Graduate Programs

  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certificate

    This specialty certificate is a nondegree course credit option, preparing registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing to be nurse practitioners for patients across the adult years.

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Certificate

    This specialty certificate is a nondegree course credit option, preparing registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing to be nurse practitioners for adults in primary health care settings.

  • BSN to DNP

    The Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) Pathway program allows RNs with a BSN to enter directly into APU’s DNP program without first earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

      Available Online

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

    The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to prepare nurses at the highest level of practice for the current, complex health care environment. An evidence-based clinical approach emphasizes the prevention, assessment, and treatment of complex health issues in the adult and elderly population.

      Online

  • Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM)

    The Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) program is designed for students who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in other disciplines, but want to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. The program provides students an intensive sequence of pre-licensure and post-licensure studies that enables them to become registered nurses (RNs) and receive a BSN, and also leads to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a clinical specialty.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate

    This specialty certificate is a non-degree course credit option, preparing registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing to be nurse practitioners for family-centered health care.

  • Healthcare Administration, MS

    This graduate program, available online and in-person, is designed for working professionals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare administration or policy, but who have no prior experience in the field.

    This program offers the following areas of study: Financial Management in Healthcare Systems, International Health, and Quality and Innovation in Health Care.

      Online

  • MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership

    APU's Master of Science in Nursing in Healthcare Administration and Leadership program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who are interested in pursing healthcare administration careers in myriad healthcare settings.

      Available Online

  • MSN in Nursing Education

    The master's in nursing education program provides comprehensive preparation to become a nurse educator. Using technology and teaching-learning methods taught by experienced nursing faculty, students develop the competencies and skills required to train the next generation of nursing professionals, leaders, and researchers.

      Available Online

  • MSN with CNS Specialties

    The Master of Science in Nursing with Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist allows students to concentrate on one of these two clinical areas of content and practice.

  • MSN with FNP and SNSC Credential

    This combined program allows students to earn a master’s degree along with the School Nurse Services Credential, including a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), preparing them for certification by the state of California and for national certification.

  • MSN with NP Specialties

    The Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties offers the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialties. These three clinical areas of content and advanced practice prepare nurses to work with patients across the adult years, throughout the human lifespan, or in the psychiatric and mental health settings.

  • MSN with PNP and SNSC

    This combined program allows students to earn a master’s degree, including a specialization in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care (PNP-PC), along with the School Nurse Services Credential, preparing them for certification by the state of California and for national certification.

  • MSN with SNSC

    The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) prepares nurses to be effective practitioners of school health. Throughout the program, students develop theoretical and practical expertise in nursing and education applied to basic health services in the public schools (K-12).

  • Master of Public Health (MPH)

    The MPH degree prepares students to be leaders in public health and increase wellness in various populations.

      Available Online

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

    Nationally accredited, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares students in advanced theory and practice in a specialized clinical area of nursing. Upon completion, students will meet all the requirements to be certified and will be nationally board-eligible. Note: Students pursuing an MSN must also complete coursework for a specialized clinical area of nursing.

  • Nursing Education Certificate

    The Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate prepares nurses for teaching roles in various clinical and/or academic settings. This certificate builds on skills and knowledge obtained in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

  • Nursing, PhD

    The PhD in Nursing is a research-based program designed to prepare graduates for a life of scholarship and teaching. Graduates become nurse scholars, educators, and researchers prepared to pursue systematic research inquiry to improve the health of society and train the future generation of nurse clinicians and academicians.

    This program offers the following areas of study: Health of the Family and the Community, International Health, and Nursing Historical Research.

      Available Online

  • Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    The Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certificate equips licensed nurse practitioners with the training and knowledge needed to offer advanced care for cancer patients across the illness span, focusing on supporting the unique needs of cancer survivors and their families. Co-enroll in this program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice to apply all didactic units and nearly half of clinical units to the DNP program.

  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certificate

    This specialty certificate is a nondegree course credit option, preparing registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing to be nurse practitioners in areas such as pediatrics or obstetrics.

  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care (PNP-PC) Certificate

    This specialty certificate is a non-degree course credit option, preparing registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing to be nurse practitioners with infants and children in primary health care settings.

  • Post-Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Administration and Leadership

    The Post-Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Administration and Leadership prepares students for administration of nursing service in a variety of healthcare settings. Coursework focuses on combining the resources of nursing, organizational development, and business management.

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate

    The PMHNP certificate prepares nurses to work with patients experiencing severe mental illness to determine biopsychosocial health care needs within a complex and changing environment.

  • School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC)

    The School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) prepares nurses who have completed a bachelor's degree to be effective practitioners of health in schools.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Full Menu