Skip Navigation
DNP / MBA

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track/MBA Dual Degree

Take the Lead, Add an MBA

Dual degree MBA programs offered through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School prepare graduates who are exceptional at patient care and safety as well as effecting change at the health care leadership and corporate levels. This degree is offered with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track.

Cross Disciplines

The DNP Executive/MBA knows what the best clinical care looks like as well as how to make it happen with a unique understanding of the bottom line in nursing and business. You will lead health care teams while providing the evidence, ethical grounding, and business sense that forms the foundation for organizational planning.

Up for the Challenge

An intense, innovative education presents DNP Executive/MBA graduates with the highest level of nursing competence and the knowledge to make the smart calls in the boardroom setting. Organizations will look to you for insight and for problem solving. You will look at the evidence, the numbers, the system, and the patients and families who rely on you to make the right call. And you will be ready.

Back to Top

Leadership Track

No. 1 DNP Program

A DNP Executive/MBA Dual Degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School puts a nurse in rare company alongside leaders of health care or academic institutions setting a course for the future. You have the knowledge, leadership skills, and wisdom needed to get your organization there.

The DNP Executive Track is designed for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in a nursing specialty from a fully-accredited institution and want to take the next step. Graduates of the DNP Executive Track are prepared to create and lead new models of care delivery for communities locally, across the nation, and around the world.

Learn more about the DNP Executive Track

The Flexible MBA

The Flexible MBA at the Carey Business School approaches business with humanity in mind. The program focuses on real-world skills and business fundamentals viewed through a lens of integrity and ethics. Students and graduates come from a wide variety of industries with a goal in common: to nurture their growth into thoughtful, inclusive leaders as well as to find business solutions that support more than just the bottom line.

The part-time program (online, part-time program) is tailored to the demands of your professional and personal life, letting you stay on your career track while earning your degree in as little at 3 years (or take up to 6).

Learn more about Flexible MBA

Additional Information

View the recording of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track, DNP Executive Track/MBA, and DNP Executive Track/MPH virtual information session.

Watch Now

DNP / MBA

 

DNP Projects

The DNP program prepares students to bridge the gap between new science and integration into practice. At the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, graduates of our DNP program have created projects that implement research, plans, and practices that advance our profession and improve health outcomes.

DNP Projects

Back to Top

Priority Application Deadline

Summer Entry
November 1, January 15

Apply Now

Request Information

Speak with an admissions officer to learn more about our program.

Get Started

Additional Program Options

Learn about our Master's and Doctoral program offerings.

Degrees & Programs

Back to Top
Ashley Ramirez, MS, RN
Ashley Ramirez
MS, RN
I feel like [DNP/MBA degrees] would complement each other and give me a strong foundation to move into nursing or health care leadership … sitting at the table to help make decisions that are impacting us on the front lines.
Back to Top

Requirements

Admission Criteria

  • Master's Degree in Nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
  • Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • RN licensure
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (2 professional and 1 academic preferred)*
  • Official Transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
  • Current Resume/CV
  • Goal statement/project proposal (demonstrating commitment to nursing practice and scholarly pursuit)
  • Two years of work experience
  • Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
  • Applicants who earned fewer than 552 clinical hours as part of their advanced nursing coursework should email [email protected] for information about the best pathway to your DNP**
  • Students should have an identified clinical site for conducting scholarly project at the time of matriculation
  • TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

Admissions Application


*References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a job setting preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement.

** Applicants are required to have 375 clinical hours as part of their advanced nursing coursework. Students who have between 375 and 552 clinical hours will have to complete additional clinical hours as part of a practicum. If you have an entry-to-practice Master’s degree, earned fewer than 552 clinical hours as part of your advanced nursing coursework, or hold a Master’s specialty in education, please email [email protected] to discuss your educational background with an Admissions Counselor.

Prerequisites

Graduate Level Biostatistics (3 credits): Demonstrates evidence of statistical literacy and statistical reasoning enabling students to critically read and evaluate healthcare literature. Course must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a letter grade of B or better. Grade of B- will not be accepted.

Most students will need to take MBA Math prior to beginning classes with the Carey Business School. MBA Math is an online math tutorial designed to help reinforce the basic quantitative skills required of a business school student. If admitted, more information will be provided.

International Students

This program does not qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the U.S. and in a status that allows for full or part-time study, may pursue this program.

Back to Top

Curriculum

This dual degree can be completed in 66 credits with 448 practice hours.****

*During the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site immersions will be held in a virtual format until further notice.*

Onsite Dates

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive program's executive session format can be completed in six semesters of study, integrating approximately 3 on-site immersions of 3 days each during the first year and one on-site symposium event lasting 1 day the second year combined with online and virtual learning experiences. The DNP/MBA joins the DNP Executive program in year 2 of their 3 year program.

