Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
A good leader inspires others. Great leaders begin by being inspired.
Becoming a successful business leader means being empowered by great leaders. The Doctor of Business Administration program at Saint Mary’s will do exactly that. Explore your passions through research and reflection alongside esteemed scholar-practitioners. Regardless of your background — business, finance, government, nonprofit, military, higher education — you’ll broaden your perspectives through our practical curriculum focusing on topics ranging from the global business environment to economics. With a doctorate from Saint Mary’s, you’ll possess the advanced skills and knowledge to navigate the complexity of the business world. You’ll be ready to positively impact any organization by learning real-world business challenges and integrating them with practitioner-based research.
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Explore and research your interests as they align with one of two specializations:
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- Management and strategy
- Business economics and finance
Structure of the Doctoral Program
- Coursework
- Comprehensive exam
- Proposal preparation
- Conducting research
- Dissertation writing and defense
Program Design
Coursework: 4 Clusters
- Global business environment
- Research skills
- Internal environment of business
- Specialization courses
- Summative Activities
- Comprehensive exam
- Proposal preparation
- Dissertation
Why Saint Mary’s DBA?
Our full-time faculty are dedicated to guiding you with your dissertation at every stage. As a doctoral student, you’ll begin your dissertation while taking classes and power your research topic with your interests and career goals.
You no longer have to choose between furthering your education and life’s obligations. There’s a lot to consider when pursuing a DBA degree, and our faculty and staff are available to offer personalized support from writing to research. With courses offered in a part-time schedule, you can balance full-time work, home, and everyday life while pursuing your doctorate.
Rooted in our Lasallian Catholic mission and identity, Saint Mary’s empowers you to an ethical life of service and leadership. Through its robust curriculum, the program incorporates core learning expectations in effective communication, cultural competence, critical thinking, and ethical reflection into the professional competences.
Our committed full-time faculty have both industrial and research experience, inviting you to explore your interests and connect with them in and outside of the classroom. You’ll receive mentorship and tools for professional development throughout the program, from your first class to disseminating or publishing your dissertation.
Our DBA program brings together a diverse community of professionals from all backgrounds, allowing you to embrace different perspectives and view your organization or role through a new lens. Engage in a rich learning environment that encourages collaboration and in-depth conversations with your peers.
Program Highlights
The DBA program prepares you for various leadership roles by delivering practical business applications and focusing on practitioner research. Every step of the way, our full-time faculty will guide you from coursework to research and dissertation writing. You’ll be inspired to not just become a transformative leader — but a great one.
Program Features
What Makes it Special
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Complete the program in as little as four years: Just over 2 years of coursework, 1-2 years of dissertation -
Flexible, part-time schedule designed for working professionals
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Led by full-time faculty
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Cohort model
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Choose your specialization: Business economics and finance, Management and strategy
What You'll Learn
What You’ll Learn
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Analyze complex issues in a global, diverse business context
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Conduct relevant, applied business research
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Create innovative and adaptive solutions to complex business problems
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Provide adaptive leadership for continual organizational sustainability
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Serve through ethical practices and social responsibility
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Communicate effectively in a variety of modes appropriate to the setting
Get to Know Us.
The Doctoral Chevrons features the writings and research of the faculty, staff, students, and friends of the DBA program at Saint Mary’s. Published three times a year, the newsletter includes discussions on business research, theory, and applied business practices.
Course Catalog
Career Outlook
Take your career to the next level as a college or university faculty member, consultant, C-suite officer, or executive manager1.
CEO
$98,980 per year*University professor
$79,640 per year*Logistician
$77,030 per year*Economist
$105,630 per year*University Professor job growth 2020-2030
Logistician job growth 2020-2030
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, Education Pays at https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (visited May 31, 2022).