Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) degree program is designed for experienced business professionals who want to translate their industry expertise into leadership positions as consultants or as executives within their organizations.

Developed with insights from experienced faculty members and leading business practitioners, the D.B.A. program emphasizes advanced decision making and leadership skills, in-depth knowledge of both theory and applied research, and the ability to manage positive social change. Explore some of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing business today, including globalization, ethics, and managing stakeholder relationships, as well as management issues directly related to your professional interests.

ACBSP LogoWalden University’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Among other benefits, ACBSP accreditation provides:

  • Validation that your program meets nationally recognized standards of quality endorsed by businesses, government, and other organizations.
  • Assurance that your program can provide you with the skills you need to compete in today’s global marketplace.
  • Recognition by employers, graduate schools, and regulatory organizations.
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  • $5,000 Grant

  • 10 Steps to your D.B.A.

    Watch 10 Steps to you D.B.A now!

    Discover what it takes to earn a D.B.A. with this step-by-step guide to your degree.

    Watch Now

  • What Students Say

    “Walden is a first-class institution with very high standards and a great team of competent and focused faculty who care about their students. The Walden experience has been the best educational and social experience of my life.”

    Sean A. Stanley
    Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

  • Our Academic Resources

    Our Academic Resources

    “Our international students receive dedicated support from their faculty and advisors.”
    Dr. Sreeroopa Sarkar, Faculty Member

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  • The D.B.A. Experience

    Image of D.B.A. students.

    Get a glimpse of the D.B.A. program from the views of current doctoral students and faculty members.
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  • Curriculum

  • Tuition and Fees

  • Career Options

  • Highlights

  • Learning Outcomes

  • Program Data

  • Learn More

Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration program offers a variety of specializations to help you meet your personal and professional goals.

M.B.A. Transfer of Credit

You may be eligible to receive credit for five courses when enrolling in the D.B.A. program within 10 years of completing your M.B.A., which can save you time and money. Call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336 to learn more.

Accounting

Accounting is fundamental to successfully managing an organization and making sound business decisions. In the D.B.A. Accounting specialization, you can enhance your knowledge of managerial accounting methods that are essential to your company’s bottom line and elevating your organization’s competitive position. Explore the principles and theories of managerial decision making, corporate governance, and employee performance evaluation from domestic and global business perspectives. This D.B.A. accounting online specialization is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for conducting applied research. You can gain advanced accounting skills to address the real-world business challenges that face your organization by pursuing a D.B.A. in accounting. You will be able to focus on ways to clearly communicate financial results to executive decision makers.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Entrepreneurship

Explore the entrepreneurial concepts and processes that are found in both established companies with a pioneering spirit and start-ups. Build your entrepreneurial skills and knowledge with a learning experience that combines theory with practical strategies drawn from real-world situations, such as identifying market opportunities, managing risk and change, encouraging innovation, and raising capital. In addition, analyze how an entrepreneurial organization can make a greater contribution in today’s society. Coursework focuses on the development of your writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1–866–492–5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Finance

Gain the finance tools that help managers maximize their firm’s value, including valuation, capital budgeting and structure, working capital management, multinational concepts, and Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). As you develop your expertise in finance, explore more advanced theories such as option pricing, derivatives, and hedging. Throughout your program, you will be encouraged to combine practice and theory in order to apply your new knowledge to organizational problems. Coursework focuses on the development of your writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Global Supply Chain Management

Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, or service provider, if you conduct business globally, you need to understand how products and services move from concept to deliverable. Learn the systems required to identify sources of personnel and material and how to ensure that supply chains conform to the highest global standards. In addition, you will explore new ways of applying technology to help cut costs, increase customer satisfaction, and find new business opportunities. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Healthcare Management

Effective management skills are essential for a healthcare organization to successfully support and serve a community. In the D.B.A. Healthcare Management specialization, you can expand your core business management skills in the healthcare field by learning to apply managerial decision-making skills to healthcare policy and economics. Explore the private and public policy development process and understand its effect on delivery systems and the continuum of health services. The Healthcare Management specialization focuses on laws and court decisions that apply to the management of healthcare organizations and investigates the regulatory and ethical dynamics that exist within the industry. This D.B.A. in healthcare management specialization will help you develop your writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level so you can apply them in your leadership role.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1–866–492–5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Information Systems Management

