Nurses looking to expand their practice as well as their clinical knowledge base would benefit from earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP differs from a Ph.D. in that it prepares nurses in a more clinical leadership role, as opposed to an educational focus.

DNP programs can take between two and four years to complete, depending on a nurse's entry point. MSN-prepared nurses may complete the program in as little as two years, while a BSN-prepared nurse should expect three to four years of study. Additionally, attending full or part-time will affect the length of time it takes to complete the program.

The DNP curriculum usually involves courses in advanced nursing and diagnostic concepts as well as courses in leadership, healthcare and organizational policy, evidenced-based outcomes, and informatics. Clinical practicums may be required, as well as a final DNP project which involves identifying a healthcare-related problem and proposing evidenced-based solutions.

2025 Best DNP Programs in Mississippi

Looking for the best DNP programs in Mississippi? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top Doctor of Nursing Practice programs to help you find the right fit. Our rankings consider key factors like quality, affordability, and student support. Start your search with confidence using our trusted list. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS - Public 4-Year - deltastate.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

Delta State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides registered nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced nursing leadership. Designed for RNs at various educational levels, the program offers flexible online learning with minimal on-campus visits. Students can choose full-time or part-time options, with program lengths ranging from 1-4 years and 31-95 credit hours. Admission requires a 3.0-3.2 GPA, clinical nursing experience, and completion of specific prerequisite courses. The program prepares nurses for advanced practice, emphasizing evidence-based research, healthcare transformation, and professional development.

  • Online DNP program format
  • Multiple entry point options
  • 1-4 year program lengths
  • Full and part-time study
  • 31-95 total credit hours
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Clinical hours: 420-1140
  • Scholarly project component
  • Family Nurse Practitioner track
  • Advanced clinical preparation

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Delta State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive online pathway for registered nurses to advance their clinical expertise. This rigorous program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care across patient lifespans. Designed for both full-time and part-time students, the curriculum spans 3-6 semesters with flexible options for BSN and post-master's students. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and the opportunity to pursue national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners. Total program costs range around $2,855, with competitive admission requirements including a minimum 3.0 GPA and professional nursing experience.

  • Online DNP program
  • Full and part-time options
  • 65 total credit hours
  • 1,200 total clinical hours
  • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • National certification preparation
  • Leadership and advanced practice focus
  • 3-6 semester completion timeline
  • Evidence-based practice curriculum

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Delta State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive online pathway for registered nurses to advance their healthcare careers. Designed for flexibility, the program accommodates various entry points from associate to master's degrees. Students can complete the program in 1-4 years, with full-time and part-time options. The curriculum combines advanced clinical training, scholarly project development, and leadership preparation, totaling 720 clinical hours and 420 doctoral-level clinical hours. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, nursing degree, and at least one year of clinical experience.

  • Online DNP program
  • Multiple entry pathways
  • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
  • 720 clinical hours total
  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 1-4 year completion timeline
  • 420 doctoral-level clinical hours
  • Scholarly project requirement
  • Leadership development focus

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Non-FNP - Online Learning - Visit Website

Delta State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides registered nurses an advanced pathway to doctoral-level nursing expertise. This flexible online program offers multiple entry points for nurses at different career stages, from RN to DNP or post-master's certification. With a comprehensive curriculum covering advanced health assessment, clinical practice, leadership, and scholarly project development, students can complete the program in 1-4 years. The program requires 31-95 credit hours and includes extensive clinical hours, preparing nurses to become advanced healthcare leaders with strong evidence-based practice skills.

