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.
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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
“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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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
- Understand program requirements and expectations
- Understand the steps to take for program completion
- Establish a potential network with other students
- Exchange ideas with faculty
- Understand the mentor/chair/student relationship
- Draft a research problem dealing with social change
- Understand research designs and methodologies common in chosen field
- Access current literature in chosen field
- Understand the role research plays in social change
- Communicate learning and research interests to others
- 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.