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To be admitted you must:

• Apply and be admitted to The Graduate School 

Additional requirements include:

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an NLN or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate and any graduate courses for full admission.
• At least one year of nursing practice experience is recommended.
• A current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. or U.S. Territories, valid in the state or territory where you reside and will complete your practicum project.
• Submission of a copy of your current nursing license.
• A completed application, the non-refundable application fee ($55.00 or $60.00 for international students) and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions sent directly to The Graduate School Admissions Department.
• Successful completion of the following graduate-level courses (or approval to take them concurrently):
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Epidemiology and Global Health
• A personal statement of at least 500 words detailing your interest in DNP education in Population Health, any special circumstances needing clarification, your academic strengths and areas for improvement and your professional goals and how this specialization will help you achieve them.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining your education and work experience.
• Three letters of recommendation from instructors, supervisors or colleagues. At least two must come from individuals with a master's degree in nursing who can evaluate your nursing experience, academic abilities and potential for doctoral study.

Plan of Study Fall 2025 Start

The DNP program involves 35* credit hours of study over 2 years. The program is completely online with carefully selected clinical opportunities to enhance the advanced practice role of the doctorally prepared nurse.

A sample plan of study for the Cohort entering the DNP program in August of 2025 can be found below.

*Additional credits may be needed (1) for those students who do not bring in 500 hours from their MSN program, needing to complete additional clinical practicum hours. The number of credit hours is determined per student advising. (2) For those students who need an extension to complete their DNP Quality Improvement Action Project. 

There are four clinical courses provided throughout the program. 

In accordance with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation requirements, a total of one thousand post-baccalaureate clinical hours are required for graduation. Up to 500 clinical hours from MSN or other graduate-level nursing studies may be applied to the total hours if the clinical experiences meet program outcomes. The remainder of the clinical hours will be completed in the four clinical courses in the DNP curriculum. 

Find out how to transfer clinical hours from another school.