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Doctor of Business Administration
Request InformationChoose a DBA degree program that empowers you to drive positive change at the executive level.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule November 01, 2021
Accreditations
ACBSP Accredited
Transfer Credits
- Up to 17 Credits
Earn Your DBA Online and Move Your Organization Forward
Are you ready to gain sought-after business expertise that can empower you to open new doors in your career? Become the leader and influencer you want to be with Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). We’ve spent the last 50 years removing doctoral completion barriers for busy professionals striving for the top of their field.
Designed for experienced business professionals and academics, our online DBA program allows you to envision and implement thoughtful, creative solutions to today’s complex business problems. Engage in real-world practice and cutting-edge research opportunities to develop the skills you need to lead your organization forward.
A DBA degree prepares business professionals to apply theory and research to practical problems found in all areas of business and management.
Why Choose Walden
Become an Expert Problem-Solver
Gain the critical thinking skills—steeped in theory and actual practice—to solve today’s most pressing challenges in business.
Customize Your Path
Fine-tune your coursework to fit your career plan through 11 specializations and your choice of three DBA capstones.
Become a Master Communicator
Develop the executive-level communication skills required to motivate teams and communicate sophisticated business ideas.
Receive Outstanding Support
Walden’s doctoral support services—such as our Writing Center—can help ensure your success throughout your program.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree in a business-related field from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. More information for international applicants.
At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Since being founded in 1970 for working professionals who want to make a difference, our university has grown to become the No. 1 granter of doctoral research degrees in the U.S.1 Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?
Learn more
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAccounting
Enhance your knowledge of managerial accounting methods to elevate your organization’s competitive position.
Entrepreneurship
Explore the entrepreneurial concepts and processes that are found in both established companies with a pioneering spirit and startups.
Finance
Gain the finance tools that help managers maximize their firm’s value, including valuation, capital budgeting and structure, working capital management, multinational concepts, and Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM).
Healthcare Management
Expand your core business management skills in the healthcare field by learning to apply managerial decision-making skills to healthcare policy and economics.
Human Resource Management
Get the theoretical knowledge, industry insights, and capabilities to be an authoritative voice in the field of human resource management, whether you’re looking to pursue executive leadership, teaching, or research.
Information Systems Management
Develop your expertise in information systems management with this specialization that addresses the management challenges facing technology-based businesses.
International Business
Learn the skills necessary to manage and lead diverse workers, managers, and teams in a global marketplace.
Leadership
Explore new frameworks and perspectives that will help you to lead and manage change effectively.
Marketing
Learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an international marketplace, including leveraging strategies in global marketing and international pricing.
Project Management
Study the processes for successfully managing a complex portfolio of projects and analyzing opportunities for improved portfolio performance.
Self-Designed
Create your own specialization based on your individual goals and interests in business administration.
Program Outcomes
Unravel Complex Business Challenges With a DBA Degree
In our Doctor of Business Administration program, you’ll strengthen your leadership competencies and expand your knowledge of business best practices. Gain advanced skills in research, critical thinking, communication, analysis, and management that you can use to immediately impact your career. Choose from 11 specializations, including Human Resource Management and International Business—to align your studies with your professional interests and goals.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s online Doctor of Business Administration program will be prepared to:
- Evaluate the relevance of current and emerging business theory and practice from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Formulate effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to the practice of business and management.
- Apply current research literature to practical problems found in business and management.
- Evaluate scholarly research in business and management.
- Design rigorous research that contributes to the professional body of knowledge of business and management.
- Design rigorous research that contributes to positive social change.
- Apply professional ethics appropriately.
What's the Career Impact of Earning a DBA?
Now more than ever, organizations need experienced leaders who can assess situations, understand current and potential business issues, and put solutions into action with confidence. Often, businesses turn to professionals with DBA degrees.
A Doctor of Business Administration degree not only identifies you as knowledgeable in your field, but also signals your readiness for senior-level leadership and new career roles. Expand your opportunities within your own organization or in other companies and industries.
A DBA degree can prepare you to pursue career options such as:1
- College professor or instructor
- Data scientist
- Chief executive officer
- Public administrator
A DBA degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Educational services
- Finance and insurance
- Public administration
- Healthcare and social assistance
Employment in doctoral- and professional-level occupations is projected to grow by about
13%
faster than the average projected for all occupations.2
Walden is the
#1
granter of doctoral research degrees.3Meet Your Doctor of Business Administration Academic Team
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Denise Land
Academic CoordinatorDr. Land has taught in a variety of fields since the 1970s, including social work, human services, management, leadership, and business administration. Her professional experience includes both for-profit and nonprofit organization management, leadership, and administration.
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Gene Fusch
Contributing FacultyWith Walden since 2011, Dr. Fusch has chaired and served on doctoral committees and has helped numerous executive-level students pursue their learning goals. He has written several peer-reviewed and professional publications and co-authored a management book.
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Lisa Cave
Contributing FacultyDr. Cave has taught higher education courses in economics, public administration, public policy, and research methods over the last 15 years. In addition to working in academia, she has gained practical experience engaging in research at the Kentucky General Assembly and the Brookdale Institute.
Testimonials
I enrolled at Walden after researching online programs and determining that Walden was one of only a few accredited online schools to offer doctoral studies in leadership.
Krista Laursen Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduate
The tools I gained from the DBA program have enabled me to analyze and present solutions to complex problems with professionalism and confidence.
Raymond Marbury Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduate
Walden is an exceptional learning community composed of knowledgeable program directors, faculty members, and support staff who truly want to see students succeed.
Ronald Jones Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Graduate
Related Articles
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Choosing the DBA Specialization Thats Right for You
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Doctor of Business Administration Careers
FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctor of Business Administration Program
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From senior management positions to consulting, a DBA degree can open a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Popular choices include consultant, entrepreneur or business owner, corporate director, analyst, and more. Some of the highest paying career paths for those with a DBA include healthcare management, business planning, procurement, and compliance and regulatory.
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The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Management both provide an in-depth understanding of business administration and management. A DBA degree provides practical knowledge that you can apply directly to the workplace, whereas a PhD in Management is designed for those who prefer a more academic focus. If you enjoy conducting original research, analyzing data, and evaluating theories, you will likely prefer the more academically oriented PhD in Management. If you enjoy applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective business practices, the more professional orientation of the Doctor of Business Administration may be the best fit for you.
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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree-seekers have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the program that is best for them. However, five key factors should always be considered before making a decision: accreditation, specializations, flexibility, diversity, and support. First, look for a DBA program that is accredited. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation affirms the quality of a university’s DBA program and support services, as well as the university’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement. As you search for the best degree program, be sure to select one that offers a number of specializations, allowing you to match your education to your career goals. Flexible scheduling can be key for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also important for you to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your DBA experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed.
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Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers a number of specializations.
Here are some things to consider when deciding how to focus your studies.
- Give thought to your aspirations, passions, and career goals, and look for a specialization that aligns with them.
- Think about research topics you might wish to consider for your doctoral study. The information you gain in your specialization courses can be leveraged as you complete your research.
- Keep in mind that, if you don’t find the perfect fit for your choice of specialization, Walden’s flexible online DBA options also include a Self-Designed specialization that allows you to choose a variety of courses from different focus areas.
Questions about our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)?
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
- Please use our if you live outside of the U.S.
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Chat with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Enrollment Specialist.
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