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Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)


Choose a DBA degree program that empowers you to drive positive change at the executive level.
Choose a DBA degree program that empowers you to drive positive change at the executive level.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information
Business administrator speaking with coworkers.

Doctor of Business Administration

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden?

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Get personalized guidance at every step—from Enrollment Specialists, peer mentors, writing coaches, tech support, and more.

SOCIAL CHANGE

Learn to effect meaningful change at a university whose 2,000+ DBA program alumni make our social change mission theirs.

CUSTOMIZED PATH

Learn outside the classroom in one of three alternative capstone programs and participate in real-life consulting opportunities.

DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH™

Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.

PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMS

Expand your professional expertise and tailor your coursework to fit your career plan in one of five areas of DBA specialization.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING

Begin your 100% online DBA program when it’s most convenient for you—there are four start dates each year. 

Program Details

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Your Doctoral Journey

At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?

A smiling woman wearing a graduation gown.

 

Doctoral Degree Coach™: A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your online Doctor of Business Administration requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Map and track milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

  • Meet weekly targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Connect with faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Access helpful resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction.

Program Outcomes

Unravel Complex Business Challenges With Our DBA Program

In our Doctor of Business Administration online program, you’ll build your leadership confidence as you expand your knowledge of business best practices. Gain advanced skills in research, critical thinking, communication, analysis, and management. Apply what you’ve learned to become a role-modeling, problem-solving force within your organization and your community.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Walden’s online Doctor of Business Administration program will be prepared to:

  • Evaluate the relevance of current and emerging business theory and practice from an interdisciplinary perspective.

  • Formulate effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to the practice of business and management.

  • Apply current research literature to practical problems found in business and management.

  • Evaluate scholarly research in business and management.

  • Design rigorous research that contributes to the professional body of knowledge of business and management.

  • Design rigorous research that contributes to positive social change.

  • Apply professional ethics appropriately.

Resources

Meet Your Doctor of Business Administration Academic Team

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FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

What can you do with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)?

From senior management positions to consulting, a DBA degree can open a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Popular choices include consultant, entrepreneur or business owner, corporate director, analyst, and more. Some of the highest paying career paths for those with a DBA include healthcare management, business planning, procurement, and compliance and regulatory.

What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD in Management?

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Management both provide an in-depth understanding of business administration and management. A DBA degree provides practical knowledge that you can apply directly to the workplace, whereas a PhD in Management is designed for those who prefer a more academic focus. If you enjoy conducting original research, analyzing data, and evaluating theories, you will likely prefer the more academically oriented PhD in Management. If you enjoy applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective business practices, the more professional orientation of the Doctor of Business Administration may be the best fit for you.

How do you choose the best DBA program?

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree-seekers have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the program that is best for them. However, five key factors should always be considered before making a decision: accreditation, specializations, flexibility, diversity, and support. First, look for a DBA program that is accredited. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation affirms the quality of a university’s DBA program and support services, as well as the university’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement. As you search for the best degree program, be sure to select one that offers a number of specializations, allowing you to match your education to your career goals. Flexible scheduling can be key for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also important for you to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your DBA experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed.

What is the best way to choose a DBA specialization?

Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers a number of specializations.

Here are some things to consider when deciding how to focus your studies.

  • Give thought to your aspirations, passions, and career goals, and look for a specialization that aligns with them.
  • Think about research topics you might wish to consider for your doctoral study. The information you gain in your specialization courses can be leveraged as you complete your research.
  • Keep in mind that, if you don’t find the perfect fit for your choice of specialization, Walden’s flexible online DBA options also include a Self-Designed specialization that allows you to choose a variety of courses from different focus areas.
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1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | General and Operations Managers

2BLS | Management Analysts

Walden’s BS in Business Administration (BSBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

For Student Achievement data, view Walden’s profile on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator and the CMHP DATA page.

Note: Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.