A DNP is a terminal degree in nursing, one of the highest levels of education a nurse can achieve. Many schools in Georgia offer DNP programs for nurses who wish to practice as nurse practitioners, but there are also plenty of options for those who want to take another path. Here, we look at the DNP options in the state.
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Georgia
Georgia offers various DNP programs, all with some online components, though entry points, specializations, and on-campus requirements vary from program to program. Below, we cover the DNP options available in the Peach State to help you find the right fit for your needs and busy schedule.
Note that, per the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, all DNP programs require 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours for accreditation. This requirement means that clinical hours accrued during master’s-level programs are included in this total. 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.
Georgia MSN to DNP Programs
While there are no on-campus MSN to DNP options in Georgia, the following two schools offer hybrid programs that include on-campus requirements.
Brenau University
- Gainesville, Georgia
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $1,310 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Brenau University offers two MSN to DNP tracks. The 40-credit MSN to DNP APN option is designed for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses, and the 41-credit MSN to DNP Leadership and Management for nurse managers. Both programs use a hybrid model, with on-campus classes held a few times every semester.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 39
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $408 per credit + fees for residents; $660 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The 39-credit MSN to DNP at Georgia State University is a hybrid program that combines synchronous and asynchronous online classes with a limited number of in-person sessions at the Atlanta campus. Students can transfer 500 clinical hours from their post-BSN courses to help meet the 1,000-hour requirement. This program takes about five semesters or about 21 months to complete.
Online DNP Programs in Georgia
Every DNP program in Georgia has online components, which makes them convenient and flexible options for working professionals.
Georgia Online BSN to DNP Programs
The DNP programs at Herzing University are offered online. This is also the only school in the state that offers DNP options for BSN-prepared nurses who wish to pursue a specialty other than nurse practitioner.
Herzing University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $755 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Herzing University has campuses across the U.S., including one in Atlanta. It offers three online DNP tracks, including two BSN to DNP options.
The BSN to DNP Leadership and Administration track and BSN to DNP Public Health track require 62 credits and take 28 months to complete. Each program includes 135 clinical hours as well as a DNP practice project with project residency courses to complete the remaining required hours.
Herzing’s MSN to DNP program is 32 credits and can be completed in 20 months. All courses are online, and the program is flexible to accommodate non-traditional students.
Georgia Online MSN to DNP Programs
Georgia offers several online MSN to DNP options. Ten of the programs below do not have any on-campus requirements, while the eleventh requires a single on-campus orientation visit at the beginning of the program.
Augusta University
- Augusta, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $441 per credit + fees for residents; $1,189 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Both post-master’s DNP programs at Augusta University are 100% online with no on-campus requirements.
The MSN to DNP program includes 524 clinical hours and is designed for MSN nurses practicing as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Full- and part-time options are available.
The university also offers an MSN to DNP Nurse Executive track designed for MSN-prepared nurses in leadership roles, like chief nursing officers. The program includes 508 clinical hours and asynchronous coursework.
Both of these programs are offered full-time and part-time. Full-time students can complete either program in about 16 months and part-time students in about 28.
Emory University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: 120
Tuition: $1,721 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP track at Emory University features distance-friendly classes that allow students to complete coursework from anywhere in the country. The program is designed to accommodate students working full-time, and students can complete the program in six semesters or two calendar years.
Georgia College & State University
- Milledgeville, Georgia
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with one on-campus visit
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $382 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia College & State University offers multiple BSN to DNP options for those who wish to practice as nurse practitioners, as well as an MSN to DNP for nurses who already have a master’s degree. This program is entirely online, with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, and students are required to come to campus at the beginning for orientation. Up to 720 clinical hours from post-BSN courses can be transferred to help meet the 1,000-hour requirement. Students can complete this full-time program in six semesters over two calendar years.
Georgia Southern University
- Savannah, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $6,802 per semester + fees
Program Overview:
Georgia Southern University’s MSN to DNP program is offered online. Most coursework is asynchronous, but there are live synchronous classes throughout the program. It takes six semesters to complete and is flexible enough to allow nurses to continue working while pursuing their degrees.
Mercer University
- Macon, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $1,285.50 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Mercer University offered several NP DNP programs for nurses with a BSN and an MSN to DNP generalist track for nurses who already have a master’s. Classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously online. Students can attend either full- or part-time. Full-time students complete the program in five semesters or about 21 months; part-time in eight semesters or about 30 months.
South University
- Savannah, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $650 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
South University offers courses across the county, including Savannah. The online MSN to DNP program includes 28 foundational course credits, 4 capstone project credits, and 34+ clinical credits to ensure students meet the 1,000-hour requirement.
University of North Georgia
- Dahlonega, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $384 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at the University of North Georgia has two tracks: a nurse executive leader track and a nursing education track. Both pathways require 44 credits and asynchronous online courses. Full-time students can complete either of these programs in five semesters, and part-time students can complete them in eight.
University of West Georgia
- Carrollton, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 60
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $25,560 for the entire program + fees, or about $426 per credit
Program Overview:
The 60-credit MSN to DNP Education track at the University of West Georgia is 100% online, with asynchronous classes. The proposal and final dissertation defenses are also completed virtually. Students can complete the program in 10 semesters full-time or 14 semesters part-time.
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $329 per credit + fees for residents; $1,220 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Valdosta State University offers several options for MSN-prepared nurses who wish to pursue a DNP. The MSN to DNP program offers two specialties: an education track and a leadership track. Both online options are 38 credits long, require 500 DNP project hours, and take five semesters to complete.
The university also offers an MSN to DNP/MBA track that has 39 to 45 credits and 500 clinical hours. Students in this program are accepted into both the DNP and MBA programs but complete the DNP portion first and then return after graduation to complete one semester of MBA classes.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Georgia
The lengths of these programs depend on previous education and experience. If you want to complete a DNP as quickly as possible, consider one of the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
Herzing University is the only school in Georgia that offers a DNP program for BSN-prepared nurses that does not focus on being a nurse practitioner. There are two options, leadership and administration and public health, and both take 28 months to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest option is Augusta University, where the DNP program can be completed in as little as 16 months. A few universities also offer programs that take about 21 months to complete: Georgia State University, Mercer University, the University of North Georgia, and Valdosta State University.
Best DNP Programs in Georgia
Only you can decide what program meets your needs, and there are many great options to choose from in Georgia. Some of the more interesting options can be those that specialize in a particular area, like the MSN to DNP Leadership and Management program at Brenau University, the BSN to DNP Public Health track at Herzing, and the MSN to DNP/MBA option at Valdosta University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Georgia
It can be challenging to determine the least expensive program as each college has different fee structures, and additional costs can vary. That said, if you’re looking at the cost per credit, Valdosta State University is the most affordable at $329. Georgia College & State University is a close second at $382 per credit.
Other affordable options are Augusta University, which charges $441 per credit; the University of West Georgia, which charges $426; and South University, which charges $650 per credit.