Develop your expertise in information systems management with this specialization that addresses the management challenges facing technology-based businesses. Gain the knowledge and skills to help align business needs with technological solutions, identify new applications for technology, and leverage technological solutions in order to enhance your organization’s competitive position in the marketplace. Examine how technological solutions can be affected in a global environment. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

International Business

Learn the skills necessary to manage and lead a spectrum of workers, managers, and teams in a global marketplace. Examine the financial implications of conducting business internationally, including how capital investment is undertaken globally and how financial markets and global trade influence investment opportunities. Gain an overview of the effect the world’s financial institutions, such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization (WTO), have on trade, new markets, and exchange and interest rates. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Leadership

Globalization, advances in technology, and rapid changes in the marketplace all contribute to the need for business professionals to continually develop their leadership skills. Explore new frameworks and perspectives that will help you to lead and manage change effectively. Investigate a variety of current leadership principles and practices to determine which work best in any given situation. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Marketing

This specialization investigates marketing challenges and opportunities from a real-world context. Study key marketing concepts, including market segmentation, marketing channels, competitive intelligence, integrated marketing, product development and commercialization, and consumer behavior. Learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an international marketplace, including leveraging strategies in global marketing and international pricing. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Project Management

Effective project managers provide the strategic competencies that can enable an organization to succeed in the global marketplace. In the D.B.A. Project Management specialization, you can learn the necessary skills to deliver your organization’s strategic objectives through dynamic project portfolio management. Study the processes for successfully managing a complex portfolio of projects and analyzing opportunities for improved portfolio performance. This specialization focuses on the components of project-based strategic leadership and the organizational practices required to responsibly and ethically support an organization’s vision and growth. This D.B.A. in project management specialization will help you hone your writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level so you can apply them to the unique issues that face businesses today.

Walden has been reviewed and approved as a provider of project management training by the Project Management Institute® (PMI). As a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.), Walden has agreed to abide by PMI-established quality assurance criteria.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call your enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

PMI is a registered trademark and service mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Self-Designed

Create your own specialization based on your individual goals and interests in business administration. Choose seminars from the program’s other nine specializations under the guidance of a Walden faculty mentor. Assignments will focus on the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the integration of professional practice at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

    • Course Code
    • Course Title
    • Credits
    • DDBA
    • Seminar Course 1
    • 3
    • DDBA
    • Seminar Course 1
    • 3
    • DDBA
    • Seminar Course 1
    • 3

Doctoral Studies Courses

Social Impact Management

As more companies move from a profit-only outlook to one that focuses on communities and society as a whole, the ability to manage and improve an organization’s social impact is in high demand. Examine key issues in corporate responsibility, such as how to achieve greater transparency while protecting proprietary information, leverage social involvement in branding, improve operational efficiency through environmental initiatives, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

Technology Entrepreneurship

Examine what innovation is and what it is not. Learn how to design the concepts, processes, and tools to increase the rate and extent of innovation in your company, thereby enhancing your company’s competitive edge. Discover new ways of applying technology to cut costs, increase customer satisfaction, and create new business opportunities. Coursework focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking skills at the doctoral level.

Completion Requirements

  • 60 semester credits
    • Foundation course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Core business courses (15 sem. cr.)
    • Business strategy course (3 sem. cr.)
    • Research methods courses (10 sem. cr.)
    • Specialization courses (9 sem. cr.)
    • Doctoral studies courses (20 sem. cr.)
  • 8 days of academic residency (two 4-day residencies)

Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Foundation Course

Core Business Courses

Business Strategy Course

Research Methods Courses

Specialization Courses

Doctoral Studies Courses

2013-2014

Curriculum Component  Requirements  Cost 
Courses  60 total semester credit hours  $880 per semester credit hour, which includes the cost of all required textbooks
4-Day Residency Fee  2 during your program $1,125 each, plus travel, lodging, and other expenses
Technology Fee per semester  $150

 

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Call 1-866-492-5336 for information about a full range of options for:

$5,000 Grant

For business professionals who want to take their education to the next level, the online Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program provides real-world, practical knowledge that can be implemented in the workplace. By developing new skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, you will be better prepared to compete in complex business environments.