  • Online flexible program format
  • Multiple entry points for nurses
  • 1-4 year completion options
  • 31-95 total credit hours
  • Extensive clinical training
  • Scholarly project requirement
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Advanced nursing leadership focus
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • 1+ year clinical experience needed
Show More 3 Programs ˅
#2

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS - Public 4-Year - usm.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Southern Mississippi's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a cutting-edge online degree designed to elevate nursing professionals to advanced leadership and clinical roles. Focused on transforming healthcare outcomes, this 34-credit, 5-semester program prepares nurses for high-impact positions in primary care, mental health, and surgical settings. Graduates develop comprehensive skills in healthcare leadership, policy, economics, and evidence-based practice. With accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program offers a rigorous curriculum emphasizing scholarly project development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 34 Credit Hours
  • 5 Semester Duration
  • Accredited Nursing Program
  • Campus Visit Per Semester
  • Scholarly DNP Project Required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
  • Graduate Record Examination
  • Extensive Clinical Partnerships
  • Faculty Expert Mentorship

Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Southern Mississippi's Family Nurse Practitioner program offers advanced nursing education through a comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway. Designed for working nurses, the hybrid program combines online coursework with minimal campus visits, allowing students to complete clinical requirements in their local communities. Graduates emerge as expert clinicians prepared for leadership roles in healthcare settings, with opportunities in private clinics, urgent care centers, and academic positions. The rigorous curriculum requires a 3.0 GPA, clinical experience, and prepares students for national certification exams.

  • Hybrid online/campus program
  • 71 credit hours total
  • 3 years to complete DNP
  • Requires 1+ year RN experience
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Full and part-time options
  • National certification preparation
  • Leadership focused curriculum
  • Clinical hours in local community

Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Advance your nursing career with the University of Southern Mississippi's innovative Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. This comprehensive DNP pathway transforms experienced RNs into expert mental health clinicians through a flexible hybrid format. Students complete rigorous online coursework with minimal campus visits, allowing seamless integration of advanced clinical training. The program prepares graduates for diverse mental health settings, offering full and part-time study options with a focus on leadership, scholarly practice, and professional development.

  • Hybrid Online/Campus Program
  • 73 Total Credit Hours
  • 3-Year DNP Option
  • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
  • One Year RN Experience
  • Clinical Hours in Local Community
  • ANCC Exam Preparation
  • Full and Part-Time Options
  • National Accreditation

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Southern Mississippi's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced clinical preparation for nurses seeking leadership roles. This rigorous hybrid program prepares students to become expert healthcare providers through online coursework and periodic campus visits. Designed for both full-time and part-time students, the program requires 71 credit hours over three years, emphasizing evidence-based practice and professional scholarship. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue diverse healthcare career opportunities in clinics, educational settings, and specialized medical environments.

  • Hybrid online/campus program
  • 71 credit hours total
  • Clinical experiences locally
  • Full and part-time options
  • National certification eligible
  • RN licensure required
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • One year clinical experience
  • Graduate Record Exam needed
  • Accredited nursing program

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice registered nurses to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifespans. This hybrid program focuses on developing expert clinicians who can deliver primary psychiatric care in rural and community settings. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, research expertise, and leadership capabilities. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical practicums, enabling students to translate evidence-based practices into high-quality patient care. Admission requires a BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and clinical experience.

  • Hybrid program delivery
  • 37-43 total credit hours
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Advanced mental health focus
  • Doctoral project required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
  • One year clinical experience
  • Multiple clinical practicums
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Advanced health assessment
Show More 4 Programs ˅
#3

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS - Public 4-Year - alcorn.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Alcorn State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a cutting-edge program designed for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking leadership roles in clinical practice. This 36-credit hour curriculum, completed in five semesters, focuses on translating research into practice, improving healthcare outcomes, and addressing health disparities. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, graduates are prepared to drive meaningful change in complex healthcare systems.

  • 36-credit hour curriculum
  • Five semester continuous study
  • Practice-focused doctoral degree
  • Advanced clinical nursing leadership
  • Research application focused
  • DNP Project required
  • Interdisciplinary team skills
  • Complex health systems emphasis
#4

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS - Public 4-Year - muw.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mississippi University for Women's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to become leaders in healthcare delivery. Designed for nurse practitioners seeking to elevate their clinical expertise, the program focuses on evidence-based practice, chronic illness management, and healthcare policy improvement. Graduates emerge with comprehensive skills to impact patient outcomes in complex health systems, utilizing research translation, interdisciplinary approaches, and advanced clinical knowledge across diverse patient populations.

