phd doctor of business administration

• DBA vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

Is a DBA and PhD Equivalent?

A  Doctor of Business Administration  (DBA) is equivalent to a  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); however, there are fundamental differences between these two doctoral degrees. These differences are nearly always at the centre of DBA vs PhD discussions, and they stem from the intended career path of the student following their degree.

A PhD focuses on the ‘ theory ’ underpinning business management, whereas a DBA focuses on the ‘ practical ’ concepts. Those who complete a PhD in business management usually do so as they wish to pursue a career in research or academia. Those who complete a DBA do so as they want to pursue a more advanced role in the business industry or within their organisation.

What Is a PhD?

A PhD is a doctorate degree and is the highest postgraduate qualification awarded by universities. It involves undertaking original research in a narrow subject field and typically takes 4 years to complete.

A PhD in Business Administration provides an individual with a specialised and research-based background for a topic in the business management field. This is one of the key reasons it’s sought after by those who wish to work in business-related academia or research.

What Is a DBA?

A  Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a business-orientated professional doctorate. Like a PhD, it is the highest-level postgraduate qualification which you can obtain from a university.

The degree programme focuses on providing practical and innovative business management knowledge which can apply to any workplace. DBAs are designed for experienced practitioners such as senior managers, consultants and entrepreneurs who want to further their practical abilities.

This form of doctorate was first introduced as a way of allowing a distinction to be made between experienced practitioners and expert practitioners. The doctorate is an equal alternative to a traditional PhD and is an advanced follow-up for a  Master’s in Business Administration  ( MBA ).

Research Scope

A noticeable difference between a PhD and a DBA is the research topic. A PhD candidate selects a research project of theoretical value to the academic environment. A DBA candidate selects a research project which has a practical application to the business environment.

This means that while the research topic for a PhD will centre around a gap in knowledge of existing theories, the topic for a DBA will usually focus on developing a new theory or innovatively improving an existing one.

DBA students typically choose research topics based on real-life scenarios they are facing or have faced. This is contrary to a PhD student where their research topic usually centres around a topic they don’t have first-hand experience in.

Programme Structure

A PhD usually takes 4 years to complete while a DBA degree takes between 4 – 7 years to complete, with most students requiring 6 years.

Due to DBA students being working professionals, nearly all DBA degree programmes are part-time courses carried out under a ‘distant learning’ arrangement. This is opposite to PhD programmes where most are offered as full-time projects which require extensive amounts of physical presence on the university’s campus.

Another difference in the programme between PhDs and DBAs is that PhDs have no taught components, while DBAs have a significant number of taught components .

Due to these taught components, DBA programmes are split into two sections . The first section is 2 years long and covers the taught elements of the degree and involves completing coursework. A wide range of specialist business management topics are covered, such as market theory , resource partitioning , and organisational development . These first two years provide you with advanced business knowledge and develop your research and analytical skills to prepare for your individual research project. The remaining 2 to 5 years is for you to undertake your individual research project; this is the second section.

As part of your research project, you will have to produce a thesis . The thesis will outline your methods and results and include a discussion of your research findings. Although the word count will vary for each university, most use an upper word count of around 60,000 words. Besides this, you will also need to defend your work during an oral examination known as a ‘ viva voce ’.

During your degree, you’ll likely have several opportunities to present your research at conferences, universities and related organisations.

Tuition Fees

To fairly represent the two sections of DBA programmes, universities usually adopt two sets of annual tuition fees. These fees vary widely between universities:

• The first set covers the first two years of the programme and is typically between £13,000 – £30,000 per year.
• The second set of annual tuition fee covers the remaining years and generally is between £4,000 – £9,000 per year.

The reason for this difference in fee is that the first two years will heavily utilise the university’s resources and a professor’s time to deliver the taught modules.

In contrast, the average cost of a full-time PhD is fixed throughout its full duration and is typically around £4,700 per annum. Given this difference in tuition fee and programme duration, a DBA is approximately two to three times more expensive than undertaking a PhD.

Besides having a greater reliance on a university’s resources, another reason DBA programmes cost more than a PhD is because of the differences in the students undertaking them. A PhD student is usually a young individual who has just completed a Master’s degree and has little to no working experience. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a DBA student will be an older individual with up to 10 years of professional working experience, and will likely still be working alongside their studies. As a result, universities can set a higher tuition fee due to DBA students being financially stronger.

Funding Opportunities

Compared to PhD programmes, DBAs don’t have as much access to funding opportunities.

DBA students can apply for Doctoral Loans or try to secure funding from external sources. The most accessible source of these external sources will always be their employer. While their employer may not cover the full tuition fees, they may subsidise part of it and help supply you with data and other resources you may need.

Entry Requirements

As DBAs are intended for experienced practitioners, you will be expected to have significant experience in your field. Although the entry requirements will differ between universities, most business schools will require you to have at least ten years of professional work experience with at least five years in a senior management or leadership position.

Most universities will also require you to have a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or an equivalent Master’s degree in a business management subject. Depending on the strength of your bachelor’s degree and the significance of your professional working experience, you could still be enrolled into a DBA programme without a relevant Master’s degree; however, you will need to demonstrate why you are a strong DBA candidate.

As part of your application, most universities will also require you to prepare and submit a short research proposal. A research proposal outlines the ‘what, why and how’ of your intended research project.

Similar to PhD programs, you will need to meet English language requirements should English not be your first language. These requirements are usually:

• a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0, with no less than 6.5 in each component,
• a minimum overall Pearson Test of English (PTE) of 70, with no less than 62 in each component.

PhD vs DBA Salaries

Typically, DBA graduates earn more than business management PhD graduates. This is because a DBA focuses on the practical applications of business management, and as such, what students learn can be applied in professional practice in their industry.

Due to this practical aspect, a DBA graduate becomes well suited for top leadership positions such as Operation Managers , Managing Directors and CEOs .

On the other hand, a PhD provides graduates with applied research skills and the ability to theorise, understand and develop business management concepts. This makes them better suited for a research or academic career. These positions attract less pay compared to leadership roles in large organisations.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Why a Doctorate in Business Administration Is Becoming More Valuable

Sponsor content from upGrad.

At the turn of the 20th century, the world was industrializing at a rapid pace. Businesses were growing larger and more complex, with more employees working in more diversified divisions spread across more geographical boundaries.

As a result, demand grew for people who had special training in managing the general operations of a business, which led to the creation and proliferation of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

More than 100 years later, MBAs have become a commodity that no longer serve organizations’ core needs.

In today’s age of data and information, knowledge has become the most valuable resource. Companies don’t necessarily need more general managers who can assess broad patterns across multiple industries—they need people with deep expertise in specific domains who can analyze data and generate unique insights that lead to better business decisions.

That’s why Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) holders are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern workplace.

DBA is a professional degree representing the highest level of qualification in management. In contrast to an MBA, it takes students on a different path toward acquiring and using business knowledge.

For an MBA, students spend two years taking a broad range of practical courses to learn about several pillars of business—such as accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, operations, strategy, and ethics—to help them become effective leaders across many industries.

By contrast, DBAs spend up to two years studying academic literature across several domains and up to two additional years designing and executing an original research project: a dissertation focused on one domain. The primary goal of a DBA is to produce scholarly individuals who have deep expertise in a field of management.

When seeking executive-level positions, DBAs’ “Dr.” titles are likely to help them stand out from their peers. DBAs can also pursue high-level positions in areas such as consulting by becoming subject-matter experts—or maintain ties with academia as full-time or adjunct professors.

DBAs’ training gives them diverse career options. The academic literature they read gives them expertise in understanding management theories that can help them analyze real-world situations and differentiate the signal from the noise. A DBA specializing in innovation can assess whether newcomers to a market pose a credible threat as a disruptive innovation to an existing company.

Students then learn advanced scientific techniques in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, which trains them in analyzing data to generate valid inferences that their organizations can use for decision-making purposes. Rather than relying on gut feel and graphs, DBAs can use powerful techniques such as sampling data to reduce bias, using statistical regressions to identify the strongest factors that influence an outcome, or designing an experiment to gain 100% certainty over the causal relationship between variables.

Finally, DBAs combine their business knowledge with analytical skills to design and execute original research studies, making them the world’s leading experts in particular domains.

DBAs also stand out because they represent only 2% of all people who hold higher degrees in business. In 2021, more than 250,000 students graduated with MBAs or specialist degrees in business; only 5,000 graduated with doctorates.

While a DBA may represent an attractive option that can be highly valuable to organizations today, they are not necessarily recommended for everyone.

To help you determine whether a DBA is right for you, the most important question to ask yourself centers on whether you’re satisfied with the tools and frameworks you use to analyze data and information to make important business decisions. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where these frameworks come from—or whether there might be a better way to make decisions—consider applying to a DBA program. These programs are designed to channel deep intellectual interests and passions toward producing business knowledge that’s both theoretically novel and practically relevant.

DBA training may help you develop deeper knowledge than an MBA program will while opening doors to more ambitious careers in industry or academia. While MBA degrees are designed to meet the needs of 20th-century businesses, DBAs can help meet the needs of organizations today—and well into the future.

Learn more about how earning a DBA can help you step up your career.

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• Class Profile
• Doctoral 100 Years
• History of Excellence

New Ideas for a Changing World

Phd programs  , accounting & management, business economics (includes finance), health policy (management), organizational behavior, technology & operations management.

“ Doctoral students are vital members of our intellectual community. They challenge existing ideas, develop new theories and techniques, and serve broadly as catalysts for innovation. ”

Why HBS?  

A history of excellence  , building a community of scholars  , class profile  , placement  , financial support  , introduce yourself.

Doctor of Business Administration

Take your professional career to new heights and set yourself apart in a competitive industry with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Weatherhead School of Management. Housed at Case Western Reserve, the #2 university in Ohio and among the best in the nation ( U.S. News & World Report , 2024), our comprehensive, research-focused program will prepare you to create social, intellectual and economic value for organizations and society at large. 

In this three-year program, you’ll also have the opportunity to extend your program a year to pursue Weatherhead’s PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems degree if you hope to reorient your career to formally pursue positions as an academic researcher and scholar. 

DBA at a Glance

The weatherhead way.

At Case Western Reserve, you’ll study at one of the nation’s leading research universities—in one of the country’s most culturally robust neighborhoods. You’ll live and learn in a city known for industry and healthcare innovation, where nearly 40% of Fortune 500 companies are represented. You’ll learn breakthrough business concepts from the people who wrote the book on them.

Plus, you’ll:

• Learn more than just the core skills of business management,
• Discover yourself better as a person and as a leader, and
• Build the skills you need to reach beyond problem solving to solution innovation.

Want to find out how?

Request Information Today

A DBA Designed for You

Market-driven Curriculum

Our curriculum provides a foundation for conducting rigorous research and practicing evidence-based management through courses that are interrelated theoretically and methodologically.

Expert Faculty

Our faculty members have extensive international experience, outstanding records of scholarship in diverse fields, a breadth of consulting relationships and recognized skills in creating effective learning communities.

Endless Options

Whatever niche area you’re passionate about in the field of management, you can explore it in our Doctor of Business Administration program. Bring your academic, theoretical and empirical perspectives to your dissertation and, later, apply your knowledge to improve organizations around the world.

Discover Our Engaged Practitioner Scholars Program

Program News

Keep up to date with the Doctor of Business Administration program at Weatherhead School of Management by reading the latest editions of our DM Digest Newsletter. 

• DM Digest Fall 2023
• DM Digest Summer 2023
• DM Digest Fall 2022
• DM Digest Spring 2022
• DM Digest Fall 2021
• DM Digest Spring 2021

Upcoming Events

Explore dba information.

In this program, I have noticed a difference in myself and how I operate both personally and professionally. Nothing really holds me back anymore because I have been armed with the tools I need to really forge ahead.

Your Next Step Starts Now

Ready to earn your terminal degree and become a thought leader in the field of management? 

main-jindal-menu

Engage-menu, doctor of business administration.

An Advanced Degree in the Practice of Management

About the Program

The DBA program represents a new segment in management education at the Jindal School of Management. The DBA combines the application focus of an EMBA program with the advanced research focus of a Ph.D. program. In this program, participants study and apply advanced research methodologies and analytic techniques to complex business problems.

To earn a DBA, participants must:

• Complete required coursework
• Write a thesis
• Develop a case study

The thesis and case study should demonstrate the ability to apply the advanced knowledge acquired in the coursework to a problem in a specific business domain, e.g., Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, Operations Management, Organization Behavior and Strategic Management.