As a graduate of Walden’s D.B.A. program, your career options may include working in a variety of settings and roles that include:

  • Private and nonprofit sectors
    • Consultant
    • Contributor
    • Management
    • Entrepreneur/business owner
  • Education
    • Administration
    • Faculty
  • Government
    • Contributor
    • Management
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

10 Steps to your D.B.A.

Watch 10 Steps to you D.B.A now!

Discover what it takes to earn a D.B.A. with this step-by-step guide to your degree.

Watch Now

When you earn your D.B.A. online at Walden, you benefit from a program that features:

  • Curriculum that applies cutting-edge research to real issues in business and management.
  • Access to experienced faculty members and experts with both academic and professional credentials.
  • An opportunity to select a doctoral study chair, based on your own professional interests and background, to guide you through your final doctoral study project.
  • Face-to-face residencies that prepare you for critical phases of your doctoral study.
  • A doctoral study project that addresses a practical issue within the workplace and illustrates your mastery of business strategy.
  • Ten specializations, including the option to design your own, that focus on the latest research, theories, and trends influencing business.

When you earn your D.B.A. online at Walden you can choose when, where, and how you learn thanks to our online format and MobileLearn®. Through this education technology, you can listen to coursework on your MP3 player, access your classroom from your iPhone, download coursework to your laptop, and more.

Find out more about what defines Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration program:

10 Steps to Your D.B.A.

Watch the short presentation, “10 Steps to Attaining Your Doctor of Business Administration,” for a broad overview of the steps required to complete the D.B.A. program at Walden. Discover the benefits of the online program, learn how to apply, explore the doctoral study process, and more.

Download Presentation (PDF)

The D.B.A. Experience

The D.B.A. Experience provides an insider’s view of Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program through the perspectives of current students and faculty members. Their personal stories and experiences can help you discover if the doctoral program is right for you and your career goals.

Meet Students and Graduates

Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) students and graduates can offer unique insights into learning at Walden. Their firsthand experiences provide a glimpse of what you can expect from a doctoral degree program that focuses on applying cutting-edge research to real issues in business and management.

These students and graduates explain how pursuing a D.B.A. is challenging, yet rewarding, and how the experience has helped them become leaders and innovators within their organizations:

Willie Jones, B.S. in Business Administration Graduate, Master of Information Systems Management (M.I.S.M) Graduate, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

Willie Jones“The program has provided me with a lot of insight concerning leadership and management. I now have an enhanced awareness of the role others play in my business and realize that my employees can also play a greater role in the success of my business as opposed to me having to do it all. Sharing our ideas and implementing them together makes for better business.”

Read Full Story

 

Amy Gajewski, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

“This degree program has been a life-changing experience. I have learned from my classmates and their life experiences. Throughout the coursework, we have shared challenges with different issues we faced at work and ideas for resolution. I have been able to look at situations from a broader point of view and come up with multiple solutions when facing a complex business problem. The D.B.A. program has challenged me to grow as a person and strive for excellence in all areas of my life.”

Read Full Story  

Sean A. Stanley, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) 2011 Graduate 

“I have referred friends and colleagues to Walden because it is a first-class institution with very high standards. Walden has a great team of competent and focused faculty who care about their students. The Walden experience has been the best educational and social experience of my life. So I take every opportunity available to help recruit others to our university so that they can have the Walden experience as well!”

Update: After graduating from Walden in July 2011, Dr. Stanley accepted a position as an associate program dean at Strayer University.

Read More About His Doctoral Study

Kevin Miles, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

“As a serial entrepreneur, I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge from my everyday business experiences. What’s taken that knowledge a step further is having the opportunity to exchange ideas with classmates as well as reading and writing research articles—it’s given me a better perspective. The interactions with the instructors and students have really made a difference and have helped me solve problems more creatively than I had previously.”

Read Full Story

Steven M. Brown, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student
“As I was taking the Foundation course for business, I realized that Walden University’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program would have a major impact on how I work in both my government and nonprofit leadership positions. I have been able to take the knowledge in my global-supply course and implement forecasting in the federal government’s budgeting process. I am now taking a course on market research, and I intend to develop our nonprofit’s business plan using the knowledge I gain.”

