When you choose the DNP program at South Carolina, you’re choosing to learn from a leader. Our program was one of the first four nationally recognized DNP programs in the country, and our online graduate nursing programs continue to be nationally rated. 

Online course delivery is paced for you to succeed at home, in the workplace and at school. As a South Carolina DNP student, you’ll be able to collaborate with dynamic faculty mentors on evidence-based projects, develop your own grants and participate in a health policy internship. The College of Nursing offers assistance with clinical placements in cases where you cannot complete your clinical experience in your current workplace. The program also offers scholarships for qualified students. 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from nationally accredited programs and evidence of credentialing within the applicant's specialty

• Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.

• Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.

• Applicants with a master’s degree in nursing must be certified, licensed and practicing as an advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority in order to proceed to the 33 credit hours DNP terminal degree unless seeking the Executive Healthcare Leadership concentration.

• Evidence of writing competence, which will be evaluated through the candidate’s prepared written statement submitted with the application, as well as by written response to an essay question given during the admissions interview

• Personal goal statement

• Current CV or Resume (in addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)

• Three letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character from doctoral-prepared registered nurses or physicians

• Executive Healthcare Leadership track only - Preferred work experience:  2400 hours of experience in a leadership role over the last 5 years.*  Submit official Verification of Work Hours Form from employer (upload with application)

• Interview with nursing graduate faculty

• Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur

• Current BLS certification

• Verification of clinical hours completed during the applicant’s MSN program

• GRE not required

* approved by DNP Council 12.14.2020

• Successful completion of BSN degree from a nationally accredited program

• Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.

• Three letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character from doctorally prepared registered nurses or physicians

• Personal goal statement

• Evidence of writing competence, which will be evaluated through the candidate’s prepared written statement submitted with the application, as well as by written response to an essay question given during the admissions interview

• Current CV or Resume (in addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences)

• Current unencumbered, active RN licensure in the state where clinical experiences will occur

• Current BLS certification

• Current ACLS certification (AGACNP applicants only)

• BSN to DNP applicants are required to have 2400 work hours within the past 24 months. Preferred AGACNP clinical experience in an acute care setting (ICU, critical care, medical/surgical or emergency department). Preferred FNP clinical experience includes critical care, ICU, medical/surgical or emergency department.  Preferred  PMHNP clinical experience includes psych or related fields.

• Executive Healthcare Leadership track only - Preferred work experience: 2400 hours of experience in a leadership role over the last 5 years.*

• Submit official Verification of Work Hours Form from employer (upload with application)

• Interview with nursing graduate faculty

• GRE not required

* approved by DNP Council 12/14/2020

At the conclusion of the program, the DNP’s graduate will be able to:

1. Identify direct and indirect clinical problems in complex health settings and work with interprofessional teams to address them.
2. Differentiate theoretical knowledge as it applies to direct or indirect clinical care.
3. Translate evidence to address population health problems.
4. Integrate data bases and information literacy in designing interventions for advanced practice.
5. Execute evidence-based interventions to improve health care outcomes.

• Complete graduate residency of at least 18 graduate hours for three consecutive semesters

• Complete an approved program of study

• Complete a DNP final project

• Complete program within six years. Programs are designed for completion within six to 12 semesters.

Master’s-prepared students / Executive Healthcare Leadership concentration – 36-39 hours 

Master’s-prepared students / APRN no concentration – 33 hours

BSN-prepared students / Nurse Executive Leadership concentration – 74 hours

BSN-prepared students / Clinical Concentration – 73-74 hours, depending on specific track

• Complete a minimum 1,000 clinical hours. Credit will be given via a gap analysis for some clinical hours earned during the master’s program. Each student, after admission will be required to submit a portfolio for evaluation of clinical hours and after evaluation, the required number of hours required in the DNP program will be outline prior to matriculation

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earn a 3.0 or better in all required classes and courses number 700 or higher

Apply to Graduate School

The Graduate School coordinates online applications to our master's and doctoral programs. There may be supporting materials that are required along with your online application for graduate admission, so be sure to review the requirements before you apply.

The DNP program (BSN entry) accepts students for summer entry.

• Admission cycle for summer entry:
  Application opens - July 1
  Early decision deadline - September 1
  Priority decision deadline - November 1
  Final decision deadline – February 1

The DNP program (Post-Master's entry) accepts students for fall entry.

• Admission cycle for fall entry:
  Application opens - November 1
  Early decision deadline - January 15
  Priority decision deadline - March 1
  Final decision deadline - May 1

All students must begin coursework the semester of acceptance.

DNP program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs, view Graduate Program Cost Estimates 2022-2023. For the most up-to-date cost information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website.

Financial aid is available. To determine your eligibility, complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships. In addition, other scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available through The Graduate School and the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

Only a limited number or type of courses may be transferred into the program. To be eligible, you must have earned a “B” or better in the proposed transfer credit class. The university evaluates prior coursework for transfer, a process that generally takes six months to determine approval.

View our Ask The Expert video sessions with Director of Graduate Admissions, Scott Ranges and Graduate Program faculty!