Nursing Leadership DNP

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Minimum Required Credits: 61.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3818
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9111

About the Program

The BSN–DNP in Nursing Leadership program prepares nurses to lead with vision, expertise, and strategic influence across complex healthcare systems. Designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses who aspire to shape the future of healthcare delivery, this integrated doctoral pathway combines advanced leadership coursework with practice-based application. The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking, ethical leadership, informatics, and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates to lead diverse teams, optimize operations, and drive organizational excellence across care settings.

Practicum experiences allow students to apply knowledge and demonstrate competence in real-world leadership environments. These individualized, faculty-guided experiences strengthen students’ ability to translate classroom learning into practice. Students culminate their doctoral education with a DNP Project that implements evidence-based, sustainable improvements aligned with organizational and population health priorities.

A distinctive feature of the program is its built-in flexibility. Students have 9 dedicated credits that may be used to complete a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in either Nursing Education or Quality, Safety, and Risk Management. Alternately, students may select electives or a certificate from across the university, including offerings in public health, healthcare finance, policy, or organizational strategy. This flexibility supports individualized plans of study and broadens preparation for diverse leadership roles.

Overall, the BSN–DNP in Nursing Leadership program prepares nurses not only to manage systems, but to transform them.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation).

3.0 or above on all previous coursework or the last 60.0 credits completed. Applications from RNs with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis.

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions are required.

Two professional references are required from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study.
- Letters of recommendation are waived for students who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Personal statement (no more than two pages and no less than one page, double-spaced) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of the following:
Why you are choosing this particular program of study.
Your plans upon completion of the degree.
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program.

Curriculum vitae or resume.

Copy of current U.S. RN license required.

Copies of any advanced practice nursing licensure and certification documents.

While specific experience is not required for applicants to the track, previous related work experience may make an applicant more competitive.

International Students:
International applicants must possess a BSN (or its equivalent) and a current U.S. RN license.
Additional information can be found here.
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes