Business Administration, D.B.A.

The Marshall University Doctor of Business Administration program is a research-based doctoral program that combines a disciplined approach to scholarship with a focus on compelling problems of practice. Students will study seminal and contemporary business literature to develop research questions in their area of interest. They will perform literature reviews, design and perform research studies, analyze data, and draw relevant conclusions that affect economic development and business innovation.

Program Overview

Students will choose a concentration that focuses on one broad business area, and they will be required to complete a proposal and dissertation as part of the program.

Duration of Degree Program

The D.B.A. program is a minimum 66-credit hour cohort program typically completed within three years with the coursework completed during the first two years. The third year is devoted to the completion of the dissertation. Electives and other courses may be approved by the D.B.A. Program Director. It is normally a full-time program. The entry term is in August (Fall Semester).

Concentrations

There are three concentration areas to choose from:

• Accounting
• Health Care Management
• Management and Entrepreneurship Students must declare one of these concentration areas when entering the program and finalize their choice during the first semester of study.

Program Delivery

Classes in the D.B.A. program are delivered using the hybrid method, which includes both online and face-to-face interactions. The face-to-face portion of the classes meet two times during the fall and spring semesters, and once in the summer semester. These face-to-face classes will be scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays and will consist of approximately 12 to 15 hours of instruction. There are three virtual classes held each fall and spring semester (two virtual classes during the summer semester) on Saturdays. The remainder of the instruction and coursework will be completed online using Marshall's MUOnline learning platform. Students will be required to possess a personal computer that is compatible with MU software for completion of the coursework.

Program Requirements

Proposal

D.B.A. program students are required to complete and submit a dissertation proposal to their Dissertation Committee. Students take nine hours of the dissertation course DBA 790 Dissertation Design, during the spring and summer semesters of their second year. In the last semester enrolled in DBA 790 Dissertation Design, students must defend their dissertation proposal and receive final approval from their dissertation committee. If students do not defend the proposal and receive final approval, within the nine required hours of DBA 790 Dissertation Design, they must register for additional hours (i.e., up to 12 cumulative additional hours) of DBA 790 Dissertation Design until this is completed.

Dissertation

D.B.A. program students are required to complete and submit a doctoral dissertation to their Dissertation Committee. Students take nine hours of dissertation courses DBA 791 Dissertation, both semesters of the third year upon satisfactory completion of all other coursework and the proposal defense. In the last semester enrolled in DBA 791 Dissertation, students may defend their dissertation and receive final approval from their dissertation committee. If students do not defend and receive approval, within the eighteen required hours of DBA 791 Dissertation, they must register for additional hours (i.e., up to 36 cumulative additional hours) of DBA 791 Dissertation until this is completed.

Grades and Time Frame

Proposal and dissertation courses are graded credit
o credit. Students must pass these courses and complete other courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better with not more than three-credit hours of "C". Should a student fail to pass or complete a course with the required grade, the D.B.A. Program Committee may offer an alternative activity as a substitute. In some circumstances, the student may be placed on academic probation with an improvement plan from the Dean's Office. Subsequent academic deficiencies could lead to dismissal from the program. The D.B.A. Program Committee will handle other delays in progress on a case-by-case basis. Students must complete the D.B.A. program within six years of starting the program.

Academic Conference Requirement

Students are required to present at two academic conferences, approved by the Program Director, prior to graduation.

Admission Requirements

The program will admit students every fall semester in a cohort. Students must meet all MU requirements for admission and be admitted to graduate study. The admission process for the D.B.A. program is competitive and emphasizes academic ability, professional work experience, and other indicators of potential for program success. The D.B.A. Program Committee will consider the following items as preferred qualifications:

• A completed master's degree in business or a related area from an accepted, accredited institution (must have a bachelor's degree at minimum)
• Relevant professional and/or senior level management experience
• Other evidence of achievements and experience including written or oral contributions to the field of expertise, professional certifications, professional development programs, and awards/honors
• GMAT or GRE scores (optional) The D.B.A. Program Committee is more likely to consider candidates for admission to the program if they have more of these qualifications. The materials that are required in the application package include:
• A cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae listing and describing the applicant's academic and work experience, and other qualifications
• A personal interest statement that is 4 to 5 pages in length and explains the candidate's objectives for joining the program, goals upon graduation, potential research questions of interest, and how the candidate's work experience will contribute to this research
• Academic transcripts showing all undergraduate work and graduate work, if applicable
• Three letters of recommendation The D.B.A. Program Committee will review all documents to identify candidates who have a high likelihood of succeeding in the program. The D.B.A. Program Committee may interview these candidates before making an admission decision.

Plan of Study

Course List

The following is a list of courses for the D.B.A. program:

• First Semester (Fall)
  • DBA 701: Res Bus & Econ Dev (3 credits)
  • DBA 710: Bus Research Design Method (3 credits)
  • DBA 711: Bus Quant Methods I (3 credits)
• Second Semester (Spring)
  • DBA 702: Cur Research Bus Innovation (3 credits)
  • DBA 712: Bus Quant Method II (3 credits)
  • Choose one of the following depending on area of emphasis:
    • DBA 720: Research Sem in Man Acct (3 credits)
    • DBA 730: Research Sem in HC Delivery (3 credits)
    • DBA 740: Research Sem HRM (3 credits)
• Third Semester (Summer)
  • DBA 703: Cur Research Issues Bus Tech (3 credits)
  • Choose one of the following depending on area of emphasis:
    • DBA 721: Research Sem in Audit (3 credits)
    • DBA 731: Res Mgr Epidemiology (3 credits)
    • DBA 741: Res Op Bus Models & Strat (3 credits)
• Fourth Semester (Fall)
  • DBA 704: Research Global & Intl Bus (3 credits)
  • DBA 713: Bus Quant III (3 credits)
  • Choose one of the following depending on area of emphasis:
    • DBA 722: Research Sem in Fin Acct (3 credits)
    • DBA 732: Res Sem HC Inform Mgt (3 credits)
    • DBA 742: Res Sem in Entr, Sm Bus, & FF (3 credits)
• Fifth Semester (Spring)
  • DBA 705: Ped in Bus Schools (3 credits)
  • DBA 714: Qual Methods (3 credits)
  • DBA 790: Dissertation Design (3 credits)
• Sixth Semester (Summer)
  • DBA 790: Dissertation Design (6 credits)
• Seventh Semester (Fall)
  • DBA 791: Dissertation (9 credits)
• Eighth Semester (Spring)
  • DBA 791: Dissertation (9 credits) Total Credit Hours: 66

Areas of Emphasis

The D.B.A. program offers three areas of emphasis:

Accounting

Course List:

• DBA 722: Research Sem in Fin Acct (3 credits)
• DBA 720: Research Sem in Man Acct (3 credits)
• DBA 721: Research Sem in Audit (3 credits)

Health Care Management

Course List:

• DBA 730: Research Sem in HC Delivery (3 credits)
• DBA 731: Res Mgr Epidemiology (3 credits)
• DBA 732: Res Sem HC Inform Mgt (3 credits)

Management and Entrepreneurship

Course List:

• DBA 740: Research Sem HRM (3 credits)
• DBA 741: Res Op Bus Models & Strat (3 credits)
• DBA 742: Res Sem in Entr, Sm Bus, & FF (3 credits)

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.