Nursing, DNP

In addition to the graduate degree requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, a student is required to complete a minimum of 40 semester hours of coursework in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP degree is distinguished by the completion of a DNP Project that demonstrates synthesis of the student’s coursework and lays the groundwork for future scholarship. Because the DNP is focused on mastery of advanced practice in a specialty area, the DNP Project should demonstrate the achievement of that mastery. The practice doctorate focuses heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings, through an integrative practice experience. The DNP Project is evidence that the student can independently identify a problem of contemporary significance through familiarity with the current literature in the major field, organize, design, implement, and evaluate a project that addresses the problem and present the project in cogent, well written exposition. The DNP Project documents the outcomes of the student’s doctoral education experience, providing a measurable medium for evaluating the mastery of and growth in knowledge and clinical expertise.

The project will be completed under the direction of a chair and supervising committee. The project has several approval points including a proposal review, Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, and final evaluation. The final evaluation of the DNP Project must be scheduled through the College of Nursing at least two weeks in advance of the proposed evaluation date taking into account the expected date of graduation and the deadlines set by the School of Graduate Studies. Results of the DNP Project are expected to be manuscript ready to be submitted as a refereed scholarly publication.