CSU Fullerton DNP Program
What are the unique features of CSUF's DNP program?
Differences between other programs and the degree program offered by CSU Fullerton include the following:
- Inclusion of curriculum for preparation for faculty role, including courses in curriculum development and teaching methods, as well as an elective opportunity for practice teaching;
- A broader selection of advanced practice practicum courses; and
- A three-semester integrative clinical scholarship series, embedded in clinical practice as required by the accrediting body CCNE, to complete the scholarly project of the clinical doctorate.
How are courses delivered?
CSUF DNP Post-Master's uses a hybrid format, offering courses on-site and online.
Students are required to be available for classes all day on Fridays, for the entirety of the program. Students are required to be on-campus for coursework four Fridays a semester, supplemented with synchronous Friday courses and other and asynchronous online requirements.
How long is the program?
The DNP program is a five (5) semester program scheduled as fall, spring, summer, fall, and spring.
Is clinical practice required?
Clinical practice is required and will vary based on the number of clinical hours documented as eligible through the master’s degree. Clinical hours are specific to your DNP role and can be completed in your place of employment. The DNP requires a total of 1,000 clinical hours upon graduation.
What will the doctoral project involve?
The doctoral project, the culminating experience, includes a three-semester Integrative Clinical Scholarship experience, embedded in a clinical setting, where the student prepares a scholarly doctoral product, such as a pilot study, translational research, program evaluation, consulting project or a quality improvement project. Students will accrue approximately 405 clinical hours during the doctoral project. Each student will work with a faculty team leader and doctoral committee.
Can I work while attending the program?
The program is designed so that the student can work full-time and, with permission of current employer, the doctoral project may be completed within the students’ work setting. However, this is a rigorous and demanding doctoral curriculum and many students may find it appropriate to cut back on hours or take release time during some portions of their doctoral studies. Students are required to be available for classes all day on Fridays, for the entirety of the program
What specialty faculty are available in the DNP Program?
We have faculty with specializations in the following areas:
- Anesthesia
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Management/Administration/Leadership
- Midwifery
- Nurse Practitioner: Adult, Adult/Geriatric, Acute Care Adult, Acute Care Pediatric, Family, Pediatrics, Psych/Mental Health, Women's Health
- Public Health Nursing
What is the cost of the DNP program?
Current tuition and fees can be found on the Student Business Services website. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Are there financial aid and scholarships available?
Doctoral students are eligible for financial aid. Students must complete the FAFSA application (CSUF School Code: 001137). For further information, please visit the CSUF Office of Financial Aid website.
Scholarships/Grants available for DNP students:
- CSU DNP Tuition Grant: Provided by the CSU Chancellor's Office; the grant reduces tuition for eligible students with financial need. To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA each year.
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CSUF ENRICH Grant: Enriching Nursing Representation to Impact Community Health (ENRICH) is a federally funded program to increase retention and graduation of full-time graduate/doctoral nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including students from racial and ethnic minority groups.
- Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP): CDIP prepares promising doctoral students for CSU faculty positions by providing financial support, mentorship by CSU faculty and professional development and grant resources.
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Other Scholarships and Grant Opportunities
How many will students be admitted?
For Fall 2024, between 12 to 18 students will be admitted. Cohorts begin only in the fall semester. Admitted students are expected to complete the degree within 5 consecutive semesters of admission.
Is the DNP program accredited?
Yes! California State University, Fullerton, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, each degree program within the School of Nursing at CSUF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program hosted an accreditation visit from the CCNE in the fall of 2013 and again in the fall of 2018. DNP was granted accreditation in the spring of 2014 and spring of 2019.
