student graduating
What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Minimum of 39 semester hours of graduate coursework must be completed.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

This hybrid program comprises online and on-campus work. At least 50% of the coursework will be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: Does Not Admit
  • Summer: Does Not Admit

Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

Talk to a faculty member
Lisa A. Cranwell-Bruce, DNP, FNP-C
Program Director
404-413-1189
[email protected]

The Georgia State Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) hybrid program is your solution for those called to seek the highest level of clinical nursing practice. You will finish the program ready to lead others in implementing cost-effective practices that also improve outcomes.

One hundred percent of our D.N.P. students work full-time, and still, they are preparing for work in:

  • healthcare administration;
  • professional nursing organizations;
  • higher education; and
  • many practice settings throughout Georgia.

You will move through the program as a cohort of colleagues, allowing you to network with industry leaders and build relationships that last well beyond graduation.

*The hybrid program combines online (web-facilitated) classes with a limited number of on-campus sessions. Students attend on-campus sessions (also known as intensives) one day at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. The web-facilitated classes are a combination of real-time and on-demand courses.

Is a Ph.D. or D.N.P. degree right for me?

Program Highlights

DNP Graduate Named to GSU's 40 Under 40

Congratulations to Chandler Padgett, DNP '22, who was named one of GSU's 40 under 40 for 2024. Dr. Padgett is an assistant nursing professor at Columbus State University. She serves as a member of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of West Georgia, the Georgia Nurses Association and as the legislative chair of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners of Georgia. The Columbus City Council recently appointed her to the Board of Family and Children Services.

Program Details

Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. Track:

Degree Requirement(s) B.S.N. from an accredited nursing program.
GPA Minimum of 2.75 cumulative grade point average in B.S.N. program.
Transcripts Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Licensure A valid, unrestricted RN license in the state of residence and/or practice.
Professional Experience Minimum of six months of experience as a registered nurse at the time of program enrollment.
Entrance Exam GRE (the GRE is not required as part of the admission requirements beginning Fall 2024)
Letters of Recommendation Three strong letters of recommendation are required, preferably from individuals with doctorates in nursing (D.N.P. or Ph.D.).  At least one recommendation must be from a faculty member from the applicant’s B.S.N. program.
Personal Statement Statement of how previous experience and education has provided sufficient preparation for graduate study as well as professional goals for graduate study.
Writing Sample The applicant to the DNP program should submit a scholarly paper of 3 pages in length (excluding title and reference page), in the APA 7th edition format, utilizing the articles below for their writing sample.

For this paper, please be sure to include insights you gained from reading the following articles:

  • Loomis, J.A., Willard, B. & Cohen, J. (2006). Difficult professional choices: Deciding between the Ph.D. and DNP in nursing. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. www.nursingworld.org
  • Murphy, M.P., Staffileno, B. & Carlson, E. (2015). Collaboration among DNP-and PhD-prepared nurses: Opportunity to drive positive change. Journal of Professional Nursing, 31(5), 388-394. http://dx.doi.org
  • Trautman, D., Idzik, S., Hammersla, M., & Rosseter, R. (2018). Advancing scholarship through translational research: The role of Ph.D. and DNP prepared nurses. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(2). Doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No02Man02

Compare and contrast the key points made in each article about the role of the DNP and Ph.D. prepared scholars. Where did the articles seem to converge and diverge in their view of the DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing degrees? What did you learn about the two advanced degrees? Why is the DNP degree the best fit for you at this time?
Resume/CV Current resume/CV
TOEFL Minimum score of 80 (550 for older exams). Required for applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores (not more than two years old) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution. For more information, visit https://lewis.gsu.edu/admissions/international-applicants.

Post-M.S.N. to D.N.P. Track:

Degree Requirement(s) M.S.N. from accredited nursing programs.
GPA Minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the M.S.N. program.
Transcripts Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Clinical Hours Documentation of the number of precepted clinical hours or supervised residency hours in a master’s level program.
Licensure A copy of valid, unrestricted RN license as well as licensure for APRN (if applicable) in the state of residency and/or practice.
Entrance Exams GRE waived for applicants who have a cumulative grade point average in a master’s program.
Letters of Recommendation Three strong letters of recommendation are required, preferably from individuals with doctorates in nursing (D.N.P. or Ph.D.)
Statement State of professional goals for graduate study.
Writing Sample The applicant to the DNP program should submit a scholarly paper of 3 pages in length (excluding title and reference page), in the APA 7th edition format, utilizing the articles below for their writing sample.

For this paper, please be sure to include insights you gained from reading the following articles:

  • Loomis, J.A., Willard, B. & Cohen, J. (2006). Difficult professional choices: Deciding between the Ph.D. and DNP in nursing. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. www.nursingworld.org
  • Murphy, M.P., Staffileno, B. & Carlson, E. (2015). Collaboration among DNP-and PhD-prepared nurses: Opportunity to drive positive change. Journal of Professional Nursing, 31(5), 388-394. http://dx.doi.org
  • Trautman, D., Idzik, S., Hammersla, M., & Rosseter, R. (2018). Advancing scholarship through translational research: The role of Ph.D. and DNP prepared nurses. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(2). Doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No02Man02

Compare and contrast the key points made in each article about the role of the DNP and Ph.D. prepared scholars. Where did the articles seem to converge and diverge in their view of the DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing degrees? What did you learn about the two advanced degrees? Why is the DNP degree the best fit for you at this time?
Resume/CV Current resume/CV
TOEFL Minimum score of 80 (550 for older exams). Required for applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores (not more than two years old) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution. For more information please visit https://lewis.gsu.edu/admissions/international-applicants.

International Applicants
Additional requirements may apply if you are an international applicant.

Learn more about the requirements for international applicants.

Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. Track

  • Total of 81 credit hours
  • Students can complete the requirements to sit for national certification examination as advanced practice nurses in their preferred specialty area (Adult Health-Gero NP, Pediatric NP, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health).
  • Clinical Hours Requirement: 1,000

Post-M.S.N. to D.N.P. Track

  • Total of 39 credit hours.
  • The D.N.P. curriculum builds on the APRN curriculum with knowledge of core courses and skills serving as a foundation for a strong evidence-based focus and related organization and systems leadership.
  • APRNs and M.S. prepared nurses widen their scope of knowledge and influence to include populations of patients, healthcare systems, evidence-based practice and technology.

For complete degree requirements, visit the catalog.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program:

  1. Enable graduates to utilize and integrate evidence-based knowledge, translate research and implement quality improvement initiatives to promote quality patient and population outcomes.
  2. Prepare advance practice nurse leaders to apply current scientific knowledge to increasingly complex practice and collaborate with interprofessional teams.
  3. Produce advance practice nurse leaders who are innovated and employ advanced levels of clinical judgment to improve individual and population health outcomes.
  4. Develop knowledge and skills of leading-edge technology to apply it to clinical and operational practices.
  5. Create advance practice nurse leaders who will possess expertise in analysis of health care policy.

Contacts

Program Director
Lisa A. Cranwell-Bruce, DNP, FNP-C
404-413-1189
[email protected]

Office of Academic Assistance
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
811 Urban Life Building
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-413-1000
[email protected]

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Atlanta, GA 30303