Saint Mary’s Innovation Scholars team presents research at Mayo Clinic
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Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration for leaders who want answers, not assumptions
Senior leaders are expected to make high-stakes decisions every day. Yet many of the most important questions in business cannot be answered by experience alone. The fully online Doctor of Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota prepares executives to use advanced research and analytical thinking to solve real organizational challenges and lead with confidence.
Unlike a traditional Ph.D. in business, which prepares scholars for academic research careers, the DBA is designed for experienced professionals who want to apply research directly to business strategy and leadership decisions.
Through a rigorous curriculum, you will explore advanced business concepts, strengthen your critical thinking, and develop research that addresses real issues facing organizations today. Guided by experienced faculty and industry leaders, you will investigate emerging trends, contribute meaningful insights to your field, and expand your professional network alongside other accomplished professionals.
The result is more than a doctoral credential. It is the ability to approach complex business problems with deeper insight, stronger evidence, and greater strategic impact.
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Program Highlights
- Flexible, part-time schedule designed for working professionals
- Explore and research your interests as they align with one of two specializations: Business Economics and Finance, or Management and Strategy
- 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.
- Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
- The annual Doctoral Research Symposium brings together doctoral students, faculty, and alumni for a focused day of scholarship, connection, and professional growth. Students share dissertation research, gain insight through academic workshops, and engage in meaningful dialogue that strengthens both their scholarship and leadership impact.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze complex issues in a global, diverse business context
- Conduct relevant, applied business research
- Create innovative and adaptive solutions to complex business problems
- Provide adaptive leadership for continual organizational sustainability
- Serve through ethical practices and social responsibility
- Communicate effectively in a variety of modes appropriate to the setting
Building leaders with strategic insight
Dr. Paul Kotz is a 35-year educator with expertise in management, leadership, operations, and strategy. An executive coach skilled in Myers-Briggs and 360° assessments, he also supports individuals in career transition. Dr. Kotz has authored five books, including the award-winning Something Happened Today and Profiles in Kindness, focusing on mentorship, everyday leadership, and finding hope and positivity in adversity.
Join Dr. Paul Kotz in Saint Mary’s DBA program and learn how to become a strategic leader with a focus on research.
Doctor of Business Administration Program Accreditation
This program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), recognizing our commitment to delivering business education that aligns with the university’s mission of developing confident, competent, and ethical leaders for today’s changing business environment.
This accreditation not only reflects the high quality of our graduates — who possess in-demand skills valued by employees — but also reflects the strong presence of the Lasallian mission in action, as witnessed by the IACBE in every interaction with students, alumni, faculty, staff, leaders, and external business partners. At Saint Mary’s, we deliver on our promises. They go beyond words — they’re a commitment we live by.
Information Session
Fueled by Support.
At Saint Mary’s, Belinda Armstead, D’25 discovered the power of belief and belonging. This is her story.
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to a doctorate degree program at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have a master’s degree in business or management-related area and the following courses with a grade of B or better: Managerial Finance, Managerial Economics, and one semester of graduate statistics.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
- Applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
Applicants must have a master’s degree in business or management-related area and the following courses with a grade of B or better: Managerial Finance, Managerial Economics, and one semester of graduate statistics.
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of twelve semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form.
Official transcripts issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s, master’s degrees and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must have a course-by-course evaluation completed from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org). These would preferably be completed by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators and must be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).
A statement of purpose which includes:
a. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
b. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to this program and,
c. description of the areas which the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
d. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
One letter of recommendation that verifies professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability
A current résumé listing educational background and work experienceApplication Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester – July 15
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your education.
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Global Markets and Resources
- Social Responsibility and Ethics
- Organization Development and Leadership
- Strategic Governance
The course catalog provides complete information about course requirements.
Career Outlook
Take your career to the next level as a college or university faculty member, consultant, C-suite officer, or executive manager.
Chief Marketing Officer
$133,380 per year*Sales Manager
$127,490 per year*Chief Executive Officer
$98,980 per year*Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
Visit the BlogRelated Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is a doctorate different from a Ph.D.?
The DBA degree is designed to allow you to transition into a leadership position within your professional area of expertise or expand your professional profile and opportunities. This program focuses on real-world organizational and business problems, combining original and secondary research for you to explore, examine, and address complex issues in business.
Traditionally, the Ph.D. degree is primarily research-focused for those planning to pursue a career as a faculty member in higher education or as a career researcher at a research center.
What credentials will I hold after completing the program?
Upon graduation from the Doctor of Business Administration program, you’ll receive the credential of doctorate or doctoral degree. You’ll be referred to as a Doctor of Business Administration, and your signature line can include DBA. after your name.
What topics can my dissertation and research focus on?
We encourage you to focus on areas of research that most interest you! Our faculty come from a wide range of business professional backgrounds to mirror that of our students.
What are some example dissertation titles/topics?
Examples:
- Food Insecurity Amongst Ethnic Minorities
- What is the Experience of BIPOC and Immigrant Parents Raising a Child Diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders Living in Minnesota?
- Financial Impact of Student Loan on Black Borrowers in the United States
- Educational Values Ecosystem Services and Its Impact on Carbon Footprint. A Study in Peru
- Can Entrepreneurship Promote Economic Development? A Case Study of the Entrepreneurial Experience of College Graduates in Ghana
What type of support is provided for my research proposal and dissertation?
After determining your chair and committee members, you’ll work with your chair on determining your research question and methodology before moving into the Proposal Development course.
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Sources and Disclaimer
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm (visited May 10, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational and Employment Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111011.htm (visited March 4, 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (visited May 10, 2023).