  • Full-time and part-time study options
  • Minimum 38 credit hours
  • Practice-focused doctoral program
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
  • Leadership in healthcare preparation
  • Chronic illness management focus
  • Advanced nursing practice training
  • Post-masters entry available
#5

University of Mississippi

University, MS - Public 4-Year - olemiss.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program addresses critical healthcare needs by training advanced nursing leaders. This innovative accelerated pathway allows students with a bachelor's degree to earn both BSN and DNP in just four years. The program uniquely focuses on interprofessional education, preparing nurses to tackle complex chronic health challenges in Mississippi. Designed for ambitious healthcare professionals, the curriculum combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical residency, totaling 1,050-1,245 clinical hours.

  • Accelerated BSN to DNP pathway
  • Interprofessional educational approach
  • 62 hours prerequisite coursework
  • 48 credit hours BSN program
  • 68-84 credit hours DNP portion
  • 765 clinical hours BSN phase
  • 1,050-1,245 clinical residency hours
  • Full-time three-year DNP track
  • GRE required for DNP entry

Choosing a DNP Program

Deciding to return to school is a momentous one. Prospective students should weigh the pros and cons, and research school to find the ones that will best work with their busy lives and financial needs. Mississippi has four accredited DNP programs to choose from.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP program

  • Cost– The average cost to attend a DNP program in Mississippi is around $400 per credit hour. This figure does not represent the full cost of attending-university fees, supplies, and living expenses are an added expense. Many schools offer financial aid, as well as offering part-time status which helps offset the cost.
  • Online options– Three of the four DNP programs in Mississippi offer online or hybrid options. These options are beneficial as many nurses must continue to work while attending school. In some cases, campus visitation is required, but it is minimal – only one or two visits per semester are required.
  • Accreditation– To ensure the highest educational standards are met, nursing programs must be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). There are four DNP programs in Mississippi that are accredited by the CCNE.
  • Residency Options– DNP students must pair up with a preceptor or mentor and complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours, as well as complete a DNP project. The requirements are usually around 1,000 hours and the projects between 400-500 hours. MSN-prepared students may be granted the option to apply clinical hours from their MSN program to the DNP program. Additionally, DNP graduates who wish to expand their clinical experience further may look into residency programs, for example, the Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Delta State University offers four program options for DNP students:

  • RN-DNP
  • BSN-DNP
  • MSN-DNP (non-FNP)
  • MSN-DNP (FNP)

This institution offers options for nurses at all levels of education, including those who do not hold a BSN. The program may take between a year and a half to four and a half years to complete depending on the entry point, and between 31 and 114 credit hours are required to graduate. Graduates are prepared to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Admission requirements may vary between the schools and are dependent on the nurse's point of entry. Prospective students may be required to:

  • Hold a valid, unencumbered RN or APRN license
  • Hold a BSN or MSN degree
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher (depending on the school)
  • Submit letters of professional or academic reference
  • Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
  • Have at least one year of nursing experience (years of experience required may vary between schools)
  • Submit a resume/CV
  • Provide proof of liability insurance
  • Provide a writing sample
  • Interview with faculty

Certification

Graduates of DNP programs in Mississippi are eligible to sit for national certification in their specialty upon graduation. Examples of specialty certification include:

  • Nurse practitioner
    • FNP
    • Adult/Gerontology (acute and primary care)
    • Pediatrics (acute and primary care)
    • Women's Health
    • Psychiatric/Mental Health
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse Midwife
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Licensing

DNP students who transition to an APRN role for the first time must apply for licensure in their specialty (i.e., NP, CRNA, Midwife, etc.) in Mississippi. Licensing requirements include:

  • Graduate from a nationally accredited MSN or DNP program
  • Pass a national certification exam in a specialty area
  • Complete 720 hours of residency monitored by either a physician or APRN and evidence must be submitted directly to the board
  • Complete the application and pay any required fees

Additional requirements must be met if the APRN will be prescribing controlled substances:

