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.
See Our Rankings
- #1 Online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education Program
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #8 Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #7 Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration and Leadership
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #7 Graduate Programs for Veterans
U.S. News & World Report 2025
Gain the Skills to Lead and Innovate with Duquesne’s Master of Science in Nursing
Duquesne’s Master of Science in Nursing programs offer a purpose-driven path toward an impactful future in nursing. With six specialized tracks, you’ll receive a top-tier education that blends advanced practice with leadership development. The return on investment is clear: Graduates are equipped for high-paying roles in healthcare leadership and clinical practice. With online and hybrid learning options, you’ll find the Master of Science in Nursing specialization that’s right for you.
Duquesne’s Post-Master’s Certificates: Your Path to Specialized Nursing Expertise
Quickly elevate your expertise and career in nursing with a Duquesne certificate program. With flexible, targeted coursework, these programs allow you to specialize in key areas of health care. Whether you’re looking to enhance your credentials or pivot into a new nursing specialty, Duquesne offers a pathway to advanced knowledge without the long commitment of a full degree. Go further with an online or hybrid graduate certificate.
Doctoral Programs with a Global Impact
Duquesne University's Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing programs are designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to elevate their expertise and leadership in health care. With strong hands-on experience pathways and cutting-edge facilities, our programs ensure you graduate ready to lead in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Find the online or hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice specialization that aligns with your goals.
“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
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.
See Our Rankings
- #5 Online Master of Science in Nursing Program in the United States
Fortune | Education, Top Graduate Schools 2024 - #8 Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Program
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #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
Family Nurse Practitioner
Earn an online Post-Master’s Certificate or Master of Science in Nursing in Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner and prepare to advance your career as a primary care provider. Our Master of Science in Nursing program also includes clinical hours that will prepare you for the national Family Nurse Practitioner licensure exam.
Building meaningful connections with patients not only enhances your expertise but also helps you grow as a practitioner and person. Join Duquesne’s Master of Science in Nursing or Post-Master's Certificate program and transform lives through compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Earning your 100% online Master of Science in Nursing or Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health will allow you to work with populations of all ages and backgrounds and assess their mental health, diagnose conditions and provide primary care services.
In either our master’s or certificate program, you will develop the skills necessary to assess, diagnose and provide treatment options to patients with mental disorders. Join a growing community of nurses working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to improve mental health outcomes and promote well-being.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse
Our online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner graduate program and post-master's certificate are both designed to allow you to work and pursue your nursing education simultaneously. The curriculum was developed in accordance with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), meaning it aims to ensure that you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice as a gerontological nurse practitioner.
“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
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.
See Our Rankings
- #1 Online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education Program
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #8 Best Overall Nursing School in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Nursing Schools Almanac 2024 - #7 Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration and Leadership
U.S. News & World Report 2025 - #7 Graduate Programs for Veterans
U.S. News & World Report 2025
Forensic Nursing
Forensic nurses don’t only work in hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms. They also work as nurse coroners, expert witnesses and policymakers. Our online Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master's Certificate in Forensic Nursing will prepare you to apply forensic science to serve patients in many ways, from designing more effective care plans to providing medical analysis that can add to legal defenses. You will also learn to identify new methods and approaches to achieve civil and criminal justice.
Executive Nurse Leadership and Healthcare Management
Expand your understanding of how healthcare systems function from a business perspective with an online Post-Master's Certificate or Master of Science in Nursing in Executive Nurse Leadership. Your experience as a nurse is indispensable, and you have the unique ability to pair it with business knowledge gained at Duquesne to innovate healthcare systems at budgetary, quality care and strategic levels. You will be prepared to lead a team of nurses, lead a department or sit on the executive board of a hospital or larger healthcare system.
Nurse Education and Faculty Role
With an online Nursing Education Master of Science in Nursing or Post-Master's Certificate you can play a pivotal role in the lives of tomorrow’s nurses to impact the future of nursing both in your community and around the world. Duquesne's Online Nurse Educator coursework is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to educate the future of the nursing profession, such as teaching and mentoring, communication skills, relationship-building, research and analysis and more.
“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 Duquesne Master of Science in Nursing Graduate
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.
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
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.
“The instructors taught so much about what it means to be a DNP-prepared nurse, and guided us to becoming nurse leaders. Even through this pandemic, they were completely understanding to how things may have changed with us personally. However, because of their continual support and understanding, I do not believe any of us took them up on their offer to "do what we can" for the week. We all continued with the course load, and that can be attributed to not just our cohort’s strong camaraderie, but also to the caliber of our professors’ teaching skills.”Jewel Tartt Duquesne Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate
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.
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.