This designation places Ģ����Ƶ among institutions nationwide that demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving the military community. As an R2 research institution with a Friendly status, the University was evaluated on key measures including student support, academic outcomes, retention and career readiness for military-affiliated learners.

This recognition reflects Ģ����Ƶ’s ongoing commitment to helping military-connected students and families succeed through flexible learning opportunities, dedicated resources and a student-centered approach designed to support long-term academic and career achievement.

“Military-connected students and families bring exceptional leadership, resilience and real-world experience to our campus community,” said Jon Gubitosi, assistant director of Veteran and Military Services. “We are proud to support their educational journeys and help them reach their academic and career goals through programs designed with their needs in mind.”

The Military Friendly Schools® designation is based on a comprehensive evaluation process that assesses institutions on student retention, graduation outcomes, career placement and the effectiveness of services supporting military-connected students. The recognition serves as a national benchmark for institutions committed to serving those who have served.

To learn more about programs and support for military affiliated students at Ģ����Ƶ, visit the University’s Veteran and Military Services webpage.

About Military Friendly®

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at .

That is why the question is not simply “Should I get a degree?” It is “Will a Doctor of Nursing Practice help me solve the next problem in my career?” For some nurses, the answer is yes because a DNP program can create momentum toward advanced practice, leadership, systems improvement and long-term growth. For others, the timing may not be right yet.

Below are five signs that an online DNP is worth serious consideration, along with a few ways to think about the return on that investment.

Why More Nurses Are Asking Whether a DNP Is Worth It

Healthcare is becoming more complex, and nurses are being asked to lead in more visible ways. According to the , DNP programs are designed to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. That matters for nurses who want to move into broader clinical or organizational impact.

The workforce picture also helps explain the interest. The projects 35% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, much faster than average. For nurses thinking about career durability, mobility and demand, that kind of outlook naturally raises the question of whether an advanced nursing degree makes sense now rather than later.

Sign 1: You Want a Bigger Voice in Patient Care and Practice Decisions

One of the clearest signs a DNP may be worth it is that you no longer want to be limited to carrying out decisions made entirely by others. You want to shape care delivery, influence protocols, improve outcomes and bring evidence into practice in a more direct way.

Why this matters

The outline competencies tied to systems thinking, quality improvement, population health and translating evidence into care. If that sounds more aligned with your goals than staying in the same scope and same seat, a Doctor of Nursing Practice may be the right kind of next step.

Sign 2: You Are Ready for Advanced Practice or Clinical Leadership

Some nurses pursue a DNP program because they want a role change. Others pursue it because they want to lead at a higher level inside the role they already have. Both reasons can be valid.

What you may be trying to solve

You may be looking for a path toward nurse practitioner preparation, executive nursing leadership or stronger authority in clinical decision-making. The notes that nurse practitioners are prepared at the master’s or doctoral level and play a major role in delivering primary, acute, chronic and specialty care. If your long-term goal includes stepping into advanced practice or leading teams and systems with more confidence, this is a strong signal that a DNP may have real value for you.

Sign 3: You Want to Be Better Prepared for Complex Healthcare Challenges

As healthcare becomes more complex, many nurses find themselves working in environments that demand more than strong clinical instincts alone. Patients are presenting with multiple chronic conditions, care teams are coordinating across more settings and nurses are often expected to respond to not only medical needs, but also the broader factors that affect outcomes, access and continuity of care. shows how widespread chronic conditions and multimorbidity have become, while continues to emphasize the role of social determinants of health in shaping patient outcomes.

At the same time, nurses are navigating these challenges in a workforce environment that remains under pressure. HRSA projects ongoing nursing shortages nationally, and notes that workforce strain has direct implications for patient safety and care quality. For many nurses, that reality changes the equation. The question is no longer just whether they can do the job, but whether they feel fully prepared to lead through increasingly complicated care environments.

Why this can be a turning point

A DNP may be worth considering when you want preparation that goes beyond day-to-day clinical experience and helps you think more broadly about systems, evidence, outcomes and improvement. The describes DNP education as preparation for the highest level of nursing practice, with emphasis on translating evidence into practice, improving systems of care and advancing patient outcomes. For nurses who want to be better equipped for the realities of today’s healthcare environment, that can be a meaningful reason to take the next step.

Sign 4: You Are Thinking Beyond Today’s Job and Toward Long-Term Career Value

Sometimes the real reason a DNP feels worth it has less to do with your current title and more to do with who you want to become over the next five to ten years. You may want stronger positioning for future leadership roles, more influence in care redesign or better alignment with where the profession is heading.