Who is the DBA for?

• You are a senior business executive who has either a masters-level degree and at least seven years of work experience, or an undergraduate degree and at least 10 years of work experience
• You have a thirst for advanced knowledge and the desire (and the discipline) to research and solve challenging problems
• You would like to add value to your organization by addressing complex problems using new and advanced methods and disseminating the use of these advanced methods in your organization

Degree Plan Highlights – Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

“SCH” indicates “Semester Credit Hours.”

• 36 credit hours of required methodology course work
• 9 credit hours of electives related to dissertation
• 27 credit hours of faculty guides pertaining to dissertation

Time to Completion

3 years approximately to complete this degree

8 hours/week

Saturday Only Classes

First two years, 8 hours per week for classes

9 hours/week

Dissertation

Third year, 9 hours per week for dissertation

Tuition per Semester

$20,000 per semester for tuition

Message from the Director

Vijay Mookerjee, PhD

Charles and nancy davidson chair | professor, information systems | phd area coordinator, information systems | director, doctor of business administration.

[email protected] | (972)-883-4414 | JSOM 3.429

Hello! My name is Vijay Mookerjee, and I am a Professor in Information Systems and Operations Management at JSOM. This program will boost your already successful business career and take it to the next level. A DBA will give you the knowledge and confidence to use advanced techniques to solve problems that were likely beyond your reach earlier. You also will be able to mentor junior executives by informing their intuition with rigorous methods in the study of complex business problems. The Jindal School has an intense, highly applied research faculty. We are extremely successful at publishing in top research journals. We also take our expertise to the field to add value to companies. This applied, but rigorous, focus on business-relevant research makes the Jindal School an excellent choice for your pursuit of a DBA.

Message from the Co-Director

Amit Mehra, PhD

Professor, information systems | co-director, doctor of business administration.

[email protected] | (972)-883-5083 | JSOM 3.433

Thank you for considering the DBA program at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas. If you are a person with vision and a drive to make things happen, then you have come to the right place. The use of analytics in business decision-making is the latest tool in the hands of managers who want to be leaders in their fields. Our faculty has deep expertise in the area and has experience working with businesses. While we teach analytics skills in our highly acclaimed Ph.D. program, busy executives do not have the time to complete such a long program. Inspired by constant queries from local businesses over the past few years, we created our DBA program which addresses the needs of experienced executives. Our unique offering is the perfect segue into the next level of your career, particularly if you have a quantitative background or want to learn those skills. I am very excited to welcome our inaugural class in the Fall of 2023 and look forward to having you join us. I can certainly promise you an exhilarating and mind-opening journey in the next three years!

Tuition details

Tuition will be paid in six equal installments of $20,000 each at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semester of each year of the program. Students who do not graduate at the end of their third year in the program will need to pay additional fees based on the number of credits they enroll in each semester.

Financial Aid Information

Long-term student loans are available to initially fund your tuition (generally, repayment begins after graduation). Student loans are available either through Federal Student Loan Programs OR through creditworthy Private Educational Loans . Please contact Bill Mack, Financial Services Manager, for more information before applying for student loans at [email protected] or (972) 883-4114 .

Learn from world-class faculty

The Jindal School faculty is multi-faceted and highly accomplished. Based on the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings™ — a list used worldwide to identify research productivity — the Jindal School faculty currently ranks No. 5 worldwide in research productivity .

The strength of the Jindal School faculty is its expertise in analytics skills, which are very highly advocated by experts today to make informed business decisions rather than relying on gut feel. Our faculty has extensive experience working on problems of practical relevance, and many work closely with industry.

John Barden, CPA

Associate dean, executive education | clinical professor, accounting.

[email protected] | (972)-883-4434 | JSOM 1.708

ready-application-dba

Ready to start your Executive Doctor of Business Administration application?

Before you apply, get familiar with the application process for the UT Dallas Executive DBA program.

We’d like to send you more details about the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Request for information.

Contact Information

Back to Top

Boston University Academics

Boston University

• Campus Life
• Schools & Colleges
• Degree Programs
• Search Academics

PhD in Business Administration & Management

Boston University’s PhD in Business Administration & Management program trains scholars to develop and test management theories that contribute to management education and practice. Students acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their major area of specialization as well as solid grounding in a minor (for example, a social science discipline such as sociology, economics, or political science) that broadens their foundation. Students also gain theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills, essential for publishing in leading academic journals.

The PhD in Business Administration & Management program ensures that students develop an appreciation of the role of their research domain in managerial and organizational contexts, and can translate their learning from scholarly research into effective teaching. Our faculty, which has earned worldwide recognition for its scholarly and applied research, is the school’s major resource for doctoral education. Their commitment to advancing management knowledge through research published in top journals, and improving the quality of teaching, enables them to effectively mentor doctoral students, who, in close collaboration with faculty, are part of the intellectual capital of the school.

Learning Outcomes

The PhD curriculum has the following learning goals. Students will:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of literature, theory, and methods in their field.
• Be prepared to teach at the undergraduate or master’s level in a business school.
• Produce original research of quality appropriate for publication in scholarly journals.

After matriculation into the PhD program, a candidate for the degree must register for and satisfactorily complete a minimum of 64 graduate-level credits at Boston University. More courses may be needed, depending on departmental requirements.

PhD in Business Administration & Management Curriculum

The curriculum provides the graduate with a combination of major and minor foci which incorporates both the depth and breadth of knowledge and research skills required to contribute to management research. It creates the capacity for learning and innovation in the face of rapid changes in the social, economic, technical, and political contexts of management. The curriculum has the following specific learning goals:

Students must:

• Acquire advanced knowledge of theory and methods in their area of specialization (the major).
• Gain sound knowledge of theory and methods in an area other than their specialization (the minor).
• Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills.
• Have adequate preparation to teach at the undergraduate or master’s level in a business school.
• Be capable of independently producing original research of quality appropriate for publication in scholarly journals.

Course Requirements

The minimum course requirement is 16 courses (64 credits).

Course choices must be approved by the department liaison prior to registration each semester. The department liaison must also approve whether courses will be accepted as meeting the requirements for classification as major, minor, or research methodology courses. In the fall of the first year, all students are automatically registered for DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research. All students must take a noncredit teaching intensive prior to the start of their third year.

Research Methodology & Methods Core

Candidates are required to complete five courses in research methods and design. Students, with the advice and approval of department liaisons, will choose these courses. Courses may be taken at the Questrom School of Business or may be selected from appropriate courses offered in other disciplines at the University.

At least two of the five research methodology courses must be taken from the following list of approved Methods Core courses:

• QST DS 911 Seminar in Macro Organizational Theory
• QST DS 913 Experimental Design and Methods
• QST DS 919 Machine Learning Methods for Social Science Research
• QST DS 925 Methods for Causal Inference in Management Research
• QST DS 929 Analytical Modeling for Business Research
• QST MF 930 Advanced Corporate Finance
• QST MO 923 Field-Studies Seminar

Major Area Courses

Students must acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their area of specialization (the major). Such competence is gained by coursework, participation in seminars, and independent study. Candidates must complete five doctoral courses in the major area and pass a qualifying examination at the end of their coursework.

Minor Area Courses

Students are encouraged to choose a minor that draws on one or more of the social sciences that management theories draw on: for example, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. Minor area courses may be selected from doctoral-level courses, including independent studies, from any department at the  Questrom School of Business  (other than the major area), or from other graduate departments at the University. The four-course minor may also be custom-designed as an interdisciplinary conceptual area with the advice and consent of the department liaison. For example, a student may define the minor as “human behavior” and take four doctoral-level courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology to meet the requirement.

Philosophy and Science of Research

All students are required to take QST DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research.

Related Bulletin Pages

• Abbreviations and Symbols

Beyond the Bulletin

• Questrom PhD
• Questrom PhD Admissions
• Questrom School of Business Undergraduate Program
• Minor in Business Administration & Management
• Minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Professional Evening MBA (PEMBA)
• Online MBA (OMBA)
• Dual Degree MBA Programs
• MS in Business Analytics
• MS in Management Studies
• Mathematical Finance
• PhD in Business Administration & Management
• Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
• Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology
• Academic and Student Resources
• Honorary, Service, and Professional Organizations

Terms of Use

Note that this information may change at any time. Read the full terms of use .

related websites

• Questrom School of Business

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

• © Copyright
• Mobile Version

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

baruch college | zicklin school of business

Doctor of Business Administration

Be the doctor in the boardroom.

The Zicklin Doctor of Business Administration program is designed for senior executives with 7 or more years of executive experience who seek empirical knowledge and research experience at the doctoral level. Graduates will gain skills needed to thrive in the C-suite, broaden their opportunities as consultants, and enter the college classroom as a professor.

Our doctoral faculty have developed a unique multidisciplinary curriculum that employs a wide range of traditional and cutting-edge research methodologies to address the key business issues of the day.

Submit a free pre-application for feedback on your candidacy here

Program Highlights

• Three-year doctoral degree program from an AACSB-accredited business school leading to the Doctor of Business Administration degree.
• Structured to accommodate executives’ schedules with a limited number of on-campus residencies supported by online learning. 
• Multidisciplinary courses which recognize that executives make decisions across functional lines of business and academic areas of study.
• Conduct specialized research tailored to your career goals and business interests.
• Individualized mentoring of your research and dissertation based on our faculty’s experience in our long-established PhD program in business.
• Comprehensive program fee of $125,000, to be paid in installments over the course of the program.  This fee covers 42 credits of required courses, books, materials, meals and refreshments during on-campus class days, and dissertation research guidance. 

Explore DBA Program

Program overview.

Find out how the Doctor of Business Administration program accommodates your executive schedule.

Prospective Applicants

Information about applying to the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Current Graduates

Meet the inaugural class of the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Explore our world-class faculty and their areas of expertise.

Benefits of the Doctor of Business Administration Program

Continuing your executive professional development with a doctoral program leading to the DBA degree enables you to:

• Reshape your thinking around difficult problems using current research paradigms.
• Expand your network with fellow executives who, like you, bring their business experience to the classroom and share your goals of pursuing have extensive research, academic, and business training.
• Bring an expanded academic skill set to your organization’s business challenges.
• Learn how to communicate complex ideas and findings to a broad audience.
• Open doors to new career opportunities in research, consulting, and college teaching.

The Doctor of Business Administration Program Curriculum and Structure 

The Doctor of Business Administration program expands your analytical skill set, allowing you to bring new solutions and perspectives to your organization’s business challenges. Students address current theoretical and empirical research, giving you a broader perspective of business. 

• In the first year of the program, you will take research methodology courses in quantitative analysis in econometrics as well as qualitative analysis such as surveys and case studies, capturing the wide range of analytical tools used in business research. You will also learn about leadership, competition analysis and regulation, and foundational applied areas in business. 
• In the second year, you will take courses in areas such as technological change and innovation, the consumer journey, ideation and entrepreneurship, human capital, information-based strategy, and marketing strategy. The specific courses are selected by the program’s academic director and steering committee to best reflect students’ research interests.
• The summers and third year are devoted to dissertation research. You will be matched with an advisor in the spring semester of the first year, and in many cases will continue with this advisor through all stages of the dissertation. 
• You will use R in your coursework and either R or other statistical software like SPSS or SAS in your dissertation research.
• Throughout the program you will enhance your communication skills by reading, discussing, writing, and presenting, both business literature and your own research findings.

You are encouraged to start thinking about and identifying your research interests early in the program. Typically you will refine and reshape your ideas for the dissertation significantly throughout the two years of courses.

This exposure to research methodology and theory will equip you to undertake applied research, while also gaining the skills to guide doctoral and research professionals employed at your organization.

Ana Valenzuela, PhD Academic Director and Professor Allen G. Aaronson Department of Marketing and International Business Zicklin School of Business

Upcoming Events

On-Campus Zicklin Executive Student Experience & Information Session | March 9, 2024 at 11:00am ET

Doctor of Business Administration Virtual Information Session | April 16, 2024 at 12:00pm ET

On-Campus Zicklin Executive Student Experience & Information Session | May 9, 2024 at 5:00pm ET

Doctor of Business Administration Virtual Information Session | May 14, 2024 at 11:00am ET

Contact us: [email protected]

Visit Us During Virtual Office Hours

Executive Admissions staff are available via live chat every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 am-11:00 am ET to answer your questions. Register for an upcoming session to receive an access link via email.

