Post-MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Leadership
Prospective Students
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.
A DNP degree focuses on clinical practice, preparing nurses to implement evidence-based practice, lead quality improvement, and drive healthcare system changes to enhance patient care and outcomes. In contrast, a PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree that prepares nurses to conduct original research, contribute to theoretical knowledge, and advance nursing science. While DNP graduates often work in leadership roles within healthcare settings to directly influence practice, PhD-prepared nurses primarily pursue academic, research, or policy roles to generate and disseminate new knowledge in nursing and healthcare.
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
Eligibility & Prerequisites
Preadmission Advising
Tiffany Bennett, BS
Nursing Graduate Studies Advisor & Enrollment Specialist
Marriott Allied Health Building, Room 420
801-626-6122
tiffanybennett@weber.edu
How to Apply
1. Fill out the DNP-ExL application
- August 24, 2026, start date
- Admissions are ongoing with a final deadline of August 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
- The Executive Leadership program has reached its capacity in the last 2 application cycles by June.
- Application fee: $60
- Admissions are ongoing with a final deadline of August 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Needed for application:
- 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.