A doctor of nursing practice or DNP degree is one of the highest levels of education someone can achieve in this profession. There are multiple specialties to pursue, including leadership and general practice, and a DNP opens the door to a range of exciting opportunities. Below, we look at the DNP options in Michigan.
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DNP Programs in Michigan
Michigan offers a range of DNP programs. While they all have an online component, some have more on-campus requirements than others.
According to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, every DNP graduate must have 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours. This total includes the clinical hours that are completed during master’s-level programs. Every accredited program will require 1,000 total clinical hours; the clinical hours listed in the summaries below include the number of credits each DNP program has built into the curriculum to help satisfy the 1,000-hour requirement.
Michigan MSN to DNP Programs
The five MSN to DNP programs below are considered hybrid, but the on-campus requirements vary from one program to another. If you want some on-campus experience, consider one of the programs below.
Eastern Michigan University
- Ypsilanti, Michigan
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 38
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,128 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Eastern Michigan University’s MSN to DNP is designed for students currently practicing as APRNs or with an MSN in leadership or education. This program is what the university calls “super hybrid,” meaning that classes are available online, on-campus, and through alternative course designs, like extended weekends and on-campus immersions. Students are expected to be on campus two to four times a semester.
Grand Valley State University
- Allendale, Michigan
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 38
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $967 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Grand Valley State University’s MSN to DNP Leadership track is a 38-credit program offered in a hybrid format. It includes online coursework and two to five on-campus sessions a semester at the College of Health Sciences campus in Grand Rapids. This program takes two and a half years to complete, and graduates will be qualified to sit for the national certification as nurse executives.
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, Michigan
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 28
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $889.75 per credit + fees for residents; $1,703.50 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
The online MSN to DNP program at MS is open to nurses with an MSN in any focus area. This 28-credit program, which uses a hybrid model, offers online and in-person coursework and can be completed in as little as two years.
Northern Michigan University
- Marquette, Michigan
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $900 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Northern Michigan University, the MSN to DNP program is offered part-time and takes 1.5 years to complete. The program is a hybrid model with low residency. Students are required to attend two on-campus sessions, an orientation at the beginning of the program and an oral presentation for DNP projects during the last semester. There are also optional enrichment events offered on campus, including guest speakers and simulation center events.
University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 28
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,993 per credit + fees for residents; $3,651 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP at the University of Michigan is a hybrid program with some on-campus days required each semester. Weekly courses are generally asynchronous, with one exception, where the class meets synchronously four times a term on Thursday mornings. The program accepts 500 transfer hours from MSN-level work.
Online DNP Programs in Michigan
Online programs are often convenient options for nurses who plan to continue working while pursuing their doctorate. In Michigan, MSN-prepared nurses have multiple options.
Michigan Online MSN to DNP Programs
The following eight programs are primarily online, though some may have minimal on-campus requirements.
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $765 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP at Andrews University offers two entry points for MSN-prepared nurses. Those practicing as APRNs complete 40 credits and can finish the program in 2.5 years, while those with MSNs in other areas complete 56 credits and can complete the program in 3.5 years. Coursework is entirely online. Andrews is currently offering a 50% discount on tuition, but that is subject to change.
Concordia University Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $870 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Although Concordia University has a campus in Ann Arbor, the MSN to DNP program is technically offered through the school’s sister campus in Wisconsin. However, classes are 100% online, and there are no campus visits, making it a convenient choice for Michigan students. All clinical/practicum hours are completed in relation to the required DNP project. For admission, students must be certified as advanced practice nurses or administrators.
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, Michigan
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $770 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Ferris State University is a leadership-focused program that takes six to eight semesters to complete. Intensive courses focus on scholarly writing, role transition, portfolio development, and relationship building and generally occur at the beginning of August.
Madonna University
- Livonia, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $1,105 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Madonna University is 33 credits and 100% online. It is designed for nurses practicing as APRNs or working in roles that support clinical practice, including administrators, educators, and leaders. Most students complete the program in two years, and full and part-time options are available.
Oakland University
- Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $915 per credit + fees for residents; $1,027 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Oakland University is home to Michigan’s first DNP program. Today, it offers an MSN to DNP track that can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time. This program uses a flexible online format designed to accommodate a nurse’s full-time work schedule.
Saginaw Valley State University
- University Center, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $840 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Saginaw Valley State University is 100% online and focuses on advanced leadership. Nurses with an MSN in any specialty can apply. There are two tracks: an APRN track and a non-APRN track. A gap analysis will determine the required number of credits, but the program generally takes two years to complete.
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $875 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Spring Arbor University’s MSN to DNP program uses a 7-1-7 model, with 7-week courses followed by a week-long break before starting another 7-week course. It takes 20 months to complete. All courses are online, and there is a virtual residency at the beginning of the program. The curriculum has 500 clinical hours built-in, but non-APRN students who did not complete 500 hours in their MSN-level work may need additional practicum courses.
University of Detroit Mercy
- Detroit, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $959 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at the University of Detroit Mercy requires APRNs to complete 36 credits. Nurses with MSNs in other areas must complete a 6-credit bridge program for a total of 42 credits. This program can be completed full- or part-time and takes a minimum of six semesters.
Wayne State University
- Detroit, Michigan
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,087.11 per credit + fees for residents; $2,016.24 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Wayne State University is an option for NPs and those with an MSN in another specialty. To complete the program, nurses who are practicing as NPs will complete 38 credits. Those not practicing as NPs will complete 73 credits focusing on completing the coursework required to practice as an NP. Those who live more than 60 miles from campus can complete the program online.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Michigan
The lengths of these programs vary depending on whether they are full- or part-time and the program entry point. If you want to complete a program as quickly as possible, consider the options below.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The program at Northern Michigan University is the shortest at 1.5 years. Spring Arbor University’s program is the runner-up, taking 20 months.
There are also five programs that take only two years to complete: Michigan State University, Madonna University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, and the University of Detroit Mercy.
Best DNP Programs in Michigan
It’s difficult to determine the best program because each is a little different. Many of Michigan’s MSN to DNP options are general practice degrees, but if you are looking for something more specialized, consider the MSN to DNP Leadership program at Grand Valley State University. Some of these schools also offer shorter programs for APRNs, including the MSN to DNP at Andrews University, the MSN to DNP at Saginaw Valley State University, and the MSN to DNP at the University of Detroit Mercy.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Michigan
It can be challenging to determine the cost of each program as each school has different fee structures and extra costs. When looking at the cost of each program per credit, though, the most affordable option is Andrews University at $765 per credit, with Ferris State University close behind at $770.
Other affordable options include Saginaw Valley State University at $840 per credit, Concordia University Ann Arbor at $870, Spring Arbor University at $875 per credit, and Michigan State University at $889.75 per credit.