Advanced Nursing Degrees and Certificates

Student-centered scholarship and innovation define the Duquesne University School of Nursing.

In our leading-edge online nursing graduate programs, you will have flexibility to study from anywhere on a schedule that you choose. You'll learn alongside fellow students with curious minds, compassionate hearts, and collaborative hands. Duquesne's distinguished faculty will share their expertise and mentorship far beyond the classroom to help support your growth and professional advancement.

Prepare to set new standards in service and care


You care about helping others, and we are here to support you. We have created a rich online learning environment where evidence-based nursing, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity go hand in hand with ethical practice, community service and a commitment to social justice.

Learn from the best

With multiple graduate programs ranking in the top 10 in the nation - including the #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing Education - Duquesne offers you the chance to study and learn with the experts that define the industry's leading edge. 

See Rankings

Graduate Programs

 
A graduate nursing student works with a volunteer during a demonstration.

Master's of Science in Nursing

Demand for nurses is increasing, and health care systems continue to depend on nurses prepared to plan, initiate, effect and evaluate change through holistic patient care, advocating for patients and continuing education at all levels. Earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree at Duquesne University allows you to expand your knowledge of nursing practice and patient care. An MSN can make you more autonomous in your career and prepare you to teach future nurses.

MSN Programs
A group of nurses practice during a demonstration.

Post-Master's Certificate

Our online post-master’s certificates in nursing allow nurses who have previously earned their MSN to continue their postgraduate nursing education and gain a competitive edge in today’s nursing field. Challenge yourself, build upon your existing master’s-level nursing education and feed your desire for lifelong learning by earning a post-master’s certificate from Duquesne University. We offer six types of nursing certificates for students who are ready to expand their current professional role or those interested in making a career change to a new specialization.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs
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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

With your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, you will be able to shape the future of nursing practice. You already translate evidence‑based care into practice and improve health outcomes for diverse populations. Now the sum of your experience can position you to transform the future of health care. (Please note: any tuition discounts that graduate students receive are not applicable to study abroad courses).

DNP Programs
A nurse in scrubs and a face mask works at a screen during a procedure.

DNP in Nurse Anesthesia

Bridging the gap between clinical expertise and scholarly education, the hybrid DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program serves to prepare students to step into the critical role of nurse anesthetist to deliver safe, compassionate and quality anesthesia care. Become a much-needed expert in a highly-specialized, evolving and critically important field of nurse anesthesia.

DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
A nursing instructor works with a graduate student.

PhD Programs

Set yourself apart in a field with increasing demand for doctorates. Prepare to be a nurse scholar through research courses, learn to think and debate about ethics in a rigorous and rational manner, or leverage your DNP Project into a PhD with our PhD Program, PhD in Ethics Program, or DNP-to-PhD track.

Important Resources

Ready to take the next step? Take a look at these important resources to plan and prepare for your advanced degree. 

Deadlines and Due Dates

Applications are accepted any time prior to the deadline. You can view semester start dates on the University's Academic Calendar. 

Programs Academic Terms Deadline
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Spring 2026*
Summer 2026*		 March 31, 2025
July 14, 2025
November 30, 2025*
March 30, 2026*
Post-Master's Certificate (PMC) Programs Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Spring 2026*
Summer 2026*		 March 31, 2025
July 14, 2025
November 30, 2025*
March 30, 2026*
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Spring 2026*
Summer 2026*		 March 31, 2025
July 14, 2025
November 30, 2025*
March 30, 2026*
DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program Fall 2025 May 1st, 2025
PhD Programs Summer 2025
Summer 2026		 February 1, 2025
February 1, 2026
FAFSA Application 2025-26 May 1st, 2025

*Please note that applications for 2026 are not yet open. 

Tuition and Financial Aid

Making graduate education accessible and affordable is a core part of our mission. Contact your advisor, the Office of Financial Aid, or visit the pages below to learn about your options. 

To apply for financial aid, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Duquesne's FAFSA school code is 003258.

Graduate Technology Requirements

Students are required to have a laptop or desktop computer that meets the system requirements outlined by the Duquesne University School of Nursing.

Computer (Must be Windows or Mac based*)

  • Apple
    • Mac from 2020 or newer is acceptable
    • MacOS 13 Ventura or later
      • Recommended (prices estimated):
        • M2 MacBook Air ($999)
        • M3 MacBook Air ($1099)
        • OR M4 MacBook Pro ($1,599) 
  • Windows
    • 10th Generation Intel i5 CPU or higher OR 3rd gen AMD Ryzen CPU or higher
    • Windows 11 latest version

  • All computers:

    • 250+GB SSD storage space
    • 8GB RAM minimum, 16+GB recommended
    • Broadband Internet connection at least 10 Mbps download/upload speed
    • Webcam (internal or external) for video conferencing and proctored exams 
    • Microphone (internal or integrated microphone in webcam is sufficient)
    • Headphones or earbuds
    • Speakers

*Chromebook, Surface Pro, iPad and similar tablets are NOT compatible

*Windows RT, Windows 10S and 11S are NOT compatible

Software

  • Visit Duquesne's "App Marketplace" for software available to students
    • EndNote, JMP, SAS, SPSS, Microsoft Office, Zoom, Qualtrics, Gartner
    • More Info: App Marketplace
  • Adobe® Reader DC or later (download available for FREE)
  • Mozilla Firefox web browser
  • Google Chrome web browser

Graduate Student Handbook

The Graduate Student Handbook contains critical information regarding each of our programs, requirements, coursework, academic standards and much more. 

Graduate Handbook

Application Exceptions

Duquesne University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). However, due to State Boards of Nursing regulations, the School of Nursing is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs and courses from students residing in:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona*
  • Louisiana
  • New York*
  • Oregon*
  • Tennessee
  • Washington

*Please note if you reside in Arizona, New York or Oregon, Duquesne University is able to accept applications for the PhD in Nursing and the PhD in Nursing Ethics programs.

Innovation and Expertise in Learning

The School of nursing is an early adopter of the hybrid academic format, offering the flexibility of virtual learning with online coursework while retaining the importance of hands-on practice with out on-campus residencies Our innovative instructional methods are based on the Synergy Model, developed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. This model helps equip you with a wide range of clinical competencies so you can graduate with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive. Our programs are designed to allow you to complete your coursework anywhere and on your own schedule, with unmatched support to help you reach your bigger goals.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Duquesne University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Beyond the Classroom

You're looking to further your education and become a leader in nursing, and we understand the importance of presenting our students with the opportunities to do so. Outside of your coursework, you can walk boldly with nursing leaders with additional opportunities in instruction and preceptorships. 

A nursing student works on an exercise with her instructor.

Become a Nurse Preceptor

Give back while earning your degree. Become a graduate or a clinical preceptor today and help lead the next generation of nursing professionals.

A nursing instructor works with a group of students.

Lead the Future - Adjunct Clinical Instructors

The School of Nursing takes pride in hosting the experts and pioneers of the nursing field as faculty. We invite qualifying MSN students to join this team of leaders by becoming an Adjust Clinical Instructor, and to give back to future students while pursuing your bigger goals.

Contact Us

Brian Bost

Director of Admissions

School of Nursing

Brian Bost headshot

Amy Jo Sarracino

Nursing Recruiter

School of Nursing

Amy Jo Sarracino Headshot

Janey Mazur

Nursing Recruiter

School of Nursing

Janey Mazur headshot

Admissions

MSN, Post-Master's Certificates and DNP