Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition (NYS Resident) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS PMHNP | ~$21,206 resident | ~2.5–3 Years |
| Advanced Certificate PMHNP | ~$10,368 resident (minimum) | ~1–2 Years |
| Post-Master’s DNP PMHNP | ~$40,953 resident | ~3 Years |
Program Highlights:
- All three tracks are offered through distance education with on-site requirements — predominantly online with required in-person clinical components
- Clinical placements are facilitated by a dedicated Office of Clinical Placements; students do not self-arrange; the school does not permit any payment to clinical sites by students or third parties
- Graduates are eligible for New York State certification and national certification through either AANPBC (PMHNP-C) or ANCC (PMHNP-BC)
Master of Science – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Stony Brook MS PMHNP program is approximately $21,206 for NYS residents or $50,580 for out-of-state students and would take approximately 2.5–3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 45 credits × ~$471/$1,124 per credit respectively.
The program starts in Summer term.
MSN Curriculum
The 45-credit curriculum covers organizational leadership, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and four progressive clinical theory courses specific to psychiatric and mental health nursing. All courses effective for students admitted Summer 2026 and after follow the updated curriculum below.
HNH 503 – Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation (3 credits)
Develops skills in healthcare economics, business principles, and system change while exploring leadership theories, styles, and strategies. Prepares students to define new advanced practice nursing roles within complex organizations.
HNH 504 – Quality Improvement, Safety and Healthcare Technologies (3 credits)
Equips graduate nurses with quality improvement methods and data analysis skills to enhance patient safety and outcomes. Emphasizes emerging technologies supporting value-based care across diverse settings.
HNH 505 – Health Care Policy and Advocacy (2 credits)
Examines how policies shape healthcare structure, financing, and social determinants of health. Students explore advocacy roles for vulnerable populations, the profession, and health-promoting policies at all government levels.
HNG 515 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
Teaches diagnostic reasoning and regional physical exam techniques within the health assessment process. Uses functional health patterns and biomedical models as the theoretical foundation.
HNG 517 – Advanced Theory and Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health I (4 credits)
Provides theoretical foundations for psychiatric/mental health advanced practice nursing. Synthesizes arts, sciences, humanities, and life experience to assess behavior, diagnose psychopathology, and evaluate treatments.
HNG 527 – Advanced Theory and Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health II (4 credits)
Second in a four-course clinical sequence focusing on mental disorder diagnosis, etiology, and psychopathology. Explores diverse treatment models for psychotherapeutic interventions in multicultural contexts.
HNG 537 – Advanced Theory and Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health III (5 credits)
Builds skills in diagnosing and treating mental disorders in special populations within multicultural settings. Analyzes therapeutic NP roles to support advanced psychiatric/mental health practice.
HNG 540 – Clinical Pharmacology (3 credits)
Covers advanced pharmacotherapeutic principles for patients across the lifespan, emphasizing pharmacodynamics, patient response, and prescribing management. Includes regulatory requirements for safe practice.
HNG 541 – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice I (3 credits)
Introduces evidence-based practice processes with research as nursing’s scientific foundation. Students evaluate published studies for clinical applicability and feasibility using EBP principles.
HNG 543 – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice II (3 credits)
Advances research appraisal for EBP and healthcare outcomes using models and clinical guidelines. Focuses on evidence review and recommendations to improve practice and patient results.
HNG 545 – Advanced Psychiatric Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (2 credits)
Builds analytical skills and clinical decision-making for diagnosing mental health disorders across the lifespan in multicultural contexts.
HNG 547 – Advanced Theory and Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health IV (5 credits)
Culminating clinical course integrating NP role, research, and leadership in psychiatric/mental health specialization. Emphasizes therapeutic interventions, role implementation, and outcome evaluation in diverse settings.
HNG 551 – Psychopharmacology (2 credits)
Focuses on pharmacotherapeutic management of psychiatric conditions across ambulatory, acute, and chronic care settings.
HNG 588 – Clinical Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Examines pathophysiology and body function disruptions from genetic, environmental, and stress-related causes. Emphasizes regulatory/compensatory mechanisms and disease states across the lifespan.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical hours are embedded within the four progressive PMHNP theory/clinical courses (HNG 517 through HNG 547), which together total 19 credits. Placement is facilitated by the School of Nursing’s Office of Clinical Placements — students do not self-arrange and no payment to clinical sites is permitted.
