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Online MSN to DNP Program

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Ready to learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path?

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Program at a Glance
  • Earn both your master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing seamlessly. 
  • Specialize in a pathway that aligns with your career.
  • Complete courses online and continue working while you study at your convenience. 
  • The master’s degree and DNP are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
COURSE EFFORT 15 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 60–90
COST PER CREDIT $420
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

August 26
November 11
February 3
March 24

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—DNP Path Overview

We offer a direct path toward earning both a master's degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. If you possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing, completion of this MSN to DNP program is required to move on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a balanced core curriculum and specialized courses in organizational theory, health care finance, human resources, and information and health care technologies.

Degree Pathways

Choose from three pathways designed to provide further knowledge in your chosen specialty:

  • Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner: Promote holistic health care to members of the adult and older adult population through assessment, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of chronic health problems.
  • Executive leader: Focus on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the use of information technology.
  • Family nurse practitioner, primary care: Promote holistic health care to adults and children in a family systems context through the assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic health problems.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Note: At this time, residents of the following states and territories may not enroll in this program: Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program.

Clinicals and Practicums

Faculty- and preceptor-guided practicum or clinical practice experiences in your community provide knowledge and mentoring specific to your area of interest.


Put your knowledge to work with a mentor in the health care organization of your choice.


All clinical or practicum hours completed in the master’s program apply toward your doctorate.


Contact an Admissions Advisor for information on the number of clinical or practicum hours required in your specialty area.

The master's degree in nursing program at Purdue University Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).

Career Opportunities

Purdue Global's Master of Science in Nursing allows you to study online and earn the credentials to pursue career advancement in roles such as administration, education staff development, and advanced practice nursing.*

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Learning
  2. Active Listening
  3. Critical Thinking
  4. Social Perceptiveness
  5. Speaking

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

Prepare for Industry Certifications

Upon completion of the MSN to DNP program, you may be eligible to pursue industry-recognized certifications in your selected specialty area*:

Nursing credentials demonstrate your adherence to a higher standard and may be a condition for employment in nursing.

As of July 2019, 92% is the average pass rate for nurse practitioner students who graduated in 2018 and are known to have attempted the AANP or ANCC exam.†

Dedicated Faculty and Advisors

Current information and techniques are taught by practicing professionals who have advanced degrees in nursing.


Academic advisors and faculty offer personalized academic support as you earn your master's in nursing online.

The online MSN to DNP program includes the core curriculum, concentration or population focus area courses, and an evidence-based project proposal.

Once you complete the master’s degree courses, you’ll move on to Purdue Global’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Sample Courses
  • Advanced Nursing Roles
  • Scientific and Analytic Approaches to Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
  • Epidemiology and Health Promotion
  • Health Policy, Ethical, and Legal Perspectives of the Health Care System
  • Promoting Optimal Models and Systems for Health Care Delivery
See All Nursing Courses

Each option includes a guided practicum or clinical experience:

  • Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
  • Executive leader
  • Family nurse practitioner, primary care

Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits30
  • Elective Credits60
  • Total Credits90
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits30
  • Elective Credits30
  • Total Credits60

Ways to Save

  • Financial Aid

    Learn How to Apply For and Receive Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Transfer Credits

    Finish What You Started

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Purdue Global, Your Employer, and You: a Great Partnership

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions and could earn college credit for corporate training programs.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • Military Tuition Reduction

    We Offer an Affordable Education for Military Students

    For undergraduate programs, tuition is reduced 55% per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans. Tuition reductions are also available for graduate programs and military spouses.

    Tuition Savings for Military

Program Cost Estimator

Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.

current cost per credit
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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Nursing Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 231 Faculty publications in 2018–2019
student at desk icon More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Graduates of a nurse practitioner pathway who pass the relevant certification exam may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse in any state in which the program is available for enrollment. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please refer to Licensure and State Authorization for additional information on licensure, state authorizations, and program availability.. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams.

Please note that most states require nurses to be nationally certified and to have completed an accredited graduate nursing program in order to obtain licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse. Each national certification provider and state Board of Nursing will have eligibility requirements in addition to these educational requirements, such as passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they are eligible for state Board of Nursing approval and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse in their state. Students can obtain additional information from their state's Board of Nursing, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

†Purdue Global School of Nursing, July 2019.