Register for Virtual Office Hours

For prospective students interested in Zicklin’s PhD in Business program, please click here.

PhD in Business Program

2023-24 Bulletin

Doctor of business administration (dba).

The Olin Business School Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program offers a collaborative atmosphere centered on industry-relevant applied research in finance , marketing or supply chain, operations, and technology . This advanced graduate program crosses traditional boundaries and provides students with the opportunity — under the guidance of Washington University faculty — for structured course work along with focused independent scholarly reading and research on important issues relating to business.

The Olin DBA program is a 72-credit-unit doctoral degree designed for individuals with a serious interest in finance, marketing, or supply chain and operations-related research who wish to pursue graduate study on either a part-time or full-time basis. A DBA is an advanced graduate degree that differs from a traditional PhD and extends beyond the fundamental foundation of a master's degree to develop the necessary skills to conduct applied research. A DBA differs from a master's degree and a PhD in a number of ways, including the scope of study, the approach to research, and essentially the definitive outcome.

The Olin DBA is a practitioner's doctoral degree designed to meet the needs of the researching professional rather than the professional researcher. While a PhD is intended for those who wish to pursue research careers in academia, a DBA involves extended graduate study beyond a master's degree for those who wish to pursue careers in corporations, consulting firms or government agencies that can benefit from advanced research skills for the analysis of business problems. The research capabilities developed in the DBA programs for finance and marketing are of a more applied nature, with more immediate real-world applicability than the typical research pursued in a PhD program. Unlike a PhD program, the DBA program is aimed at those who are working in industry and who may continue to work during their enrollment in the program.

Contact Info

The completion of the DBA program requires 72 credit units of graduate course work. In addition, DBA students must maintain satisfactory academic progress; pass examinations and paper requirements; and write, submit and defend a doctoral thesis. All students are expected to finish the program within four years on a full-time basis or within five to six years on a part-time basis.

Required studies include course work and a written doctoral thesis as follows:

• 48 credit units for course work
• 24 credit units for a doctoral thesis

Qualifying Exams

Comprehensive field examinations should be completed within six months of the conclusion of required course work (normally within two to three years). The examination committee will be composed of the faculty advisor and two other faculty members.

Doctoral Thesis

After completing 48 units of DBA course work and passing the qualifying exams, the student will begin research for their doctoral thesis. A DBA student will prepare their thesis proposal in consultation with their faculty advisor and with the approval of the research advisory committee and the program director. The completed doctoral thesis will be defended in an oral presentation to the advisory committee. The committee will assign either a passing grade or a failing grade, or they may ask for revisions to be made so that the student may receive a passing grade.

DBA in Finance | DBA in Marketing | DBA in Operations

DBA in Finance

The curriculum includes foundation courses, required courses, and elective courses.

Foundation Courses (6 units)

Depending on their academic background, students may be required to enroll in one or more foundation courses on entering the DBA in Finance program. Credits for these courses are not applied toward the DBA degree. The three foundation courses, which are offered in August, are as follows:

The required courses provide the student with basic knowledge in all major aspects of finance: investment and asset-pricing of equity, fixed income, and derivatives; corporate finance (valuation and financing); and financial intermediation. The required courses also provide basic knowledge in microeconomics, financial statement analysis, and statistical and empirical methods.

Required Courses (27 units)

Elective courses (minimum 21 units).

Students may take any other graduate-level (500 and above) course as an elective with the approval of the Doctoral Programs Office and the course instructor.

DBA in Marketing

Quantitative track, required courses (28 units).

Depending on their knowledge of quantitative methods in marketing, students may request to replace the above required courses with more advanced graduate-level courses. Faculty approval is required.

Elective Courses (minimum 20 units)

Students may take other graduate-level (500 and above) courses as electives with the approval of the faculty and the instructors of the specific courses.

Consumer Behavior Track

Required courses (20.5 units), elective courses (minimum 27.5 units), dba in operations, required courses (48 units).

• Degree Completion Plans
• Course Guides
• Supplemental Instruction
• IT Helpdesk
• Academic Departments
• Doctoral Degrees
• Communications
• Criminal Justice
• Public Policy
• Strategic Leadership
• Worship Studies
• More Programs >
• Masters Degrees
• Applied Psychology
• Business Administration
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Executive Leadership
• Healthcare Administration
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Graphic Design
• Information Technology
• Paralegal Studies
• Sports Management
• Associate Degrees
• Christian Counseling
• Creative Writing
• Early Childhood Education
• Information Systems
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Medical Office Assistant
• STEM Mathematics
• Undergraduate
• Christian Ministry
• Data Networking
• Project Management
• Biblical Studies
• Educational Tech. & Online Instruction
• General Business
• Health Promotion
• Theological Studies
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Instructional Design
• Higher Ed. Administration
• Special Education
• New Programs
• Biblical Counseling (BS)
• Chaplaincy (MA)
• Christian Leadership – Faith-Based Consulting (PhD)
• Educational Research (PhD)
• Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services (BS)
• Geographic Information Systems – Commercial Logistics (MS)
• Healthcare Law and Compliance (MBA)
• Instructional Design and Technology (EdS)
• Interdisciplinary Research (MA)
• International Relations – Human Rights (MS)
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (BS)
• Special Education (EdD)
• Who Are We?
• Our Three A's
• Virtual Tour of Liberty's Campus
• What is a Nonprofit University?
• Why Choose Liberty?

Accreditation

• Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty University
• Video Testimonials
• Annual Security Report
• Annual Security Report 2023
• Admission Information
• Getting Started With Liberty
• Admission Process
• Admission FAQs
• Academic Calendar
• Admission Resources
• Common Forms and Documents
• Technical Requirements
• Official Transcript Request Form
• Textbooks and Software
• Transferring to Liberty
• Transfer Students
• Experience Plus – Credit for Life Experience
• Transfer FAQs
• University Transcript Request Links
• Tuition Assistance
• First Responder Discount
• Military Tuition Discount
• Small Business Discount
• Corporate Tuition Assistance
• Corporate Tuition Affiliates
• Financial Basics
• Tuition & Fees
• Payment Plans
• Military Benefits
• Financial Check-In
• Financial Aid
• Financial Aid Process
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Grants & Loans
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Military Homepage
• Military Benefits Guide
• Discount on Tuition
• Doctoral Military Rate
• Veterans Benefits
• Academics and Programs
• Military Programs and Partnerships
• Military Benefits and Scholarships
• Community and Resources
• Top Used Links
• Upcoming Events
• Academic Advising
• Jerry Falwell Library
• Policies and Deadlines
• Liberty University Academic Calendar Online
• Academic Policies
• Information Technology (IT)
• Online Writing Center
• Honor Societies
• Student Advocate Office
• Flames Pass (Student ID)
• Online Student Life
• Office of Disability Accommodation Support
• Commonly Used Forms
• learn.liberty.edu

PhD in Business Administration – Leadership

Transfer credits, next start date, guide your business to success with a phd in business administration – leadership.

Businesses rely on sound decisions made by informed leaders. Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration – Leadership can help you gain knowledge and skills in business that can be applied in current and future leadership and teaching roles. Our PhD in business leadership is designed to help you attain a high level of academic, professional, and practical competence to better prepare you for opportunities and responsibilities beyond your current role.

The 2021 median annual salary for management analysts was $93,000.*

World-class learning for anyone, anywhere

The job outlook over 10 years is faster than the average for all occupations.*

This leadership PhD program emphasizes theoretical and practical applications in both the coursework and the dissertation process. You’ll be able to learn a wide range of skills and advanced knowledge that can assist you in your current academic or business career. Our goal at Liberty is to help you develop leadership expertise that can be applied to broad areas of business administration in the ever-changing industry landscape.

Your PhD in leadership will culminate in a dissertation that enables you to apply what you’ve learned to develop solutions or alternative practices that contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Strengthen your expertise and make a difference in the business world with Liberty’s 100% online doctoral leadership degree.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts, 2021 (viewed online June 6, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Business Administration Program?

At Liberty, we’ve designed our online doctorate in business leadership with your success in mind. Our professors seek to equip qualified professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for impacting the world and contributing to the greater good of society.

In our PhD program, you can learn how to become an essential contributor in your field and the kind of leader who inspires others. Your final dissertation can further prepare you for success by giving you the proper tools to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research — allowing you to demonstrate your specific expertise.

Perhaps the greatest asset of our 100% online leadership degree is that it gives you the ability to pursue your education and conduct your research from the comfort of your own home. You can stay invested in the things that matter most — like your family, job, and community — while working towards your academic goals.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

What Will You Learn in Our PhD in Business Administration – Leadership?

This PhD in Business Administration – Leadership degree offers a blend of classes focused on business management as well as specialized courses that cover successful leadership theories and styles. Utilizing your own experience in the business world, you can contribute to the current body of knowledge in business leadership through your dissertation.

Your core courses will explore a variety of pertinent topics, including:

• Financial resource allocation
• Human resource management
• Strategy formulation
• Supply chain management

You can also develop your leadership skills as you gain an overview of leadership theory and how to effectively lead teams. Additionally, you will explore ethics, reasoning, and worldviews from the perspective of a strategic leader to help you guide organizations using sound morals.

Liberty’s PhD program culminates in a dissertation, which is where you will put your knowledge to the test and solve a current business problem. Through this dissertation, you can combine theory with praxis and help contribute to the rapidly changing business field. The research you conduct may even set the foundation for future business leaders.

Featured Courses 

• BMAL 702 – Leadership Theory
• BMAL 727 – Leading Effective Teams
• BMAL 770 – The Ethical Leader
• BUSI 750 – Managing Human Resources

Degree Information

Highlights of Our PhD in Business Administration Degree

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online PhD in business leadership degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• You can complete your PhD in Business Administration at Liberty University in as little as 3 years!
• As an online student, you can access a wide variety of resources through Liberty’s library portal while completing your doctorate in business administration – leadership.
• Liberty University’s degrees are designed to provide maximum affordability, flexibility, and accessibility.

Degree Information for the PhD in Business Administration – Leadership

• The PhD in Business Administration – Leadership program falls under our School of Business .
• Download and review the Degree Completion Plan .
• View the Graduate Business Course Guides (login required) .
• View the   PhD in Business Administration Handbook
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in your field through this program’s integrated dissertation process.

Apply Now    Request Info

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Business Administration – Leadership Graduates

• Company executive
• Management analyst
• Nonprofit organization director
• Private business consultant
• University professor in business administration or leadership

Admission Requirements for  Liberty’s PhD in Business Administration – Leadership Program

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree in business or a business-related field with at least 30 hours of graduate business credit with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

Apply FREE This Week*

Almost there! How may we contact you?

Our Admissions team is ready to answer any additional questions you may have.

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

• Get My Results

Discover what Liberty can do for you!

Get your personalized guide on how to start with liberty..

In 60 seconds or less!

Become a Champion for Christ

Estimate your Cost

Cost Per Credit Hour Per Semester for 7 to 15 Credits* Per Semester for 9 to 15 Credits* i Visit the Tuition and Financing page for more information.

Additional program fees may apply. See program page for details.

Disclaimer: This calculator is a tool that provides a rough estimate of the total cost of tuition, and should not be relied upon to determine overall costs, as pricing may vary by program and tuition/fees are subject to change. Estimates are not final or binding, and do not include potential financial aid eligibility.

Your Cost Estimate:

View All Tuition & Fees Go Back

For eligibility requirements for military discounts at the doctoral level, please review the online benefits page .

