Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA represents an exciting new opportunity for those with the talent and determination to succeed, wish to advance their management or consulting careers, or transition to teaching in an academic setting. The DBA program will prepare students to advance in a variety of careers, including those in private and non-profit sectors, education, and government. Students will be prepared to think critically, solve problems, and compete in complex business environments.

Program Mission

The DBA program trains students to become thought-leaders of management practice and creators of knowledge by engaging in applied research. With the aid of AU faculty, the DBA students will learn how to integrate management theory with practice and advance the field of evidence-based management.

Program Goals

PG 1: To support students to develop and conduct a high-quality theoretical and applied research.

PG 2: To equip practitioners with the potential to lead management practice.

PG 3: To develop students’ body of business knowledge by communicating research findings as a scholar or a practitioner.

PG 4: To support students to solve practical business problems through research.

PG 5: To develop effective decision makers and qualified business educators.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the DBA degree, a candidate must

• Complete a minimum of 60 credit hours toward the degree, including the credits of the Dissertation.

• Successfully complete the course of study as specified in the degree plan, including the dissertation.

• Successfully defend the dissertation as directed and approved by the Dissertation Committee.

• A course may count toward the degree if the course grade is at least a “B.”

Program Learning Outcomes

• PLO 1: Apply different research methods to analyze organizations and create new ideas through research questions that build on existing theory and are relevant to practice.
• PLO 2: Summarize and synthesize relevant theory and research on a given business issue.
• PLO 3: Develop effective and innovative global management decisions that are ethical and relevant to the local context.
• PLO 4: Communicate and defend original research findings orally through a formal research presentation.

Management Option:

• PLO 5: Critically analyze and assess research findings and their implications on solving management and leadership problems.
• PLO 6: Apply creative thinking in different aspects of business strategies, leadership, finance, and organizational development. 

Education Option:

• PLO 5: Demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge required for university teaching and assessment of student learning.
• PLO 6: Apply advanced research methods that result in quality publication and knowledge development.