Doctor of Business Administration

Doctoral-level studies for highly motivated management professionals in business, government, and not-for-profits. Learn to conduct rigorous research and advance your skills to analyze management systems and issues.

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Program details

The Doctorate in Business Administration is a 21-credit online graduate program that trains students to become practitioner-scholars, who learn to understand the world of applied management through the eyes of a researcher. Learning how to carry out rigorous social science research is at the heart of the DBA program, thereby pushing students to acquire an advanced understanding of what systematic study and analysis entail. As a doctorate degree, the DBA is distinct from others (e.g., PhD) because it is intended to bridge academic and applied knowledge.

All courses are online grouped studies, delivered asynchronously, with defined start and end dates. The program also includes a 1-week on-site research workshop, held in Edmonton, Alberta, once a year for the first 3 years. The entire program must be completed through Athabasca University, with potential transfer credits being evaluated on an individual basis. You should plan to spend at least 25-30 hours per week on your studies.

You can finish this program in as little as 3 years of study or take up to 7 years to complete all requirements.

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