Doctor of Business
Administration Program
Get Started Today!
DBA Program Details
Total Credits
60
Transfer Credits
36
Program Duration
3 Years
Location
- Washington, DC
- Falls Church, VA
- Online
MSCHE Accredited
University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Change How Business Is Done
An MBA changes your ability to do business. With a DBA, you prepare to change business itself. Become a scholar-practitioner who applies research and strategic problem-solving skills for practical impact and leadership at the highest level.
Online, But Not Remote
You can study with us from anywhere—even while working full time. Our DBA program combines online flexibility with small classes led by experienced faculty who will work with you to ensure your success.
DBA Program Overview
Business changes quickly. The field needs leaders who can conduct research to effectively track that change, identify problems, and test solutions in practice. The Doctor of Business Administration helps you fill that need for practical leadership that creates innovation and nurtures talent.
Available in a convenient online format, this program culminates in the creation of a dissertation—an original piece of research and scholarship that aims to solve a real-world business problem.
What You Will Learn
Advanced Leadership and Research Skills
Prepare to lead at the very highest level within organizations, consulting firms, international business organizations, trade organizations, and governmental departments. Build on your experience in business with scholarly research skills and a focus on creating change within organizations.
A Global Outlook
Today’s organizations span time zones, continents, and cultures. Leaders at the very highest level need to understand the challenges of diverse, global organizations—and be able to formulate ways to meet those challenges effectively.
As an institution that’s proudly diverse and multicultural, Potomac aims to produce DBA graduates who see diversity as a strength, and who aim to create better business practices for all.
Courses and Curriculum
Doctor of Business Administration - 60 Credits
- DBEC 700 Principles of Research and Writing
- DBEC 710 Quantitative Research Methodology
- DBEC 725 Qualitative and Case Study Research Methodology
- DBEC 735 Statistical Method and Data Analysis for Research
- DBA 715 Organizational Dynamics, Ethics and Decision-Making
- DBA 727 Business Innovation and Sustainability
- DBA 730 Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
- DBA 740 Accounting and Financial Management
- DBA 745 Project Management Framework and Processes
- DBA 750 Human Resources and Risk Management
- DBA 765 Global Business, Geo-Political and Social Issues
- DBA 770 International Marketing in Business
- DBEC 800 Doctoral Research I: Proposal Development
- DBEC 801 Doctoral Research II: Introduction and Literature Review
- DBEC 802 Doctoral Research III: Methodology
- DBA 803 Doctoral Research IV: Results, Findings, and Discussion
- DBA 804 Doctoral Research V: Discussion and Defense
- DBA 900 Dissertation Defense
Requirements and Outcomes
Graduates of the DBA program will be able to:
- Demonstrate fluency within the chosen discipline.
- Demonstrate support of current and emerging business theory, practice, and influences that support business administration strategy and organizational missions in changing environments.
- Integrate appropriate principles and research methodologies frequently used in business research to solve current business administration problems.
- Formulate effective solutions to real-world problems in business administration that improve the effectiveness of organizations in support of organizational missions.
Applicants must complete the following steps to apply.
General Admission:
- Submission of a completed application for admission.
- Submission of a signed attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion.
- Equivalencies can include GED certificates or international credentials that meet our international admissions standards. Home-schooled students must present a diploma that meets the high school graduation requirements of the state in which it was issued.
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college-equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
- Complete an admissions interview (in person or virtual).
In addition to the general requirements listed above, applicants to our Doctor of Business Administration program must provide the following:
- Proof of attainment of a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in other countries.
- International applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree may be admitted on the recommendation of the Admission Committee following an evaluation of each student’s preparation.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who may be a direct supervisor or university faculty member. Note that this requirement may be waived for those students with master’s-level transfer credits.
- One essay addressing the student’s preparation for the graduate program, submitted as a Microsoft Word document.
Tuition is calculated per credit hour. Most courses are worth three credits each. Costs below are for domestic (U.S.-based) students only:
- DBA Tuition: $1,551 per credit hour
Additional fees apply. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify. Learn more about affording your degree here.
Ready to Get Started?
Prepare to create lasting change in the business world. Talk to a University of the Potomac admissions advisor about the DBA program today!