Program Overview

Post-MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Leadership

The Post-Master to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, emphasizing Executive Leadership (ExL), prepares nursing professionals to lead quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives in diverse healthcare settings. This program focuses on developing advanced skills in leadership, guiding systemic changes, and implementing innovative practices to improve patient outcomes and organizational performance. Executive Leadership graduates are ready to drive healthcare transformation by fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within their organizations.

Program Information

• Part-time: The DNP program, like any doctoral program, is demanding, even though it is part-time. However, the Nursing Graduate Studies Department designed the WSU DNP-ExL program for working professionals.
• 5 Semesters
• Course Format: Online, asynchronous instruction with two required synchronous virtual meetings
• Cohort size: 16 students are accepted every fall semester
  • Registered nurses who have earned a BSN and possess a master's in nursing (MSN), health administration (MHA), public health (MPH), and business administration (MBA) are welcome into the DNP program. Additionally, this program supports master-prepared APRNs (nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives) to earn their DNP
• Accreditation
• Program of Study

Costs

• Total Estimated Tuition & Fees: $17,500-$20,000
• Out-of-state graduate tuition waivers are available to students accepted into the program. Tuition waivers provide in-state tuition costs to out-of-state students.

Handbooks

• Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing Student Handbook
• DNP Program Student Handbook
• Catalog

Eligibility & Prerequisites

• GPA: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including all college-level coursework.
• Degree Requirements:
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a regionally accredited college or university and an accredited nursing program: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
  • OR
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited college or university and an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA) and one of the following degrees from a regionally accredited college or university:
    • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
    • Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Licensure Requirements: Active, unrestricted license to practice as an RN (or eligible to obtain licensure without restrictions) to practice as a registered nurse in Utah or the prospective student's current state of residence.
• RN Work Experience: Minimum two years of full-time RN work experience or four years of part-time RN work experience (post NCLEX-RN) by the application deadline.
• After Program Acceptance:
  • Purchase a drug screen and background check
  • Complete a physical examination
  • Provide proof of valid health insurance
  • Provide proof of immunizations and obtain test/titer results
  • Complete a mandatory DNP-ExL new student orientation process includes a DNP-ExL New Student Orientation Canvas Course and an online New Student Orientation Q&A Meeting, which takes place over Zoom in July

Application Process

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm
• Application Fee: $60
• Required Documents:
  • Vita/Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation (2 required)

Notification

• Notification of acceptance or declination to applicants is ongoing while applications are open until the cohort is full.