Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice Requirements

Admission Requirements

Approved admission to the Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program requires the following of all students:

1. Completion of a master’s degree or higher from an accredited program of nursing
2. Current U.S. licensure unencumbered and in good standing as a Registered Nurse (upload Nursys verification report in application)
3. A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 from a previous graduate program (official transcripts must be submitted)
4. Three letters of recommendation which must be from a graduate-prepared nurse, colleague or faculty member. Letters should speak to the applicant's ability to be successful in the DNP, addressing items such as clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, and collaborative skills with other professionals, nursing leadership, etc.
5. Current resume or curriculum vitae
6. Advanced Practice Track requires active national certification in an advance practice registered nurse (APRN) specialty
7. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies' English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
8. Statement of goals (A 2-page APA format summary describing professional goals, how the DNP will contribute to those goals, and proposing a problem topic for the applicant's scholarly DNP project. Describe how the scholarly DNP project aligns with the mission of the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines.)
9. Interview may be required (via web, phone, or in person)
10. Successful passage of criminal background check and drug screen will be required upon offer of admission
11. Satisfaction of current health and immunization policy of the Department of Nursing will be required upon offer of admission

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Nursing Department. The DNP nursing courses are offered online.

1. A minimum of 80 credit hours of graduate level courses beyond the baccalaureate
2. Completion of all course work with GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Satisfactory completion of all designated clinical hours.
4. Satisfactory completion of a DNP project.
5. Satisfactory completion of the DNP project paper.
6. Satisfactory completion of an on-campus oral presentation and defense of the DNP Project.
7. Compose a scholarly product (i.e. abstract/manuscript/poster) for presentation and/or publication.
8. Courses in the Post-Master's DNP program are as listed below.  

Post-Master's DNP (36-37 credits)

Advanced Practice Nursing Track (36 credits)

Leadership Track (37 credits)