Doctor of Business Administration
Program Description
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a professional track with a 36-unit terminal business degree focusing on advanced research, leadership, and business management. It is designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their business knowledge, enhance their leadership skills, and contribute to business theory and practice through original research.
A Doctor of Business Administration program is a rigorous and intellectually demanding experience that prepares senior-level professionals for leadership roles in business and academia. It combines academic rigor with practical relevance, creating a unique learning environment for experienced professionals seeking to impact the business world significantly.
Program Structure
- Duration: The DBA program is a two-year program.
- Coursework: The program includes a combination of advanced coursework and research-focused modules. Typical areas of study include strategic human resource management, corporate planning, research methods, leadership, and professional courses related to the student’s research focus.
- Research Components: Most of the program is dedicated to original research. Students undertake in-depth research projects, often culminating in a doctoral dissertation. The study should substantially contribute to business and demonstrate advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Seminars and Workshops: DBA programs often include seminars, workshops, and colloquia where students engage with leading scholars, industry experts, and fellow doctoral candidates. These events provide networking opportunities, learning about cutting-edge research, and refining research ideas.
Career Outcomes
- Senior Leadership Roles: DBA graduates are well-positioned for top leadership roles, such as CEO, CFO, or Chief Strategist.
- Consultancy and Entrepreneurship: Graduates often become consultants or entrepreneurs, applying their advanced knowledge to solve complex business challenges.
- Academic Careers: Some DBA graduates pursue academic careers, becoming professors and contributing to business education.
Value Proposition
- Applied Research: DBA programs emphasize applied research, allowing students to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world business challenges.
- Executive Network: The program provides a valuable network of experienced professionals and academics, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Leadership Development: DBA programs focus on developing advanced leadership skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
- Contribution to Business Knowledge: Graduates contribute to advancing business knowledge by conducting original research that addresses practical issues organizations face.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor in Business Administration should be able to:
- Demonstrate highly advanced systematic knowledge and skills in highly specialized and complex interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary fields of learning for professional practice.
- Apply professional leadership for innovation, research, and development management in highly specialized or multi-disciplinary fields.
- Exercise complete independence in individual work or teams of multi-disciplinary and more complex settings that demand leadership for research and creativity for strategic value-added.
*Adapted from the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Level 8 covering doctorate programs.
Curriculum Summary
| Components | Number of units |
| Foundation Courses | 9 |
| Professional Courses | 12 |
| Cognate/Elective Courses | 3 |
| Written Comprehensive Examination | 0 |
| Dissertation Courses | 12 |
|
Total Course Requirements: |
36
|
