To be eligible to continue to progress with candidacy and the DNP Scholarly Project, students must have maintained a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the doctoral program. A DNP Scholarly Project topic, for which a proposal is submitted, must be approved by the doctoral DNP Scholarly Project Committee. Upon completion of DNP coursework, students must follow the Kentucky State University policies in regards to the completion of the DNP Scholarly Project.

The DNP Scholarly Project is an original investigation and demonstration of mature scholarship and critical judgement in the theoretical and methodological approaches to the application of evidence-based practice in nursing. The Scholarly Project is a tangible and deliverable academic product. It may take a number of forms such as: a pilot study, a practice change initiative, a program evaluation, an evaluation of a new practice model, quality improvement; or, a policy change initiative. The Project is related to advance practice nursing and benefits a group, population, and/or community. The DNP Scholarly Project is expected to be the first step in the application of evidence-based practice to enhance nursing practice, patient and/or health system outcomes. Although Year 3 is designed for the DNP Scholarly Project, the student's evidence-based practice topic and time management may necessitate continuing the work of the DNP Scholarly Project beyond the third year. All students are required to complete a minimum of six (6) Residency Scholarly Project credit hours.

DNP Scholarly Project Chair. The candidate, in consultation with the Director for Graduate Nursing Programs, DNP faculty member or other doctoral faculty, should select a chair. The chair has graduate faculty status appropriate to directing DNP Scholarly Projects. In some cases, a co-chair may be appropriate. It is essential for a committee chair to be supportive of the student. To be supportive, a chair should have some familiarity with the student's proposed content area for the DNP Scholarly Project.

DNP Scholarly Project Committee. Students are encouraged to talk/interview with sufficient faculty to seek out committee members. During NUR 901 Advanced Practice Leadership and Management Practicum, the student should convene their DNP Scholarly Project Committee. Each member should be selected to be maximally beneficial to the student in design and conduct of the Scholarly Project and providing a perspective about the discipline/practice. The DNP Scholarly Project Committee will guide and approve the acceptability of the DNP Scholarly Project.

Qualifications of members will be consistent with the student’s area of practice and the requirements for doctoral committees are stated in the policies and general catalog of the university. If a change to the makeup of the committee members is desirable, the student will consult with the chair and make the changes. The committee will consist of a minimum of three (3) members.

The committee will consist of a chair, at least one qualified faculty member from the School of Nursing, and one preceptor from the student's clinical site/agency. After the members of the DNP Scholarly Project Committee is convened, the Scholarly Project Chair shall send the committee membership approval. This must be done upon the completion of NUR 806. Failure to file the form at this time may result in delays in the student's commencement.