100% Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
A Doctorate Program for Executive Leaders
Seeking CCNE Accreditation
1,000 Practicum Hours
Affordable Tuition
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- Duration 2 years
- Cost per Credit $500
- Credit Hours 36
Program Benefits
- 100% online coursework
- No application fee
- Transfer up to six credit hours
- Transfer up to 500 practicum hours from MSN
Prepare for Advancement in Health Care or Education
Build the expertise you need to climb the ranks of nursing leadership. In MU’s online DNP program with Executive Leadership Concentration, you’ll engage in scholarly projects and practicum experiences that align with your career goals. You’ll also complete six elective credits and can choose courses that count toward a Graduate Nursing Education Certificate. Graduate with the skills to shape policy, influence patient outcomes, and lead change.
As a new online program for Fall 2023, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is currently pending SACSCOC accreditation.

Excel as an Executive Leader in Nursing
Complete your doctorate in Nursing Practice at MU to pursue roles such as nurse executive, chief nursing officer, or nursing educator. With its emphasis on leadership and research, this program prepares you to expand your influence as a nurse leader.
Expect rapid job growth for leaders in the health care field. Employment of medical and health managers, including nurse managers and executives, is projected to grow 28% through 2031,1 which is much faster than average.
Careers and SalariesExecutive Leadership Concentration
MU’s DNP online degree includes a concentration in Executive Leadership, which prepares graduates to perform in the highest rank of health care management. Through 14 credit hours in this concentration, you’ll engage with topics including transformational management, health care financial and business concepts, equity and inclusion in global health, and epidemiological-driven health initiatives.
Rigorous, Rewarding Coursework
13 courses
36 Credit Hours
Benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online courses without sacrificing the quality of an in-person education. In our eight-week classes, you’ll explore theoretical, clinical, and business principles on your schedule and learn to lead a positive impact on patient outcomes and the nursing profession. You’ll complete six elective credits to personalize your degree and may choose courses that count toward a Graduate Nursing Education Certificate.
Course topics include:
- Scholarly Writing, Inquiry, and Synthesis
- Research Methodology
- Statistics in Health Care
- Transformational Management
Apply to the online DNP Program
No application fee
No GRE/GMAT required
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Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the awarded master’s degree |
Official transcripts from each institution attended |
Current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse |
Learn more about the admission requirements for this program, and start the application process today.
View the Application ProcessAn Affordable Doctorate Degree
$18,000 total tuition
Transfer up to six credits
MU’s 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice costs $500 per credit hour and has 36 total credit hours. About 97% of MU students qualify for financial aid. If you or a family member are a veteran or active-duty service member, your education at Methodist University could be even more affordable. Visit our Military Support page to learn more.
Learn MoreWhat You’ll Learn
In MU’s online DNP degree program, you’ll gain expertise in the most in-demand areas of knowledge for nursing leaders. Guided by MU’s expert faculty, you’ll explore topics including equity and inclusion, executive leadership, scholarly inquiry, research methodology, and more. Experience real-world application of knowledge and skills gained from coursework through 1,000 practicum hours to graduate prepared to climb the ranks of nursing leadership.
Program Outcomes
After completing the 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice, you will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge and evidence-based practice from nursing and other disciplines to guide well-informed and socially responsible leadership decisions.
- Analyze the various leadership styles to determine their effectiveness in creating a productive and fiscally responsible work environment that centers on improving patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate communication skills that facilitate collaboration to enhance safety while reducing adverse outcomes.
- Analyze factors that impact the fiscal stability of a healthcare system, including how to create and maintain a budget.
- Explore the impact of informatics on data mining and improving patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives.
- Model leadership behaviors that reflect ethical practices in nursing, as well as decision making that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Identify the role of the nurse leader in collaborating with community, state, national, and global organizations to promote public health initiatives that positively impact accessibility and equitable distribution of resources from an epidemiological standpoint.
Why Study Online?
Enjoy an online learning environment that offers the same quality as in-person courses, including dedicated faculty members and an overall caring, friendly atmosphere for achieving your professional and personal goals.
You’ll also have access to all academic support services. That means you’ll get personalized assistance you need, such as access to the tutoring and writing centers. Experience a distinctive education in a flexible environment that fits your schedule.
Explore Online LearningFrequently Asked Questions
Have other questions not answered here? Request more information or call 910-212-4956.
The Doctor of Nursing program at MU is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice does not require a minimum amount of work experience, but you must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. You can learn more about our requirements on the admissions page.
Yes, the Doctor of Nursing Practice accepts up to six transfer credits. Additionally, you may be able to transfer up to 500 practicum hours from an MSN program. You can learn more about this policy on our admissions page.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for working professionals with busy lives, so if something interrupts your normal course of study, you don’t have to worry about losing the courses you’ve completed. You can take up to five years to complete the degree, if needed. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
Currently the Doctor of Nursing Practice offers one concentration in Executive Leadership. This concentration explores topics in transformational management, health care business concepts, equity and inclusion in global health, and more.
The requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice include:
- Complete application
- Master’s degree in nursing OR a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a four-year accredited college or university and master’s degree in a business or health-related/educational field (MBA, MHA, MPH, M.Ed., etc.)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the awarded master’s degree
- Official transcripts from each institution attended
- Current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse
- Current resume
- Written statement of personal goals and practice project interest
- Cover letter
You can learn more about our requirements on the admissions page.
Source
- “Medical and Health Services Managers.” Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2022 from “https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.”