- HNG 517 – Psych/MH Nursing I (4 cr., includes clinical hours)
- HNG 527 – Psych/MH Nursing II (5 cr., includes clinical hours)
- HNG 537 – Psych/MH Nursing III (5 cr., includes clinical hours)
- HNG 547 – Psych/MH Nursing IV (5 cr., includes clinical hours)
- Clinical placements arranged by the Office of Clinical Placements via formal affiliation agreements with clinical sites
- SUNY provides certificate of insurance coverage for clinical placements; students may not pay clinical sites directly or through third parties
- BLS with AED certification required upon admission; maintained throughout program
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN from an accredited nursing program; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Current, unencumbered RN license from New York State
- Minimum 1 year of recent, relevant nursing experience (preferred)
- Three-credit undergraduate course in health assessment
- Three-credit undergraduate course in statistics
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Completed online application (available annually beginning August 1)
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (official required upon admission); international transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-accredited service (e.g., WES)
- Application deadline: November 6, 2025 for Summer 2026 start
- Upon Admission: Student malpractice insurance (required from admission through graduation), BLS with AED, evidence of health insurance, CastleBranch account setup (one-time fee), and SBU technology requirements
- Must meet technical standards for admission and retention
- GRE not required
⚠️ NYS License Required: A current, unencumbered New York State RN license is required — not just a license from any state. Out-of-state applicants must obtain NYS licensure.
Advanced Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Stony Brook PMHNP Advanced Certificate program starts at approximately $10,368 for NYS residents, with the final credit total determined by an individual gap analysis — total cost will vary. The program would take approximately 1–2 years to complete depending on the gap analysis outcome.
Estimate based on 22-credit minimum × ~$471/credit.
The program starts in Summer term.
⚠️ Curriculum Transition Note: Students beginning clinical courses in 2026 follow the Spring 2026 HSC Catalog curriculum. Students enrolling in clinical courses in 2027 and later follow the updated curriculum listed below. Confirm the applicable catalog year with the program director prior to enrollment.
Certificate Curriculum
A minimum of 22 credits is required, comprising five core clinical theory courses. Additional foundation courses may be required based on a gap analysis of prior graduate-level coursework. Students who completed any of the gap analysis courses within Stony Brook’s own master’s program will not be required to repeat them.
- Required Core Courses (22 credits minimum)
- HNG 517 – Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I (4 cr.)
- HNG 527 – Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing II (5 cr.)
- HNG 537 – Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing III (5 cr.)
- HNG 547 – Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing IV (5 cr.)
- HNG 553 – Psychopharmacology & Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
- By Individual Advisement / Gap Analysis (added as needed)
- HNH 503 – Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation (3 cr.)
- HNH 504 – Quality Improvement, Safety, and Healthcare Technologies (3 cr.)
- HNH 505 – Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (2 cr.)
- HNG 515 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
- HNG 540 – Clinical Pharmacology (3 cr.)
- HNG 588 – Clinical Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical hours are embedded in the four PMHNP clinical theory courses (HNG 517, 527, 537, 547) totaling 19 of the 22 minimum credits. Placement is facilitated by the Office of Clinical Placements; no student-arranged or fee-based placements are permitted.
- HNG 517, 527, 537, 547 — progressive PMHNP clinical theory and practice (19 credits combined)
- Placements arranged via formal SUNY affiliation agreements with clinical sites
- ACLS not required for PMHNP; BLS with AED required upon admission
- Student malpractice insurance required from admission through graduation
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program; minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unencumbered RN license from New York State
- Minimum 1 year of recent, relevant nursing experience (preferred)
- Three-credit undergraduate course in health assessment
- Three-credit undergraduate course in statistics
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Completed online application; unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official required upon admission)
- International transcripts evaluated by NACES-accredited service (e.g., WES)
- Application deadline: November 6, 2025 for Summer 2026 start
- Upon Admission: Student malpractice insurance, BLS with AED, health insurance, CastleBranch account setup, SBU technology requirements
- Final credit requirement determined by gap analysis — students may be required to take additional credits beyond the 22-credit minimum by faculty advisement
Post-Master’s DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Standing)
The estimated cost for the Stony Brook Post-Master’s DNP PMHNP program is approximately $40,953 for NYS residents or $50,418 for out-of-state students and would take approximately 3 years to complete.
Estaite based on approximately 3 semesters × $13,651/$16,806 per semester at the DNP rate.