Request Information

Learn More About Liberty University Online

You will be automatically taken to the application once you submit your request for information

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

About Stanford GSB

• The Leadership
• Dean’s Updates
• School News & History
• Commencement
• Business, Government & Society
• Centers & Institutes
• Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
• Center for Social Innovation
• Stanford Seed

About the Experience

• Learning at Stanford GSB
• Experiential Learning
• Guest Speakers
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Innovation
• Communication
• Life at Stanford GSB
• Collaborative Environment
• Activities & Organizations
• Student Services
• Housing Options
• International Students

Full-Time Degree Programs

• Why Stanford MBA
• Academic Experience
• Financial Aid
• Why Stanford MSx

Research Fellows Program

• See All Programs

Non-Degree & Certificate Programs

• Executive Education
• Stanford Executive Program
• Programs for Organizations
• The Difference
• Online Programs
• Stanford LEAD
• Seed Transformation Program
• Aspire Program
• Seed Spark Program
• Faculty Profiles
• Academic Areas
• Awards & Honors
• Conferences

Faculty Research

• Publications
• Working Papers
• Case Studies

Research Hub

• Research Labs & Initiatives
• Business Library
• Data, Analytics & Research Computing
• Behavioral Lab

Research Labs

• Cities, Housing & Society Lab
• Golub Capital Social Impact Lab

Research Initiatives

• Corporate Governance Research Initiative
• Corporations and Society Initiative
• Policy and Innovation Initiative
• Rapid Decarbonization Initiative
• Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
• Value Chain Innovation Initiative
• Venture Capital Initiative
• Career & Success
• Climate & Sustainability
• Corporate Governance
• Culture & Society
• Finance & Investing
• Government & Politics
• Leadership & Management
• Markets & Trade
• Operations & Logistics
• Opportunity & Access
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economy
• Social Impact
• Technology & AI
• Opinion & Analysis
• Email Newsletter

Welcome, Alumni

• Communities
• Digital Communities & Tools
• Regional Chapters
• Women’s Programs
• Identity Chapters
• Find Your Reunion
• Career Resources
• Job Search Resources
• Career & Life Transitions
• Programs & Services
• Career Video Library
• Alumni Education
• Research Resources
• Volunteering
• Alumni News
• Class Notes
• Alumni Voices
• Contact Alumni Relations
• Upcoming Events

Admission Events & Information Sessions

• MBA Program
• MSx Program
• PhD Program
• Alumni Events
• All Other Events
• Requirements
• Requirements: Behavioral
• Requirements: Quantitative
• Requirements: Macro
• Requirements: Micro
• Annual Evaluations
• Field Examination
• Research Activities
• Research Papers
• Dissertation
• Oral Examination
• Current Students
• Entering Class Profile
• Education & CV
• GMAT & GRE
• International Applicants
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Reapplicants
• Application Fee Waiver
• Deadline & Decisions
• Job Market Candidates
• Academic Placements
• Stay in Touch
• Fields of Study
• Student Life

Our faculty members are uncompromisingly committed to student success

Students pursue an intensely focused, highly energized academic experience in their chosen discipline

Recognized experts in their fields, our faculty continually publish groundbreaking research

Our collaborative culture enables students to support one another, and most students live on campus

Learn more about our application materials and what we look for in a candidate

Our graduates pursue tenure-track academic placements at top institutions around the world

Stanford GSB PhD Program

Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions.

Fall 2024 applications are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will be available in September 2024.

Become an Outstanding Scholar

Our PhD Program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world. You will embark on a challenging and meaningful experience, focusing your academic study in one of seven distinct fields within the PhD degree program.

Is a PhD Right for You?

Strong PhD candidates are full of ideas and curiosity, with a passion and aptitude for research. If you’re prepared to embark on a rigorous career in research and develop your full potential, we invite you to explore the possibilities of a PhD in business. Admitted students receive full fellowships for their doctoral studies.

Faculty Publications

Material selection to improve sustainability in the apparel industry, chatgpt, md: how ai-empowered patients & doctors can take back control of american medicine, 2023 state of latino entrepreneurship, phd student voices, school news, stanford economist guido imbens wins nobel in economic sciences, susan athey named president of american economic association, teaching through a pandemic: students recognize two faculty members for their efforts, diversifying the pool of phd students will require systemic change.

Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.

• Priorities for the GSB's Future
• See the Current DEI Report
• Supporting Data
• Research & Insights
• Share Your Thoughts
• Search Fund Primer
• Teaching & Curriculum
• Affiliated Faculty
• Faculty Advisors
• Louis W. Foster Resource Center
• Defining Social Innovation
• Impact Compass
• Global Health Innovation Insights
• Faculty Affiliates
• Student Awards & Certificates
• Changemakers
• Dean Jonathan Levin
• Dean Garth Saloner
• Dean Robert Joss
• Dean Michael Spence
• Dean Robert Jaedicke
• Dean Rene McPherson
• Dean Arjay Miller
• Dean Ernest Arbuckle
• Dean Jacob Hugh Jackson
• Dean Willard Hotchkiss
• Faculty in Memoriam
• Stanford GSB Firsts
• Certificate & Award Recipients
• Teaching Approach
• Analysis and Measurement of Impact
• The Corporate Entrepreneur: Startup in a Grown-Up Enterprise
• Data-Driven Impact
• Designing Experiments for Impact
• Digital Business Transformation
• The Founder’s Right Hand
• Marketing for Measurable Change
• Product Management
• Public Policy Lab: Financial Challenges Facing US Cities
• Public Policy Lab: Homelessness in California
• Lab Features
• Curricular Integration
• View From The Top
• Formation of New Ventures
• Managing Growing Enterprises
• Startup Garage
• Explore Beyond the Classroom
• Stanford Venture Studio
• Summer Program
• Workshops & Events
• The Five Lenses of Entrepreneurship
• Leadership Labs
• Executive Challenge
• Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program
• Selection Process
• Training Schedule
• Time Commitment
• Learning Expectations
• Post-Training Opportunities
• Who Should Apply
• Introductory T-Groups
• Leadership for Society Program
• Certificate
• 2023 Awardees
• 2022 Awardees
• 2021 Awardees
• 2020 Awardees
• 2019 Awardees
• 2018 Awardees
• Social Management Immersion Fund
• Stanford Impact Founder Fellowships and Prizes
• Stanford Impact Leader Prizes
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Stanford GSB Impact Fund
• Economic Development
• Energy & Environment
• Stanford GSB Residences
• Environmental Leadership
• Stanford GSB Artwork
• A Closer Look
• California & the Bay Area
• Voices of Stanford GSB
• Business & Beneficial Technology
• Business & Sustainability
• Business & Free Markets
• Business, Government, and Society Forum
• Get Involved
• Second Year
• Global Experiences
• JD/MBA Joint Degree
• MA Education/MBA Joint Degree
• MD/MBA Dual Degree
• MPP/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Computer Science/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Electrical Engineering/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree
• Academic Calendar
• Clubs & Activities
• LGBTQ+ Students
• Military Veterans
• Minorities & People of Color
• Partners & Families
• Students with Disabilities
• Student Support
• Residential Life
• Student Voices
• MBA Alumni Voices
• A Week in the Life
• Career Support
• Employment Outcomes
• Cost of Attendance
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
• Yellow Ribbon Program
• BOLD Fellows Fund
• Application Process
• Loan Forgiveness
• Contact the Financial Aid Office
• Evaluation Criteria
• English Language Proficiency
• Personal Information, Activities & Awards
• Professional Experience
• Optional Short Answer Questions
• Application Fee
• Reapplication
• Deferred Enrollment
• Joint & Dual Degrees
• Event Schedule
• Ambassadors
• New & Noteworthy
• Ask a Question
• See Why Stanford MSx
• Is MSx Right for You?
• MSx Stories
• Leadership Development
• Career Advancement
• Career Change
• How You Will Learn
• Admission Events
• Personal Information
• Information for Recommenders
• GMAT, GRE & EA
• English Proficiency Tests
• After You’re Admitted
• Daycare, Schools & Camps
• U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
• Faculty Mentors
• Current Fellows
• Standard Track
• Fellowship & Benefits
• Group Enrollment
• Program Formats
• Developing a Program
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Strategic Transformation
• Program Experience
• Contact Client Services
• Campus Experience
• Live Online Experience
• Silicon Valley & Bay Area
• Digital Credentials
• Faculty Spotlights
• Participant Spotlights
• Eligibility
• International Participants
• Stanford Ignite
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Operations, Information & Technology
• Classical Liberalism
• The Eddie Lunch
• Accounting Summer Camp
• Videos, Code & Data
• California Econometrics Conference
• California Quantitative Marketing PhD Conference
• California School Conference
• China India Insights Conference
• Homo economicus, Evolving
• Political Economics (2023–24)
• Scaling Geologic Storage of CO2 (2023–24)
• A Resilient Pacific: Building Connections, Envisioning Solutions
• Adaptation and Innovation
• Changing Climate
• Civil Society
• Climate Impact Summit
• Climate Science
• Corporate Carbon Disclosures
• Earth’s Seafloor
• Environmental Justice
• Operations and Information Technology
• Organizations
• Sustainability Reporting and Control
• Taking the Pulse of the Planet
• Urban Infrastructure
• Watershed Restoration
• Junior Faculty Workshop on Financial Regulation and Banking
• Ken Singleton Celebration
• Marketing Camp
• Quantitative Marketing PhD Alumni Conference
• Presentations
• Theory and Inference in Accounting Research
• Stanford Closer Look Series
• Quick Guides
• Core Concepts
• Journal Articles
• Glossary of Terms
• Faculty & Staff
• Researchers & Students
• Research Approach
• Charitable Giving
• Financial Health
• Government Services
• Workers & Careers
• Short Course
• Adaptive & Iterative Experimentation
• Incentive Design
• Social Sciences & Behavioral Nudges
• Bandit Experiment Application
• Conferences & Events
• Reading Materials
• Energy Entrepreneurship
• Faculty & Affiliates
• SOLE Report
• Responsible Supply Chains
• Current Study Usage
• Pre-Registration Information
• Participate in a Study
• Founding Donors
• Location Information
• Participant Profile
• Network Membership
• Program Impact
• Collaborators
• Entrepreneur Profiles
• Company Spotlights
• Seed Transformation Network
• Responsibilities
• Current Coaches
• How to Apply
• Meet the Consultants
• Meet the Interns
• Intern Profiles
• Collaborate
• Research Library
• News & Insights
• Program Contacts
• Databases & Datasets
• Research Guides
• Consultations
• Research Workshops
• Career Research
• Research Data Services
• Course Reserves
• Course Research Guides
• Material Loan Periods
• Fines & Other Charges
• Document Delivery
• Interlibrary Loan
• Equipment Checkout
• Print & Scan
• MBA & MSx Students
• PhD Students
• Other Stanford Students
• Faculty Assistants
• Research Assistants
• Stanford GSB Alumni
• Telling Our Story
• Staff Directory
• Site Registration
• Alumni Directory
• Alumni Email
• Privacy Settings & My Profile
• Success Stories
• The Story of Circles
• Support Women’s Circles
• Stanford Women on Boards Initiative
• Alumnae Spotlights
• Insights & Research
• Industry & Professional
• Entrepreneurial Commitment Group
• Recent Alumni
• Half-Century Club
• Fall Reunions
• Spring Reunions
• MBA 25th Reunion
• Half-Century Club Reunion
• Faculty Lectures
• Ernest C. Arbuckle Award
• Alison Elliott Exceptional Achievement Award
• ENCORE Award
• Excellence in Leadership Award
• John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award
• Robert K. Jaedicke Faculty Award
• Jack McDonald Military Service Appreciation Award
• Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award
• Tapestry Award
• Student & Alumni Events
• Executive Recruiters
• Interviewing
• Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn
• Negotiating
• Elevator Pitch
• Email Best Practices
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Self-Assessment
• Whitney Birdwell Ball
• Margaret Brooks
• Bryn Panee Burkhart
• Margaret Chan
• Ricki Frankel
• Peter Gandolfo
• Cindy W. Greig
• Natalie Guillen
• Carly Janson
• Sloan Klein
• Sherri Appel Lassila
• Stuart Meyer
• Tanisha Parrish
• Virginia Roberson
• Philippe Taieb
• Michael Takagawa
• Terra Winston
• Johanna Wise
• Debbie Wolter
• Rebecca Zucker
• Complimentary Coaching
• Changing Careers
• Work-Life Integration
• Career Breaks
• Flexible Work
• Encore Careers
• D&B Hoovers
• Data Axle (ReferenceUSA)
• EBSCO Business Source
• Global Newsstream
• Market Share Reporter
• ProQuest One Business
• Student Clubs
• Entrepreneurial Students
• Stanford GSB Trust
• Alumni Community
• How to Volunteer
• Springboard Sessions
• Consulting Projects
• 2020 – 2029
• 2010 – 2019
• 2000 – 2009
• 1990 – 1999
• 1980 – 1989
• 1970 – 1979
• 1960 – 1969
• 1950 – 1959
• 1940 – 1949
• Service Areas
• ACT History
• ACT Awards Celebration
• ACT Governance Structure
• Building Leadership for ACT
• Individual Leadership Positions
• Leadership Role Overview
• Purpose of the ACT Management Board
• Contact ACT
• Business & Nonprofit Communities
• Reunion Volunteers
• Ways to Give
• Fiscal Year Report
• Business School Fund Leadership Council
• Planned Giving Options
• Planned Giving Benefits
• Planned Gifts and Reunions
• Legacy Partners
• Giving News & Stories
• Giving Deadlines
• Development Staff
• Submit Class Notes
• Class Secretaries
• Board of Directors
• Health Care
• Sustainability
• Class Takeaways
• All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions
• If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society
• Grit & Growth
• Think Fast, Talk Smart
• Spring 2022
• Spring 2021
• Autumn 2020
• Summer 2020
• Winter 2020
• In the Media
• For Journalists
• DCI Fellows
• Other Auditors
• Academic Calendar & Deadlines
• Course Materials
• Entrepreneurial Resources
• Campus Drive Grove
• Campus Drive Lawn
• CEMEX Auditorium
• King Community Court
• Seawell Family Boardroom
• Stanford GSB Bowl
• Stanford Investors Common
• Town Square
• Vidalakis Courtyard
• Vidalakis Dining Hall
• Catering Services
• Policies & Guidelines
• Reservations
• Contact Faculty Recruiting
• Lecturer Positions
• Postdoctoral Positions
• Accommodations
• CMC-Managed Interviews
• Recruiter-Managed Interviews
• Virtual Interviews
• Campus & Virtual
• Search for Candidates
• Think Globally
• Recruiting Calendar
• Recruiting Policies
• Full-Time Employment
• Summer Employment
• Entrepreneurial Summer Program
• Global Management Immersion Experience
• Social-Purpose Summer Internships
• Process Overview
• Project Types
• Client Eligibility Criteria
• Client Screening
• ACT Leadership
• Social Innovation & Nonprofit Management Resources
• Develop Your Organization’s Talent
• Centers & Initiatives
• Student Fellowships