Read Full Story

Greg Banks, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

“Ten years ago, when I was in my mid-40s, I decided not to retire but to pursue a second career in teaching and coaching. I left Kraft Foods as the vice president of customer business operations at age 50 and am now well into a second career—with no plans to retire. My new career as a business and economics specialist/instructor at a local college allows me to make a difference in my community. I enjoy working with the students and watching them progress through courses. Two teachers had a significant impact on my life and made me aware of the possibilities and savoring a challenge. I hope to follow in their footsteps. My courses at Walden University have clearly improved my teaching skills from both a methods and content perspective.”

Mr. Banks represented Walden at the 2011 World Business Forum, an annual international event that brings together some of the world’s most innovative leaders in business. Learn more about his experience in an article featured on Biz570.com.

Lorraine Marzilli Lomas, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Graduate, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student, and co-author of Driving Operational Excellence: Successful Lean Six Sigma Secrets to Improve the Bottom Line (MetaOps Publishing, 2011)

“I am a changed woman. My Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Walden University opened doors, and pursuing the Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) has led me to my dream consulting position with a virtual company. Walden gave me an opportunity to look at the world through different lenses and made a tremendous difference in my life. ”

 

 

Alvin S. Perry, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

“Walden University’s Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program is teaching me how to become a better researcher. I am learning how to really research issues and find quality peer-reviewed resources that provide fact-based information and lead to valuable solutions.”

 

 

Nelson L. Mellitz, Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) Student

“It’s extremely rewarding to reflect on how my knowledge increases after completing each course at Walden University. Some of my staff and even my manager have told me they are amazed at the improvement in my leadership and writing abilities since starting the D.B.A. program.”

Read Full Story

Steven M. Brown

Where I Live: Hanover, Pa.

Program of Study: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) with a specialization in Leadership

Estimated Graduation Date: 2013

My Current Position: Chief of the Navigation Branch Operations Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and program director of the nonprofit Friends of Amazing Kids

My Career Goals: In the long term, I plan to continue my career as a civilian leader in the federal government and work toward completing my career in the Senior Executive Service. I will grow the nonprofit into a fully functional organization that serves families living with autism. I also plan to start a consulting firm to help businesses develop junior leaders into the leaders of tomorrow.       

The Walden Experience

Why I Chose Walden: I chose Walden because it offers me the option to stay close to my family while still connecting with a network of professionals. Second, Walden offers a course-based program that keeps me on schedule and helps me gain a better understanding of what is expected from me.

What I Like Most About Walden: The best thing about Walden is that you learn how to be a scholar-practitioner. I take what I learn in the online classrooms and apply it in my current positions.

The Moment I Knew Walden Was the Perfect Fit For Me: I knew that Walden was perfect for me after I attended my first residency. It helped prepare me for what is to come during the doctoral study process. D.B.A. faculty members sat down, one-on-one, with me to help me develop research problem statements and orient me to Walden’s online resources.

The D.B.A. Experience

Why I Chose My Program: With more than a decade in the military and experience in manufacturing, I felt I needed to broaden my educational background. Earning a doctoral degree in business opens my options to work in government and for-profit and nonprofit businesses. Walden is giving me the tools to study my organization and learn how it operates globally.

What I’ve Learned So Far: During my global supply chain management course, I learned how to forecast and apply my knowledge to dredging operations. The knowledge I gain from the marketing management course will help me finalize my nonprofit’s business plan, and the business plan will shape the way it grows.

What I Like Most About the Program: I like the fact that the program is flexible for any lifestyle.

Advice I Would Give to New Students: Complete your degree. Listen to the professors, learn APA style, and use all of the Walden online resources in the Writing Center.

The Impact I Hope To Have On My Community: I hope to make a difference in the working relationships between government agencies—and improve dredging operations in the Chesapeake Bay. I also hope to grow a sustainable nonprofit organization to promote autism awareness, raise money for local organizations, provide services to people with autism, and establish a network of support to families and people living with autism.  

Why I Refer: I refer people to Walden because it has helped me make a difference in my community. Individuals who want to make a difference through social change should attend Walden University.

Amy Gajewski

Where I Live: Wausau, Wis.