  • Complete the required 720 hours of monitored practice
  • Request Mississippi Board of Nursing Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority
  • Register with the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, and have received a Uniform Controlled Substances Registration Certificate
  • Pay applicable fees

Mississippi BSN to DNP Program Options

All four accredited DNP programs in Mississippi offer BSN-DNP options. The University of Southern Mississippi's DNP program provides BSN students several options which include both clinical and leadership roles. Tracks include:

  • FNP
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
  • Nurse Anesthesia
  • Leadership in Nursing

The foundation of the DNP program can be from 42-45 hours (about two years) and includes courses in:

  • Role development
  • Ethics in nursing
  • Evaluating evidence-based practice
  • Population health
  • Research
  • Epidemiology
  • Organizational leadership
  • Economics and finance
  • DNP capstone inquiry

The university's website has a more detailed description of core courses, as well as links to the different tracks available.

Related Education Paths

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Mississippi

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Mississippi

Jump to City:

Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit hour curriculum
    • Five semester continuous study
    • Practice-focused doctoral degree
    • Advanced clinical nursing leadership
    • Research application focused
    • DNP Project required
    • Interdisciplinary team skills
    • Complex health systems emphasis

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program format
    • Multiple entry point options
    • 1-4 year program lengths
    • Full and part-time study
    • 31-95 total credit hours
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Clinical hours: 420-1140
    • Scholarly project component
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • Full and part-time options
    • 65 total credit hours
    • 1,200 total clinical hours
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • National certification preparation
    • Leadership and advanced practice focus
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • Multiple entry pathways
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • 720 clinical hours total
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1-4 year completion timeline
    • 420 doctoral-level clinical hours
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Non-FNP - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program format
    • Multiple entry points for nurses
    • 1-4 year completion options
    • 31-95 total credit hours
    • Extensive clinical training
    • Scholarly project requirement
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus

Columbus, MS

Mississippi University for Women

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time and part-time study options
    • Minimum 38 credit hours
    • Practice-focused doctoral program
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Leadership in healthcare preparation
    • Chronic illness management focus
    • Advanced nursing practice training
    • Post-masters entry available

Hattiesburg, MS

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 34 Credit Hours
    • 5 Semester Duration
    • Accredited Nursing Program
    • Campus Visit Per Semester
    • Scholarly DNP Project Required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • Graduate Record Examination
  • Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus program
    • 71 credit hours total
    • 3 years to complete DNP
    • Requires 1+ year RN experience
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Full and part-time options
    • National certification preparation
    • Leadership focused curriculum
  • Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid Online/Campus Program
    • 73 Total Credit Hours
    • 3-Year DNP Option
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
    • One Year RN Experience
    • Clinical Hours in Local Community
    • ANCC Exam Preparation
    • Full and Part-Time Options
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus program
    • 71 credit hours total
    • Clinical experiences locally
    • Full and part-time options
    • National certification eligible
    • RN licensure required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • One year clinical experience
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program delivery
    • 37-43 total credit hours
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Advanced mental health focus
    • Doctoral project required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
    • One year clinical experience
    • Multiple clinical practicums

University, MS

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 34 Credit Hours
    • 5 Semester Duration
    • Accredited Nursing Program
    • Campus Visit Per Semester
    • Scholarly DNP Project Required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • Graduate Record Examination
  • Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus program
    • 71 credit hours total
    • 3 years to complete DNP
    • Requires 1+ year RN experience
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Full and part-time options
    • National certification preparation
    • Leadership focused curriculum
  • Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid Online/Campus Program
    • 73 Total Credit Hours
    • 3-Year DNP Option
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
    • One Year RN Experience
    • Clinical Hours in Local Community
    • ANCC Exam Preparation
    • Full and Part-Time Options
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus program
    • 71 credit hours total
    • Clinical experiences locally
    • Full and part-time options
    • National certification eligible
    • RN licensure required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • One year clinical experience
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program delivery
    • 37-43 total credit hours
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Advanced mental health focus
    • Doctoral project required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
    • One year clinical experience
    • Multiple clinical practicums

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