View the Immersions and Symposium Calendar

Plan of Study

  • Summer I (2 credits)
    • Statistical Analysis (2) * 
  • Fall I (8 credits)
    • Business Communication (residency required for on-line students) (2) *
    • Accounting & Financial Reporting (2) *
    • Economics for Decision Making  (2) *
    • Corporate Finance (2) *
  • Spring I (10 credits)
    • Information Systems (2) *
    • Marketing Management (2) *
    • Advanced Nursing Health Policy (2)
    • Decision Models (2) *
    • The Firm & the Macroeconomy (2) *
  • Summer II (5 credits)
    • Investments (2) *
    • Problem Discovery (3)
  • Fall II (11 credits)
    • Operations Management (2) *
    • General Business Elective 1 (2)
    • Nursing Inquiry (3)  
    • Leadership in Organizations (2) *
    • Business Law (2) *
  • Spring II (10 credits)
    • General Business Elective 2 (2) *
    • Translating Evidence into Practice (3)  
    • Project Advancement (3)
    • Negotiation (2) *
  • Summer III (7 credits)
    • Analysis and Evaluation of Individual and Population Health Data (3)
    • General Business Elective 3(2) *
    • Business Leadership and Human Values (2) *
  • Fall III (7 credits)
    • General Business Elective 4 (2) *
    • General Business Elective 5 (2) *
    • Project Application (3)
  • Spring III (7 credits)
    • General Business Elective 6 (2) *
    • Project Evaluation and Dissemination(3)
    • Clinical Data Management and Analyses (2)

* Courses taken at Carey Business School

** Curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.

*** A minimum of 1000 practice hours is required for DNP.

**** Some MBA courses may require a residency component. Learn more about the residency requirements at the Carey Business School website.

Back to Top

Tuition & Other Costs

View the costs for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track/MBA Dual Degree Track.

Learn More

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a DNP-MBA?
    The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree for nurses at the highest level of nursing practice (https://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials). The three year DNP Executive/MBA dual degree offered through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School will examine both clinical outcomes and the financial repercussions of those clinical outcomes through students’ scholarly projects.
     
  • Is the program accredited?
    Yes, our DNP/MBA program has full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
     
  • Are GRE scores required?
    GRE/GMAT scores not required.

     
  • Is part-time study an option?
    The DNP-Executive track/MBA Dual Degree is designed to fit into the schedule of someone working full time in a clinical setting.  The course work and scholarly project are intended to complement their work focus.
     
  • Is a dissertation or final project required?
    A dissertation is not required. A DNP scholarly project will be completed by the end of the program.  The DNP final project is the students’ original work that establishes them as a Hopkins Nursing clinical scholar.  Examples of scholarly projects can be found on our website here.
     
  • Am I eligible for this program if I am not an advanced practice nurse?
    All applicants must have earned a minimum of 375 clinical hours as part of their post-licensure Master’s in Nursing program. Nurses who do not have advanced practice licensure should contact the Office of Admissions for an eligibility review at [email protected].
     
  • What is the difference between the DNP-Executive and the DNP-Executive/MBA tracks?

    The DNP-Executive/MBA track incorporates business content into the development of the DNP Scholarly Project.  Students will take classes exclusively with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School during the first year of the dual program.  Work on the DNP Scholarly Project will commence in the second year of the dual program.  Students will graduate with a DNP from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and a MBA from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

  • Is the DNP-Executive/MBA track entirely online?
    There are seven onsite immersions associated with the DNP-Executive/MBA track that are spread throughout the three year program.  Onsite visits typically run three days each.  Specific onsite immersion dates will be posted on the program website.
     
  • Where can I find a detailed overview of the program?
    You can learn more details about the program curriculum and application process by watching our informational video.
     
  • Do I need to have leadership experience to apply to this program?
    Developing nurse leaders is a specific aim of the program.  You do not need to have leadership experience to apply.  Students are prepared to excel in current or future leadership opportunities.
     
  • What does ‘Executive’ track mean?
    Students enrolling in the DNP-Executive track or DNP-MBA have an advanced Master’s degree in Nursing.  Many are already Nurse Practitioners.  The degree provides students with the knowledge to develop and implement evidence-based change.  The program is delivered in an Executive type format, with online coursework and onsite immersions spread throughout the curriculum.  The term ‘Executive’ distinguishes the DNP-Executive and DNP-MBA tracks from the Advance Practice DNP tracks that lead to Advanced Practice licensure.
     
  • What if I have more questions?
    Contact Laura Panozzo, Assistant Director of Recruitment for the DNP Executive tracks, at [email protected] with any additional questions or to schedule a phone call to discuss ways to make your application as strong as possible.
     
  • What should I do if I am unsure of where I will complete my scholarly project?
    If you are not currently working in a practice environment where a DNP project might be feasible, please contact the Office of Admissions, [email protected], to discuss your options.
     
Back to Top

Funding Opportunities

Scholarships

The School of Nursing sets aside a limited amount of merit-based funds for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership skills, outstanding community service, and other personal strengths and accomplishments.  These merit awards are granted for achievement, not financial need. There is no separate application to apply for a scholarship. Each student is considered upon applying for admission. Scholarships range from $10,000 to $30,000.

Learn More

 

Other Funding Sources

All funding opportunities should be pursued to meet your educational costs. There are organizations that provide scholarship awards ranging from $100 to full tuition and stipend awards. Begin your search early. Application deadlines are typically 6-9 months in advance of the academic year.

Learn More

 

Loans and Loan Forgiveness/Repayment Assistance Options

Loans are an important component of assisting students in meeting their educational expenses. Student Financial Services encourages individuals utilizing loans to fully understand the terms of each loan and borrow only what is needed. We also advise individuals to research loan repayment and employment options which can assist in meeting loan repayment obligations.  Student Financial Services has gathered a list of loan forgiveness and repayment assistance options that can be explored via the link below.

Learn More

 

Back to Top

What We Are Saying

Explore Our Blogs

 
Explore All Blogs
Back to Top