Program of Study and Specialization: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) with a specialization in Marketing

Subject of My Doctoral Study: Researching marketing strategies that effectively increase conversion in the Facebook storefront

Estimated Graduation Date: 2013

My Current Position: Marketing manager for Ministry Health Care and adjunct instructor for University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Northcentral Technical College in Wausau

My Career Goals: To become a full-time marketing professor and to inspire my college students to pursue their passions in life

The Walden Experience

Why I Chose Walden: Walden’s commitment to social change is important to me. I strongly believe in giving back to the community in which I live. If I can give a little, the culmination of my efforts and other Walden students’ efforts result in something much greater for our communities.

What I Like Most About Walden: Walden University is more than taking classes and getting a degree. It is a life-changing experience. You’ll build relationships with classmates and faculty members through a supportive classroom environment and through residencies. The D.B.A. program has challenged me to grow as a person, to strive for excellence in all areas of my life, and to keep looking for solutions when issues at work may arise. It has taught me that my personal potential and possibilities are limitless.

The Moment I Knew Walden Was the Perfect Fit for Me: I really enjoy the collaboration and sense of community that I’ve built with my classmates. They offer a great support system.

The D.B.A. Program Experience

Why I Chose My Program: Marketing is my specialization and is a topic I am passionate about. I have 18 years of marketing experience, including product development, consumer research, strategic planning, branding and rebranding campaigns, social media marketing, e-commerce marketing, and advertising. I’ve been an adjunct marketing instructor for almost 10 years, and I want to eventually teach full time at the college level, which is why I decided to pursue my D.B.A.

What I’ve Learned So Far: This degree program has been a life-changing experience. I have learned from my classmates and their life experiences. Throughout the coursework, we have shared challenges with different issues we faced at work and ideas for resolution. I have been able to look at situations from a broader point of view and come up with multiple solutions when facing a complex business problem. The D.B.A. program has challenged me to grow as a person and strive for excellence in all areas of my life.

How I Balance Family, Work, and Studies: Working three jobs while earning my D.B.A. has been a challenge. I set daily and weekly goals for what I need to accomplish with writing my doctoral study. To stay on task, I make appointments with myself and have dedicated time each day to work on my studies. Whether it is 10 minutes or a five-hour block, I make sure I am connected to my studies each day.

How I’ve Applied My New Skills to My Current Career: In my position at Ministry Health Care, I have taken on the role of department expert when it comes to social media and Web marketing. I am able to bring the latest trends to my organization and grow our organization’s awareness throughout our service area. As an adjunct instructor and a member of a marketing advisory committee at the college, I am creating a social media class curriculum that will be able to be taught online and in person beginning in summer 2012. I am also consulting for a local bridal store to develop an online strategy, which includes building a commerce-ready website, increasing social media presences, and driving sales and business success.

The Impact I Hope to Have on My Community: Since enrolling in Walden, I have brought what I’ve learned into the college classrooms where I teach marketing. I have integrated details into my lectures that include the importance of not just planning and implementing marketing strategies but that also will help my students build a culture in their future organizations that says “yes” to service to the community, is kind to our environment, and supports philanthropic activities whenever possible. Upon graduation, I hope to volunteer in my local community as an advisor to small businesses to assist them with marketing strategies that will help them grow and succeed.

Residencies

Face-to-face residencies in convenient locations give you important opportunities to:

  • Meet with faculty members in face-to-face learning experiences.
  • Enhance your technology management, writing, research, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Network with students who share your interests.
  • Attend seminars designed to help you complete your doctorate.
  • Develop your competencies as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent.

Timing

Residencies are timed to enhance your learning at key times in your development as a scholar-practitioner. See the locations and dates of residencies that are available to current students.

Residency 1: To be taken within 90 days after completion of the Foundations course (DDBA 8005)

Residency 2: To be taken just prior to the start (or during beginning stages) of the Doctoral Study Project

Locations: D.B.A. residencies convene at various locations throughout the year.