Looking at long-term return

Career value is not just about salary. It is also about opportunity, resilience and relevance. The suggests that demand is growing quickly, which can support the case for investing in skills and credentials that position you well in a competitive market. If you are already thinking several moves ahead, an advanced nursing degree may support the kind of career leverage you are trying to build.

Sign 5: You Want to Turn Experience Into Broader Impact

Many experienced nurses reach a point where they know they can do more than manage the day-to-day. They want to improve systems, mentor others, influence quality and help shape what better care looks like across settings and populations.

When this is a strong sign

If you are motivated by outcomes, not just advancement, a Doctor of Nursing Practice may be worth it because the degree is built around practice transformation. This can appeal to nurses who want their next credential to deepen their impact rather than simply add letters after their name.

How to Decide Whether a DNP Is Worth It for You

A useful way to think about the decision is to ask four practical questions:

1. Am I trying to change roles, expand my scope, or increase my leadership influence?
2. Do I want deeper preparation for more complex clinical and system-level challenges?
3. Will this degree help me close a real gap in my career rather than just add another credential?
4. Can I point to a likely return in opportunity, confidence, or long-term professional positioning?

If you answer yes to most of those questions, the case for a DNP program becomes much stronger.

So, Is a DNP Worth It?

The question is not whether a DNP is worth it for everyone. It is whether it is worth it for the kind of nurse you want to become. If you are looking for greater impact, stronger clinical preparation, more flexibility and a clearer path forward, the answer may be yes.

And if you are exploring programs, it helps to look for one that matches both your goals and your reality. Ģ����Ƶ’s online DNP program, with competitive Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations, is one example of a flexible path built for working nurses who want to advance without stepping away from the field. With pathways for BSN-prepared nurses, MSN-prepared nurses and certified NPs, this is a practical next click for readers who decide now may be the right time to learn more.

Ģ����Ƶ offers accessible paths to learning, innovative research, and a network of partnerships to prepare teachers for the future of learning. Our forward-thinking, online programs provide an exceptional student experience and are designed to help you grow as an educator. Developed with the working professional in mind, Ģ����Ƶ Online master’s degree and certificate programs offer the flexibility, convenience and support needed to balance life’s demands while building career-enhancing skills and credentials.

As a public university, Ģ����Ƶ is among the most affordable options for advancing your education. Learn more about our Best Online Education rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Online Education Programs

Upcoming Spring 2026 Options:

• Computer Science Teacher Certification – Online
  15 Graduate Credits | Start: March 16, 2026
  Courses offered Fall, Spring & Summer.
• Educational Assessment Certificate – Online
  9 Graduate Credits | Start: March 16, 2026
  Courses offered Fall, Spring & Summer.
• Gifted & Talented Education Certificate – Online
  9 Graduate Credits | Start: March 16, 2026
  Courses offered Spring & Summer.

Upcoming Summer 2026 Options:

• Bilingual/Bicultural Teacher Certification – Online
  12 Graduate Credits | Start: Summer 2026
  Courses offered Fall, Spring & Summer.

Other Online Master’s Degrees for Educators:

• Educational Leadership MA, Supervisor Certification & Principal Certification (Online)
• Mathematics Education MA (Online)

For more information, contact Ģ����Ƶ Online.

Discover what’s next for your graduate education at Ģ����Ƶ’s Virtual Spring Graduate Open House on February 22, 2026.

Learn more about our online graduate programs, online certificates, and student support services, and explore flexible, top-ranked Ģ����Ƶ Online programs—all from anywhere. Virtual sessions are scheduled throughout the day to fit your schedule.

Register for an Open House session by selecting one of the options below.

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For the complete list of graduate program sessions and virtual events, view the full schedule for the . Learn more about online master’s and degree completion programs at Ģ����Ƶ through .

Ģ����Ƶ’s online Master’s in Educational Leadership improved to No. 5 (tie), up nine spots from No. 14 in the 2025 rankings.

For the first time, Ģ����Ƶ also earned a ranking in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs category at No. 56 (tie), reflecting the University’s growing portfolio of online undergraduate degree completion options which now includes Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing RN to BSN and Psychology.

Ģ����Ƶ’s online graduate business offerings were also recognized, with the University’s Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA) ranked No. 53 (tie) nationally, an eight-spot increase from No. 61 in 2025. The ranking highlights the strength of Ģ����Ƶ’s online Master of Science programs in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Human Resource Analytics.