Doctor of Business Administration

Business Professionals

The onramp to a DBA for business professionals is an easy pathway to accentuate advanced business skills. Collaborating with a diverse cohort of professionals from various industries and geographic locations develops advanced knowledge in agile processes, practical insights, and theoretical frameworks through research. Completing the program expands a business professional’s knowledge while honing skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to drive change.

Non-Business and STEM Professionals

Individuals with broad experience in roles outside of traditional business disciplines (scientists, healthcare workers, lawyers, IT workers, engineers, artists, educators, technicians, social workers, journalists, and more) who may be looking for a career change or a way to advance their business knowledge and influence can find success in the CityU DBA program. The curriculum advances a student’s knowledge and skills through an interdisciplinary perspective, enabling a career transition into entrepreneurship, management, or leadership roles. There is an increasing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between their non-business or STEM expertise and business, creating unique career opportunities. Leverage your skills with applied business principles, leadership agility, and strategic thinking to navigate complex business challenges, drive innovation, and shape the future of business.

• Program Overview

Drive Organizations to Success

City University of Seattle’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for professionals to develop advanced skills in organization interventional thinking, agile business practices, leadership, and critical thinking while developing specialized business knowledge in the area of their choice.

Through coursework, you’ll be supported through a highly interactive teaching model that includes one hour every other week of live interaction with the professor and classmates. Complete the program in as little as three years!

• Practicality and Implementation : Gain consultative and educational skills that can be directly applied to business, education, or organizational situations.
• Quality of Instruction : Doctoral faculty are subject-matter experts who bring course content to life by providing relevant connections with difficult-to-grasp content.
• Relevant and Flexible : 100% online course delivery with options for in-person residences fit professionals’ schedules to provide a work/school balance.
• Fast-Track Options : Transfer up to 12 credits into your doctoral program to shorten your completion time.

The Doctor of Business Administration will prepare you to:

• Integrate leadership theories, business models, and ethical principles for improved operational performance.
• Formulate business strategies that guide organizations to change and adapt to emerging global challenges.
• Improve cultural competency, equity, diversity, and inclusion through leadership, governance, and policy.
• Establish technology-oriented, project-based initiatives that transform organizations.
• Demonstrate thought leadership, founded in research, that contributes to organizational and societal solutions.
• Develop ethical leaders who incorporate social, economic, and environmental values into responsible business strategies.
• Support : The CityU team supports you personally with small class sizes, and a dedicated Academic Advisor assigned to each student.
• 3-Year Program Plan : Designed for the most ambitious; Work with your advisor to plan your timeline.
• Transfer : Apply 12 graduate credits to your degree specialization, reducing time to completion.
• Online : Engage with your professor and classmates through virtual video discussions.
• In Person : Interactive sessions through Residency workshops develop rapport, engagement, and understanding.
• Students in the Program : 72 (FT = 6 credits per quarter).
• Student Retention (2023): 86.49%

Click here for DBA Student Fast Facts

Interested in continuing your education beyond a DBA? Check out our postgraduate certificate options!

• Postgraduate Certificate - Business Strategy, Technology, and Change
• Postgraduate Certificate - Leadership, Diversity, and Innovation

In addition to the doctoral admission requirements, applicants to this program must complete and submit the following and official transcript of your master's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A business degree is preferred but exceptions are considered.

Total Required Credits (91 Credits)

For full course descriptions please refer to the current catalog.

Pre-Entry Requirement (1 Credit)

• DBA 600 Introduction to Doctoral Program (1)

Business Administration Core (42 Credits)

• DBA 605 Organizational Development Theories and Trends (6)
• DBA 610 Financial Decision Making (6)
• DBA 615 Organizational Identity and Culture (6)
• DBA 620 Technology Implementation and Change Management (6)
• DBA 625 Industry Analysis and Market Innovation (6)
• DBA 630 Business Process Analysis and Strategic Management (6)
• DBA 671 Doctoral Seminar I (2)
• DBA 672 Doctoral Seminar II (2)
• DBA 673 Doctoral Seminar III (2)

Research Core (15 Credits)

• RESR 619 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
• RESR 621 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• RESR 623 Research Design (3)
• RESR 625 Advanced Research Topics (3)
• RESR 641 Advanced Qualitative Methods (3)
• RESR 643 Advanced Quantitative Methods (3)

Specialized Study Concentration (12 Credits)

Four graduate courses (or 12 credits) taken in a specific content area. Coursework may be completed through independent study, current course offerings, transferred in from another accredited institution, or developed for a specific industry or organizational setting. The Specialized Study concentration is proposed by the student and approved by the Program Director prior to taking the Organizational Development Capstone.

Dissertation (18 Credits)

Under the supervision of a Doctoral Chair and committee, each student will complete and submit a concept paper, typically 15- 20 pages in length that presents his/her proposed research idea including the statement of the problem, its background and significance, a brief review of the literature and a proposed methodology or research design to address the problem. This stage of the dissertation is complete when the student's committee gives its approval.

During this phase of the dissertation process, the student builds on the concept paper and completes the first three chapters of the final dissertation report (Introduction, literature review, and methods). The literature review will be exhaustive containing sufficient references to allow the student to establish expertise relative to the research problem. The methods section, written in future tense, will provide sufficient detail to allow for replication of the proposed research. This stage of the dissertation is complete when the students committee, the CityU DBA Program Director, and the CityU Institutional Review Board have given their approval.

Dissertation

During this final stage, the student will build upon the completed and approved proposal and will gather research data, analyze these data, and begin to draw conclusions based on the findings. The student will also prepare the final sections of the dissertation (Results and Discussion) and make appropriate modifications to the proposal to complete the preparation of the full dissertation report. This stage is complete with the student receives final committee and DBA Program Director approval. Students who do not complete the dissertation at the end of the third dissertation course must enroll in Continuing Dissertation Services until work on the final dissertation report has been completed.

• RESR 694A Dissertation 1 (3)
• RESR 694B Dissertation 2 (3)
• RESR 694C Dissertation 3 (3)
• RESR 694D Dissertation 4 (3)
• RESR 694E Dissertation 5 (3)
• RESR 694F Dissertation 6 (3)
• RESR 99: Continuing Dissertation Services (0) - Optional course used for continuing enrollment and services as needed beyond provided Dissertation courses.

Residencies (3 Credits)

• RESR 601 Residency 1 (1)
• RESR 602 Residency 2 (1)
• RESR 603 Residency 3 (1)

A Doctor in Business Administration will give you the in-depth business education required to take your career to the top. Upon completion of this program, you will be well prepared to take on a management and leadership role, including:

• Company president
• Management analyst
• Executive director

Networking Opportunities

At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.

Tuition Cost

Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

2023-24 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)

Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses.

Financial Aid Opportunities

At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596 , 206.239.4540 , or [email protected] .

Military Tuition Benefits

As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Request information.

* Indicates a required field.

WHY CHOOSE CITYU?

Founded in 1973, City University of Seattle offers over 60 on-site and online programs designed for busy working adults like you. When you enroll at CityU, you will have the support of a community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are dedicated to helping you finish your degree and reach your goals.

HIGHLY RANKED

City University of Seattle is recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide 1 and ranked by US News & World Report as a best Online Bachelors program.

MADE FOR YOU

You will learn practical real-world knowledge from our passionate faculty. Plus our 6:1 student to faculty ratio is smaller than Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and Western Governors University.

GLOBAL COMMUNITY

Expand your global perspectives in online and on-campus courses with students from all around the world.

A LEGACY OF SUCCESS

Join the 60,000+ alumni who have graduated from City University of Seattle since 1973.

• Request Info
• Programs Overview
• 888-422-4898

Search Site

Featured programs.

• Alternative Route to Teacher Certification
• Undergraduate Project Management Certificate
• Master of Business Administration

HELPFUL LINKS

• Financial Aid
• About CityU

Request Info

• Admissions Overview
• Visit UMass Boston
• Financial Aid
• First-Year Students
• Transfer Students
• Graduate Students
• International Students
• Academics Overview
• Majors & Programs
• Online Learning
• Colleges & Schools
• Academic Calendar
• Healey Library
• Student Equity, Access & Success
• Global Programs
• Study Abroad
• Fellowships
• Campus Life Overview
• Student Groups & Activities
• Housing & Dining
• Health & Wellness
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Safety & Security
• Orientation & New Students
• Research Overview
• Community-Driven Research
• Recognizing Excellence
• Student Research
• Centers & Institutes
• Core Facilities
• Research & Sponsored Programs
• About Overview
• Leadership & Administration
• Mission & Vision
• Facts & Figures
• Accreditation & Rankings
• History of UMass Boston
• Student Consumer Information
• Athletics Overview
• Recreation at UMass Boston
• Current Students
• Parents & Families
• Faculty & Staff

UMass Boston

• Business Administration PhD

Collaborate, exchange ideas, and grow with an engagement-based PhD.

Are you the right fit for the Business Administration PhD at UMass Boston? The program’s distinguishing feature is the collegial spirit and noncompetitive nature of the community, where students collaborate on projects and assist each other and participate in joint research with faculty. Our informal atmosphere and open-door policy encourage students to engage in conversation with faculty or continue seminar discussions with distinguished visitors beyond the allotted class time and space.

To prepare for the academic path, students participate in a teaching seminar and practicum in their second year and then are offered opportunities to teach a variety of undergraduate courses. Career development workshops are also offered, and focus on topics such as writing research grants, the interviewing process, and delivering a successful research talk. Three distinct tracks of this program are available to suit the differing needs of PhD candidates: Organizations and Social Change (OSC) , Finance , and Information Systems for Data Science and Management .

Career Possibilities

Work for a prestigious business school as a professor or researcher. Become a consultant for a government agency whose work speaks to you. Or, use your entrepreneurial spirit and know-how to launch your own successful business. These are just a few of the possibilities a Business Administration PhD offers.

Become a(n):

• Data Analyst
• Business Consultant

Start Your Application

Finance Track

UMass Boston's Business Administration PhD - Finance track is a full-time, in-residence program lasting 4 to 5 years. The program prepares students to be academic researchers, tenure-track professors, or for careers in government organizations and the private sector.

The finance track provides a unique curriculum. It’s taught by both accounting and finance faculty and demands competency tests in both subject areas. Additionally, the curriculum has been updated to include state-of-the-art classes in data science (natural language processing, machine learning, and textual analysis). This new emphasis on data science provides students the tools needed to differentiate their research in a very competitive area. Learn more about students' job placements .