Residency Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand program requirements and expectations
  2. Understand the steps to take for program completion
  3. Establish a potential network with other students
  4. Exchange ideas with faculty
  5. Understand the mentor/chair/student relationship
  6. Draft a research problem dealing with social change
  7. Understand research designs and methodologies common in chosen field
  8. Access current literature in chosen field
  9. Understand the role research plays in social change
  10. Communicate learning and research interests to others
  11. Present academic work

For more information about how the residency can enhance your academic experience, request information or call 1-866-492-5336 in the United States or see a list of international toll-free phone numbers.

Which Doctoral Program is Right for You?

When selecting between Walden’s Ph.D. in Management program and Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program, consider which features are right for your learning style and career aspirations. Here are some main differences between the programs to consider as you make your decision. Your enrollment advisor can provide further guidance about these programs.

The D.B.A. program may be your best choice if you want to: 

  • Deepen my understanding of such topics as change leadership and innovation.
  • Participate and design a doctoral study based on a real-world project within my organization or business.
  • Execute research-based business strategies within an organization or business.
  • Influence the practical application of management.
  • Assume a leadership position within my organization.
  • Influence my industry as a business consultant.

The Ph.D. in Management may be your best choice if you want to:

  • Deepen my knowledge and understanding of the field of management and to become an expert in one of its subfields.
  • Participate in a traditional doctoral dissertation that results in a scholarly paper.
  • Conduct original academic research with the intent of adding to scholarship in the field.
  • Transition into a faculty teaching position in higher education.
  • Publish research as an expert author.
  • Serve as a leader and expert within my organization.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

  1. Assess the relevance of current and emerging business theory and practice from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  2. Formulate and execute effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to the practice of business and management.
  3. Apply the current research literature from business and management to practical problems found in business and management.
  4. Design and conduct rigorous research that contributes to the professional body of knowledge on business and management.
  5. Clearly communicate with stakeholders about problem statements, research approaches and results, solutions, and assessment.
  6. Explain their ethical responsibilities as a member of the business community and citizens in society.

What’s It Like to Learn Online?

Get a firsthand look. View the Video.

Walden is committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision about where you pursue your education. Please find below detailed information for the Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) relating to the types of occupations this program may lead to, completion rate, program costs, and median loan debt of students who have graduated from this program.

Occupations
Program Completion Rate
Program Costs
Median Loan Debt

Occupations—This program generally prepares students to enter the types of occupations listed below. For more information on these specific occupations, visit www.onetonline.org.

In addition to this list, there are other career options that graduates of this program may choose to pursue. To enter certain professions, students may need to satisfy specific additional requirements established by state and/or professional organizations in addition to completing their program.

View examples of our student and alumni accomplishments in their chosen fields.

Occupation Name* Occupation Code*
Marketing Managers 11-2021
Computer and Information Systems Managers 11-3021
Industrial Production Managers 11-3051
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 11-3071
Managers, All Other 11-9199
General and Operations Managers 11-1021
Management Analysts 13-1111
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 19-3021
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 19-3021

*The “occupation name” is a general job title. “Occupation code” refers to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Standard Occupation Classification.

Program Completion—The program completion rate is the percentage of students who graduated between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012, who completed this program in the normal completion time.

The program completion time may vary depending on transfer of credit and the pace at which a student chooses to complete the program. Because many of the students in this program are working adults and need to balance personal and professional commitments, our academic advisors can help establish an appropriate program of study that enables each student to complete this program in a time frame that works best for him or her.

Rate Percentage
On-time completion rate 97.1%

Program Costs—The total program costs are the estimated average costs over the duration of the program, excluding any scholarship or tuition reductions, for students completing the program on time. These costs can vary based on the number of credits. Typically, tuition and fees are subject to change annually.

Expense Cost
Tuition and Fees $54,530
Books and Supplies $0
Room and Board Not applicable

View cost per credit in the Tuition and Fees section.

Median Loan Debt—The following is the median amount borrowed by all students who completed the program between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. The amount borrowed may include tuition as well as non-institutional costs such as estimated living expenses.

Loan Amount
Title IV Program Loans $56,288
Private Educational Loans $0
Institutional Financing Plan $0

For assistance in deciding which specialization fits your goals, request information or speak with an enrollment advisor by calling 1-866-492-5336. A list of international toll-free phone numbers is available for students outside the United States.

Learn firsthand about the School of Management doctoral programs by viewing these free, hour-long Web seminars.