You’re never alone on your DBA degree online journey. Get personalized guidance at every step—from Enrollment Specialists and peer mentors to writing coaches and 24/7 tech support—all designed to help you stay on track to completing your program.
SOCIAL CHANGE
Learn to effect meaningful change at a university whose 2,000+ DBA program alumni make our social change mission theirs.
CUSTOMIZED PATH
Investigate a real-world business problem in one of four alternative capstone options guided by a mentor.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Organizations need leaders who can assess situations, understand potential business issues, and put solutions into action.
EASY ADMISSION
Walden's online DBA admissions process includes no application fee, no essay, and simplified credit transfer.
PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMS
Expand your professional expertise and tailor your coursework to fit your career plan with one of five areas of DBA specialization.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Begin your online DBA program when it’s most convenient for you—there are four start dates each year.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online DBA won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Tuition Breakdown
You have big plans for your future. That’s why Walden offers ways to reduce your Doctor of Business Administration program tuition costs and make your degree more attainable. These include:
Federal and state grants
Special tuition savings
Believe & Achieve Scholarship
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 45 quarter credits | $695 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $31,275^ |
| Tuition - Business Research Project | 23 quarter credits | $695 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $15,985^ |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $1,620^ | |
| Residency Fee | Two Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $2,840-$3,040 |
$51,720+ | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,475 | ||
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $500 to $2,000
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt. and reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
+The total cost calculation assumes virtual residency. Tuition and time to complete vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
†*Represents Doctor of Business Administration minimum time to completion and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
For all graduates of the DBA program over the three-year period beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024, the median time to completion was 5.0 years and the median tuition and fees charged were $83,622. These figures reflect only those students who graduated from the DBA program in any specialization and are not reflective of the entire DBA enrollment population. Historical statistics may not be predictive or representative of how long it will take individual students to complete their degrees.
For additional Believe & Achieve scholarship information, see Grants and Scholarships.
Career Opportunities
An online DBA degree can help prepare you for a number of paths in various business settings.
Management Analyst
Recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency; offer strategies to increase profitability.
Expected growth: 10%1
Estimated annual wage: $57,840–$130,8001
Sales Manager
Plan and direct the distribution or movement of a product or services to customers.
Expected growth: 4%2
Estimated annual wage: $63,700–$196,7002
General and Operations Manager
Coordinate the operations of organizations, overseeing multiple departments and/or locations.
Expected growth: 2%–4%3
Estimated annual wage: $46,340–$160,2903
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration online 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.
For Student Achievement data, view Walden’s profile on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator and the CMHP DATA page.
Meet Your Academic Team
Featuring subject matter experts and seasoned business professionals, our faculty is committed to helping you grow as a scholar-practitioner.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other Walden online degree programs related to business and management.
DBA FAQ
A DBA degree can help prepare you for a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings. Potential roles may include sales manager, chief executive, general and operations manager, and management analyst. Some of the highest-paying industries for those with a DBA include manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; healthcare and social assistance; and government.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Management both provide an in-depth understanding of business administration and management. Walden’s online DBA program 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 at Walden. If you enjoy applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective business practices, our more professionally oriented Doctor of Business Administration online program may be the best fit for you.
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 program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)—like Walden University’s DBA degree online program. 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. Walden’s program offers five specializations, including a Self-Designed option that offers you maximum flexibility in tailoring your coursework.
Speaking of flexibility, look for a doctoral program that fits your busy life as a working professional. For example, Walden’s DBA program coursework is available online and includes two face to face residencies. And with four start dates throughout the year, you can start your courses when it’s convenient for you.
It’s also important to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your Doctor of Business Administration online experience. Walden is home to a diverse community of students and alumni who share a mission of effecting social change in their organizations and beyond.
Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed. Work one-on-one with a project mentor to guide you through the stages and steps of a complex business research project.
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 business research project. The information you gain in your specialization courses can be leveraged as you complete your research.
- If you don’t find the perfect fit for your choice of specialization, Walden’s online DBA program also includes a Self-Designed specialization that allows you to choose a variety of courses from different focus areas.