The right programs to help you advance your nursing career
The College of Nursing offers three graduate programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.)
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
We offer flexibility by delivering courses through a variety of methods including face-to-face and online. Classes are offered in Brookings, Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Start your journey today.
Master of Science
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.)program prepares nurses for advanced practice in nursing administration, clinical leadership, clinical practice or education.
Postgraduate Certificate
For students with a previous master's degree, four postgraduate certificate options are available: family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader and nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Students can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Applicants to the DNP program can specialize in family nurse practitioner. For registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor's degree in nursing, we offer the bachelor's to DNP. We also offer two different options for RNs who have a master's degree.
Doctor of Philosophy
Students can also earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing through SDSU. Applicants accepted into the program via the spring admissions cycle will begin coursework in the fall. The student may choose from the following specializations: health promotion/disease prevention in underserved and rural populations, health outcomes or nursing education. Applicants with a master's degree in nursing or related field can choose the 60-credit Ph.D. We also have a 90-credit option for applicants with a bachelor's degree in nursing.