The program starts in Summer term and is currently restricted to advanced standing applicants only.
⚠️ Advanced Standing Only: Stony Brook is currently only accepting post-master’s (advanced standing) applicants to the DNP program. Applicants must hold a Master of Science degree as an advanced nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife. Post-BSN entry is not currently available. This policy is subject to change — confirm with the program prior to applying.
DNP Curriculum
The 42-credit post-master’s DNP curriculum is organized across five core areas: scientific underpinnings, a DNP project core, analytics and informatics, advanced clinical practice, and population health. A gap analysis is conducted upon admission to assess prior coursework and validate clinical hours completed at the master’s level.
- Scientific Underpinnings (6 credits)
- HND 612 – Theories of Applied Sciences (3 cr.)
- HND 650 – Systems Theory (3 cr.)
- DNP Project Core (21 credits)
- HND 647 – Doctoral Seminar in Evidence-Based Practice (4 cr.)
- HND 655 – DNP Synthesis I (5 cr.)
- HND 665 – DNP Synthesis II (6 cr.)
- HND 675 – DNP Synthesis III (6 cr.)
- Analytics & Informatics Core (6 credits)
- HND 635 – Biostatistics (3 cr.)
- HND 645 – Large Data Analyses (3 cr.)
- Advanced Clinical Practice Core (3 credits)
- HND 615 – Genomics (3 cr.)
- Population Health Core (6 credits)
- HND 625 – Healthcare Policy and Social Justice (3 cr.)
- HND 640 – Epidemiology and Population Health (3 cr.)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
DNP Clinicals
Post-master’s advanced standing students must complete a minimum of 500 additional scholarly practice hours to meet the 1,000+ post-baccalaureate scholarly practice hour requirement for the DNP degree. Clinical hours from the master’s program are validated through the gap analysis at the time of admission.
- Minimum 500 additional scholarly practice hours required (post-master’s advanced standing track)
- Hours are distributed across the DNP Synthesis courses (HND 655, 665, 675)
- Clinical placements facilitated by the Office of Clinical Placements via formal SUNY affiliation agreements
- Student malpractice insurance required from admission through graduation
- BLS with AED required upon admission
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Must hold a Master of Science degree as an advanced nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife — post-BSN entry is currently not available
- BSN from an accredited nursing program with minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Current, active registered professional nurse licensure
- Current, unencumbered RN license from New York State
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Written statement (per online application essay requirements)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Interview may be required
- Malpractice insurance as an NP student in the program specialty
- Gap analysis conducted upon admission to confirm prior coursework and validate clinical hours
- International transcripts evaluated by NACES-accredited service
- Application deadline: February 15, 2026 for Summer 2026 start
- Upon Admission: Student malpractice insurance, BLS with AED, health insurance, CastleBranch account setup, SBU technology requirements
Tuition
| Program | NYS Resident | Out-of-State | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS & Advanced Certificate | ~$471/credit | ~$1,124/credit | Annual COA tuition ÷ 24 credits |
| DNP (Post-Master’s) | $13,651/semester | $16,806/semester | Spring 2026 flat semester rate |
2025–26 annual graduate tuition: $11,310 NYS resident / $26,990 out-of-state.
The Spring 2026 full-time DNP semester rate (tuition + fees) is $13,651.01 resident / $16,806.01 out-of-state.
A $2,912 annual fees charge applies to all graduate students. Health insurance is charged to full-time students and may be waived with proof of coverage. CastleBranch system setup requires a one-time fee upon admission.
All tuition rates are set annually by SUNY and are subject to change following state approval.
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
| Program | Application Deadline | Program Start |
|---|---|---|
| MS – PMHNP | November 6, 2025 | Summer 2026 |
| Advanced Certificate – PMHNP | November 6, 2025 | Summer 2026 |
| Post-Master’s DNP (Advanced Standing) | February 15, 2026 | Summer 2026 |
Online applications open annually on August 1. All application materials are processed through Stony Brook’s Graduate Admissions portal. Questions can be directed to pmhnp_nursing@stonybrook.edu (MS and Certificate) or gradadmission@stonybrook.edu (general graduate admissions).
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Stony Brook University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of all PMHNP tracks are eligible for New York State certification and are academically qualified to sit for national certification through either the AANPBC (PMHNP-C) or ANCC (PMHNP-BC) examinations.
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