Doctorate of Business Administration - Frequently asked questions

The DBA is a logical extension of a graduate management degree, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Students admitted to the DBA program are expected to have graduate-level knowledge in traditional management areas, e.g. strategy, economics, accounting, finance, human resources, statistics, marketing, and operations. The program curriculum focuses on acquiring the specific skills required to conceive, design, and implement empirical research on a managerial application in one of those areas. The DBA trains students to become researchers, and allows them to study and research one area of their own interest in-depth.

In contrast, the MBA is designed to equip students with a broad set of business skills, and involves the study of core business school subjects that are transferable to multiple arenas. Typically, it does not involve in-depth research in one area of interest.

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctorate, which means that student research focuses on applied workplace issues or problems, not on theoretical gaps in an academic literature, as is the case for PhD research. DBA research integrates theoretical knowledge with contextually informed practitioner knowledge to advance business/professional management practice, processes and programs, ranging from the management of people to the management of operations and projects. It allows students to develop their ability to conduct empirical research in a managerial area of interest, often within the student's own organization, industry, or profession. While the DBA has more practical application in managerial settings, it also prepares graduates for academic careers.

The Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) is an academic doctorate that focuses on developing new theory and prepares candidates to conduct highly specialized scholarly research. Most PhD graduates lead careers as university researchers and professors, or as senior researchers in business or government.

The DBA and PhD are academically equivalent in that both entail a rigorous course of study and typically culminate in the defense of a doctoral dissertation.

The Doctorate in Business Administration is the academic equivalent to a PhD, placing emphasis on the advancement of applied knowledge rather than theoretical knowledge. While the DBA and PhD are academically equivalent in terms of degree requirements, the PhD thesis focuses almost entirely on scholarly output, whereas the DBA output can be produced for scholarly, managerial or general audiences. Both a DBA and a PhD require extensive study and a doctoral dissertation to complete. If you are looking for a PhD in business, the DBA program at the AU Faculty of Business may offer an alternative to what you are looking for without having put your professional career on hold.

The amount of time required for studying varies with individuals. Students are expected to spend at least 25-30 hours per week on the program work, with more time required during the early phases of study and less in the later years.

Domestically, AU is fully accredited by the Government of Alberta, reports to the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology, and is evaluated by the Campus Alberta Quality Council, an arms-length quality assurance agency. For more information on AU accreditation, see our main campus website.

As part of the AU Faculty of Business, the DBA program is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, fewer than 6% of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.

Athabasca University is dedicated to distance learning, with more than 30,000 students studying undergraduate and graduate courses internationally. Its reputation for leadership and excellence in distance education is well established.

The program can be completed in 3 years but more likely in 5 to 6 years. The maximum time allowed is 7 years.

To be successful in this program and an online learning environment, you need to:

• Be a self-motivated and self-directed learner;
• Have the time management skills necessary to balance work, study, and family commitments;
• Have a strong interest in applied research;
• Have a basic understanding of statistics and its applications;
• Have a good grounding in computer basics and a working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software;
• Be able to write scholarly papers, managerial articles, or general audience publications;
• Be able to work in groups;
• Be able to work independently, especially at the dissertation stage;
• Be highly experienced and able to bring real-world examples to learning;
• Be able to do presentations at conferences.

Most importantly, you need to be psychologically well prepared for the time commitment and the workload. Strong family support is essential for your goal of obtaining a DBA while working.

TOEFL is one of the ways to indicate English proficiency for applicants without a high school diploma or university degree from a recognized English speaking country. DBA applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements outlined by the University's Faculty of Graduate Studies, subject to the following additional requirements:

• Applicants who submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must obtain a minimum score of 25 on the written component (internet-based test).
• Applicants who submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must obtain a minimum score of 6.5.

Documented proof must be submitted with the application for admission. Scores more than two years old are not acceptable.

Note: In addition, foreign language students may be asked to complete the CanTEST prior to or following registration and, if need be, remedial measures in language skills based on the results of the CanTEST may be recommended.

Applicants should have completed at least one university level statistics course, covering basic statistics, as indicated on an official transcript of the applicant’s past education. The course(s) should have covered basic statistical procedures including analysis of variance, correlation and linear regression.

Check your local university or accredited online universities for courses that cover the topics outlined in the previous answer.

Writing a draft research proposal allows you to determine your learning objectives, and provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your research interests and background, and to help aid in the allocation of mentoring and supervisory resources.

Phone interviews will be arranged for some applicants in order to obtain further information . The interview provides an opportunity for you applicants to outline your goals, experience and suitability for the program.

Courses taken in other doctoral programs can be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if any credits can be transferred into the DBA. We recommend that you contact an admissions coordinator to discuss your unique situation.

As the AU DBA will require a solid academic foundation in business and management, it is unlikely that students without an MBA would be admitted. However, we recommend that you discuss your unique situation with an admissions coordinator as there may be exceptions based on your field of research and professional background.

We recognize that some applicants may have completed their previous graduate education some time ago and may be unable to submit a suitable academic reference. In these cases, please provide an additional professional reference.

Yes, the on-site orientation program is a critical component, and is mandatory. It is offered once a year for incoming students.

Yes, there is an on-site research component in each of years 2 and 3 of the program—the Annual DBA Research Workshop—normally held in September. During each five day workshop, students discuss their own research ideas with other DBA students and academic researchers. Workshop sessions relevant to research are also offered.

Students in years 4 and after are not required to attend the annual workshop, but may choose to participate as part of their continuous learning and development.

Students are also encouraged to attend relevant external academic and professional research conferences, but such attendance is not a program requirement.

All courses are designed, developed and delivered within our online learning platform. Courses are delivered sequentially and asynchronously. Each of the seven core courses is ten weeks in duration. Course materials, readings, assignments, discussions, and teamwork are delivered online. Courses may also be supplemented with e-Textbooks, and students have full access to an extensive digital library through Athabasca University.

Yes, there are opportunities for both online and face-to-face networking. Students typically form a tight online community as they take courses together with other members of their cohort and participate in collaborative discussions/projects. The orientation program and the annual workshops, which are held in residence, provide face-to-face interaction.

Academic

Students receive academic guidance from individual mentors and course professors. Upon joining the program, an individual mentor is assigned. Following coursework, at the dissertation proposal stage, each student has a direct supervisor and a supervisory committee. Reference librarians at Athabasca University are available, if needed. During coursework, professors facilitate online seminars, and provide feedback, guidance, and encouragement.

Technical

Each student receives free support from Faculty of Business Helpdesk Analysts who are available weekdays, evenings, and Sundays to assist with any technical problems related to the program.

Administrative

Upon admission to the program, students are assigned a Student Services Coordinator who handles course registrations and all other administrative matters involved in supporting completion of the DBA program.