Spring 2026 Cohort Forming Now!
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Same-Day Admission Event
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a professional degree designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for complex practice, leadership roles in the clinical setting, and teaching roles at colleges and universities. This program is offered in a hybrid teaching method, using both face-to-face and online teaching sessions.
Prospective Doctoral Student Information Sessions
Prepare for leadership. Advance nursing practice. Shape the future.
Join us to learn how Cal State LA can help you reach your goals.
7 - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, September 18
- Wednesday, September 24
- Thursday, October 2
- Wednesday, October 8
- Thursday, October 16
- Wednesday, October 22
- Wednesday, October 22
- Thursday, October 30
- Wednesday, November 12
Zoom Meeting ID: 89604618647
Admissions Overview
All programs begin every Fall semester (August). The application filing period is from October to March. Applications for Fall 2026 will begin October 1, 2025
Priority Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Applications received by the priority deadline will be given priority review and consideration.
Final Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Applications received after the priority deadline may be considered on a space-available basis.
We strongly encourage interested applicants to apply by the priority application deadline.
Application website: Cal State Apply
- Master of Science Degree in Nursing from a program with national nursing accreditation (e.g. CCNE or NLN) within a regionally accredited institution (e.g. WASC).
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
- An active, unrestricted California License with no disciplinary action pending or approved.
UNIVERSITY: ALL official transcripts must be mailed to the university graduate admissions office (international transcripts must be original & sealed, no exceptions) or submitted electronically within 3 weeks of Cal State Apply application submission.
Three letters of recommendation must be included with your application and written by a nursing professional, physician, NP, or professor that can attest to your academic, interpersonal, and work skills.
The prompt will be located on the CSU Apply online application under the “Documents” tab.
If selected after a review of the application, the applicant will receive a faculty panel interview and complete a proctored writing evaluation (scheduled by the faculty).
Curriculum
The curriculum includes core coursework in evidence-based practice, leadership, health policy and advocacy, ethics, epidemiology, informatics, and curriculum development. The program is designed for completion in five consecutive semesters.
Recommended Course Sequence
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units | Summer | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NURS 6020 Data Management and Evaluation for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 | NURS 6150 Epidemiology and Clinical Prevention for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 | NURS 6100 Leadership, Management, and Economics of the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 6020 Advanced Evidence-based Practice for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 | NURS 6950 Integrative Clinical Scholarship for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 2 | NURS 6200 Informatics in Healthcare for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 6400 Professional Role Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice* | 3 | NURS 6030 Care Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 | NURS 6400 Professional Role Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice** | 3 |
| NURS 6970 Integrative Clinical (?) Scholarship I for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Supervision | 1 | ||||
| NURS 6400 Professional Role Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice** | 3 | ||||
| TOTAL | 9 | TOTAL | 9/12 | TOTAL | 6/9 |
| Fall | Units | Spring | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS 6500 Instructional Design in Nursing Education for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 | NURS 6400 Curricula Design and Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 6971 Integrative Clinical Scholarship II for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Supervision | 3 | NURS 6400 Integrative Clinical Scholarship III for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Supervision | 3 |
| NURS 6400 Professional Role Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice** | 3 | NURS 6400 Professional Role Development for the Doctor of Nursing Practice** | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6/9 | TOTAL | 6/9 |
TOTAL UNITS FOR THE PROGRAM: 36-48
- Total practicum hours required: 1000 hours (500 hours may be transferred if the applicant is nationally certified
1) Nurse Practitioner, or 2) Clinical Nurse Specialist, or 3) Nurse Anesthetist, or 4) Nurse Midwife - Students who do not qualify for the 500-hour credit (as noted above), must take NURS 6400 each semester**
to ensure completion of 1000 hour requirement.
Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Winokur, Ph.D., RN, CEN
Email the Coordinator