Program Overview

Business Administration Executive Program DBA

The Executive DBA is a part-time program that prepares senior managers and executives to rigorously discover, describe, study, and solve everyday practical problems. Individuals are prepared to approach problems as evidence-based managers by using the tools and techniques of applied business research on issues relevant in the industry.

About the Program

• Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years
• Campus Location: The Executive DBA is delivered through six required on-site weekend residences per year (Friday through Sunday) for the first two years, with additional online components. Residencies are in-person at Convene at Commerce Square in Center City Philadelphia.
• Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The program is designed for part-time study.
• Affiliation(s): Research interests of Fox faculty are supported by numerous centers and institutes throughout the Fox School and Temple University.
• Accreditation: The Executive DBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
• Job Prospects: The program prepares graduates for corporate, consulting, and academic careers.
• Non-Matriculated Student Policy: All participants in the Executive DBA must be matriculated.
• Financing Opportunities: Tuition includes books, lodging, and most meals during the required residencies, as well as some funding for research and conference travel. Students are responsible for travel to and from in-person residencies. Students may be considered for merit-based scholarships. The Fox School offers 5% tuition scholarships for all Temple alumni who are admitted to the program. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States are eligible for federal financial aid opportunities. Alternative loans through private lenders may also be available, as well as a payment plan through Temple's Bursar's Office. Students are responsible for the total cost of the program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Application Deadline:
  • December 15 - Early Admissions Deadline
  • June 30 - Final Deadline
• Applications are processed as they are received throughout the year.
• Letters of Reference:
  • Number Required: 1
  • From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from individuals familiar with the applicant's demonstrated leadership, academic potential, and critical thinking skills.
• Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants should have at least 12 years of management experience, with at least 7 years at the senior management or executive level. They should hold an MBA or other relevant business-focused master's degree.
• Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: The equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college is required. For three-year degrees, an evaluation of mark sheets may be required by WES or another NACES organization.
• Statement of Goals: Describe your goals and motivations for pursuing the Executive DBA degree and your area of research interest.
• Standardized Test Scores: Scores may be requested based on the applicant's academic and/or professional background. Candidates with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may be asked to submit valid GMAT or GRE test scores.
• Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution outside of the United States must report scores for standardized tests of English that meet the minimums below. Exceptions are made for applicants who have subsequently earned a baccalaureate or master's degree from the approved list of countries provided by the Graduate School.
  • TOEFL iBT: 90
  • IELTS Academic: 7.0
  • Duolingo: 110
  • PTE Academic: 68
• Admissions Essay: A personal statement describing your plan to balance the program's time commitments of about 15 hours per week with your work schedule and other demands is required.
• Resume: A current professional resume or CV that highlights professional experience and education is required.

Program Requirements

• General Program Requirements:
  • Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 54
• Required Courses:
  • Plan of Study Grid Year 1
    • Fall:
      • BA 9801: Understanding the Firm through Management and Organizational Theory (3 credits)
      • BA 9802: Scientific Inquiry through Applied Research (3 credits)
      • BA 9813: Problem Solving using Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
    • Spring:
      • BA 9806: Integrative Perspectives on Business Knowledge (3 credits)
      • BA 9815: Problem Solving using Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
      • BA 9803: Navigating the Global Marketplace (3 credits)
    • Summer:
      • BA 9683: Research Project I (3 credits)
  • Year 2
    • Fall:
      • BA 9783: Research Project II (3 credits)
      • BA 9814: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
      • BA 9817: Applied Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
    • Spring:
      • BA 9816: Creation and Dissemination of Business Knowledge (3 credits)
      • BA 9883: Research Project III (3 credits)
      • BA 9812: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the New Economy (3 credits)
    • Summer:
      • BA 9994: Preliminary Examination Preparation (3 credits)
  • Year 3
    • Fall:
      • BA 9998: Pre-Dissertation Research (6 credits)
    • Spring:
      • BA 9999: Dissertation Research (6 credits)
• Culminating Events:
  • The doctoral dissertation is an original investigation that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing body of knowledge and demonstrate the student's own knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of their primary area of interest.
  • In consultation with the committee chair, the proposal should include a statement of the general research problem and motivation for the research; the questions or hypotheses to be investigated; the relevance of the problem to business theory and practice; a review of relevant literature; an outline of the dissertation; a detailed description of the methodology to be used; and expected contributions and practical implications.
  • Executive DBA students should defend their dissertation proposal defense in the Fall of their third year.
  • The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense, including the student's ability to express verbally their research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications.
  • Executive DBA students should defend their dissertation in the Spring of their third year. Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled.