Business Administration, DBA

The first AACSB-accredited Doctor of Business Administration program in Texas.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a rigorous research-based program that will prepare proven business professionals to expand their breadth of knowledge and abilities in leadership, innovation and customer engagement. The 62-credit-hour program has been designed to equip students to apply evidence-based solutions to the challenges presented by the dynamic complexity of the contemporary global economy.

Elevate Your Expertise

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program at the University of Dallas prepares you to elevate your expertise and recognition, whether you aspire to advance your career in industry or in academia. DBA graduates of the Gupta College of Business effectively employ pragmatic research methods to examine applied problems and provide evidence-based guidance that not only equips you with advanced knowledge but also elevates your status in the business world.

UD's DBA program was the first DBA program in Texas accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and has a long-established track record of graduates who are now successful management consultants, executives to growing companies, or tenured faculty at top-tier institutions.

By focusing on strategic thinking, leadership, and decision making, UD's graduate business programs address the ethical dimensions of business in every course, taught by accomplished faculty mentors. These mentors are accomplished scholars and sought after industry professionals are invested in your desire for excellence in any field you pursue.

By contributing to cutting-edge knowledge, you will position yourself as a thought leader.

Balancing Life: Rebecca Trotter, DBA Student

DBA Program Distinctions

AACSB logo

2023 CEO Magazine
Premier Global DBA Program

TopManagementDegrees.com
Top 10 Online/Hybrid Business Management Doctorate Programs

 

What will I learn?

The University of Dallas DBA is a doctoral program for experienced managers and academics who want to further enhance their business knowledge beyond an MBA or graduate degree. Our DBA program is designed to provide students the chance to bring a rigorous approach to solving existing managerial and organizational problems. The UD DBA provides an opportunity to focus on finding solutions to the challenges of the modern workplace, under the close guidance of scholar-practitioners.

 

Why a UD DBA?

  • AACSB Accreditation and Proven Success. As a prospective student of UD's DBA program, you'll join the first AACSB-accredited DBA program in Texas, boasting a decade-long track record of successful student outcomes. This prestigious accreditation ensures rigorous quality and opens global career opportunities, setting us apart from non-accredited programs.
  • High-Touch Program with Experienced Faculty. You'll benefit from close, personalized mentorship from faculty who are active researchers with extensive industry experience. Their practical expertise informs classes and guides you in conducting relevant, impactful dissertation research.
  • Emphasis on Applied Research. Unlike Ph.D. programs focused on theoretical advancements, our DBA program centers on solving real world organizational problems. You'll engage in applied research projects directly connected to your professional context.
  • Unique Networking and Small Cohort Structure. Our cohort model fosters strong partnerships among students, faculty, and staff, creating a supportive network for lifelong learning and professional growth. This structure encourages both independent work and small group collaboration alongside faculty mentors.
  • Flexibility and Support to Fit Your Life. Our program allows you to continue working and residing in your current location, offering the flexibility needed to balance you professional commitments.

 

DBA Alumni Featured Profile

Bradley Winton

Bradley Winton, DBA '21

Bradley Winton earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Millsaps College in 2009, a master’s degree in geoscience from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Texarkana in 2015. Bradley spent nine years in the oil and gas industry, including five years with Denbury Resources, before moving into the leveraged finance industry in 2016. He served as an executive at Oaklawn Investments, where he managed a credit analyst team. While pursuing his DBA, Bradley was a senior geologist at Scout Energy Partners. His areas of research interest included organizational and capital structures, team dynamics and executive leadership. After earning his DBA from University of Dallas in 2021, Dr. Winton is now assistant professor of management at the University of Southern Mississippi.

How does a DBA differ from a PhD or MBA?

The DBA and the PhD are both research-based degrees that are designed to acquaint students with the scholarly literature that can be applied in a variety of business situations. The differences between the two degrees can be primarily seen in the scope and depth of the topics covered.

 

DBA

PhD

MBA

Student Profiles

Executives with significant managerial experience looking to transition to tenure-track teaching or develop skills to advance in leadership or consulting roles.

Professionals pursuing a career in research at an academic institution. 

Individuals looking to enhance their careers in management. 

Career Destination

Academia, executive leadership or consulting.

Academia.

Industry professional.

Faculty Teaching Options

Full-time, tenure track positions at teaching institutions.

Full-time, tenure track positions at research institutions.

Typically part-time or adjunct positions.

Program Goals

Address significant business challenges using applied research skills and bring this knowledge back into the workplace and classroom.

Theoretical research training to qualify for securing a position as an assistant professor.

Application of existing tools and techniques to prepare for promotion or a career change.

Courses & Research

Research is interdisciplinary and focuses on linking theory to current business problems. Focuses on addressing contemporary business and management issues.

Research is highly specialized, usually by a single, specific discipline. Less attention on connections to business practice.

Practice-based with very little research. Courses focused on industry & leadership.

Residency

Students attend classes one weekend a month.

Students typically attend class full-time.

Students typically attend part-time.

Time Commitment

3 years; 40-60 hours per week

4-5 years; 60-100 hours per week

2 years; 10-30 hours per week

Testimonials

Tom Brill
Rich Miller
Maureen Wetzel
Lyn Pavel
Tom Brill, DBA ‘18

“For someone who had completed my MBA decades earlier, the journey was certainly challenging but the rewards and outcomes far exceeded my expectations. Today, I'm happy to share that I'm able to continue in my efforts to develop the next generation of leaders while also pursuing my research in topics of immense interest to me.”

Rich Miller, DBA

“Through combining the theory of academia and the experience of students, the class empowers leaders to create knowledge and develop solutions to sustainable operating strategies.”

Maureen Wetzel, DBA '21

“The professors here are amazing. You really get the opportunity to work one-on-one with them, so they allow you to take it at your own pace and work with other cohorts.”

Lyn Pavel, DBA '20

“I really enjoyed the camaraderie of our small cohort and how approachable and willing to help the faculty members were throughout the program.”

Ready to Apply at UD?

Michael Sarles HeadshotMichael Sarles, MBA

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Phone: 972-721-5100
Email: msarles@udallas.edu

Schedule an appointment with Michael