Graduation Requirements

Attainment of a DNP requires successful completion of the following. This Handbook provides additional information regarding each requirement. Other sources of information include the Graduate School Handbook and College of Nursing faculty, specifically major advisors.

The requirements for awarding the DNP include:

  • Completion of an approved program of study with a minimum cumulative point-hour ratio of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Successful completion of the DNP professional examination.
  • Completion and successful oral presentation of the DNP Final Project.
  • Completion of the minimum Graduate School requirements for the DNP degree.
  • Registration for at least three graduate credit hours during the semester or summer session when the Professional Doctoral Examination is taken and during the semester in which graduation is expected.
  • Completion of a minimum of 66 graduate credit hours, at least 37 of which must be completed beyond the master’s degree.
  • Completion of the following residence requirements after the master’s degree has been earned or after the first 30 hours of graduate credit have been completed.
  • Minimum of 24 graduate credit hours completed at this University.
  • Completion of DNP degree requirements within five years after successfully completing the Professional Doctoral Examination.
  • Submission of electronic copies of the Final Document Project to the advisor, committee members, Graduate Data Manager and Knowledge Bank.