Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a professional practice degree designed to prepare nurses for complex practice and leadership roles in the clinical setting and teaching roles. Students will develop advanced competencies in evidence-based practice, leadership, health policy, and advocacy; graduates will develop in-depth skills in a focused area of nursing practice. Students will complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours in a practicum experience. Students nationally certified in the following areas may receive 500-hours of credit toward their practicum experience:

1. Nurse Practitioner, or
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist, or
3. Nurse Anesthetist, or
4. Nurse Midwife.

Admissions 

1. Master of Science Degree in Nursing from a program with national nursing accreditation (e.g. CCNE or NLN) within a regionally accredited institution (e.g. WASC).
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.

• Direct Care Track
  • A Masters degree in Nursing and national certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, Nurse anesthetist, or midwife.
  • National certification must be completed by July 1 prior to the beginning of classes. Direct Care Applicants should possess national certification in their specialty area.  Applicants with more than one advanced practice specialty should have national certification in the specialty in which they plan to complete their doctoral project.
• Indirect Care Track
  • A Master’s in Nursing in Nursing Leadership/Administration, Nursing Education, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Informatics. MSN degrees with another focus will be considered.
  • National certification is not required but is recommended.

3. An active, unrestricted California License with no disciplinary action pending or approved.
4. University English Proficiency Requirements. 
5. Applicants with Foreign Degrees -If you completed your Baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, to verify if you meet the degree requirements for admission to the program prior to applying, you must have it evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency for equivalency to a Baccalaureate degree in the US, and for the conversion of your Grade Point Average (GPA) to a 4.0 scale.
6. Application requires a statement of intent and three professional references.  If selected after a review of the application, the applicant will receive a panel interview and complete a proctored writing evaluation.

Learning Outcomes Roadmap (2025)

Notice to Students Regarding Professional Licensure and Certification