Program Overview

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Business Administration is designed for individuals with significant professional and managerial experience. The program requires completion of 60 credit hours and is tailored to provide advanced knowledge and skills in business administration.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, candidates must:

• Hold an MBA or other relevant advanced degree from an acceptable academic institution
• Have ten years of significant professional and/or senior-level management experience with high levels of responsibility
• Submit their most recent transcript(s)
• Provide a résumé or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
• Offer names and contact information of two people who can provide insights into the applicant's academic potential and ability to think critically
• Complete two essays: a Statement of Commitment and a Statement of Research Interest

Degree Requirements

The DBA program requires completion of 60 credit hours, with the following structure:

First Year

• Fall: BUS AD 7301 (2 hours) and BUS AD 7109 (4 hours)
• Spring: BUS AD 7100 (3 hours) and BUS AD 7102 (3 hours)
• Summer: BUS AD 7101 (3 hours) and BUS AD 7600 (3 hours)

Second Year

• Fall: BUS AD 7103 (3 hours) and BUS AD 7400 (3 hours)
• Spring: BUS AD 7104 (3 hours) and BUS AD 7106 (3 hours)
• Summer: Selected Topic I (3 hours) and Selected Topic II (3 hours)

Third Year

• Fall: BUS AD 7107 (6 hours) and Development and Defense of Proposal for Dissertation
• Spring: BUS AD 7108 (6 hours)
• Summer: BUS AD 7108 (6 hours)

Fourth Year

• Fall: BUS AD 7108 (6 hours) and Final Dissertation Defense

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Design research studies based on sound methodological considerations
• Exhibit expertise in a stream of academic research
• Apply theory to address business problems
• Apply advanced quantitative methods to conduct original research
• Apply advanced qualitative methods to conduct original research
• Communicate research findings in both oral and written formats in a public forum
• Develop pedagogical skills for disseminating information in educational settings

Evaluation and Progress

Students will be evaluated annually for satisfactory progress. Those deemed not to be making adequate progress are subject to the policies of the Graduate School and the College of Business Administration regarding probation and dismissal from the program.