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Become the Culturally Competent PMHNP Your Community Needs

Online Coursework

As Few as 2 Years, 8 Months

47 Credit Hours

$500 per Credit

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Earn Your Master of Science in Nursing Online To Prepare for PMHNP Roles

Become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who understands the needs of diverse communities through Delaware State University’s online MSN program. Reflecting our HBCU mission, our PMHNP concentration enables you to address mental health needs across the lifespan with cultural competence. You’ll study in a welcoming environment rooted in faculty mentorship, building expertise in therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies to help clients living with mental disorders.

Program Details

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More Information About This Program

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Curriculum

Prepare To Answer Your Community’s Call for PMHNPs

47 Credit Hours

16 Courses

Our PMHNP concentration empowers nurses to meet the urgent need for holistic, evidence-based care in diverse communities. You’ll complete online courses that explore health promotion, disease management, therapeutic interventions and other topics that apply to careers in psychiatric mental health. Our expert instructors will also introduce you to the social determinants of health (SDOH) and how health disparities impact patient outcomes, helping you assist clients in the face of these challenges.

Key Benefits of Our PMHNP Curriculum

Complete High-Quality Courses Online

Advance in nursing through an online program with recognition from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Develop Skills in Clinical Settings

Gain experience for diagnosing mental health disorders and working with special populations across the lifespan by completing practicum hours.

Acquire the Right Credentials for PMHNP Practice

Graduate ready to pursue APRN licensure and national certification in the PMHNP specialty for independent or collaborative practice in eligible states.

Curriculum Details

Admission Requirements

Take This Opportunity To Earn Your MSN Online — Apply Today

Application Deadline 08/14/26

Start Date 08/25/26

DSU is committed to providing a smooth admissions process for the online MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. You do not need to submit GRE/GMAT scores with your application, and we offer an application fee waiver to make it easier to get started. Thanks to our generous transfer credit opportunities, you can build on the knowledge you previously earned.

Online Application FormApply Now
Degree and Minimum GPABachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
TranscriptsSubmit official transcripts that reflect graduation from a nationally accredited (ACEN, CNEA or CCNE) baccalaureate program in nursing (BSN)
Transfer CreditsTransfer up to nine credits
Additional RequirementsCurrent, unencumbered RN license in the U.S.

International Students

DSU offers a welcoming community to students from around the world. In addition to the basic admission requirements, you’ll submit the following items with your application. Be sure to apply at least 90 days before classes start so that you have ample time to meet these requirements.

RN LicenseYou must have an RN license for the state in which you plan to practice
VisaOnly F-1 visas are accepted for international admission to degree programs. If you’re an F-1 transfer student, we require a copy of your I-20 form upon admission
Financial DocumentationInternational applicants must submit proof of funds to cover at least their first year of study. If living with a friend or relative in the U.S., students must submit additional documentation, such as an affidavit of free room and board with supporting documents. For financial documentation, international students must forward the required financial evidence to the Office of International Affairs
Transcript EvaluationTranscripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation agency (such as WES or ECE) and sent to DSU
Standardized Test ScoresAcceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT or ELI

Begin Your Journey to Delaware State University

Each student follows a unique path to DSU, and we’re here to make your journey a success. Visit our Admissions Hub to explore the steps you’ll complete when applying for an online program. You can also learn about transferring credits, using military benefits and taking the next step as an international student.

Admissions

Tuition & Aid

Key Details for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Calculate your cost for attending Delaware State University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.  

Completing DSU’s Master of Science in Nursing program online is a smart investment in your future. We offer cost-effective tuition while delivering in-demand competencies for PMHNP roles. When you request information, be sure to ask about financial aid, military benefits and other ways to make this program work for your budget.

