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Students presenting

DNP/MBA Dual Degree

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Lead healthcare from the bedside to the boardroom 

Develop your clinical expertise, leadership training, and business intelligence with the DNP/MBA dual degree, offered by Carey Business School and the School of Nursing–the No. 1 ranked school for nursing by U.S. News & World Report. 

A combination of online coursework and in-person School of Nursing immersions will prepare you to lead at the highest levels of healthcare organizations, from clinical operations to C-suite leadership. Offered at a full-time or part-time pace, the program allows you to earn your graduate degree without stepping away from your career.

Details

Benefits & Highlights

  • Learn to lead at the intersection of advanced nursing practice and business strategy
  • Earn your degree mostly online (DNP in-person immersions required)
  • Complete your degree at a full-time pace, so you can earn your degree faster without pausing your career
  • Take MBA and DNP courses concurrently starting in your first semester

Who Should Apply

Nursing leaders who want to pair advanced clinical expertise with business skills.

Career resources are embedded into the curriculum and program experience. Carey's Career & Life Design team works closely with Flexible MBA students like you to help you pursue your career goals.

See the impact Carey can have on your career. Our Flexible MBA graduates are working at some of the top organizations around the world, stepping into roles with competitive salaries, meaningful responsibilities, and strong career trajectories. 

Healthcare leadership demand is growing

As healthcare organizations face increasing complexity, the need for leaders with both clinical and business expertise is accelerating. The DNP/MBA prepares nurses to step into roles that shape policy, improve systems, and drive organizational performance.

#
1

in the nation

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is No. 1 in the nation for its Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

20
%

higher salaries

Nurse executives with doctoral and business training report 20–40% higher salaries (industry surveys, 2024)

69
%

view DNP/MBA skills as critical

69% of health systems say business-trained nurse leaders are critical to future strategy (Deloitte, 2025)

Student giving a presentation

Admissions

To apply to the DNP/MBA program, complete the application on the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing application portal. You will select the dual degree option.

We know your MBA is a big financial commitment. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships to support your journey. Carey Business School’s scholarships recognize the achievement and promise of our prospective MBA students. Our scholarships support our commitment to diversity and inclusion by amplifying the presence of diverse voices and opinions in the classroom.  

  • Completed online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Résumé  or CV
  • One essay
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Optional GMAT/GRE score 
  • Application fee   

Applications can be submitted through the Johns Hopkins University-wide platform. First, select Johns Hopkins School of Nursing as your preferred school and choose the upcoming term you are applying to. Then, upload all required materials. As soon as our team has received your completed application, we will review your file and reach out with next steps. 

Application deadlines

Curriculum

The DNP/MBA curriculum will position you to excel in both clinical care and management. You will take both MBA courses and DNP courses starting in the first semester of your program. 

The Johns Hopkins MBA program is 54 credits, 18 of which may be applied from the DNP program. The information below pertains to the MBA curriculum. You can learn more about the DNP curriculum in the School of Nursing catalogue. 

Core Curriculum

MBA Required Courses

  • Accounting and Financial Reporting
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Communication
  • Business Microeconomics
  • Corporate Finance Leadership and Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing Management
  • Negotiation
  • Operations Management
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Strategic Management
Customize Your Experience 

MBA Electives

Tailor your courses to match your career goals. Elective courses may be used to complete a specialization, but this is not required. You are welcome to take any elective courses you like. They may count toward more than one specialization, when applicable.

Specializations

Specializations are a way to help organize your electives by content area so that you can focus your education on what matters most to you. You can choose from eight Flexible MBA specializations and also pursue DNP specializations. 

  • Artificial Intelligence for Business
  • Business Analytics and Risk Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Management
  • Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate

Beyond the classroom

Lead change through practice projects

Integrate clinical and business tools in real-world contexts

Participate in hands-on projects that allow you to address pressing healthcare challenges with evidence-based solutions, supported by nursing and business faculty.

The Johns Hopkins advantage

Two schools, one powerful network

Dual degree students benefit from the combined resources, faculty, and networks across both Carey and the School of Nursing, gaining access to an unparalleled alumni network and thought leadership in both fields. 

Connect with a Carey ambassador