Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the DNP program, applicants must possess:
  • A Master of Science in Nursing degree (post-licensure) from a regionally accredited college or university
    • Or, other applicants with a BSN and a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a related field;
    • Or, a pre-licensure MSN graduate with a completed graduate certificate (i.e. APRN [CNM, CNS, CRNA, CNP], Certified Nursing Leader, Nursing Education Certificate, Nursing Administration Certificate, Nursing Informatics Certificate, etc.)*
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 for earned master’s degree
  • “C” or higher in an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course
  • One year of professional work experience as a nurse
  • Active United States RN license with no restrictions
The following must be submitted as part of the application process:
  • A completed graduate application at www.msj.edu/apply
  • Official transcripts
  • A one-to-two-page typewritten essay with reasons for seeking the DNP including a statement of professional goals, and topic(s) of interest for DNP project
  • A professional resume
  • Names and contact information of two professional references
  • TOEFL score as required by the University (if needed)
  • Interview with program director or designee
  • A signed departmental form acknowledging the requirement to submit official documentation of post-baccalaureate nursing degree practicum hours from institution(s) granting applicant’s MSN degree and/or post-master’s nursing certificate prior to obtaining any DNP program practicum hours (other applicants not eligible to submit this documentation)

Program Requirements

Hours: 36

NUR 800 Theoretical & Philosophical Perspectives for Evidence Based Practice (3)
NUR 801 Biostatistics for Evidence Based Practice (3)*
NUR 802 Evidence Based Practice (3)*
NUR 803 Building Collaborative Relationships (3)
NUR 804 Global Health Care Policy (3)*
NUR 805 Transforming Health Care Through Technology (3)*
NUR 812 Epidemiology and Population Health (3)
NUR 821 Strategic Management and Financial Controls of Health Care Organizations (3)
NUR 823 Nursing Practicum I (3)
NUR 824 Nursing Practicum II (3)
NUR 832 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project (6)

*Credit hours, not grades, for these courses can be applied from an MSJ MSN degree, or from another MSN degree upon Graduate Nursing Departmental approval.

Program Outcomes

The graduate of the DNP program will be able to:

  1. Practice at the highest level of nursing by integrating evidence-based practice, nursing theory, and leadership to improve health care outcomes.
  2. Implement changes based on evaluation of complex health systems, health policy, and nursing science in response to social, political, economic, and ethical issues.
  3. Evaluate the impact of change on complex health systems including individuals and populations.
  4. Utilize information systems and technology to transform health care delivery and nursing practice.
  5. Engage in interprofessional collaboration for the advancement of individual and population health outcomes.
  6. Incorporate ethical beliefs and values to provide a framework for advanced nursing practice.