Program Overview

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Online Doctorate in Nursing

The online Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for those with a Master of Science in Nursing, aiming to elevate their nursing career and position themselves for success as leaders in today's ever-changing health care system. This doctorate degree can be completed in two years when pursued full-time or within three years for part-time students.

Program Overview

• The program features four two-day on-campus intensives that offer valuable networking, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities.
• It is designed for both APRNs and non-APRNs and meets CCNE's accreditation requirement of 1,000 DNP hours.
• Students may pursue eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), which covers 85% of tuition and fees.

Career Outlook

• The employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $115,800 in May 2019.

Key Takeaways

• Gain in-depth knowledge in evaluation research and health policy.
• Be prepared to transform health care through organizational leadership.
• Deepen your knowledge of evidence-based practice and health care informatics.
• Build advocacy skills to influence governmental and organizational policy decisions.
• Experience on-campus intensives that provide networking opportunities, presentations, the development of scholarly projects, and optional field trips.

Transforming Health Care Through Leadership

The interdisciplinary curriculum in the online DNP offers in-depth knowledge in evaluation research, health policy, organizational leadership, financing, evidence-based practice, and health care informatics. Graduates will also build advocacy skills that are essential in influencing governmental and organizational policy decisions.

Low-Residency On-Campus Intensives

Built into the online DNP program are four 2-day on-campus intensives that provide students with the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty. The first intensive is a comprehensive orientation introducing students to the university, faculty, online technology, and fellow students. Later intensives include guest speakers, presentations, development of scholarly projects, networking events, and more, along with optional tours and field trips.

Why Choose UMass Lowell for Your Online DNP?

A Fully Accredited Degree from a Name You Can Trust

• Offered through UMass Lowell's Solomont School of Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• Earn a highly respected degree from a school that is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Schools for a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• Get personalized teaching and support from distinguished nursing faculty with real-world industry experience.
• Pursue eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, where 85% of tuition and fees are covered.
• Learn from an early pioneer in online education, with nearly 25 years of experience delivering online programs.

Curriculum Outline

• 11-12 Courses / 33-36 Credits

Required Courses (11 Courses / 33cr)

• PUBH.5110 Health Care Finance (3cr)
• PUBH.5120 Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement (3cr)
• PUBH.5770 Biostatistics for Health Data (3cr)
• PUBH.6270 Health Equity and Informatics (3cr)
• NURS.7170 Evaluation Research (3cr)
• NURS.7700 Evidence Appraisal (3cr)
• NURS.7740 Scholarly Project Design (3cr)
• NURS.7720 Scholarly Project Implementation (3cr)
• NURS.7730 Evidence Dissemination, Advocacy & Policy (3cr)
• NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion (3cr)
• NURS.7710 Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)

Additional Required Course (1 Course / 3cr) for Non-APRNs

• NURS.7760 DNP Immersion (3cr)

Course Descriptions

NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion (3cr)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the concepts and methods of epidemiological research. Students will critique the principles of epidemiology with an emphasis on health promotion research.

NURS.7170 Evaluation Research (3cr)

This course focuses on the basic concepts of evaluation research and their application to education, health, and social programs.

NURS.7700 Evidence Appraisal (3cr)

In this course, the student will explore the role of the DNP in evaluating evidence to inform practice.

NURS.7710 Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)

This course consists of a seminar and leadership experience, exploring major concepts in leadership and management and their application in the health care setting.

NURS.7720 Scholarly Project Implementation (3cr)

In this course, students will implement their DNP Projects according to DNP Scholarly Project guidelines.

NURS.7730 Evidence Dissemination, Advocacy & Policy (3cr)

This course will include a weekly seminar where students complete the scholarly project by undertaking dissemination activities.

NURS.7740 Scholarly Project Design (3cr)

In this course, the student will design and present the Scholarly Project proposal.

NURS.7760 DNP Immersion (3cr)

This course focuses on the synthesis of advanced practice leadership and evidence-based practice by the DNP student in the health care specialty of their choice.

PUBH.5110 Health Care Finance (3cr)

Provides broad exposure to the concepts and practices of healthcare finance and healthcare financial management.

PUBH.5120 Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement (3cr)

This course focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach to operations analysis, process redesign, and quality improvement in health care.

PUBH.5770 Biostatistics for Health Data (3cr)

This is a practical course in biostatistical methods for health research, emphasizing the use and interpretation of standard biostatistical methods.

PUBH.6270 Health Equity and Informatics (3cr)

Health informatics studies use big data and information technologies to improve human health by reducing the gap between health practice and societal goals of improved health.

Program Requirements

To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell doctorate degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered.

General Requirements

• Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
• Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned.
• All financial obligations, including tuition, fees, and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
• Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator.

Graduate Program Policies

In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation.

Winter/Spring 2026 Tuition

Cost Per Credit	Cost Per 3-Credit Course
$610	$1,830

Additional Costs

Cost
Term Registration Fee	$30
Returned Check Fee	$30
Graduate Degree and Certificate Application	$50

Admission Requirements

• Master of Science in Nursing with a minimum 3.000 GPA (3.300 GPA preferred) from an accredited institution.
• National certification as an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) or board eligible for APRN certification or current RN license.
• 500 master's or post-master's practicum hours.
• Applicants who are not APRNs must provide evidence of practice hour equivalents from their master's program.
• Virtual interview with nursing faculty.