Students accepted into the program generally qualify for a stipend ($31,000 per year for four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress) and full tuition credits. Students may also apply for grants for conference participation. Travel grants annually fund academic conference presentations. Additionally, teaching opportunities and summer internships at financial institutions are encouraged to complement the stipend.

Small class sizes (4-6 students) allow closer interaction with faculty publishing in top-ranked journals to develop research niches. We organized international conferences to signal that competence ( Corporate Social Responsibility in 2019, 2021, and 2023 ). Mindful of the teaching career – a course on teaching skills is also part of the required curriculum. Recognizing the diverse insights other disciplines may bring, students can attend classes from two additional tracks of our PhD Business Administration program – the Organizations & Social Change and Information Systems for Data Science track. Competency tests in Accounting are also part of the required curriculum.

Who Should Apply

The finance program track is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a full-time doctoral program specializing in areas such as:

• corporate finance (e.g., corporate governance and control, executive compensation, capital structure, payout policy, raising capital, and corporate social responsibility)
• investments and asset pricing (e.g., asset management and portfolio analysis, market microstructure, stock-price modeling, fixed-income market, derivative markets, financial systems in emerging markets)
• accounting (e.g., financial reporting, accounting anomalies, managerial accounting)

The program is designed to give students a solid foundation in finance, economics, accounting, and econometrics in the first year through coursework. The intensity of the coursework takes into consideration that applicants come from multiple disciplines. To proceed, students take a qualifying exam in the summer of their first year. The second year is dedicated solely to seminar courses, with some covering investments, asset pricing, corporate finance, and accounting. Courses are designed to prepare students for taking on instructor duties in their third year.

View the Finance Track curriculum.

Our faculty has published in the most prestigious journals in finance and accounting. Recent publications include articles listed in the FT-50 list of the highest-ranked journals in business, including in Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Management Science, Journal of Accounting Research, Accounting Review, Journal of Business Ethics, and Journal of International Business Studies.

Learn more about the Accounting & Finance faculty.

Information Systems for Data Science & Management Track

Data analytics has become a critical need in industries ranging from health care and financial services to marketing and government. Leveraging the strengths of the College of Management's faculty, the University of Massachusetts Boston is offering a cutting-edge and flexible doctoral program in this field.

Positioned at the intersection of technology, business, and strategy, UMass Boston's Business Administration PhD - Information Systems for Data Science and Management track allows students to have a holistic view of data science and its role in the competition. Students will get exposed to various state-of-art research streams in information systems and data science, with a relative focus on data analytical techniques from a design science perspective and the application and management of data analytics in business settings from an organizational perspective. The program offers students the flexibility to investigate other topics they find interesting in data science and technology fields.

All students with master's degrees who are interested in information technology and data analytics are welcome to apply. Students with degrees in quantitative fields such as statistics, economics, math, computer science, management sciences, information systems, and other related disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. A master's degree in these related fields is a plus, although not required. Previous full-time working experiences in related positions are also a plus.

Rapid increases in the amount of published data results in a data deluge that imposes significant challenges in data analytics. By offering a carefully tailored combination of courses in information technology, applied statistics, and business analytics, our PhD program provides rigorous and in-depth courses of study with emphasis on various research methodologies, tools for data analytics, and relevant academic skill sets involving research design, literature review, theoretical development, empirical validation, and academic writing. Our program also provides students with extensive knowledge in the various emerging research areas in information systems (IS) field through IS research seminars and research collaboration opportunities with faculty members.

Academic advisors will help students configure a program of study which includes a rigorous sequence of courses in a variety of research methodologies, theories, and topics. Students will develop theoretical and methodological competencies in a variety of topics in the field of information systems and data science. Students will develop teaching competences through the teaching seminar, GA assignments to support a professor, and independently deliver courses. In addition to course work, students will actively engage in research with faculty members.

View the Information Systems for Data Science and Management curriculum.

Faculty Research

More than a dozen dedicated faculty members are devoted to student learning, with additional faculty serving in supporting roles. They are leaders in their fields who regularly publish scholarly articles in top academic journals. The program involves close, apprentice-like working relationships with faculty members, and students are introduced early to the world of conferences and publishing. Doctoral students are paired with faculty advisors based on their area of interest. This intense mentorship program allows students to learn the crafts of research and teaching in a highly collaborative environment. A sampling of faculty projects includes:

• cybersecurity analytics for massive communication graphs
• home health care management for dually diagnosed Individuals with mental and physical health problems
• characterizing managers' decision making patterns under uncertain and competitive environment
• business intelligence as an IT-enabled agile and competitive business platform
• social media, big data, and Innovation: an investigation of the software industry in India
• strategic use of cloud computing and data assets for sustainable competitive advantage
• decision modeling applications to areas such as technology development, policy, resource management
• abysmal behavior in online social networks
• the role of health IT in hospital acquisitions
• social influence on Bayesian learning process in post-adoption stage

Learn more about faculty and their research.

There are two main career opportunities for the individuals graduated from this program. They can pursue a career in academia as a faculty member or join an organization as a data scientist. In the first case, they can educate other data scientists and conduct state of the art research to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

For the second, students can become data scientists who use the acquired knowledge to excel the effectiveness of data collection and analytics in their organization and improve its competitiveness in today’s economy.

Organizations and Social Change Track

UMass Boston's Business Administration PhD - Organizations and Social Change (OSC) program has gained a strong international reputation for its distinctive focus on issues at the intersection of business and society and its explicit commitment to diverse perspectives, theories, and methodologies. The program examines how business and organizations structure societies, economies, and our identities, sometimes in harmful ways, but also how business and organizations can be engines for positive change.

This full-time, on-campus program is led by a high-quality faculty who are committed to supportive supervision and mentoring of students. Students are eligible for four years of financial support and enjoy opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects. Graduates of the program, which is primarily designed to train students for academic careers, have secured positions in well-known universities, while others have pursued successful careers in consulting and nonprofits.

The program is part of the AACSB-accredited College of Management at UMass Boston. The university is guided by a mission of social justice and community involvement. It is an extraordinary place to learn about the relevance of business and organizations in addressing societal issues.

The Organizations and Social Change program track is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a full-time doctoral program specializing in areas such as:

• social responsibility and sustainability
• social entrepreneurship
• sustainable economic development
• stakeholder engagement in corporate governance
• contemporary human resource management, such as diversity and contingent labor
• cultural and economic impacts of globalization
• transnational identities of consumers and employees
• gender equality and organizations
• multi-sector partnerships for poverty alleviation and development

Prospective students with prior degrees in management, sociology, economics, political science, or other relevant areas are encouraged to apply. Most successful applicants have a master’s degree. Prior research experience (e.g., data analysis, literature reviews, academic writing) is highly recommended. Students accepted into the program are offered full tuition credits and a $31,000 stipend to help defray living costs for up to four years. Summer stipends of $6,000 are also available annually to all qualified students. Travel grants annually fund academic conference presentations.

View the Organizations and Social Change Track curriculum.

Doctoral students are paired with faculty advisors based on their area of interest. This intense mentorship program allows students to learn the crafts of research and teaching in a highly collaborative environment. Students are introduced early to academic research and publishing. Current and former PhD students of the OSC track regularly publish in highly regarded journals, typically together with faculty, and have been involved in impactful community projects and action-oriented research.

Faculty of the OSC track possess international reputations in their fields and are actively engaged in academic and practice-oriented research, and publishing in highly regarded outlets on inequality, sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and diversity. Their expertise in organizations and social change brings them into close contact with business, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and nonprofits.

This year, Professor Maureen Scully was awarded the highly prestigious Joanne Martin Trailblazer Award from the Organization and Management Theory Division of the Academy of Management (2020). She also won the Donald Shephard Endowed Award for Research, College of Management, UMass Boston (2020).

Students in the OSC track will be positioned to pursue academic careers at universities and research institutions. Program graduates have successfully published in highly regarded academic journals and found excellent academic positions at institutions in North America and Europe.

The OSC PhD degree has qualified students for faculty positions in various departments, including entrepreneurship, strategy, management, and public affairs. They teach courses in organization theory, strategy, business and society, sustainability, business ethics, and international business. Several graduates have taken leadership positions in nonprofit organizations, research centers, and consulting.

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants need to submit a current résumé or CV, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts of all prior academic work, official GMAT or GRE scores, and, if appropriate, an official TOEFL or IELTS score. Provide these materials directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.

Writing Sample:

Please submit with your application one or two selected samples of prior academic writings. Such writings could include course papers from your master’s program, research papers, conference papers, or other types of manuscripts. Length is not important, but these typically range between 2,000 and 10,000 words. Please select papers written by you (solo-authored) that best showcase your ability to tackle a relevant research topic by using or developing analytical frameworks or theories, referencing other people’s work, and using empirical evidence (if applicable).

Information Systems for Data Science and Management Track (ISDS)

• Statement of purpose
• At least one writing sample
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• A minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or international equivalent) in all undergraduate work

Organizations and Social Change (OSC) Track

Applicants need to submit a current résumé or CV, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts of all prior academic work, a writing sample, official GMAT or GRE scores, and, if appropriate an official TOEFL or IELTS score.

Statement of Purpose: With your application, please submit a statement of purpose, including a mini-research proposal on an OSC topic that reflects the goals of the program. Your mini- proposal should be about 5 pages long, and it should include the following elements:

• Why do you want to study for a PhD in Organizations and Social Change
• A specific research topic/problem and its significance
• A compelling research question
• A review of previous work relevant to the research question, i.e. what we know so far
• The methods you propose (data collection, analytical techniques) to answer your research question
• A summary of expected results/outcomes, and their potential significance

Note that you are not committing to a PhD topic at this point; your goal is to demonstrate your current thinking and capabilities in research. The mini-proposal will help us determine some of your potential interests and your aptitude for doing research.

Writing Sample: Please submit with your application one or two selected samples of prior academic writings. Such writings could include course papers from your master’s program, research papers, conference papers, or other types of manuscripts. Length is not important, but these typically range between 2,000 and 10,000 words. Please select papers that are written by you (solo-authored), and which best showcase your ability to tackle a relevant research topic by using or developing analytical frameworks or theories, referencing other people’s work, and using empirical evidence (if applicable).

Deadlines & Cost

Finance: February 15 for Fall 2024

Information Systems for Data Science and Management: We are currently not accepting applications for this track. The next admittance for this track will be for Fall 2025.

Organizations and Social Change (OSC): We are currently not accepting applications for this track. The next admittance for this track will be for Fall 2025.

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Please refer to Cost & Aid - Graduate Students for more information. For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or email [email protected] .

Curriculum - Finance Track

Core courses (6 credits).

• BUSADM 700 - Business in Context: Markets, Technologies, Societies  3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 775 - Professional Development Workshop - Doctoral Teaching  3 Credit(s)

Track Courses (30 Credits)

• BUSADM 710 - Accounting for Finance I 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 711 - Accounting for Finance II 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 721 - Quantitative Financial Analysis II 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 722 - Cross-Section Analysis of Financial Data 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 723 - Time Series Analysis of Financial Data 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 730 - Seminar in Investment & Asset Valuation 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 731 - Seminar in Financial Economics 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 732 - Seminar in Corporate Finance 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 780 - Advanced Data Mining and Predictive Modeling 3 Credit(s)

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three additional BUSADM courses.

At least one course must be from below.

• BUSADM 733 - Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 734 - Topics in Investment Asset Pricing 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 736 - Accounting for Finance III 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 782 - Optimization for Data Science 3 Credit(s)

Dissertation Research (12 Credits)

• BUSADM 777 - Dissertation Seminar - Finance track 3 Credit(s) or
• BUSADM 899 - Dissertation Research 1-12 Credit(s)

Curriculum - Information Systems for Data Science and Management

• BUSADM 700 - Business in Context: Markets, Technologies, Societies 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 775 - Professional Development Workshop - Doctoral Teaching 3 Credit(s)

Track Courses (27 Credits)

• BUSADM 740 - Information Systems Theory I: Behavioral and Group Perspectives 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 741 - Information Systems Theory II: Organizational and Economic Perspectives 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 742 - Regression Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 743 - Decision and Risk Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 744 - Quantitative Research Methods in Information Systems 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 745 - Multivariate Statistics 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 785 - Big Data: Management, Analytics, and Applications 3 Credit(s)

Core Electives (9 Credits)

Complete three additional courses chosen with faculty advisor approval.

