNs in Michigan with a BSN degree of $79,500.

These are just average figures, of course. What you earn in your Michigan RN job will depend on several factors, such as:

Your specific employer, job title, and job duties
Your geographic location
Your level of professional nursing experience

As to geographic location, ZipRecruiter lists the three cities in Michigan with the highest average salaries for RNs with a nursing bachelor's degree as:

Dimondale ($108,614)
Grass Lake ($98,052)
Lansing ($91,760)

Best Online Options for RN to BSN Training in Michigan

We’ve researched the current landscape of Michigan RN to BSN programs, ranked what we believe to be the best available, and listed them below. Our rankings were determined according to metrics that are important to prospective students, including tuition costs, available full and partially online options, and more.

Click the “About the ranking” button below for details on our selection process.

Madonna University

Livonia, MI

57% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

97% Students w/ Aid

Madonna University’s RN to BSN program is a degree completion track for licensed RNs with an associate degree, designed to expand nursing theory and leadership skills. It prepares graduates for advanced roles and graduate study, emphasizing holistic care across populations. The program offers some courses in hybrid and online formats, accommodating working nurses’ schedules and promoting long-term career advancement in healthcare settings.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$16,629 Avg. Aid Amount
64% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Madonna University

Madonna University’s RN to BSN Bridge program offers hybrid and online course formats specifically designed to accommodate working registered nurses’ busy professional schedules.
The program builds on previous nursing education, enhancing leadership skills and preparing nurses for increased earning potential and advanced graduate study opportunities.
Madonna’s RN to BSN program ranks #2 in Michigan, reflecting its strong reputation and commitment to evidence-based nursing practices and quality patient care.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$16,629 Avg. Aid Amount
64% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

57% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

96% Students w/ Aid

Michigan State University’s RN to BSN program requires 30 credits of RN-BSN courses, awards 30 credits for passing the NCLEX, and can be completed in as few as four semesters. It offers flexible scheduling with 100% online coursework combined with in-person clinical hours near the student’s location, and allows students to start in any semester. The program supports working professionals seeking career advancement.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,036 Avg. Aid Amount
82% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s RN to BSN Bridge program grants all admitted students 30 transfer credits for passing the NCLEX, accelerating degree completion from the start.
The program offers flexible, fully online coursework plus a local two-credit clinical component, enabling students to work while advancing their education.
Students benefit from clinical practice in community health and leadership, supported by expert nursing faculty and experienced preceptors at convenient local sites.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,036 Avg. Aid Amount
82% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

61% Online Enrollment

$$ Tuition

90% Students w/ Aid

Wayne State University’s RN to BSN program advances registered nurses’ education with a comprehensive 30-credit curriculum over two years. Coursework covers nursing informatics, leadership, transcultural health, and gerontology, including clinical components. The program accepts up to 91 transfer credits, offers specialty focus options, and culminates with a capstone and cognate courses tailored to professional practice needs.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,481 Avg. Aid Amount
55% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Wayne State University

Wayne State University’s RN to BSN program offers a hybrid format with online synchronous courses combined with on-campus lectures from expert faculty, optimizing flexibility and quality education.
The program provides extensive clinical experiences across the Detroit area, giving students practical exposure to urban health challenges and strong community engagement.
Students benefit from a tailored transfer credit evaluation, allowing many to complete their degree in as few as two years by maximizing previously earned credits.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,481 Avg. Aid Amount
55% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

56% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

91% Students w/ Aid

Western Michigan University’s RN to BSN program requires students to hold or obtain an RN license within three months of enrollment and builds on prior nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, leadership, population-based nursing, health informatics, nursing research, ethics, and practicum experiences. Students complete courses totaling approximately 30 nursing credits, with possible additional general education requirements if the Michigan Transfer Agreement is not met.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$6,531 Avg. Aid Amount
56% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University's RN to BSN Bridge program offers a fully online curriculum with only one practicum completed in a community of the student's choice, providing maximum flexibility for working nurses.
The program integrates a wellness-focused education endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, ensuring a unique and quality nursing perspective.
Students benefit from transferring prior nursing coursework and clinical experience credits on a course-by-course basis, accelerating degree completion by recognizing their previous education and work.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$6,531 Avg. Aid Amount
56% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Rochester University

Rochester Hills, MI

64% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

100% Students w/ Aid

Rochester University’s RN to BSN Bridge program allows registered nurses with an associate degree to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 16 months. The curriculum includes advanced clinical knowledge, population health, and professional development, supported by expert faculty. It accepts up to 90 transfer credits and includes prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, sociology, and psychology. A current RN license and minimum GPA are required.

Program Details

TRACS Accreditation
$13,238 Avg. Aid Amount
40% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Rochester University

The RN to BS program offers a flexible, accelerated pathway that allows students to combine up to 9 credits toward both bachelor's and master's degrees, enhancing educational efficiency.
The program features a blend of online and evening sessions, providing the convenience to balance work and class schedules while completing clinical experience at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Experienced faculty who are highly engaged clinicians and researchers deliver a curriculum focused on real-world applications of evidence-based practice, ensuring high-quality mentorship and training.

