Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Program Overview
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
An advanced online business management degree that prepares you to innovate, lead, and advance your career and your organization ethically.
Types
Doctoral
Location
Online
Credits
66
Cost
$549/hour
Overview
Earning a Doctor of Business Administration online could be the respected credential you need to lead, innovate, and push the boundaries of your field. In our online doctorate in business administration (DBA) program, you’ll develop advanced levels of competency in business theory and practice, preparing you to impact your organization — and the world. And with the convenience of online learning, it’s possible to invest in yourself and your career even while working full-time.
By the Numbers
$189,520
Average Salary
5%
Industry Growth
$10.4K
Average Financial Aid
100%
Student-Focused
Programs & Requirements
Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
If you want to combine research with your professional experience to solve real-world business problems, earning a Doctor of Business Administration may be for you. This DBA degree program involves advanced coursework in areas ranging from economics and finance to managerial ethics and corporate social responsibility. If you've worked in the business world for some time and want to step up within the field, it may be time to consider pursuing a doctorate in business administration.
Course Requirements
- Core Courses (18 hours)
- BACC 731 - Advanced Managerial Accounting
- BADM 733 - Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice
- BADM 734 - Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate
- BADM 735 - Comparative Economics
- BADM 737 - Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility
- BADM 838 - Strategic Thinking, Decision-Making and Innovation
- Professional Research (24 hours)
- DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making
- DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications
- DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development
- DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods
- DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar
- DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods
- DSRT 930 - Dissertation
- DSRT 931 - Dissertation
- Strategic Focus Courses (24 hours)
A content specialty area of at least twenty-four (24) hours must be earned in one of these disciplines:
- Accounting
- Blockchain
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Strategic Management
- Supply Chain Management
Mission & Goals
The mission of the Plaster Graduate School of Business is to foster academic excellence and student achievement at the graduate level. We will prepare you academically to become a productive, competent, and ethical professional.
- Evaluate your personal values and connect them to ethical behaviors.
- Synthesize and integrate current research and literature to problems found in the areas of accounting, finance, economics, management, and marketing.
- Construct research-based, strategic, effective, and ethical solutions to optimize organizational performance (both domestic and international).
- Develop advanced communication, collaboration, research, and critical thinking skills.
- Execute rigorous research and present scholarly work that contributes to the professional body of knowledge of business and provides linkages to practical business applications.
DBA Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chief Executive: $189,520
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Business Professor: $88,790
Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Management Analyst: $93,000
Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.
Personal Financial Advisor: $94,170
Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.
Project Management Specialist: $94,500
Project management specialists coordinate the budget, schedule, staffing, and other details of a project.
Sales Manager: $127,490
Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams.
Common Questions
What is a Doctor of Business Administration?
A DBA degree is an applied doctorate designed for business professionals. As the most advanced management degree you can attain, this online doctorate in business administration can help prepare you for high-ranking roles in business leadership and organizational management. The DBA program curriculum includes applied research, business theory and literature, and applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-life professional challenges. For some students, a DBA is the logical next step after earning an MBA and acquiring several years of business experience—typically in a management position.
How is a DBA different from a PhD in business administration?
While both are doctoral degrees, a PhD focuses more on original research, while a DBA focuses on applied research. In other words, if you want to combine research with your professional experience to solve real-world business problems, earning a Doctor of Business Administration may be for you. If you are interested in developing new theories or approaches to further the body of knowledge in your discipline, consider the PhD However, both programs may share similarities—including advanced coursework in areas ranging from economics and finance to managerial ethics and corporate social responsibility.
What careers can I pursue with a doctorate in business administration?
With an online doctorate in business administration, you can pursue various business career paths that call for high-level management expertise. For instance, many graduates go on to pursue careers as top executives, including chief executive officers (CEOs), chief operating officers (COOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), and other C-suite roles.
In addition, earning a Doctor of Business Administration online could help you prepare for management analyst or consultant roles. Other potential careers you could consider with a doctorate in business administration include:
- Financial Manager
- Healthcare Administrator
- Marketing Manager
- Management Analyst
- C-Suite Executive
How will this online DBA program benefit me?
The Doctor of Business Administration at University of the Cumberlands will help you develop the in-demand skills you need to stand out to employers and tackle any professional challenge. This online DBA program is intended for candidates who are already working in a business profession and cannot attend classes on campus, due to their busy schedules. You’ll have the flexibility you need to advance your education while continuing to work full time.
How long is this DBA degree program?
With our planned course structure and rotation, a full-time student earning 24 credits per academic year may complete the Doctor of Business Administration program within three years. A part-time student completing 12 credits per academic year may complete the DBA program in five years.
The Doctor of Business Administration is comprised of 66 required credit hours. Core and specialization courses are delivered in an 8-week bi-term format; dissertation courses are delivered in a 16-week semester format. Each course is worth three credit hours and is aligned with the program’s goals.
How do online classes work at Cumberlands?
Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Many classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.
Faculty Experts
Learn more about the business administration professors at Cumberlands.
Margaret Combs
Professor
Accounting
Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
Master's in Strategic Management
MBA - Master Business Administration
PhD Business
Dr. Stephanie Thacker
Associate Professor
Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
MBA - Master Business Administration
PhD Business
Dr. Vonda Moore
Professor
Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
MBA - Master Business Administration
PhD Business
Program Accreditation
The Hutton School of Business at University of the Cumberlands has received specialized accreditations for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page
Please review our Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.
Program Outline
Careers:
- Chief Executive: $189,520
- Business Professor: $88,790
- Management Analyst: $93,000
- Personal Financial Advisor: $94,170
- Project Management Specialist: $94,500
- Sales Manager: $127,490
University of the Cumberlands
Overview:
University of the Cumberlands is a private, non-profit institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs. It is known for its commitment to affordability and accessibility, with a focus on student success.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising & Assistance:
Dedicated support for students in navigating their academic journey.Learning Commons:
Resources and support for academic success.Library Access:
Access to the Grover M. Hermann Library with its extensive collection and resources.Student Health Services:
Health and wellness services for students.Counseling Services:
Mental health support for students.Information Technology Services:
Technical support and resources for students.Career Development:
Support for students in exploring career options and preparing for the job market.Student Ministries:
Spiritual support and activities for students.Diversity & Inclusion:
Programs and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.Clubs & Organizations:
Opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of the Cumberlands offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and organizations, engage in community service, and enjoy a range of campus events. The university also provides a campus guide with information on dining, residence life, and campus safety.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable Education:
The university's One Price Promise includes tuition, fees, books, and other essential resources, making it one of the most affordable universities in the region.Accessible Programs:
The university offers a wide range of programs, both on-campus and online, catering to diverse student needs and learning preferences.Student-Focused Approach:
The university prioritizes student success with dedicated success coordinators and a supportive campus community.Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a variety of accredited programs across various disciplines.Academic Programs:
University of the Cumberlands offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 55 majors and pre-professional programs in various fields, including Applied Sciences, World Languages, Business, Communications, Education, English, General Studies, Health & Wellness, History, Information Technology, Mission & Ministry, Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Social / Behavioral Sciences.Graduate Programs:
Programs in Business, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Sciences, Human Services, Information Technology, Leadership, Medical Science, and Ministry.Executive Programs:
Programs in Business, Information Technology, and Leadership.Other:
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Campus Locations:
The university has a main campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and a campus in Northern Kentucky. -
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