Curriculum - Organizations and Social Change Track

Track courses (18 credits).

• BUSADM 750 - Foundations of Organization Theory 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 751 - Contemporary Organization Theory 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 754 - Introduction to Organizations & Social Change 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 770 - Introduction to Research Methods for the Social Sciences 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 771 - Contemporary Research Practice on Management, Organizations, and Social Change 3 Credit(s)
• BUSADM 891 - Dissertation Proposal Course 3-6 Credit(s)

Electives (18 Credits)

Complete six additional courses chosen with approval of the faculty advisor.

Graduation Criteria

Program requirements - finance track.

Complete a minimum of 57 credits from at least sixteen courses including two core courses, ten track courses, three electives, and twelve credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral candidacy:  Pass qualifying exams at the end of the first and second years. Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. Project: Complete a summer project.

Statute of limitations: Eight years.

Program Requirements - Information Systems for Data Science and Management Track

Complete a minimum of 54 credits from at least 15 courses including two core courses, nine track courses, three electives, and twelve credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral candidacy: Pass a qualifying exam taken at the end of the second year. Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. Project: Complete a summer project.

Program Requirements - Organizations and Social Change Track

Complete a minimum of 54 credits from at least 15 courses including two core courses, six track courses, six electives, and twelve credits of dissertation research.

Doctoral candidacy: Pass a qualifying exam by the end of the second year. Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. Project: Complete a summer project after the first year.

Learning Outcomes

As a candidate in the Business Administration PhD, you will:

• Develop a strong foundation in the theories and concepts of business administration
• Acquire advanced research skills to design and conduct original research in the field of business administration
• Build the ability to analyze complex business problems and develop innovative solutions
• Develop the capacity to effectively communicate research findings through scholarly writing and presentations

Learning Outcomes: OSC Track

The OSC PhD track will prepare students to pursue academic and research careers and have a broader impact on the world by engaging with the media and organizational practice. Students will learn how to:

• Apply theoretical frameworks to understand business and organizational practices, as well as their economic, social, cultural, environmental, and political impacts
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and identify problems and solutions
• Critique policy and articulate recommendations on issues at the interface of business, government, and critical social issues
• Translate research into more practice-oriented articles, media coverage, and organizational interventions

Graduate Program Director Chi Wan (Finance) Chi.Wan [at] umb.edu

Graduate Program Director Ehsan Elahi (Information Systems for Data Science and Management) Ehsan.Elahi [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7881

Graduate Program Director David Levy (Organizations and Social Change) David.Levy [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7860

Finance Faculty

• Mehran Azimi, Assistant Professor of Finance
• Arindam Bandopadhyaya, Professor of Finance, Chair of Accounting and Finance Department
• Atreya Chakraborty, Professor of Finance, Director of Partnerships and PhD Program
• Mine Ertugrul, Associate Professor of Finance
• James L. Grant, Associate Professor of Finance
• Tyler J. Hull, Assistant Professor of Finance
• Aditya Kashikar, Assistant Professor of Finance
• Rui Li, Associate Professor of Financial Economics
• Lucia Silva-Gao, Associate Professor of Finance
• Chi Wan, Associate Professor of Finance
• Yijia (Eddie) Zhao, Associate Professor of Finance

Accounting Faculty

• Ting Chen, Assistant Professor of Accounting
• Thomas J. Hogan, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Robert Kim, Assistant Professor of Accounting
• Sangwan Kim, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Jay Junghun Lee, Associate Professor of Accounting
• KoEun Park, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Yong-Chul Shin, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Surjit Tinaikar, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Kiran Verma, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Wan-Ting (Alexandra) Wu, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Xiaolu Xu, Associate Professor of Accounting
• Kun Yu, Associate Professor of Accounting

OSC Faculty

• Alessia Contu, Chair, Department of Management; Professor of Management
• Edward J. Carberry, Associate Professor of Management
• Silvia Dorado-Banacloche, Associate Professor of Management
• Samantha E. Erskine, Assistant Professor of Management
• Pacey C. Foster, Associate Professor of Management
• Janice Goldman, Senior Lecturer II in Management
• Mohsin Habib, Associate Professor of Management
• Marc Lavine, Associate Professor of Management
• David Levy, Professor of Management
• Benyamin B. Lichtenstein, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management
• J. Keith Motley, Professor of Management
• Jared M. Poole, Assistant Professor of Management
• Maureen A. Scully, Professor of Management
• Vesela Veleva, Senior Lecturer in Management

ISDS Faculty

• Ramakrishna Ayyagari, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
• Pratyush Bharati, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
• Roger Blake, Associate Chair, Management Science & Information Systems; Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
• Kui Du, Assistant Professor of Management Science and Information Systems
• Ehsan Elahi, Associate Professor of Management Science
• Davood Golmohammadi, Associate Professor of Management Science
• Shan Jiang, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
• Jeffrey Keisler, Professor of Management Information Systems
• Jonathan Kim, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
• Jean-Pierre Kuilboer, Associate Professor of Management Science and Information Systems
• Daniel Lee, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
• Josephine Namayanja, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
• Romilla Syed, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
• Peng Xu, Chair of Management Science and Information Systems; Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
• Wei Zhang, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems

Accounting & Finance Department

Learn more about UMass Boston's Department of Accounting & Finance, our research and our faculty.

College of Management

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Management.

Doctor of Business Administration

Elevate your career with a smith dba.

With the DBA you'll learn research methodology, how to identify important practical problems and relevant data, and how to apply this knowledge to an actual organization through a culminating capstone project.

Since the most qualified students for this program will be busy with thriving careers, the DBA is designed to offer flexibility and customization with course materials and the capstone project. A dedicated student can complete this degree in three years.

Domestic Applicant Final Deadline - April 20

We are no longer accepting international applicants at this time.

Testimonials

Our first-year DBA students are benefiting greatly from the program's curriculum, flexibility and supportive faculty. Meet them below to hear their unique perspectives and discover why they chose the Smith DBA.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Areas of Specialization

The DBA program currently offers two areas of specialization: Information Systems and Marketing. They are developed in response to evolving demands in the business world and aimed at elevating Smith DBAs to prominent leaders of their respective industries.

Business analytics expertise with an expansion on project management.

Marketing analytics and consumer behavior from an industry and management perspective.

Featured Program Faculty

Experience a truly transformative educational experience with the research-driven curriculum and personalized mentorship of the Smith DBA program.

Information Systems

Tejwansh (Tej) Singh Anand

Il-Horn Hann

Louiqa Raschid

Jui Ramaprasad

Lauren Rhue

Siva Viswanathan

Mary Beth Furst

P. K. Kannan

Michael Trusov

Bo "Bobby" Zhou

The DBA curriculum is carefully curated to be practice-focused, with segments in research methodology, analytics, legal and ethical issues in big data management, and regulatory structure.

Students will take 42 credits in the following categories: Research Tools and Methodologies (10–12 credits), courses in the student’s major field of study (22–24 credits), and practice-focused elective courses (10–12 credits). All students must complete 12 credits of the capstone project research in addition to the coursework for graduation eligibility.

Smith IS DBA – A Customized Hybrid Program

Hi-Touch (18 credits) + Flexible (20 credits) + Custom (18 credits) Total Credits: 56 credits

Research Foundations: 18 credits Weekend In-Person Required/Elective Courses: 20 credits Flex (In-Person/Online) Individual Research: 18 credits (Customized)

Fall – I (12 credits)

Research Foundations: Quantitative Research Methods (3) (Weekend)

Research Foundations: Economics for Business Research (3) (Weekend)

Data Models and Decisions (3) (Flex)

BDBA: Data Processing and Analysis in Python (3) (Flex)

Spring – I (9 credits)

Research Foundations – Causal Methods in Business Research (3) (Weekend)

Research Foundations- Theoretical Foundations of Digital Organizations (3) (Weekend)

Data Mining and Predictive Analytics (3) (Flex)

Summer – I (2 credits)

Special Topics in IS Research – Customized Research Study (2) (Custom)

Fall – II (10 credits)

Research Foundations: Executive Decision Making in the Age of AI (3) (Weekend)

Data Science – Big Data for Business (3) (Flex)

Special Topics: Electives (2) (Flex)

Spring – II (9 credits)

Research Foundations: Emerging Technologies Research Foundations (3) (Weekend)

Special Topics: Advanced Electives (Choice of 3 electives) (6) (Flex)

Summer – II (2 credits)

Fall – iii (6 credits).

Capstone Research Project (6) (Custom)

Spring – III (6 credits)

Marketing Specialization

BDBA750, also offered as BUSM706 Innovation and Product Management (2 credits)

Focuses on the development of innovations - new products or new services - from the perspective of a marketer. For an innovation to be successful in the market, it has to be customer-centric: hence, in this course, we study how to develop and bring to market elegant and efficient solutions to strong customer needs. This is a fundamental business challenge, faced while working in a startup or in an established company; when developing a new product or a new service; and when serving customers who are individuals or large corporations.

BDBA751, also offered as BUSM714 Integrated Brand Management (2 credits)

Marketing communications are a complex but critical component of marketing strategy. Topics include communication tools: advertising, sales promotions, corporation communications, one-on-one or direct marketing, public relations, internet communications, sponsorship/events marketing, and marketing communication plans: defining objectives, implementing the plan, and measuring communications effectiveness. Achieving integration in the content, look, and feel of all marketing communications is stressed.

BDBA752, also offered as BUMK758B Market-Based Management or BUMK750 Marketing Strategy (3 credits)

Introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing. This course combines lectures, readings, case analyses and a competitive simulation. A significant part of the course involves a competitive computer-based simulation in which student teams leverage marketing data and metrics to make marketing decisions for an organization that is competing in a market against other student teams in the class.

BDBA753, also offered as BUMK758D Consumer Analysis or BUMK724 Customer Analysis (3 credits)

Focuses on the analysis of customer decision-making and how marketing strategy can be used to influence those decisions. The framework used is the buyer behavior model, in which concepts from psychology, sociology, and economics are applied to individual and organizational purchase decisions. Marketing strategies of leading firms in consumer products, technology, and services (including internet services) are analyzed using a variety of case study formats.

BDBA754, also offered as BUMK758E Statistical Programming or BUMK726 Statistical Programming for Customer Analytics (3 credits)

Provides students with a foundation in probability and statistics with a focus on business applications. It also gives students a foundation for thinking in both likelihood and Bayesian frameworks. The course teaches students the basics of SAS, as well as its use in statistical analysis and statistical programming. Also addressed are basic SAS language structure, data management, OLAP, enterprise miner, statistical analysis, writing procedures.

BDBA755, also offered as BUMK758L or BUMK744 Marketing Research & Analysis (3 credits)

Provides a review of primary data collection methods for marketing data. Students will learn how to design and implement effective confirmatory research. Both direct methods such as surveys and indirect methods such as experiments will be covered. In this hands-on course, students will design and conduct research with target customers, analyze the data, and then present their results to decision makers.

BDAB756, also offered as BUMK758K Advanced Marketing Analytics (3 credits)

The analysis of marketing data needed for profitable marketing decisions. Advanced methods of

marketing analysis for marketing decisions, including choice and count data models, joint analysis of consumers choice, quantity and timing decisions, mixture and mixture regression models, and conjoint analysis, all using data-based cases and SAS software. Applications are in the areas of strategic marketing, marketing segmentation, eye tracking for advertising effectiveness, new product development, sales promotion analysis, pricing, design of marketing mix, and direct marketing.

BDBA757, also offered as BUMK758W Data Science (3 credits)

An introduction to data science and the basic concepts of database management. The course also provides an overview of the various sources of in-house data that are available to many organizations. Students will learn how to work with click stream, scanner panel and social media data. Geodemographic datasets will be discussed and explored, and techniques for data-fusion will receive ample attention.

BDBA758(A-Z) Special Topics in DBA in Marketing (1-4 credits)

Courses designed to address trending topics that apply to practice focused elective course requirement for the DBA in Marketing track.

BDBA850, also offered as BMGT858L Seminar in Marketing Strategy (2 credits)

This course will address marketing problems of practical importance. The course will cover the topics of branding, advertising, societal issues, strategic emphasis, return on investment, customer lifetime value, personalization, word-of-mouth, robots and chatbots, and artificial intelligence.

