Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Duke University

Programme overview

Ranked #2 by U.S. News, Duke's DNP is distance-based with on-campus sessions typically held twice, and includes a DNP Project merging practice and scholarship. Options include Nurse Anesthesia, Post-Master's, Executive Leadership and BSN to DNP pathways.

Faculty: Duke University School of Nursing | Intake: Rolling admissions | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durham, NC, United States

What you will study

Translation, transformation and leadership coursework based on AACN DNP Essentials, plus a DNP Project.

Career pathways

Leadership and specialty care roles in health care settings.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Duke DNP: a master's degree in health care leadership from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programme with at least five years' nurse leadership experience, and a current RN licence. Three professional recommendations; USD 50 application fee; international applicants submit proof of English proficiency. Nurse Anesthesia DNP applications close August 1.

Graduate School Ph.D. programmes list application deadlines for students beginning graduate study in fall 2027.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate starts in August for applicants admitted in both the fall and spring rounds.

Fall 2027 Ph.D. deadlines (11:59 p.m. Eastern): most programmes 12/01/2026 including Biochemistry, Biology, Biostatistics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Immunology and Physics; Computer Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Religion and Statistical Science 12/15/2026; English 12/08/2026; Economics 01/06/2027; Earth and Climate Sciences and Music 01/07/2027; Nursing 11/19/2026; Business Administration 12/14/2026; Political Science and Sociology 12/17/2026; Romance Studies 12/30/2026. Computational Media, Arts and Cultures and Public Policy Studies are not accepting applications for 2027 enrollment.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate 2026-27 application deadlines: Fall round Thursday, October 8, 2026; Spring round Tuesday, January 12, 2027 (applications through OTCAS). Fall applicants are notified the first week of December 2026 and spring applicants the first week of March 2027.

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