Academics
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
Post-MS Program Requirements
The post-master’s DNP program is designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis. Students admitted to the program will follow the course sequence designated in the program plan and progress as a group. A minimum of 31 credits is required for the post-master's DNP program. The program is offered as a combination of online and face-to-face courses.
The program consists of three core components: systematic evaluation of practice, leadership/policy, and practice. These core components are met through a combination of coursework, a scholarly project, and supervised clinical hours. Students interested in dual preparation as an advanced practice nurse and nurse educator may add a nine-credit nursing education focus.
Scholarly Project
The scholarly project is a capstone experience that demonstrates synthesis of the student's work and serves as the foundation for future scholarship. The project is completed over the course of two to three semesters and is designed by the student in collaboration with his/her faculty mentor and a clinical sponsor. The project may take various forms including: a needs assessment and program development proposal, an evaluation of an existing program, a cost/benefit analysis of program models, or other projects as approved. Students are expected to produce a final product that is suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, books, or government reports.
Supervised Clinical Hours
The AACN's Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice specify that programs provide "a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice post-baccalaureate as part of a supervised academic program". Post-master's students entering the program will be able to apply supervised clinical hours from their master's education toward this 1000 hour requirement.
Additional Information
Additional information can be found in the following program guides. One is organized according to curriculum components and the other is arranged by semesters:
- Curriculum Components/Courses (download PDF)
- Post-MS Program (download PDF)
Minimum credits are indicated and are based on a post-MS student coming into the program as a certified advanced practice nurse. Additional credits are likely to be required for a student who is not certified as an advanced practice nurse.