Additional 2026 ranked programs include:

• Best Online MBA Programs: No. 107 (tie)
• Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs: No. 62 (tie)

“Ģ����Ƶ Online makes everything around learning as simple as possible, from applying, to navigating coursework, to getting student support when questions come up,” says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director, Ģ����Ƶ Unbound. “These U.S. News rankings reflect the work behind the scenes to deliver a high-quality online experience that’s engaging, well-supported and designed for student success. Students should be able to focus on the hard work of study; we streamline the rest.”

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts across 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Are you a:

Prospective Student: Explore Ģ����Ƶ Online’s full range of programs, from fully online undergraduate degrees to online and low-residency master’s and doctoral offerings as well as career-advancing certificates and certifications.

Media Member: Contact the Media Relations team for further details or to schedule an interview.

The DNP at Ģ����Ƶ is designed to educate working RNs for direct care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to provide care as family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

Master’s prepared Certified Nurse Practitioners will enter the program without a concentration.

The program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters), 3 years (8 semesters), or 5 years (14 semesters) depending on the student’s previous level of education and choice of full or part time study.

“Launching our new DNP program is a significant step forward in the evolution of the School of Nursing,” says . “Our experienced faculty look forward to working with nurses who seek to advance their clinical practice by coordinating and managing care to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities across settings and over time. This program will give practicing nurses the tools they need for leadership as the next generation enters the field.”

Classes are fully online and asynchronous to fit a working nurse’s busy schedule. In-person clinical hours and three on-campus immersions ensure hands-on rigor and real-world readiness.

The online DNP is the first online doctoral program at Ģ����Ƶ. for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 and are accepted on a rolling basis.

“We know the demand for healthcare practitioners in New Jersey is growing, and the need for doctorate-prepared Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is especially high,” says Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Ģ����Ƶ Unbound. “These new degrees have a ‘healthcare multiplier’ effect for the state. We are very pleased to offer them fully online so working professionals can advance their knowledge and their careers without disrupting their already busy lives.”

I’m a _______, tell me more…

Prospective Student: Learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Ģ����Ƶ or take the first step towards applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.

The agreement creates a streamlined pathway for PSEG employees to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at Ģ����Ƶ, one of New Jersey’s leading public research universities. This collaboration is part of Ģ����Ƶ Unbound, the University’s bold initiative to reimagine higher education for today’s learners by removing barriers, expanding access, and creating flexible, high-quality pathways to success.

Through this partnership, eligible PSEG employees will receive a 20 percent scholarship to select full degree programs at Ģ����Ƶ, including 14 online programs, 15 on-campus graduate programs and 29 on-campus undergraduate programs. Employees will have the application fee waived and can learn more through a dedicated webpage. A designated admissions liaison will also provide personalized guidance from application to graduation.

“This partnership reflects PSEG’s commitment to investing in our workforce and ensuring our employees have access to the skills and education needed to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy industry,” says Dianne LaRocca, vice president, talent, culture and wellbeing, PSEG. “By collaborating with Ģ����Ƶ, we’re opening doors for our employees to achieve their professional goals and strengthen our company’s future.”

Ģ����Ƶ will offer PSEG employees access to a wide range of online and on-campus degree programs. These include in-demand fields such as Business Administration (MBA and BS), Accounting, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Marketing Analytics, Information Technology, Sustainability Science, Psychology, and Strategic Communications. Employees will also benefit from flexible online modalities designed for working professionals.

As part of the collaboration, Ģ����Ƶ will also participate in PSEG career and education fairs, provide information sessions and webinars and work closely with PSEG’s HR team to promote the opportunity across the company.

“Ģ����Ƶ Unbound is about meeting students where they are in their lives, their communities, and their careers and helping them succeed on their own terms,” says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director of Ģ����Ƶ Unbound. “This partnership with PSEG exemplifies how we can collaborate with leading employers to open doors, empower student success, and align education with real-world opportunity.”

Media Contacts

Ģ����Ƶ
Andrew Mees AVP, Strategic Content
meesa@montclair.edu | 201-317-1361

PSEG
Marijke Shugrue, Media Relations
marijke.shugrue@pseg.com | 862-465-1445

The virtual Fall Graduate Open House is designed for you to have the freedom to explore the graduate programs offered by Ģ����Ƶ—a number of these programs are offered fully online.

