Earn Your Doctorate at Duquesne: Where Nurses Become Leaders
At Duquesne University, we position you to take the next step in your nursing career with our online and hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy programs.
Explore our Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy programs that offer an immersive, hands-on education with a focus on leadership, research and ethical practice:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership and Healthcare Management (post-baccalaureate and post-master’s)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics
Whether you're advancing from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing, our degrees provide the expertise and leadership skills needed to shape the future of health care. Join a prestigious nursing school that prepares you for high-level roles in clinical practice and healthcare policy.
See Our Rankings
- #9 Online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program
NursingProcess.org - #8 Best Overall Nursing School in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Nursing Schools Almanac 2024 - #7 Graduate Programs for Veterans
U.S. News & World Report 2025
Thanks for Your Interest in Duquesne!
We’ll be in touch with more information soon. In the meantime, learn more about us and how we can help you reach your goals. Or if you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to apply today!
Change the World, Starting with Yours
Change the World, Starting with Yours
At Duquesne University, we’re dedicated to helping you elevate your nursing career to new heights. Our hands-on Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master’s Certificate, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy programs and horizon-expanding education, paired with a supportive, student-centered environment, ensure that you gain the skills and confidence needed to lead in health care.Our hands-on Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master's Certificate programs and horizon-expanding education, paired with a supportive, student-centered environment, ensure that you gain the skills and confidence needed to lead in health care.Our hands-on Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy programs and horizon-expanding education, paired with a supportive, student-centered environment, ensure that you gain the skills and confidence needed to lead in health care. From exceptional clinical experiences with top hospitals to flexible online and hybrid options, Duquesne empowers you to make a lasting impact on your patients and community. With a focus on leadership and holistic care, we give you the tools to transform lives – starting with your own.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership and Healthcare Management
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leader program focuses on evidence-based practice, quality improvement and systems leadership. By partnering with Duquesne’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business Health Care Management program, we position you to gain unique business insights and advanced skills to shape and lead healthcare systems.
Whether you earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice as a post-master’s or post-bachelor’s degree, you will prepare to become a chief executive officer, chief nursing officer, executive director of quality, clinical practitioner, or nursing director in hospitals, ambulatory and nonprofit organizations.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership
Learn to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice with our Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership program. You’ll gain a practice-based terminal degree, offering an alternative to a research-focused doctoral degree program. You’ll be positioned for roles in which you’ll be responsible for managing nursing staff and teaching undergraduates or be part of a team implementing best practices in patient care or reviewing health policy initiatives.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
Designed for experienced critical care nurses, this hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares you to deliver safe, quality anesthesia care. Through rigorous clinical rotations and a mix of online and in-person coursework, you will explore methods to improve health outcomes through the identification, development and implementation of key evidence-based practice projects. Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) as CRNAs.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
Nursing and Nursing Ethics
Duquesne University offers two Doctor of Philosophy programs for healthcare professionals seeking to drive innovation in research and healthcare policy. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, the first fully online program of its kind, prepares you to lead in research and organizational leadership, both locally and globally. For those passionate about ethics, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics empowers you to tackle complex ethical issues in health care. This program prepares you to lead with integrity, influence policy and drive meaningful change in health care.
“Duquesne prepared me well, by offering some of the best clinical experiences in all of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh has a lot of trauma and specialized hospitals, such as Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. My clinical experiences provided a well-rounded education and prepared me for my role as a Mayo Clinic’s Medical ICU nurse after graduation.”Sarah Loschiavo Master of Science in Nursing
“The on-campus residency weeks are great. I knew nothing about advanced physical assessment or anything. Even working every day with patients as a nurse, I still had no idea about some of these other techniques. Being able to practice them firsthand with people who could assist me was tremendously helpful.”Christopher Baker Master of Science in Nursing (FNP) '19, Doctor of Nursing Practice '21
Clinical Assistant Professor
“The support that I’ve received here at Duquesne has been tremendous. I can’t speak highly enough about the faculty. They have a real passion for teaching. At Duquesne, they really care about the end goal of the student’s learning and it’s not just the faculty teaching the courses, it’s the academic advisers, it’s really everybody that touches every point in the pathway of learning.”Justine Sicari Master of Science in Nursing (ED), Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-Master’s Certificate (FNP) '19
Discover a Horizon-Expanding Education
Job Placement and ROI
Equipped with one of our graduate nursing degrees, your future will be shaped by the enduring strength of the Duquesne legacy. With a reputation for producing highly skilled nurses, Duquesne graduates are sought after by top healthcare organizations. Plus, our strong network of clinical partnerships and established relationships within the healthcare industry ensure you have access to exceptional job placement opportunities.
Learn from Industry Leaders
With a focus on your professional development, Duquesne’s faculty ensures you’re not just learning theory but also gaining the practical knowledge needed to excel in your career. Our professors bring a wealth of real-world experience and academic expertise, providing mentorship that goes beyond the classroom. They’re committed to helping you achieve your goals, offering personalized guidance and insight into the latest practices in health care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Duquesne’s facilities offer a dynamic setting that supports your growth as a nurse leader. Our cutting-edge simulation labs, featuring high-tech mannequins and realistic clinical scenarios, provide a hands-on learning environment where you can perfect your expertise and prepare for complex healthcare challenges. Whether you’re advancing clinical skills or engaging in innovative research, our resources will prepare you to lead the way in your field with confidence.
The Duquesne Promise
At Duquesne, you’re investing in an education that offers exceptional value. Our graduates have a reputation of excellence, with many securing high-paying roles in top healthcare organizations shortly after graduation. The strong legacy of Duquesne nursing alumni speaks to the quality of our education and the lasting impact it has on their careers. Plus, with comprehensive financial aid support, you’ll have the resources to make your educational journey accessible.
Get More Information
Let us know how best to get in touch so we can share more about how we can help you achieve your career goals.
It's Time for Bigger Goals: Apply to Duquesne Today!
Start your journey today, and join a community dedicated to your success. With cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty and a comprehensive support system, Duquesne is ready to help you reach your goals in nursing.
Our nursing graduates and faculty are making a difference as practitioners and researchers, educators and scholars, leaders and innovators. Now, it’s your turn.
Apply now with the following benefits:
- No GRE required
- No application fee required
- No letters of recommendation required
We’re Here to Help
Please reach out to us for more information on Duquesne, our nursing programs or the admissions process.