Graduate Nursing Programs

nursing instructor pointing out something to a student

Now More Affordable Than Ever!

Graduate Nursing tuition offered at a special discount rate.

For application questions, contact gradnursing@udmercy.edu.  

Why Choose Graduate Nursing at Detroit Mercy?

1. Master’s in Nursing Majors to Doctor of Nursing Practice Option

  • Choice of popular majors: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nursing Education (NE)
  • ALL options include a pathway to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • AGCNS, CNL, HSM and NE offer all online options to students in all 50 states
  • Post-Master’s Certificates available for AGCNS, CNL, FNP and NE
  • ALL programs are fully accredited to Spring 2027

2. Our Reputation

  • 98% graduate employment rate
  • 98% pass rates on national certification exams for AGCNS and FNP
  • More than 90% of those who start, finish!
  • More than 97% of graduates recommend our programs to others

3. The Mission

  • Grounded in Mercy and Jesuit traditions
  • Students grow into leaders for social justice and vulnerable populations

4. Exceptional 1-on-1 Service

  • Personalized 1-on-1 service with faculty throughout the program
  • Friendly and available support staff to assist with business matters
  • Clinical placements identified near one’s home base

5. Flexible Program Plans

  • Students choose a curriculum plan to meet their needs (full or part time)
  • Variety of course options every Fall, Winter, Summer 

6. Information Sessions

Program Outcomes, Admission Requirements, Application and Tuition

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    Program Outcomes

    The following program outcomes will be achieved at completion of the post-BSN to DNP with master’s exit (MSN Program Outcomes and DNP Program Outcomes):

    MSN Program Outcomes and DNP Program Outcomes

    MSN Program Outcomes

    DNP Program Outcomes

    Demonstrate professional role practice consistent with the competencies of the unique specialty at the master’s level.

    Demonstrate professional role practice consistent with the competencies of the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

    Translate theoretical and conceptual knowledge into advanced nursing practice actions that promote optimal health care quality and patient safety outcomes.

    Formulate innovative theoretical and conceptual frameworks that ensure optimal health care quality and patient safety outcomes.

    Integrate informatics, health care technology, and interpersonal collaboration in the delivery of person-centered nursing practice for individuals and populations.

    Translate evidence to produce innovative models of care that integrates informatics, health care technology, and interpersonal collaboration to affect population health, outcomes, and support health care policy initiatives.

    Engage in systems leadership with a focus on preventive care, policy development, and patient advocacy.

    Lead health care systems and policy innovation with a focus on preventative care, quality improvement and patient advocacy.

    Integrate the Jesuit and Mercy traditions in providing culturally-competent, compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care with a commitment to human dignity in the contemporary world.

    Integrate the Mercy and Jesuit traditions in providing culturally competent, compassionate, holistic and person-centered care with a commitment to human dignity in the contemporary world.

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    Admission Requirements

    Admission criteria for the post BSN to DNP with Master's exit program include:

    1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
      • RNs with a baccalaureate degree in another field could qualify for the MSN bridge program. The baccalaureate degree must be from an accredited program. Each application will be individually assessed to determine courses needed to bridge into the MSN program. This gap analysis will determine what additional courses will be required at the baccalaureate level to ensure they have met the prerequisites necessary for graduate education in nursing. 
    2. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
    3. Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.
    4. A minimum of 2,000 hours as a registered nurse.*
    5. A current unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Michigan, or in the state of home residence.
    6. Three letters of professional recommendation with at least one from someone in supervisory capacity.
    7. Professional CV or current resume.
    8. An autobiographical statement of personal goals and objectives.
    9. An interview with graduate faculty (selective, by invitation).

    *Attention AG-CNS Applicants: Applicants are not required to meet the 2,000 hour practice requirement as a registered nurse. New BSN Graduates are encouraged to apply.

    *Attention AG-CNS Applicants: Students are admitted year round and can enter the program in the fall, winter or summer semesters. Deadlines to submit application and all required supplemental application materials are August 15th (Fall entry), December 1st (Winter entry), or May 1st (Summer entry).

    Attention FNP Applicants: A cohort is admitted annually, in the fall.  All of the above-mentioned application materials must be submitted and received by the March 31 deadline to be considered for regular admission to the program; however, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit and complete their application files early (December 1). Admission is selective as a limited number of seats are available annually.  The application process for Fall is a rolling process.  Once the class has been filled, no further applications may be considered.

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    Application and Tuition

    For more information about this program or any graduate nursing program, the graduate nursing office at gradnursing@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1828. See Financial Aid website for Tuition information.

    Important things to know before applying:

    1. We require official transcripts from each institution you have attended since high school. This includes community colleges and Detroit Mercy. 
    2. Please have all transcripts sent directly to the McAuley School of Nursing. Transcripts can be sent electronically to gradnursing@udmercy.edu or by mail to:
      Graduate Nursing
      McAuley School of Nursing
      University of Detroit Mercy
      4001 W. McNichols Rd. 
      Detroit, MI 48221-3038
    3. You can identify your recommenders conveniently within the online application. Each recommender will receive an email with a secure form to fill out on your behalf.
      • Your recommender can upload a document directly to the form if they wish.
      • If you are uncertain of how many recommenders you need, please contact us. 
    4. Please remember to select the major you are applying for in the "Application Information" tab under "Planned Courses."
    5. Submit your application as soon as the following sections are complete:
      • Personal
      • Application Information (remember to select your major in "Planned Courses")
      • Previous College (remember to add every school you attended since high school)
      • Recommendations (remember to select Nursing/CRNA Recommendation)
      • Certification
      • Review
    6. Once these sections are complete and you have submitted your application, you will receive an email with a link to your personal Admissions Portal.
      • The Admissions Portal provides a helpful visual checklist of your missing documents such as:
        • Transcripts
        • Essay
        • Nursing License
        • Resume/CV
      • The Admissions Portal will allow you to upload the remaining supplemental documents.
        • Please remember you can upload copies of transcripts, but these are considered unofficial. We still need official copies sent directly from the institution. 
    7. You will use your Admissions Portal to confirm your acceptance if admitted.
      • FNP applicants will also pay their enrollment deposit directly through the Admissions Portal.
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    Accreditation

    The Baccalaureate degree in nursing is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

    The Baccalaureate degree in nursing, Master's degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Post-graduate APRN certificate at University of Detroit Mercy are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW Suite 750, Washington, DC  20001.  Contact the CCNE at 202-887-6791.