Cost per Credit Hour$500
Total Number of Credit Hours47
Total Estimated Tuition$23,500
Additional Fees
  • Registration Fee (Each Semester): $60
  • Technology Fee (Each Semester): $55
  • Distance Education Fee (per Class): $50
  • Hornet Textbook Access (All Course Materials): $27 per Hour (1 – 11 Credits) or $324 Flat Fee (12+ Credits) Each Semester
Other Costs to Budget ForThe estimated tuition does not include expenses incurred during the online program

Supporting the Ambitions of Military Students

DSU is proud to support the educational goals of active-duty and veteran service members. Here, you’ll receive guidance for your mission to continue your education, and you can make the most of the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Plus, learn how you can receive credit for the knowledge and skills gained through your military service.

Tuition & Financial Aid

When you succeed professionally, your entire community rises with you. Knowing that education plays a central role in that success, DSU offers cost-effective tuition so that financial barriers don’t stand between you and your goals. Visit our Tuition and Aid page to learn how to make online education fit your budget.

Tuition Details

Focus on Delivering Compassionate Care in Your Career

Nurse practitioner employment is growing much faster than most occupations.4 With DSU’s online Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll prepare to meet the demand for PMHNPs right in your community. Our coursework emphasizes best practices for working with young children, adolescents and adults of all ages, opening doors to more opportunities when your career begins. You’ll also focus on health equity and culturally competent care to make a real difference for underserved populations.

Advance in a Growing Field With Impressive Earning Potential

Employment Growth 40% for NPs through 20344

Nurse Practitioner $129,210 per year4

What You’ll Learn

By completing DSU’s Master of Science in Nursing program online, you’ll prepare to address mental health challenges among clients and their families in diverse communities. After attaining your master’s degree, you will be ready to complete national board certification exams through ANCC or AANP.

  • Applied statistics
  • Health assessments
  • Leadership
  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Research

Learn From Faculty Who Believe in Your Potential

Our faculty will welcome you like family and provide personalized mentorship to bring your goals to life. They understand your perspective and experiences — after all, many of our instructors walked similar paths before becoming leaders in their fields. Rely on their professional expertise as you prepare to advance in the career that interests you.

Dr. Rosemarie White, Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Coordinator

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rosemarie White, Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Coordinator

Rosemarie White is the graduate clinical coordinator for the MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Her research interests involve mental health and trauma topics relating to the human experience, particularly the coping of nursing students and their resilience in obtaining education, focusing on diversity within special populations.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Adelphi University, 1984
  • Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics – University of Phoenix, 2010
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Purdue University Global, 2021
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Purdue University, 2023

Areas of Expertise

  • Resilience building
  • Patient care
  • Mentoring
  • Team building
  • Artificial intelligence

Experience an Online Program That Feels Like Home

DSU Online brings our empowering community to you. You’ll feel seen and supported while studying in a convenient format built for busy professionals. Take this opportunity to join our HBCU tradition from anywhere in the world — you’ll emerge with the skills and knowledge needed to advance professionally on your own terms.

  • Learn in an inclusive environment where you’ll belong
  • Get the flexibility to succeed in class and your career
  • Acquire hands-on experience that applies in the real world
Discover DSU Online

Related Programs

At DSU Online, we offer multiple pathways to advance your nursing career and help you make a difference in the communities that need you most. Discover how these online MSN programs can elevate your healthcare practice, and choose the career-ready option that aligns with your professional goals.

MSN – FNP

Help close the primary care gap where it matters most — your community. You’ll graduate ready to seek the certification needed for FNP practice.

MSN – Global Leadership

Become a nurse leader who confronts health challenges and innovates solutions with the potential to transform patient care on a global scale.

MSN – Nursing Education

Get on track for becoming a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) to teach and inspire tomorrow’s nurses in classrooms and clinical settings.

RN to MSN

Earn your BSN and MSN in one streamlined program. You’ll prepare to launch your career in leadership, education or advanced clinical practice.

4 Concentrations

Sources

  1. U.S. News & World Report. “Delaware State University Rankings.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/delaware-state-university-1428/overall-rankings.
  2. Nurse.org. “Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Delaware.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools-in-delaware/.
  3. State of Delaware. Office of Management and Budget, Budget Development and Planning. “FY27 Governor’s Recommended Operating Budget – Higher Education.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://budget.delaware.gov/budget/fy2027/documents/operating/higher-ed.pdf.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.” Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.