MS in Finance

Doctorate of Business Administration

Advance Your Leadership and Research Expertise

As organizations face rapid technological change, global competition and increasing complexity, leaders must be equipped not only with advanced business knowledge but also the ability to conduct meaningful research and drive evidence-based decision-making. The University of Dallas Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) prepares experienced professionals to expand their expertise in leadership, innovation and organizational strategy. This rigorous doctoral program equips you to solve real-world business challenges, contribute to applied research and become a recognized thought leader in your field.

 

Program Overview

Credit Hours: 62 Total Credit Hours
Delivery Options: Hybrid (combination of online learning and in-person residency)
Program Format: Cohort-based program designed for working professionals
Accreditation: AACSB-accredited UDallas College of Business
Typical Duration: Approximately 3 years

 

 

What You’ll Learn in the DBA Program

Organizations need leaders who can apply research-driven insights to solve complex business problems. The DBA program equips you with advanced analytical, leadership and research skills to address contemporary organizational challenges and drive strategic impact.

DBA students develop expertise in applied research methods, strategic leadership, innovation and organizational effectiveness. Graduates are prepared to advance into executive leadership, consulting or academic roles, using evidence-based solutions to influence business practice and contribute to the broader business community. Through close mentorship with experienced faculty and a collaborative cohort model, students gain practical research experience while continuing to advance their professional careers.

Balancing Life: Rebecca Trotter, DBA Student

Career Paths for the DBA Graduates

Graduates of the DBA program are prepared for advanced leadership and academic roles, including:

  • Executive leadership positions (CEO, COO, senior director)
  • Management consulting and organizational strategy
  • Corporate leadership and innovation roles
  • Higher education faculty positions
  • Business research and advisory roles
  • Entrepreneurship and executive coaching

 

Courses You'll Take

62 Total Credit Hours

  • DBUA 8211 Becoming an Applied Researcher
  • DMGT 8315 Strategic Perspectives
  • DMGT 8325 Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management
  • DMGT 8335 Leadership and Followership
  • DMGT 8355 Agile Organizations
  • DMKT 8360 Applied Marketing Research
  • DMGT 8365 Special Topics in Applied Management Research
  • DBUA 8305 The Craft of Research and Writing
  • DBUA 8320 Designing Applied Research
  • DBUA 8330 Qualitative Methods for Diagnosis and Assessment
  • DBUA 8340 Applied Statistical Analysis I
  • DBUA 8350 Applied Statistical Analysis II
  • DBUA 8370 Practicum: Dissertation Mini-Proposal (Independent Study)
  • DBUA 8102 Doctoral Colloquium I
  • DBUA 8103 Doctoral Colloquium II
  • DBUA 8104 Doctoral Colloquium III
  • DBUA 8105 Doctoral Colloquium IV
  • DBUA 8106 Doctoral Colloquium V
  • DBUA 8107 Doctoral Colloquium VI
  • DBUA 9394 Dissertation I
  • DBUA 9395 Dissertation II
  • DBUA 9696 Dissertation III
  • DBUA 9697 Dissertation IV

Apply to the Dallas DBA Program

Join a prestigious doctoral program designed to elevate your leadership, research expertise and professional impact. The DBA program equips you to contribute meaningful solutions to today’s most complex business challenges while advancing your career and influence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The DBA program is designed for experienced business professionals, executives and leaders who hold a master’s degree and want to advance their expertise, transition into consulting or move into academic teaching roles.

The program follows a hybrid format, combining flexible online learning with periodic in-person residencies to support collaboration and faculty mentorship.

Most students complete the program in approximately three years while continuing to work full-time.

The DBA focuses on applied research and solving real-world business challenges. Unlike an MBA, which focuses on professional advancement, or a PhD, which emphasizes theoretical research, the DBA prepares professionals to apply research directly to business practice.

About the UDallas DBA

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a rigorous research-based doctoral program designed to prepare experienced professionals for advanced leadership, consulting and academic roles. As the first AACSB-accredited DBA program in Texas, the program has a proven track record of graduates who have become executives, consultants and university faculty.

By combining applied research, strategic leadership development and personalized faculty mentorship, the DBA program equips graduates to contribute meaningful insights, influence business practice and become recognized thought leaders in their industries.