BDAB851, also offered as BMGT858C Seminar in Consumer Behavior (3 credits)

This objective of this course is to expose students to doctoral level research that has emerged from (largely) psychological approaches to consumer behavior. Among the issues discussed are how people attend to information, how such information is related to prior knowledge, how knowledge guides judgements, how people form attitudes, how people respond to persuasion, how they make decision, and how emotions effect consumer behavior.

BDBA852, also offered as BMGT858P Seminar in Marketing Models (3 credits)

This course will cover basic concepts of marketing modeling, state-of-art techniques of analyzing marketing data, analytic modeling techniques, and incorporate current literature and substantiative marketing problems with the basic concepts and state-of-art techniques of analyzing marketing data with marketing and analytical modeling. Students will have a broad exposure to literature in the marketing modeling covering many areas such as consumer choice, pricing models, channels, dynamic models, service models, new product, and diffusion models, etc.

BDAB853, also offered as BMGT858J Seminar in Structural Models (2 credits)

Introduction to structural models in marketing and economics. This seminar will train students to identify and frame empirical analysis using structural models and further the understanding of basic frameworks and estimation techniques in structural analysis.

BDAB854, also offered as BMGT858G Seminar in Analytical Models (2 credits)

Provides a broader perspective on the use of analytical models to address marketing models and their contribution in the literature. Topics include pricing, advertising and promotion, communications, product line design, competition, search, models of cognitive aspects of game theory, and models of the organization. This course presumes knowledge of microeconomics, especially game theory and industrial organization.

BDAB855, also offered as BMGT858W Seminar in MCMC Estimation (2 credits)

Bayesian data analysis is an indispensable tool in the toolbox of empirical quantitative research and lend itself particularly well for market application. This seminar covers the foundations of Bayesian statistic that are needed to perform Bayesian analyses, which is a blend of theory and applications. Introduction to Bayes’ theorem with prior and posterior distributions, forecasting and testing in the Bayesian framework, parameter inference in the Bayesian setting, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods including Gibb’s sampling and Metropolis-Hastings algorithm as well as the recent advances in inference such as Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) and Variational Inference (VI).

BDBA856, also offered as BMGT858E Experimental Design (2 credits)

This course is meant to familiarize students with the techniques used to conduct and to evaluate experimental research in the consumer behavior domain. The course will cover the topics of experimental manipulations, measurement of outcome variables, moderation, and mediation, how to rule out alternative explanations, external validity, and data collection.

BDBA857 (A-Z) Special Topics in DBA in Marketing (1-4 credits)

Courses designed to address trending topics that apply to major course requirement for the DBA in Marketing Consumer Behavior track.

BDBA858(A-Z) Special Topics in DBA in Marketing (1-4 credits)

Courses designed to address trending topics that apply to major course requirement for the DBA in Marketing Quantitative track.

BDBA829 Capstone Project (6 credits)

• Cover letter (please submit as Description of Research/Work Experience in the application)
• Statement of purpose
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts of undergraduate degree and any graduate-level degrees if applicable
• GMAT/GRE test scores: optional
• Marketing: 2 letters of recommendation; IS: 3 letters of recommendation

Our program is projected to cost approximately $150,000 plus university mandatory fees for three years. The program charges per credit during traditional semesters.

For all inquiries about the DBA, please contact the faculty coordinator responsible for your specialization of interest. Please provide a brief description of the following information in your email inquiry:

• Education background
• Work experience
• Why are you interested in pursuing a DBA degree and how does it relate to your career objectives?
• Do you plan to work on your DBA degree full-time or part-time?

IS Specialization

Jui Ramaprasad Associate Professor DBA Program Faculty Coordinator

Email:  [email protected]

Jie Zhang Professor of Marketing DBA Program Faculty Coordinator

Email:  [email protected]

U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

Photo Library

To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

Searching for a grad school of education? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: students , graduate schools , medical school , business school , law school , education graduate school , engineering graduate school , MBAs , nursing programs

You May Also Like

Questions women mba hopefuls should ask.

Haley Bartel April 12, 2024

Law Schools With the Highest LSATs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 11, 2024

MBA Programs That Lead to Good Jobs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 10, 2024

B-Schools With Racial Diversity

Sarah Wood April 10, 2024

Law Schools That Are Hardest to Get Into

Sarah Wood April 9, 2024

Ask Law School Admissions Officers This

Gabriel Kuris April 9, 2024

Grad School Housing Options

Anayat Durrani April 9, 2024

MBA Scholarships

Sammy Allen April 4, 2024

Special Master's Programs and Med School

Renee Marinelli, M.D. April 2, 2024

15 Famous Fulbright Scholars

Cole Claybourn April 1, 2024

Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate Online

From heightened career advancement opportunities to increased salary potential, there are many reasons why people are choosing to earn doctorate degrees in 2024. Thanks to the proliferation of online doctorate programs, working professionals no longer have to press pause on their jobs to attend classes or complete coursework. Instead, tens of thousands of American professionals each year are rising to meet the growth in doctoral and professional-level occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), such occupations are projected to grow by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the 7-percent average projection for all occupations.  

If you are interested in earning a doctoral degree, you may have questions such as “Are online doctoral degrees respected?” or “Do I need to earn my degree from an accredited institution?” Discovering the answers to those questions can help you determine whether an online doctorate is a good fit for helping them achieve their professional and personal goals.  

Pros of Online Doctorate Programs  

Online doctoral programs provide students with a long list of benefits. While some may come to mind immediately — the ability to complete coursework from your home office or a breakroom at work, for example — others are less obvious but equally meaningful. Consider several positive elements of both the experience and impact of earning an online doctoral degree. 

Flexibility 

For the average working professional, spare time is a precious commodity. Between personal and professional obligations, an in-personal doctoral program with a rigid class schedule is often a non-starter. The university administrators designing the best online doctoral degree programs understand the time constraints for aspiring students and intentionally offer creative solutions that enhance the lives of professionals rather than burden them. 

The flexibility of an online doctoral program empowers professionals to continue building their careers as they earn their degrees. This flexibility helps the calendar stay manageable and allows students to integrate what they are learning into their jobs in real time. 

Saving Time 

Gone are the days when pursuing a doctorate necessarily meant relocation, residency, or refraining from full-time work. While some individuals will find that a cross-country move for in-person coursework or an all-in approach to academic life best fits their doctoral pursuit, most working professionals are looking for a different path. An online doctoral program offers such individuals a time-savvy approach to further education. There’s no time spent commuting, walking to class, or learning the nuances of a new city and campus. Instead, the online delivery model brings education into the professional’s existing home, workplace and routine.  

Instead of a rush hour drive from the office to an evening lecture, the out-of-class time commitment is simply the opening of a laptop. Frantically looking for parking to make it to a professor’s office hours on time is replaced with a virtual meeting link. Through an online program, students are empowered to make the most of their hours and can devote time and energy to their work, personal life and school.  

There are long-term time savings for online doctoral degree earners as well. Students enrolled in online programs often earn their degrees more quickly than their peers enrolled in in-person programs. The efficient approach to time in online doctoral programs not only allows students to leverage their schedules during the program but after as well, as they graduate ready to make the most of their time in the workplace.  

Personalized Learning 

One of the most beloved features of online doctoral programs is the personalized learning approach. Through both live and asynchronous instruction, students have access to multiple educational modes. Individuals who learn best through reading, for example, can access transcripts for online courses, while those who benefit from writing out their thoughts may find discussion forums especially useful.  

Additionally, the best online doctorate degree programs pair students with faculty mentors — who, because of the virtual nature of the program, can live anywhere in the country — who work and research in fields specific to the student’s interests.  

Maximized Networking 

Online doctorate programs empower working professionals to expand their networks significantly. By connecting with fellow students throughout the country, students enrolled in online doctorates have the opportunity to cultivate a more diverse community of like-minded professionals who are collectively working toward the greater good. The insight, perspective and experiences of individuals from various backgrounds can help students develop a national, and even global, lens for viewing their work, relationships and impact. 

While an in-person educational experience can facilitate good conversation, an online platform creates a greater opportunity for diversified discussion. A principal working in education in a rural area, for example, may be enrolled in an online doctorate of education course with a superintendent in a major city. A business consultant who serves an aging client base may form a connection with an analyst focused on young professionals. Relationships like these can be mutually enriching, expanding perspectives and providing ample opportunity for collaboration, sharing advice and encouraging lifelong learning. 

Cons of Online Doctoral Programs 

While the online doctoral experience is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few factors for aspiring students to bear in mind. By asking the right questions about themselves and the programs they are considering, doctoral hopefuls can find the best fit for their educational futures.  

Net-Based Networking 

While virtual networking has tremendous potential for cultivating an expansive, diverse community, some prefer in-person interaction. For working professionals who find digital communication or relationship-building difficult or uncomfortable, the networking element of online doctoral programs may be challenging.  

Credibility Concerns 

Whether or not online degree programs are respected is an important issue for individuals considering a doctorate. The most critical question is whether or not an accredited institution issues a degree. Students who earn degrees — whether online or in-person — from accredited institutions can feel at ease about the credibility of their program. When a trusted accrediting body gives a program its stamp of approval, that means it meets high educational standards.  

There are several accrediting bodies in the United States, many of which focus on certain types of degree programs or regions of the country. AACSB, for example, accredits business schools. The scope of accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) includes distance and correspondence education for eleven states and Latin America. 

Time Management  

Personalized learning, asynchronous instruction and virtual coursework mean that online doctoral students must create schedules and establish the structure for working toward their degrees. Individuals who struggle with time management or self-discipline may find that an in-person educational experience provides them with the rigor and boundaries they need to succeed academically. 

Earn a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration or Education through Marymount University Online 

For most working professionals interested in further education, the pros of an online doctoral degree outnumber the cons. The Online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership & Organizational Innovation and Online Doctorate of Business Administration in Business Intelligence (DBA) at Marymount University are accredited programs that equip professionals to advance their careers while connecting them with like-minded professionals across the U.S.  

Take the first step toward your doctorate here . 

Out-of-State Students

Clinical placement requirements are unique for each state. Please see our list of program offerings by state or contact us to determine whether our programs fulfill your state requirements.

CCNE Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Marymount University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Requirements Not Met

To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP or the BSN to DNP PMHNP or the MSN PMHNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with either the PMC-FNP or the PMC-DNP or the PMC-PMHNP, you are required to have a master's degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with the ABSN, you are required to have a bachelor's degree.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the Doctor of Business Administration - Business Intelligence degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

X Close Box

© 2024 Marymount University • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • California Privacy Notice

• Schedule an Appointment
• Request Info

• marquette.edu //
• Contacts //
• A-Z Index //
• Give to Marquette

Marquette.edu  //  Career Center  //  Resources  // 

Properly Write Your Degree

The correct way to communicate your degree to employers and others is by using the following formats:

Degree - This is the academic degree you are receiving. Your major is in addition to the degree; it can be added to the phrase or written separately.  Include the full name of your degree, major(s), minor(s), emphases, and certificates on your resume.

Double Majors - You will not be receiving two bachelor's degrees if you double major. Your primary major determines the degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). If you're not fully sure which of your majors is primary, check CheckMarq or call the registrar's office.

Example: Primary Major: Psychology ; Secondary Major: Marketing

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Marketing

Primary Major: Marketing ; Secondary Major: Psychology

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Psychology

In a letter, you may shorten your degree by writing it this way:

• In May 20XX, I will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in International Affairs.
• In December 20XX, I will graduate with my Master's degree in Counseling Education.

Not sure which degree you are graduating with? Here is a list of Undergraduate Majors and corresponding degrees:

• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Communication
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Nursing  

• Online Resources
• Handouts and Guides
• College/Major Specific Resources
• Grad Program Specific Resources
• Diverse Population Resource s
• Affinity Group Resources
• Schedule an Appointment
• Major/Career Exploration
• Internship/Job Search
• Graduate/Professional School
• Year of Service
• Resume and Cover Letter Writing

• Login to Handshake
• Getting Started with Handshake
• Handshake Support for Students
• Handshake Support for Alumni
• Handshake Information for Employers

CONNECT WITH US

PROBLEM WITH THIS WEBPAGE? Report an accessibility problem  

To report another problem, please contact  [email protected]

Marquette University Holthusen Hall, First Floor Milwaukee, WI 53233 Phone: (414) 288-7423

• Campus contacts
• Search marquette.edu

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Privacy Policy Legal Disclaimer Non-Discrimination Policy Accessible Technology

© 2024 Marquette University