
Online DBA program
There's no denying it - the world is changing. Modern businesses require modern solutions. And the demand for leaders who are rooted holistically has never been greater. That's why Concordia is committed to helping you unleash your highest potential with a DBA program designed to equip you with quantitative and qualitative skills to transform and improve your organization's strategies, culture, and performance - no matter your industry.
Our 3-year online DBA program requires two 3-day in-person residencies on our gorgeous lakefront campus in Mequon, WI. You'll meet your cohort and professors at the beginning of the program and then complete all subsequent coursework online. The last short residency is at the end of the program before the completion of your dissertation.
Choose your DBA concentration:
A DBA in finance will allow you to study how financial and economic theory impacts global and regional organizations. You’ll graduate well-versed in business and industry with the tools to stay current with trends while applying the concepts to organizational structure and productivity.
Learn the applied methods and theories addressing organizational improvement. Graduate with the skills you need to improve productivity and effectiveness while minimizing resistance to change at the employee, team, and organizational levels while unleashing your expertise. This is ideal for you if you see yourself in HR, learning & development, C-suite, consulting, etc
Quick Facts
Dissertation
You'll be assigned a dissertation chair who will
support and advise you as you research, write, and edit.
We accept transfers and ABD students!
Dissertation
Transfer credits & All But Dissertation (ABD) pathway
Have you started your doctorate but never finished your dissertation? Our new ABD program provides an opportunity for students who have completed requirements for a doctorate at another institution, except your doctoral dissertation, to transfer in up to 30 credits to our DBA.
How does it work?
- As an incoming student, you can transfer up to 30 credits into the DBA program.
- In addition, 30 credits will be needed to graduate - 24 credits through research courses to help you write your dissertation and 6 topical credits.
- Collaborate with other DBA students in one three-day residency in either January or July of the year you begin.
- Your faculty advisor will guide you through seven dissertation courses so you make consistent progress from day one.
- The average length of completion is 1.5 years.
- Upon dissertation completion, you will graduate with a Doctorate in Business Administration.
- Learn more in this webinar.
Online
Graduate in 3-years!
Fully online coursework with Two short in-person residencies (one at the beginning and one prior to the completion of your DBA).
Cohort format
and networking with your peers
from various backgrounds and industries.
Get the information you need
Learn more about what our students are saying

Why Concordia?
At Concordia, we understand obtaining your doctorate is no small feat. It's impossible to go at it alone, which is exactly why we are committed to supporting you no matter where you're at in your doctoral journey. From the moment you request information, throughout enrollment and your dissertation, you'll have someone with you every step of the way.
In fact, our DBA students are assigned a trusted advisor within a week of their residency. This gives you more personalized attention and assistance as you progress through your DBA program.
We pride ourselves on maintaining a commitment to work-life balance. Your mind, body, and spirit need attention to successfully complete the required courses and dissertation.
It is a journey of learning and growing, both professionally and personally.
Cost Conversation
credit requirements
60Tuition Deposit
$250Cost Per Credit
$890Funding your DBA
Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments
Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.
Funding your DBA
Uncommon Scholarships
Concordia offers Uncommon Scholarships to help bring this investment in your future within reach. These scholarships, which range from $150-$500 per three-credit course, are available for:
- Concordia alumni
- Employees of our corporate and academic partners (AAH, Edcor, Bright Horizons, & more)
- Employees of qualifying Christian churches and schools
- Veterans and dependents
Tuition Reimbursement
Your employer/school district may offer tuition reimbursement, minimizing the cost to you. Ask your HR department if you are eligible.
Payment Plans
Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments, making budgeting for your new career a reality.
Financial Aid
Qualifying students may be eligible for Federal Aid. When you fill out the FAFSA make sure to select Concordia University Wisconsin.
- CUW FAFSA code: 003842
Credit breakdown
Year 1
Required Courses | Credits |
---|---|
Introduction to Scholarship | 3 |
Organization Learning, Performance, & Change | 3 |
Concentration Course | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Statistics for Research | 1 |
Quantitative Research Design | 3 |
Concentration Course | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Total Credits 20 |
Year 2
Required Courses | Credits |
---|---|
Innovative & Entrepreneurial Leadership | 3 |
Scholarship Inquiry | 3 |
Qualitative Research Design | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Doctoral Research & Writing I | 3 |
Concentration Course | 3 |
Doctoral Research & Writing II | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Total Credits 20 |
Year 3
Required Courses | Credits |
---|---|
Doctoral Research & Writing III | 3 |
Concentration Course | 3 |
Servant & Ethical Leadership | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Business Intelligence & Predictive Analytics | 3 |
Quantitative Business, Quality Management & Productivity | 3 |
Dissertation Seminar & Advising | 1 |
Dissertation DBA Capstone | 3 |
Total Credits 20 |
Want to learn more?
Free on-demand webinars
Learn about the program director, the curriculum structure, concentrations, the dissertation process, admissions information, and more.
Want to learn more?
Previously recorded webinars:
- Discover more about the DBA with current students
- New concentration in Business Sustainability
- Meet Dr. Dana Sendziol, our new DBA director
- DBA experience - from a student's perspective
- What is a DBA and why Concordia?
- In-depth look at the three concentrations
- How to successfully complete your dissertation - includes cohort 1 student feedback
- DBA overview
- Overview of the three DBA concentrations
- The doctorate experience- What to expect
- How to complete your dissertation successfully
Frequently asked questions
The dissertation will typically range from 100 - 300 pages, it depends on your research topic and how you plan the study. The dissertation is divided up into five chapters. Intro, literature review, research methods, results, and discussion. You will walk with your faculty advisor to plan every step of your dissertation, so it's not a daunting project.
To be admitted into the DBA program, applicants must:
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Submit an application
- Master’s degree with a focus in business or another relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Obtained a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Provide supporting evidence that you have completed an intermediate-level statistics course (MBA 510 or equivalent), or have equivalent work experience.
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references.
- Option to participate in a video-conference interview.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide English proficiency.
Admission to the DBA program is governed by policies and procedures developed by the Batterman School of Business and Concordia University of Wisconsin. The University reserves the right to refuse admission or readmission to any prospective study or re-enrollment to any student. Any applicant who intentionally withholds pertinent information or falsifies information may be required to withdraw from Concordia University. The University and the Batterman School of Business reserve the right to make necessary changes to admission requirements without notice.
The DBA is a competitive admissions process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DBA program. Concordia University of Wisconsin and the Batterman School of Business may request additional documentation to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admissions decision can be made.