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/or senior-level management experience. The program requires completion of 60 credit hours and is tailored to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in business administration.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants 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:
  • Most recent transcript(s)
  • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
  • Names and contact information of two people who can provide insights into the applicant’s academic potential and ability to think critically
  • Two essays (Statement of Commitment & Statement of Research Interest)

Degree Requirements

The DBA program requires completion of 60 credit hours, including:

• First Year:
  • Fall: BUS AD 7301 (2 hours), BUS AD 7109 (4 hours)
  • Spring: BUS AD 7100 (3 hours), BUS AD 7102 (3 hours)
  • Summer: BUS AD 7101 (3 hours), BUS AD 7600 (3 hours)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: BUS AD 7103 (3 hours), BUS AD 7400 (3 hours)
  • Spring: BUS AD 7104 (3 hours), BUS AD 7106 (3 hours)
  • Summer: Selected Topic I (3 hours), Selected Topic II (3 hours)
• Third Year:
  • Fall: BUS AD 7107 (6 hours), 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), 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

Academic Affairs

The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Business Administration is committed to providing a rigorous and supportive academic environment for DBA students. The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in business administration, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and industry.