Nursing Practice

Doctor's Degree

Lead at the Highest Level of Nursing Practice

The terminal degree for nurses ready to change how care is delivered.

The Goshen College-EMU Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-master’s practice doctorate offered in partnership between Goshen College and Eastern Mennonite University. It is a primarily online, asynchronous program of 33 credit hours across 10 courses, completed in 9 semesters or an accelerated 6-semester, 22-month option, and it culminates in an evidence-based practice project rather than a dissertation.

It’s built for working nurses: coursework is primarily asynchronous, with some videoconference sessions and a required residency held within a few weeks of the start. You complete 1,000 faculty-supervised practicum hours and enroll at either Goshen or EMU, with your diploma reflecting that choice.

  • 109
    Total number of graduate students
  • Online
    Primarily asynchronous coursework with some videoconferences and one required in-person residency.
  • 33
    Credit hours across 10 courses, in 9 semesters or an accelerated 6-semester, 22-month option.

    Built for Working Nurse Leaders

    The DNP is designed for the master’s-prepared registered nurse ready to lead. It’s the terminal practice degree, and it’s what certified registered nurse anesthetists and many nurse leaders now pursue. You’ll qualify with an MSN, or a qualifying master’s in a business or health-related field, an unencumbered RN license, and current work in healthcare.

    Because it’s a consortium, you enroll at either Goshen College or Eastern Mennonite University, take courses from faculty at both, and receive your degree from the institution where you enrolled. Rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition of service, peacemaking, and stewardship, the program prepares you to lead within a dynamic healthcare system.

    What Makes the Program Distinct

    See the Program

    • A Practice Doctorate

      You complete an evidence-based practice project in your area of interest, not a research dissertation, and use it to improve care.

    • Choose Your Campus

      You get to chose wether to enroll at Goshen or EMU, take courses from faculty at both, and earn your degree from the institution you choose.

    • Flexible & Online

      Work primarily in your own timeframe with asynchronous coursework, some videoconferences, and one required residency.

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        graduate position/title

      Cost and Financial Support

      Tuition is $880 per credit hour for 2025-26, across the 33-credit-hour, 10-course program. Because you enroll at either Goshen College or Eastern Mennonite University, your billing follows the institution you choose.

      Students are billed by semester and can plan their investment with a financial aid counselor. See the financial aid page and explore scholarships to understand your options for graduate study.

      Financial aid & Scholarships

      How to Apply

      To apply, you’ll need a Master of Science in Nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program (or a qualifying master’s in a business or health-related field) with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, and a current, unencumbered RN license in a state that is part of the SARA compact. You’ll also provide transcripts, a resume or CV, and documentation of your supervised practice hours.

      The program requires a completed reference form (not required for Goshen College graduates) and an interview with the program co-directors by video conference. If your master’s degree is not in nursing, the co-directors review your background for the MSN Essentials and the program may run longer.

      Not sure whether you qualify? Request information and we’ll walk you through it.

      Request Information

      Common Questions About the DNP

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