Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Take your next step in nursing to become a transformative nursing leader and shape the future of health care with the newly redesigned Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Texas Woman's University. 

Now you can earn your DNP in 40 credit hours and as few as eight semesters with entirely online curriculum. In addition, you will be able to network in some of the best medical centers in the world while completing a one-of-a-kind DNP scholarly project and 540 practicum hours.

Our program is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and prepares nursing leaders for the highest level of professional practice with competencies to meet demands of the nation's complex healthcare environment.

DNP graduates from TWU are prepared as implementation scholars based on a curriculum that focuses on:

  • Evidence-based practice
  • Quality improvement
  • Organization and systems leadership
  • Health policy and finance
  • Information technology
  • Population health

DNP-prepared nurses transform healthcare by implementing the science developed by nurse researchers.

DNP Program Requirements

The DNP program is an entirely online curriculum with an in-person colloquium and requires as few as 40 credit hours to complete. In addition, 540 practicum hours are required in the candidate’s selected area of clinical expertise as well as completion of a DNP scholarly project. The DNP scholarly project is an evidence-based solution to a clinical problem.

Offered: Dallas Center, Houston Center

For more info, check the degree plan and the DNP Student Handbook below.

Degree Plan

DNP Student Handbook

Admission Requirements

Admission to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Program Contact

Jayne Jennings Dunlap, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Interim DNP Program Director
713-794-2394
jdunlap1@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

Fall - February 15
Spring - September 15

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of a master’s degree in a nursing program from a nationally accredited program (e.g., APRN, Nursing Health Systems Management, Public Health Nursing, Nursing Informatics).
  • Current U.S. RN license (unencumbered).
  • If applicable, must have an unencumbered APRN license; APRN certification (nationally accredited) or eligibility to be recognized as an APRN in any state.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on all prior graduate-level coursework for unconditional admission. Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework may be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis.
  • Since the graduation from the DNP requires 1,000 clinical hours, post BSN, an assessment will be made of the number of hours brought forward from the master's degree. 
  • Interview may be required (virtual).
  • Collect and submit the following documents into your application:
    • Letter addressing professional goals
    • Curriculum vitae or resume
    • Email addresses for two academic or professional references familiar with your academic capabilities, who can complete a  recommendation form to be requested through and submitted into the application.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application.
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Certified check or money order by mail or electronically - Payable to TWU, sent by mail to:
      TWU Admissions Processing, 304 Administration Drive, Suite 102, Denton, Texas 76204
      (include your full name and ID number).
    3. Cash (no personal checks) - Pay at the Bursar's Office. After paying, bring the receipt to Admissions Processing (down the hall in ACT).
    4. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    5. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants

Questions about the DNP program?

Jayne Jennings Dunlap, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, EBP-C
Interim DNP Program Director
713-794-2394
jdunlap1@twu.edu 

Out-of-State Students

If a resident of another state, contact Interim DNP Program Director Jayne Jennings Dunlap (prior to applying) to determine whether the TWU DNP program fulfills the requirements for licensure in your home state.

Page last updated 10:04 AM, March 26, 2024