Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Estimated Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in PMHNP | $46,043 | 3.5 years part-time |
| Post-Graduate APRN PMHNP Certificate | $23,492 | 3 years part-time |
The university is one of few schools in the South Dakota/Minnesota/North Dakota region to offer PMHNP programs. A full-time Clinical Placement Team assists students in finding clinical placements throughout the program. Students receive personalized support including a dedicated academic advisor, free online tutoring, unlimited academic coaching, and 24/7 technical support.
Online students benefit from the same degree, classes, and faculty as on-campus students, with transcripts and diplomas identical to traditional students.
Master of Science in PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MS in PMHNP program is approximately $46,043 (49 credits × $939.66/credit including fees) and takes 3.5 years to complete on a part-time basis (7 semesters).
MSN Curriculum
The 49-credit MS program includes:
NURS 500 – Theories/Concepts Nursing
The course analyzes nursing and related theories that guide practice, research, curricula, and administration. Students link key concepts to real clinical decisions.
NURS 502 – Evidence for Practice
The course builds skills to search, appraise, and apply research for evidence-based care. Students judge levels of evidence and translate findings to practice.
NURS 505 – Advanced Pharmacology
The course covers pharmacology for advanced practice, including selection and safe use of medications. Students connect drug actions to anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
NURS 522 – Advanced Pathophysiology
The course explains system-based changes from normal physiology to disease across the lifespan. Students use this base for advanced assessment and clinical decisions.
NURS 523 – Health Promotion
The course applies health promotion and disease-prevention frameworks to primary care. Students design interventions using theory and current evidence.
NURS 526 – Ethical, Legal and Health Policy Issues
The course examines health policy through legal and ethical lenses. Students analyze, debate, and plan policy actions relevant to nursing practice.
NURS 538 – Psych Diagnostic Reasoning
The course develops interviewing, therapeutic communication, and diagnostic reasoning for psychopathology. Students practice differential diagnosis within PMHNP standards.
NURS 553 – Role Development of the Nurse Practitioner
The course explores NP roles as clinician, advocate, educator, and team member. Students compare settings and shape a role plan for their practice goals.
NURS 564 – Psychopharmacology
The course reviews psychiatric pharmacology across the lifespan. Students focus on safe prescribing, mechanism of action, and therapeutic use for symptom control.
NURS 583 – Individual Therapy
The course trains students to deliver evidence-based individual psychotherapies with cultural awareness. Students plan and evaluate interventions for diverse clients.
NURS 584 – Group and Family Therapies
The course covers evidence-based therapies for families and groups. Students apply models and practice implementation in supervised settings.
NURS 585 – Advanced Health Assessment
The course advances health history and physical/psychosocial assessment across the lifespan. Students gather, analyze, and synthesize data for comprehensive evaluations.
NURS 588 – Management of Psychopathology I
The course begins a two-course sequence on managing psychopathology for individuals, groups, and families. Students emphasize continuity of care across settings.
NURS 589 – Management of Psychopathology II
The course continues management of psychopathology with attention to co-morbid conditions. Students refine treatment planning for complex presentations.
NURS 598 – Advanced Clinical Practicum: PMHNP (I)
The practicum builds foundational PMHNP skills through supervised clinical hours. Students integrate coursework into direct patient care.
NURS 598 – Advanced Clinical Practicum: PMHNP (II)
The practicum expands clinical responsibility and autonomy. Students strengthen assessment, therapy, and medication management in varied settings.
NURS 598 – Advanced Clinical Practicum: PMHNP (III)
The practicum consolidates advanced PMHNP competencies for entry-level practice. Students demonstrate consistent, evidence-based care across populations.
NURS 997 – Independent Study
The course supports focused study on a defined topic under faculty guidance. Students pursue individualized objectives and deliver agreed-upon outcomes.
More curriculum details available in the course catalog here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete clinical practicum experiences through three Advanced Clinical Practicum courses totaling 12 credits. Clinical experiences include individual, family, and group therapy settings with precepted supervision.
Full-time Clinical Placement Coordinator assists in finding placements, typically asking students to provide top three choices. Clinical courses include weekly synchronous online meetings to enhance precepted experiences.
Students gain hands-on experience working with mental health patients across the lifespan in various psychiatric practice settings.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Baccalaureate degree or higher from accredited nursing program
- Undergraduate or graduate statistics course completed
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for last two years of baccalaureate study
- Official transcripts required
- Current U.S. unencumbered RN licensure (upload Nursys verification report)
- Must reside in state where UND is approved to deliver Graduate Nursing Program
- If enrolled in previous graduate nursing program, letter of good standing required unless degree conferred
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of goals
- Minimum one year of work experience as RN within U.S., its territories, or U.S. military hospital outside U.S.
- Experience in psychiatric setting required
- English Language proficiency requirements must be met
- Interview may be required (web, phone, or in-person)
- Criminal background check and drug screen required upon admission offer
- Current health and immunization policy satisfaction required upon admission offer
- No GRE or additional tests required
Post-Graduate APRN PMHNP Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate APRN PMHNP Certificate is approximately $23,492 (25 credits × $939.66/credit including fees) and takes 3 years to complete part-time (6 semesters).
Certificate Curriculum
The 25-credit certificate includes:
- NURS 538: Psych Diagnostic Reasoning (2 credits)
- NURS 564: Psychopharmacology (2 credits)
- NURS 583: Individual Therapy (2 credits)
- NURS 584: Group and Family Therapies (3 credits)
- NURS 588: Management of Psychopathology I (2 credits)
- NURS 589: Management of Psychopathology II (2 credits)
- NURS 597: Advanced Clinical Practicum: FNP I & II (12 credits)
Program designed for certified FNPs, Adult/Adult Gerontology NPs, and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists who completed master’s or doctoral degrees and desire psychiatric mental health specialization. Personalized course of study builds on prior education.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete 12 credits of Advanced Clinical Practicum coursework (600 clinical hours total: 200 hours per semester across three semesters).
Students work with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults with acute and chronic psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Completion of APRN graduate program from accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA from previous graduate program
- Official transcripts required
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Current U.S. unencumbered RN and APRN licensure (upload Nursys verification report)
- Active national certification in APRN specialty
- Nursing experience in psychiatric setting required
- English Language Proficiency requirements must be met
- Statement of goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Interview may be required (web, phone, or in-person)
- Criminal background check and drug screen required upon admission offer
- Current health and immunization requirements satisfaction required
- Must have completed graduate-level coursework in: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (lifespan, 3 credits), Advanced Physical Assessment (3 credits), Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits), Health Promotion/Maintenance (3 credits), Role of NP course
- Prior transcripts reviewed; course descriptions may be requested for evaluation
- Course content must cover lifespan
- UND may not accommodate clinical experiences in some states due to regulations
- Contact state board of nursing prior to applying regarding restrictions
Tuition
Online graduate nursing tuition is $862.39 per credit with fees of $77.27 per credit for a total of $939.66 per credit for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Online students pay the same rate regardless of residency. Student fees are capped at 12 credits per semester.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Military Benefits
Active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, dependents, and contracted ROTC cadets receive North Dakota resident tuition rates. Active-duty undergraduate students using Federal Tuition Assistance receive reduced tuition of $250 per credit. UND participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers military-specific scholarships.
Accreditation
The Master of Science with major in Nursing program at the University of North Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Other Nursing Programs
University of North Dakota College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines offers additional programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN to BSN (Online)
- Master of Science — Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Nurse Anesthesia Track
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership Track
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificate — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Ph.D
- Nurse Educator Certificate