Antioch University

What you'll study

Coursework focuses on topics required for high-level clinical and systems practice. Key areas of learning include:

• Evidence-based practice and implementation
• Population health and health equity
• Organizational leadership and healthcare strategy
• Quality improvement and outcomes evaluation
• Interprofessional collaboration and policy influence

Pathway structure varies: MSN-to-DNP tracks commonly span six semesters of part-time study with a three-year pacing option; BSN-to-DNP nurse practitioner routes include additional clinical coursework and supervised clinical hours and therefore require a longer program plan. All students complete applied learning tied to practice settings and a culminating DNP scholarly project addressing a clinical or systems-level problem aligned with Antioch’s mission.

Entry requirements

Antioch offers multiple DNP entry pathways (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-/Masters-to-DNP). Specific admission prerequisites and documentation vary by pathway; applicants should consult Antioch’s admissions materials for detailed requirements. The program model is designed for working professionals and offers courses in sequenced terms to support work–life balance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice, executive leadership, and systems-level roles. Typical employment settings include primary care, behavioral health, community health, health systems leadership, and healthcare innovation. Nurse practitioner pathways aim to prepare students for national certification and eligibility for state advanced practice licensure; post-MSN DNP pathways support leadership and advanced clinical practice development but do not provide initial licensure.

Scholarships & funding angle

Antioch awards President’s Doctoral Fellowships to incoming doctoral students: $12,000 total, contingent on a minimum prior GPA of 3.40 and recognition of work/life experience. Awards are distributed equally over the first two registered years and require full-time enrollment, satisfactory academic progress each term, and completion of each registered course to remain eligible. The university provides additional admissions and scholarship information through its online resources.