Graduate Programs

The School of Nursing at the Brooks College of Health offers two (2) tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and four (4) tracks leading to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. These tracks include BSN-MSN tracks for those interested in nursing education or leadership and administration, BSN-DNP tracks for those who wish to become Family Nurse Practitioners or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, a post-MSN DNP for those holding active certification in a designated specialty who wish to complete the clinical doctorate, and a post-MSN DNP for those who wish to complete a DNP and obtain certification as a Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The School of Nursing also began offering a certificate track for Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the Fall of 2021.  Details regarding each of our graduate tracks are available through the below links.

Admission requirements for our graduate programs are posted through the "Admissions" link on the left-side menu. Please note that they vary by track as do application deadlines and start terms. Questions regarding admission to the Nurse Anesthetist track should be emailed to NAP Admissions. Questions regarding admission to all other tracks should be emailed to Nursing Admissions.

Program accreditation information may be located here.

Please visit our Important Dates page for deadlines, decision timelines, and mandatory orientation dates. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check back for updates and announcements.

Graduate Nursing Tracks

1. Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP
3. BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
4. BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesiology
5. BSN-MSN Nursing Education 
6. BSN-MSN Nursing Leadership & Administration
7. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Graduate Nursing Program Objectives

The faculty of the School of Nursing has defined seven (7) DNP program objectives based on the purpose, philosophy, and conceptual framework. Upon successful completion of a graduate nursing degree, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate competency in the advanced practice role in delivery comprehensive care appropriate to area of specialization.
2. Work collaboratively with interprofessional teams to meet health care needs of diverse individuals, families, groups, and populations.
3. Analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, &/or occupational data to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based programs including prevention and population health.
4. Use epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, &/or occupational data to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based clinical practice approaches.
5. Use information systems/technology in health care delivery to influence quality improvement and evaluate outcomes of care.
6. Base advanced nursing practice on application of biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, sociopolitical, cultural, economic, ethical, and nursing science as appropriate to area of specialization.
7. Provide organizational and systems leadership for health care policy that shapes health care financing, regulation, and delivery.