Program Overview

TSE EXE Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA is a doctoral-level business administration program designed for experienced managers and professionals who wish to develop and deepen their expertise and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

Program Overview

The DBA program is a practical, work-oriented doctoral program that focuses on applied research, unlike the traditional PhD, which emphasizes theoretical research. It is suitable for those who want to use scientific research to gain new ways of thinking and develop business, without aiming for an academic career.

Benefits of DBA

• A practical and meaningful research project that directly benefits the employer company.
• Better understanding of the chosen field by applying business management theory to practice.
• The ability to disseminate acquired knowledge to the employer organization and act as pioneers in development and change processes.

How DBA Studies Relate to and Advance Professionals' Work

DBA studies provide professionals with the opportunity to identify emerging trends and create new, in-depth knowledge by formalizing practical experience and providing new insights based on the latest theories and research methods. DBA students can address significant, unresolved real-life business and management problems precisely and systematically, thus promoting their organization's success. By acquiring a DBA degree, professionals distinguish themselves from others and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills. DBA studies open up various career opportunities for applicants.

Investment in DBA

Duration

3-6 years

ECTS

240

Price

Application fee 1,000 (+VAT) Semester fee 19,900 (+VAT)

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree or Executive MBA program completion
• At least five years of work experience in demanding management positions
• Application form, including an English-language CV and motivation letter
• One letter of recommendation
• Research proposal

Application

Applications are accepted continuously. For more information, application instructions, and the application form, please contact the Academic Director of the DBA program, Professor Rami Olkkonen. Applications and research proposals are carefully reviewed during the application process, and the program's Academic Director interviews applicants.

TSE EXE DBA Content

• The DBA program combines advanced management theory and practice with the methods and research techniques required for the DBA dissertation.
• Studies consist mainly of virtual courses (40 credits) provided by the University of Turku and a DBA dissertation (200 credits), which is preferably related to the applicant's work. Each applicant has a personalized study plan and study path.
• The DBA program covers various fields of science related to business and economics in its research and teaching.
• Major subjects can be completed in management, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, international business, and supply chain management.
• During the DBA modules, applicants examine business and management theories (and their applicability to business practices), research methods, and participate in training aimed at preparing them for their dissertation.
• Candidates focus on independent research and carry out a project that leads to the preparation of a DBA dissertation with a strong connection to business and management practices.
• The dissertation is supervised by professors from the University of Turku.
• The DBA dissertation is evaluated as an official oral examination, where the candidate defends their dissertation to internal and external examiners.

Contact

For more information, please contact Hannele Järvenpää, Education Manager, at hannele.jarvenpää@utu.fi.

TSE EXE

Visit us at: TSE EXE/Turku School of Economics Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 20500 Turku

Programs

• Executive MBA
• JOKO Management Training

Program Modules

• Innovative Business Management (EMBA & JOKO)
• Visionary Management (EMBA & JOKO)
• Innovative Business Creation (EMBA)
• Global Strategic Management (EMBA)
• Leading Towards the Future (EMBA)

Company Programs

• Future Excellence (FE)
• Business Talent Academy (BTA)

Other Programs

• Sustainable Management and Business
• Strategic Foresight Management
• Strategic Procurement Management