Program Details

TRACS Accreditation
$13,238 Avg. Aid Amount
40% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI

48% Online Enrollment

$$ Tuition

94% Students w/ Aid

The University of Michigan-Flint’s RN to BSN Bridge program offers a flexible, CCNE-accredited curriculum designed to enhance nursing competencies in areas like advanced critical thinking, community health, leadership, and nursing research. It includes experiential learning in diverse health settings and options for certificates in Leadership and Management, Case Management, and Healthcare Informatics. Students can start before ADN graduation and NCLEX licensure, with multiple transfer guides available. Practicing nurse faculty support student success.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,945 Avg. Aid Amount
35% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected University of Michigan-Flint

The RN to BSN Bridge program at UM-Flint offers a $2,500 scholarship for UM Health-West Scholars combined with additional tuition assistance, making it an exceptionally affordable option for students.
Students benefit from flexible online coursework with the ability to complete their BSN degree in just two semesters while working full-time or part-time, allowing seamless balance of education and employment.
The program includes specialized undergraduate certificates in Leadership and Management, Case Management, and Nursing and Healthcare Informatics, providing targeted skills that enhance career advancement opportunities.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,945 Avg. Aid Amount
35% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

37% Online Enrollment

$$ Tuition

95% Students w/ Aid

Central Michigan University’s RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in under 12 months. It requires 120 credit hours, accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and prepares students through nursing theory, leadership, research, and health assessment courses aligned with national nursing standards. An active RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA are required for admission.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,813 Avg. Aid Amount
62% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University's RN to BSN Bridge program offers completion in less than 12 months, ideal for working nurses seeking fast advancement.
The program provides flexibility by allowing students to select their own clinical placement sites, including their current employer, supporting practical, personalized experience.
Students benefit from transfer of up to 90 credits, significantly reducing tuition costs and enabling financial aid and scholarship opportunities specifically for health professions students.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$8,813 Avg. Aid Amount
62% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Siena Heights University

Adrian, MI

44% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

100% Students w/ Aid

Siena Heights University’s Online RN to BSN program, ranked fourth in Michigan, equips nurses with adaptive thinking and clinical decision-making skills essential for dynamic healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, leadership, and ethical nursing care, integrating liberal arts elements to foster well-rounded professionals prepared for diverse roles and further education in advanced practice nursing.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$20,957 Avg. Aid Amount
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University’s RN to BSN program recognizes prior learning from college work, certifications, and work experience, enabling faster and more affordable degree completion.
The program offers exceptional flexibility with entirely online, asynchronous courses, making it ideal for working nurses balancing career and education.
Siena Heights provides a low faculty-to-student ratio and a cohort approach, fostering personalized support and strong networking opportunities throughout the program.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$20,957 Avg. Aid Amount
51% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI

40% Online Enrollment

$$ Tuition

98% Students w/ Aid

Saginaw Valley State University’s RN to BSN program allows completion in as few as four semesters or at a personalized pace, primarily through online coursework except for one clinical course. It emphasizes leadership, ethics, population health, and healthcare systems change, integrating clinical experiences such as online simulations, preceptor collaboration, and quality improvement projects to apply nursing skills in real-world settings. Individualized study plans guide students throughout.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,616 Avg. Aid Amount
42% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Saginaw Valley State University

SVSU’s RN to BSN program offers a fully online option, allowing working nurses to conveniently complete their degree without relocating or interrupting their careers.
The program allows community college ADN students to take concurrent SVSU BSN courses, enabling them to graduate with their bachelor’s degree within one to two semesters after their associate degree.
SVSU nursing students benefit from small class sizes, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art simulation labs that provide extensive hands-on clinical experience, preparing them effectively for professional practice.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,616 Avg. Aid Amount
42% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI

50% Online Enrollment

$$$ Tuition

92% Students w/ Aid

Oakland University’s RN to BSN Bridge program is a 32-credit bachelor’s degree completion designed for registered nurses with an ADN and RN license. Completed in as few as 12 months with no fees for $9,995, it emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, informatics, and cultural competence. The program admits annually in the fall, is transfer-friendly, and prepares students for graduate nursing education.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,158 Avg. Aid Amount
57% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Oakland University

The RN to BSN Bridge program at Oakland University offers a one-year, fully online completion option with a competitive flat tuition of $9,995 and no additional fees, enabling fast, affordable degree advancement.
The program features a partnership with Schoolcraft College that creates a seamless, cost-effective pathway for ADN graduates to transfer and complete their BSN at Oakland University, reducing overall educational expenses.
Students benefit from access to highly regarded nursing faculty and a curriculum designed to deepen expertise in patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and culturally competent care, enhancing career readiness and graduate education prospects.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$7,158 Avg. Aid Amount
57% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

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Review the Top Online RN to BSN Programs in MI

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

Inside Three Online RN to BSN Options in Michigan

Online RN to BSN Program — Eastern Michigan University

RN-BSN Degree Completion Program — Siena Heights University

RN to BSN Program Pathways — Davenport University

Everything You Need to Know: Student FAQs

What are the elements of a quality RN to BSN program in Michigan?

What financial aid is available to Michigan RN to BSN students?

What are the different types of delivery for an online RN to BSN program in Michigan?

What are some ways to stay focused while taking an online RN to BSN course in Michigan?

How will an RN to BSN program in Michigan prepare me for better career opportunities?

RN vs. BSN Career & Salary Outlook in Michigan

Best Online Options for RN to BSN Training in Michigan

Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.

One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs

Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs

About Our Data

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Mark Earnest, BA AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR