hospital exec talking to a male and female nurse

Doctor of Nursing Practice & Master of Business Administration (DNP-MBA)

The DNP-MBA Joint Degree is a distinctive program that integrates doctoral-level nursing practice with an MBA, preparing graduates for executive leadership in nursing and healthcare. This program is ideal for nurses who aspire to be Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President, or executive positions, and who seek the business acumen to lead at the intersection of clinical excellence and organizational strategy.

Request Info
Apply
Visit

At a Glance

Joint Degree: Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) through an integrated joint degree pathway, with overlapping credits.
Fully Online: Offered fully online, with optional in-person experiences.
Flexible and Fast: For the working professional; complete in as few as 2 years.
Expert Faculty: Learn from expert faculty in both the Conway School of Nursing and the Busch School of Business.
Executive Leadership Potential: Prepare for leadership careers in healthcare systems, industry, consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia.

Program Details

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / Master of Business Administration (MBA) Joint Degree combines advanced nursing leadership preparation with comprehensive business education to prepare graduates for executive leadership roles in healthcare.

As healthcare systems become increasingly complex, organizations need leaders who understand both patient care and organizational performance. The DNP-MBA Joint Degree equips graduates with the skills to improve health outcomes while effectively managing operations, finances, quality initiatives, workforce development, and strategic growth.

Admission Requirements

This program is for students who have previously earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Students with a Bachelor's degree can consider starting the MSN in Complex Healthcare Systems and then continuing on to the DNP-MBA program.

Graduate applications are processed through the Office of Graduate Admission. If you have any questions about the admission process, please contact the office at 202-319-5057 or [email protected].

Note: Applicants who are concurrently seeking new preparation and eligibility for certification in an advanced practice population must have the approval of the Specialty Program Coordinator for enrollment in the post-master's certification component of their DNP.

Curriculum

FAQs

What is the DNP-MBA Joint Degree?

The DNP-MBA Joint Degree combines advanced nursing leadership education with business and management training. Students earn both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), preparing them to lead healthcare organizations, improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation across healthcare systems.

Is the program online?

Yes, the program is online and built for the working professional.

Who should apply to the DNP-MBA Joint Degree?

This program is ideal for advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, healthcare administrators, educators, and professionals seeking executive leadership roles in healthcare. It is especially valuable for those interested in healthcare operations, strategy, finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, or executive leadership.

Why pursue a DNP and MBA together?

Healthcare leaders increasingly need expertise in both clinical practice and business strategy. The DNP-MBA Joint Degree provides a comprehensive understanding of patient care, organizational leadership, finance, operations, and strategic decision-making, positioning graduates for senior leadership roles. This rare opportunity truly makes the graduate stand out as a healthcare leader.

How is the joint degree different from earning the degrees separately?

The joint degree offers an integrated curriculum that allows students to pursue both degrees through a coordinated program of study. Students benefit from coursework that intentionally connects nursing leadership and business concepts while reducing duplication and streamlining degree completion. 12 overlapping credits count towards both degrees, saving the student time and money.

Can I work while enrolled?

Yes. The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Many students continue full-time or part-time employment while completing coursework.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates may pursue roles such as: