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Online business doctoral program

Go to the highest level and earn a Doctorate of Business Administration at Concordia University. Learn how to utilize research to make decisions that directly impact organizations and employees. Acquire knowledge and skills that you can apply to your workplace as you progress through the program. You will develop the ability to view business issues and topics differently as a scholar practitioner.

Our 3-year online DBA program requires two in-person residencies on our campus in Mequon, WI. Meet your cohort and professors at the first residency, and then complete coursework and discussions online. At the start of your final year, you will come back together for the second residency.

Program webinar

Join our interactive live webinar on Tuesday, October 22nd at 12:00 PM CST to better understand the difference between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration. Gain insight from current students enrolled in our doctoral program as they share their first-hand experiences. Discover the most suitable doctorate for your professional and personal goals.

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

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Quick Facts

Dissertation

A research advisor provides one-on-one support
as you progress through the research and writing.
Dissertation work starts in your first class!

Online

Engage in online coursework and discussions.
Your fellow doctoral students, faculty, and academic advisor are easily accessible online.

Cohort format
Experience greater learning, collaboration,
and networking with your peers
from various backgrounds and industries.

Residency Images

One of the reasons that I chose Concordia was that I recognized, first and foremost, the faculty wants to see students fully succeed by completing their program and dissertation.

Matthew Harwell, Current DBA Student

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
Students share their reasons for pursuing a DBA at Concordia.
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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.

Delve into a personal message from our DBA program director, Dr. Laura Hurtienne. She touches on what it means to earn a doctorate and encourages you to discover the Concordia path to achieving the business school's highest degree.

Beyond the work you need to do to be successful, this endeavor is a team sport, both with your cohort and with the faculty.

Christopher Duncan, Current DBA Student

Cost Conversation

credit requirements
60
Tuition Deposit
$250
Cost Per Credit
$925

Funding your DBA

Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments

Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.

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Frequently asked questions

Concordia's All But Dissertation (ABD) option might be the perfect for you. 

Our ABD option provides an opportunity for students who have completed requirements for a doctorate at another institution, except for 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.
  • Participate with other DBA students in a three-day residency in either January or July of the year you begin the program. 
  • Your faculty research advisor will guide you through seven dissertation courses to ensure you progress to the final defense of your dissertation.
  • 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.

To be considered for admission into the DBA program, applicants must:

  • Have a master's degree with a focus in business or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in one's master's coursework
  • Provide proof of English proficiency if English is a second language
  • No GMAT/GRE is required

Applicants must submit the following materials:

  • A completed Concordia application (Apply Here)
  • Official transcripts from graduate or equivalent coursework
  • Resume or CV, and a list of references
  • An example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other related work
  • Participate in a video-conference interview

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.