Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
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Lead with Evidence. Solve What Matters. Earn Your DBA.
Excelsior University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a transformative degree for experienced professionals ready to move beyond traditional academics into data-driven leadership, innovation, and impact.
This program immerses students in applied learning experiences that connect research to practice. From core online coursework in strategy, analytics, and consulting to interdisciplinary exploration during two in-person residencies, you can align your doctoral work with your career aspirations, whether in executive leadership, academia, or beyond.
Low-residency, with some synchronous online components
- Two in-person residencies in Albany, NY or St. Petersburg, FL
- Bi-weekly synchronous sessions with faculty and fellow students
- Synchronous meetings with faculty, fellow students, and your dissertation committee
In the DBA program, you will design two concentration papers that apply your research skills to real challenges in your area of focus. With faculty guidance, you’ll explore meaningful issues, conduct in-depth analysis, and develop evidence-based solutions. These papers can also help shape your dissertation, allowing you to refine your research interests and build momentum toward your final doctoral study.
Choose from two dissertation formats:
Applied Project
Design a considered solution for an organization using design science principles.
Three-Paper Model
Write three interconnected papers addressing a unique aspect of your research focus.
The DBA program has predetermined start dates. Make sure to read the full requirements for this program before you apply and refer to the current Excelsior University catalog for important information regarding the curriculum.
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PROGRAM DETAILS
DBA
- Major Core30 Credits
- Concentration18 Credits
- Residency and Residency Courses4 Credits
- Dissertation Seminars8 Credits
Doctor of Business Administration
Develop a hands-on approach for combating threats and conducting risk analysis with a focus on threat detection and incident response, information assurance, and risk mitigation.
Enhance your analytical abilities and acquire the skills to uncover new insights that improve business strategy. Learn how to collect, analyze, and visually represent rich sets of data designed to improve organizational decision-making.
Gain the expertise to develop and implement robust risk management strategies and business continuity plans that safeguard organizational assets and ensure resilience and strategic advantage.
Learn the necessary principles and tools to be a successful manager in finance, business, management and accounting firms, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations. Deepen your understanding of financial analysis, corporate disclosure, and nonprofit accounting.
Effectively lead health care organizations with a focus on strategic management principles and communication tactics. Develop new ways to navigate the complex health care environment, enhance organizational performance, and improve patient outcomes.
Hone your leadership skills at an organizational level and learn to combine strategic thinking, communication, and innovation management to tackle the challenges impacting organizations today.
Implement sustainable practices within organizations using the science behind sustainability and strategic leadership for sustainable development, preparing you to drive initiatives that promote environmental responsibility
Explore Common Careers
Brian Allen, DBA
Dean, School of Business
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Institutional Accreditation
Excelsior University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. Excelsior University’s accreditation status is accreditation reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 23, 2022 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.
Excelsior’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department and/or have Florida-based licensing with the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).
FAQ
At the end of the program, DBA graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate contemporary business theories and research methods to identify gaps, trends, and new opportunities that drive decision-making and strategic planning.
- Conduct applied research to examine and advance organizational strategy.
- Formulate evidence-based business solutions for change management with a focus on ethical, social, and global considerations.
- Use a systems perspective to anticipate trends and plan sustainably, balancing profit with social and environmental responsibility.
- Influence diverse stakeholders with impactful communication to build consensus while leading organizational transformation.
Excelsior University’s DBA program is 60 credits and can be completed in about two years taking two courses per term, or 3 ½ years taking one course per term.
Yes, a DBA is an excellent credential for students seeking to expand their career into applied business education.
Excelsior’s DBA program is for professionals with a master’s degree and five years or more of professional experience that includes managing people and/or projects. It is ideal for students to gain the higher-level skills needed to connect theory, research, and strategy to real solutions. Examples of likely DBA students include senior business leaders and executives, experienced or aspiring consultants and advisors, entrepreneurs, aspiring business professors or other education leaders, and military leaders and veterans transitioning to executive or civilian careers.
Each student is assigned a faculty mentor to serve as their primary academic guide throughout the entire DBA program. The faculty mentor helps you navigate the doctoral experience and works collaboratively to promote your overall success. During the dissertation phase of the DBA program, your assigned dissertation chair will work with you directly as you design, develop, and complete your doctoral research project.
The DBA degree program requires two in-person residences. Each is a weeklong experience featuring a unique theme. Students may choose from multiple locations for their residencies.
