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 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Your Success is Our Highest Priority.
At Duquesne University, our support starts before you do. We pride ourselves on providing the best experience possible because that’s what you deserve. Our faculty and staff believe that the more support we provide to you, the better care you can provide to individuals, families, and communities throughout your nursing career.
Our School of Nursing has a rich history that spans over 80 years — from awarding Pennsylvania’s first BSN degree to offering the nation’s first online Ph.D. program. We’re proud of our ability to create innovative curriculums that position students to evolve in a variety of healthcare settings. But more than that, we’re honored to have the opportunity to ensure your success through each phase of your nursing program.
Our Commitment to Online Learning.
We launched ourselves into online learning more than 20 years ago. Since then, we’ve grown to be a trusted leader in the field of nursing. Our faculty of experts provide quality education and perform research that’s used to shape healthcare standards on a global scale. Their drive to continue evolving with advancements in technology has made it possible for our nursing degree programs to do the same.
Our commitment started as a way to reach students in rural areas and with limited resources to further their nursing education. From the beginning, we recognized the emergence of a one-of-a-kind community fueled by interactions between students and faculty members. This community continues to live and breathe through online learning and has made it possible for hundreds of students to receive a quality education at their convenience.
What to Expect With Your Online Degree.
Having a busy schedule can impact your decision to continue your nursing education. Don’t let it. When you study with Duquesne University online, you can log in at any time from anywhere — our coursework is asynchronous. That means you’ll have the flexibility to set your own schedule and complete coursework at your own pace. Some classes may contain a synchronous component, requiring you to participate in a scheduled online chat session or phone conference, but most of your interactions with fellow classmates will be through discussion boards.
As an online nursing student at Duquesne University, you won’t have to worry about compromising quality for convenience. That’s because with us, you can have both. Your faculty, curriculum and overall classroom structure will mirror our on-campus programs. And while you aren’t required to be on campus to complete your coursework, our MSN and DNP programs do require you to fulfill your residency credits at our downtown Pittsburgh campus. This is a great opportunity for you to network with peers and form connections that you may not have otherwise.
Earning your degree online certainly has its benefits, including flexibility, convenience and cost. But it’s important to remember that you’ll need to stay focused and be personally responsible for your time management.
“Online learning is demanding and rigorous, but it’s well worth it.”
– Dr. Rick Zoucha, Chair of Advanced Role and PhD Programs
We Want to Support You — However We Can.
Choosing a nursing program can be challenging, but knowing where to start once you do can even be more so. Not when you study at Duquesne University. We know what it takes to enroll and earn your degree, so let us take the lead. Here are few people who want to do just that.
Enrollment Advisor
Your first interaction with us will be from your enrollment advisor. They will provide consistent, one-on-one support through each phase of the enrollment process. They may ask about your goals, career aspirations, and what you’re most passionate about to help with program selection.
Academic Advisor
When it comes to policies and procedures, your academic advisor is your subject matter expert. They will monitor your academic progress and take steps to ensure that you stay on track, which means that you’ll go to them to withdraw or take a leave of absence.
Student Support Specialist
Once you’re a student, you’ll be assigned a student support specialist — your new go-to resource for program-specific questions. They will guide you through orientation, provide registration deadline reminders, assist with ordering textbooks and customize a program plan just for you.
Faculty Mentor
Professional development is at the cornerstone of our teaching. That’s why you’ll be assigned a faculty mentor once you become a student. They know how to tailor their support to you and the future you want to have in nursing.
Resources Tailored to Your Needs.
- Online Program Orientation: This introduction is designed to help familiarize you with Blackboard, our online learning platform. You’ll understand the different features available as you complete your courses online.
- The Writing Center: This Center provides consultants to assist you in becoming a better writer. They can give you feedback on a writing project and offer one-on-one assistance at all stages of the writing process.
- Gumberg Library: Even though you’re an online student, you’ll still be able to access resources through the Gumberg Library system. Resources like academic articles and databases will help guide your research.
General FAQs
Is Duquesne University accredited?
Yes, our university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
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 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Our online nursing programs (MSN programs, Post-Master’s Certificates and DNP) are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Is all my coursework done online?
Yes, all courses for our MSN, Post-Master’s Certificates and DNP programs are 100% online. There may be campus visits required depending on the course, but all coursework can be completed through Blackboard.
Is financial aid available for online coursework?
Yes, see our admissions page for more information about financial aid and tuition rates.
Do I ever have to travel to Duquesne?
If you’re enrolled in our online graduate nursing programs then you’re required to come to Pittsburgh for an on-campus residency. The number of visits required will depend on which graduate program you are enrolled in.
How many students will be in my classes? Our faculty aims to provide one-on-one attention which is why our graduate programs average 10-15 students.
How long are the online courses?
Most of the courses for our online nursing programs are eight weeks, which allows you to take two classes a semester, but focus on one at a time. Courses that involve a clinical component are 16 weeks so you have more time to complete clinical hours while continuing to work.
Does Duquesne accept students from all 50 states?
Due to higher education regulation changes, Duquesne University School of Nursing cannot accept your application into our online nursing programs if you live in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, or Washington.
* Arizona & Oregon Exception: Duquesne University is able to accept applications for all online nursing programs with the exception of the Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN & Post-Master’s Certificates).
Am I required to go to a specific testing center when I take tests for my classes?
You are not required to visit at a testing center to complete your exams for our online programs. You’ll use Examity online proctoring to do this.
MSN & PM Certificates FAQs
Do I need to come to Pittsburgh for my clinical practicum experience?No, clinical sites will be arranged near your location.
Am I required to find my own clinical practicum sites?Yes, it is your responsibility to secure your clinical sites. However, Duquesne University has a dedicated clinical coordinator who can assist you with this process.
If I am currently enrolled at another university, can I still register for online classes at Duquesne?Yes, a maximum of nine credits may be transferred from another accredited university and awarded toward your MSN coursework. Transfer credits are awarded on a case-by-case basis, so please reach out to an enrollment advisor for more information.
Do I need letters of recommendation?Yes, for our online MSN programs we require two letters of recommendation, one academic and one professional. The academic letter should be from a former nursing professor and the professional letter should be from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation.
DNP FAQs
Does Duquesne consider applicants whose master’s degree is not in nursing? Yes, but a master’s in nursing is preferred. If you hold a non-nursing master’s degree, you’ll be evaluated prior to admission. This process may require a portfolio review, supporting materials and completion of some master’s level nursing course(s).
Can I transfer credits into the DNP program? Yes, a maximum of nine doctoral-level credits from an accredited university may be transferred.
Can I be a part-time DNP student? No, upon admission you’re admitted into a specific DNP cohort. The coursework in the DNP program is sequential and must be taken as outlined in the program plan. If you take 6 credits per semester, you are considered a full-time graduate student which helps in securing graduate education funds.
Do I need letters of recommendation? Yes, for our online DNP programs we require three letters of recommendation. Applicants have two combinations available for their letters of recommendation, two academic and one professional or one academic and two professional. The academic letter should be from a former nursing professor or nursing preceptor and the professional letter should be from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation.