Unravel complex challenges and move your business forward. Our Doctor of Business Administration program will empower you to lead with confidence.
This DBA specialization is designed to help business leaders analyze the impact of energy production, distribution, and associated risks. Explore how energy production and distribution have evolved into a global market, as well as the natural and man-made risks involved with this business. Using a seminar research and discussion approach, you’ll examine the intersection of global energy demands with emerging technologies. You’ll also develop the skills necessary to help guide the future of energy production and distribution in light of the associated risks.
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the doctoral study course shell.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an enrollment advisor at 855-646-5286.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DRWA 8881G | Course | Doctoral Writing Assessment | Credits | (0 cr.) |
This course is part of Walden’s commitment to help prepare students to meet the university’s expectations for writing in courses at the doctoral level. In this course, students write a short academic essay that will be scored by a team of writing assessors. Based on the essay score, students will complete or be exempted from additional required writing support needed to meet writing proficiency standards. This required assessment course is free. Students will be enrolled automatically in it at the beginning of their doctoral program.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DDBA 8006 | Course | Contemporary Challenges in Business | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Students are provided with a foundation for academic and professional success specific to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in the Doctor of Business Administration degree program. The topics covered in this course include change management, crisis management, innovation, and disruptive technology. Students engage in discussion and analyze scholarly literature related to these topics, their personal and professional experiences, and areas of academic interest from a practitioner approach and from a social-change-agent viewpoint. The focus of the course assignments is on the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the promotion of professional business practice and academic excellence. Through their assignments, students emphasize their personal and professional development, including the completion of a personal SWOT analysis and professional development plan.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DDBA 8151 | Course | Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Successful business leaders create a positive organizational culture based on personal ethical behavior, ethical expectations, training, and transparency. Business leaders use a range of leadership styles, including transformational, transactional and servant leadership, based on the organizational situation. Regardless of leadership style, one thing that business leaders have in common is the ability to identify and develop leadership strategies that lend to the success and sustainability of their business. In this four-module course, students cover a wide range of different topics on business leadership. Students focus on the practical application of APA writing, critical thinking, and the integration of professional leadership practice at the doctoral level as they develop sustainable solutions from the perspective of a business leader. Students examine the relationship between leadership and management, evaluate the impact and utility of leadership styles assessments, and analyze different leadership styles. Additionally, students evaluate and investigate various leadership theories, sources of power, and motivation theories to gain a better understanding into the nature and practice of leadership. Students evaluate and assess ethical dilemmas, organizational stress, and craft an organizational strategy to shape a successful business culture. They assess current articles, engage in online discussions, and complete application assignments based on organizational culture, ethics, strategy, stress, and leadership theories.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DDBA 8161 | Course | Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Students in this DBA strategy course concentrate on the creation and implementation of business strategies that maximize competitive advantage in the marketplace. Students develop an understanding of why and how individuals and business organizations work together creating sustainable businesses in the global marketplace. They apply models for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of business organizations and identify opportunities and threats resulting from forces shaping the marketplace. Students focus on practical business applications of writing, critical thinking, and classroom engagement in a combination of essay discussions, research assignments, and writing papers to analyze, develop, and defend ideas for strategic and innovative business solutions for sustainability.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DDBA 8300 | Course | Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology for Applied Business Research | Credits | (4 sem. cr.) |
Course Code | DDBA 8303 | Course | Qualitative and Case Study Methodology for Business Analysis Research | Credits | (4 sem. cr.) |
Course Code | DDBA 8307B | Course | Quantitative Business Data Analysis Using SPSS | Credits | (4 sem. cr.) |
In this course, independent scholars are introduced to quantitative and qualitative frameworks for inquiry. Quantitative designs covered include correlation, experimental and quasi-experimental, survey, and causal-comparative designs; qualitative designs include case study, phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethnography. Independent scholars work toward acquiring substantive, foundational knowledge of the philosophy of science as they construct, use, and critique concepts and theories. They learn to produce knowledge for practice as they examine ethical, social, and political aspects of conducting research. Demonstrating knowledge and the ability to solve problems, independent scholars engage in course assignments that emphasize the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the integration of professional practice at the doctoral level.
In this course, independent scholars have the opportunity to extend their research and general analysis skills as they further explore qualitative research methodology and design types—with emphasis on case-study research designs—that they may incorporate into their own doctoral study. Independent scholars learn to focus their analysis on efforts to improve the quality of business practice. They also focus on how to think in an action-oriented manner, as if they were business consultants, so that their own doctoral study work could be applied in action. Finally, they engage in an iterative process of writing their own prospectus application, incorporating feedback from peers and the course instructor.
In this course, independent scholars develop skills in descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and quantitative techniques, including t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple linear regression, discriminant analysis, and nonparametric methods (i.e., two-way contingency table analysis). They use quantitative data analysis and data-management techniques, and they learn to utilize SPSS software for data analysis. This course is not intended for independent scholars to become fully grounded in statistical methods; rather, they learn appropriate questions to ask about data analysis as well as how to defend their use of specific techniques in professional practice.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code | DDBA 8515 | Course | Energy Production Analysis | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Course Code | DDBA 8525 | Course | Energy Delivery Analysis | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Course Code | DDBA 8592 | Course | Business Infrastructure Vulnerability Analysis | Credits | (3 sem. cr.) |
Energy is a primary enabler of business operations. Energy sources include nuclear power, fossil fuels, oil, natural gas, solar, wind, and flowing water (hydro). Energy is used in business to power machinery, heat factories, and propel vehicles to deliver goods and services. Independent scholars will analyze regional, national, and international energy production issues from a business leadership perspective. Issues include environmental regulations, legal requirements, and social conditions (e.g., building a production facility in a neighborhood). The conceptual analysis of managing emerging new energy sources is explored.
Energy is needed throughout the world for business operations. The end user of energy and the production source can be miles, countries, or oceans apart. Independent scholars will analyze regional, national, and international energy distribution issues from a business leader perspective. Issues include environmental regulations, legal requirements, and social conditions (a pipeline, power lines, or a local substation, for instance). The conceptual analysis of managing new means of energy delivery is explored.
Given the uncertainty of emerging terrorist and criminal threats, business leaders require a quick qualitative assessment of the vulnerability to existing business operations, personnel, facilities, and assets. From a business perspective, critical infrastructure protection is one of the cornerstones of homeland security. The National Strategy for Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets lists 11 critical sectors. Students in this course are introduced students to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) risk-based resource allocation process. In the course, the fundamentals of business-related risk assessment are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various risk assessment tools are examined. At the completion of the course, learners will be able to assess the value of various risk tools, apply those tools to any critical infrastructure within their multijurisdictional region, and derive optimal business strategies and draft policies to reduce the risk associated with future terrorist attacks and other hazards on their business interests.
Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
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Course Code |
DDBA 8101* or DDBA 8101C* or DDBA 8101P* |
Course |
Doctoral Study Mentoring
Doctoral Study Mentoring Doctoral Portfolio Capstone Mentoring |
Credits |
(1 sem. cr.) (1 sem. cr.) (1 sem. cr.) |
Course Code |
DDBA 9001 or DDBA 9001C or DDBA 9001P |
Course |
Doctoral Study Completion
Doctoral Study Completion Doctoral Portfolio Capstone Completion |
Credits |
(continuous enrollment in 3 sem. cr. per term for a minimum of five terms until completion, with two 8-week terms taken per semester) (continuous enrollment in 3 sem. cr. per term for a minimum of five terms until completion, with two 8-week terms taken per semester) (continuous enrollment in 3 sem. cr. per term for a minimum of five terms until completion, with two 8-week terms taken per semester) |
The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral independent scholars in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. Independent scholars use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their doctoral study chair. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the doctoral study capstone successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various resources, including the Walden Library, Writing Center, and Research Center; and prepare a draft and final version of their doctoral study prospectus, which is required to proceed with the final doctoral study. Note: The instructor of record for a section of the course is the chair of the independent scholar's doctoral study committee. Section participants are independent scholars who work with faculty members at various stages of their doctoral study.
The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral independent scholars in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. Independent scholars use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their doctoral study chair. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the doctoral study capstone successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various resources, including the Walden Library, Writing Center, and Research Center; and prepare a draft and final version of their doctoral study prospectus, which is required to proceed with the final doctoral study. Note: The instructor of record for a section of the course is the chair of the independent scholar's doctoral study committee. Section participants are independent scholars who work with faculty members at various stages of their doctoral study.
The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral independent scholars in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. Independent scholars use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their portfolio chair. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the portfolio capstone successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various resources, including the Walden Library, Writing Center, and Research Center; and prepare a draft and final version of their portfolio prospectus, which is required to proceed with the final portfolio research (program evaluation or quantitative secondary data analysis). Note: The instructor of record for a section of the course is the chair of the independent scholar’s portfolio committee. Section participants are independent scholars who work with faculty members at various stages of their portfolio project.
In the final doctoral study, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral study. They design personal best practices for completing their study within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the doctoral study make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.Students take this course for a minimum of five terms (two 8-week terms per semester) and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred.
In the final doctoral study, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral study. They design personal best practices for completing their study within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the doctoral study make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.Students take this course for a minimum of five terms (two 8-week terms per semester) and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred.
In the final doctoral portfolio capstone, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience. Through the capstone, they provide evidence of new ideas tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral portfolio capstone. They design personal best practices for completing their portfolio capstone within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the portfolio make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.Students take this course for a minimum of five terms (two 8-week terms per semester) and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred.
*1 sem. cr. per term; taken for 4 terms (two 8-week terms taken per semester) concurrently with the last research course (DDBA 8307B) and three specialization courses
**Students are continuously enrolled in DDBA 9001/9001C/9001P for a minimum of five 8-week terms until completion of their doctoral study with final Chief Academic Officer (CAO) approval.
To complete a doctoral study, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the Chief Academic Officer. Students must also publish their doctoral study on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the doctoral study process in the DBA Doctoral Study Rubric and Handbook.
8-Year Maximum Timeframe
Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements. See the policy in the Walden University Student Handbook. Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe, but an extension is not guaranteed.
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; 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.