Discover our flexible options with Ģ����Ƶ Online programs. You can register for an Open House session by clicking on the links below:

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  Sunday, October 26 at 10:00 AM
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  Sunday, October 26 at 11:00 AM
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  Sunday, October 26 at 11:00 AM
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  Sunday, October 26 at 12:00 PM
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For the complete list of graduate program sessions and live events, view the full schedule for the virtual . Learn more about Ģ����Ƶ Online at .

Here, he shares his vision for the future of Ģ����Ƶ’s 53 online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate offerings – and how it can scale to the entire University to realize President Koppell’s vision for the future of higher education.

Earning a degree should be hard – but everything else should be easy

Think about ordering a product from Amazon.

You quickly search for what you need, compare alternatives, read reviews, and order it with a few clicks on your phone in a matter of minutes.

To Austin, this is the measuring stick for how online degree programs should be delivered.

“There is a reason the phrase is ‘earn a degree’, because the work to get a degree should be very challenging. But that’s the only part that should be hard,” he says. “We need to fully understand the student journey and the obstacles that get in their way as they pursue a degree. It’s then up to us to remove those things from the experience to prevent an engaged student from stopping before they graduate.”

“We must create an experience where all other aspects of student life – understanding what courses you take and when, understanding financial aid, paying your bill and connecting with your advisor, to name a few – are easy and available anytime, anywhere. When we do that, we’ll be further reducing the unnecessary barriers that hold students back.”

The Three Keys to Online Student Success

This philosophy is part of Austin’s three keys to online student success, which will then be scaled to include the entire institution as part of the Unbound vision:

1. A seamless experience: Students need a clear roadmap that allows them to achieve their educational goals within their day-to-day lives. They’ll know what’s due today, what’s due next week, and the next class they need to take at every step of their journey.
2. Engaging instruction: Courses should be available on demand and be taken on a student’s schedule. Combined with bite-sized content from world-class professors, personalized feedback and peer learning experiences that allows students to solve problems in a group, it’s a mix that can yield courses that keep them coming back for more.
3. Wraparound services: Students need to know they are supported anytime, anywhere. By creating an engaging and inviting community with 24/7 support – which can include innovations like AI Assistants that point you to relevant material from previous courses or help you stay on track and success coaching for life both in and out of the classroom – students will see they’re never alone on their journey towards an online degree.

“Ģ����Ƶ’s commitment to student success makes the institution uniquely positioned to execute this vision,” says Austin, who points to the University’s Office of Student Belonging and ranking No. 12 in the nation in social mobility as critical student success indicators. “So, we want to extend these ideals to our online offerings to make a truly excellent experience that ensures student success in this space.”

The Future of Higher Education is Unbound

By reducing barriers and scaling Austin’s vision for online learning, Ģ����Ƶ can ultimately achieve President Jonathan Koppell’s vision of a truly “Unbound” university that meets students where they are.

Students will be able to learn from any location at any time, and receive the same student experience from anywhere – allowing their education to fit into their lives, not the other way around.

“My role is to reduce the barriers students encounter, both as online and as students who attend in person, so that they can more easily engage with the University,” says Austin.

“As we do this, we will be able to deliver excellent programs and give students the exact same experience from wherever they are. Ģ����Ƶ will become a truly blended campus, and we’ll realize President Koppell’s vision of what ‘Unbound’ can truly mean. I’m excited for the future and to work with everyone to give students this experience, starting with our online programs.”

Are You Ready to Start Your Ģ����Ƶ Journey?

, request more information or just and take the next step towards pursuing online education at Ģ����Ƶ.

Uniquely bridging the gap between strategic thinking and practical execution, the program teaches you not just to create content, but to develop comprehensive communications strategies that drive real results. You will develop essential skills and tools needed to lead the charge in cutting-edge fields like social media strategy, digital content creation, and audience research.

“Students in this new program will benefit from industry aligned coursework that equips them with the skills and expertise to lead in today’s rapidly evolving communication and media workplace,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the School of Communication and Media. “They will broaden their career opportunities in a flexible program that allows students to work at their pace, all while building their professional network and leveraging Ģ����Ƶ’s outstanding faculty, staff, and support systems.”

Our Ģ����Ƶ Online programs are designed with you in mind. As a busy professional or recent graduate, expect an engaged, flexible online learning experience with the support you need to succeed. You will have the flexibility to balance your busy life as you gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and leadership. As you pursue your degree, you also have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials through our learning modules focused on a broad range of topics in areas such as digital content creation, digital leadership, strategic communication and more.

Learn more about the online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Media and start your path towards a rewarding career.