Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
August 24, 2026
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Credits: 74-78
- Part- and full-time options available
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's tracks available
Ball State University’s 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for nursing professionals who aspire to advance their careers and significantly impact healthcare and nursing practice. Our program is designed to fit the busy schedules of working nurses, offering a flexible and comprehensive online curriculum to help balance work, life, and education.
Learn from nationally recognized faculty members who are leaders in the nursing field. Our faculty are dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance throughout your educational journey.
The DNP program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and leadership. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Contact Us
Have a question? Contact Melissa Matthews, Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing and Graduate Programs Director.
Program Requirements
The BS-DNP and MS-DNP programs are designed for those who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The BS-DNP is a bachelor of science to doctor of nursing practice option while the MS-DNP is a master of science to doctor of nursing practice options. Students should select the cognate that best fits your track.
Family Nurse Practitioner Cognate
All DNP FNP Cognate students complete 40 credits within the DNP FNP Cognate Courses. In addition, all FNP cognate students will complete 1,000 clinical and practicum hours in these courses: NUR 781, NUR 782, NUR 783, and NUR 785.
Nurse Executive Cognate
All DNP Nurse Executive Cognate students complete 29 credits within the DNP Nurse Executive Cognate Courses. Also, Nurse Executive Cognate students must complete 750 clinical and practicum hours in these courses: NUR 618, NUR 787, and NUR 788.
Nurse Educator Cognate
All DNP Nurse Educator Cognate students complete 29 credits within the DNP Nurse Educator Cognate courses. Also, Nurse Educator Cognate students must complete 750 clinical and practicum hours in these courses: NUR 618, NUR 634, NUR 787, and NUR 788.
Family Nurse Practitioner Cognate
All DNP FNP Cognate students must complete a total of 475 practicum hours in NUR 785. Students must have evidence that they have completed 525 clinical and practicum hours within their original master’s program that are equivalent to NUR 781, NUR 782, and NUR 783. A total of 1000 clinical and practicum hours must be completed between a student’s master’s program and the DNP Program.
Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator Cognates
All DNP Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator Cognate students must complete a total of 600 clinical and practicum hours in these courses: NUR 787 and NUR 788.
Learn More About the Course Requirements
To find out which courses are required for your chosen cognate, please visit the course catalog.
View Course Catalog
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing this degree? Then you will need to meet our admissions criteria and apply.
Apply Now
State Authorizations
All students must reside in and complete all clinical hours in a state where the Ball State University School of Nursing is authorized to offer its programs. Students moving to a state where the master’s nursing program is not authorized will be unable to progress in the program.
Prior to applying, all prospective students need to visit the state authorizations website to determine if their state currently allows them to enroll at Ball State University for the master’s nursing program. The website and its links are updated on an as needed basis, so please check regularly for updates.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.