The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Robinson is a rigorous, part-time doctoral degree designed for experienced, senior-level executives seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. This three-year, cohort-based program is expertly crafted to transform accomplished professionals into impactful leaders capable of applying advanced research methodologies and business theory to solve complex, real-world challenges. Upon completing this esteemed Doctor Business Administration degree, graduates emerge with refined perspectives on leadership, decision-making in a global context, and navigating organizational change.
The core mission of this Doctor of Business Administration program is to equip executives with comprehensive expertise in applied research. This includes a deep understanding of relevant business theories and scholarly literature, coupled with the ability to generate new, actionable knowledge addressing contemporary business problems. This is achieved through a blend of intensive, hands-on coursework and the rigorous process of writing and defending a dissertation. The program’s structure ensures a stimulating intellectual journey that fosters both personal and professional growth.
A Distinctive Program Structure for Efficient Doctoral Studies
The Georgia State DBA program is uniquely structured to facilitate graduation within three years. This efficient design is divided into two key phases:
- Phase 1: Dissertation Foundation (Semesters 1-3): The initial phase focuses on providing students with the essential knowledge and practical experiences required to develop a robust dissertation. This includes specialized courses in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A cornerstone of this phase is a collaborative group research project, allowing students to experience the entire research lifecycle – from identifying a real-world business problem to aiming for publication. This hands-on approach ensures a deep understanding of research principles and their application.
- Phase 2: Dissertation Development and Defense (Semesters 4-6): Building upon the theoretical and practical groundwork established in the first phase, the subsequent semesters are dedicated to individual dissertation work. Students work closely with their academic advisor and dissertation committee to develop, refine, and ultimately defend their unique dissertations. This intensive mentorship ensures high-quality, impactful research outcomes.
View the curriculum and course descriptions
Understanding the DBA: Differentiating it from a Ph.D.
While both a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are terminal degrees, they cater to different career aspirations and learning objectives. Key distinctions exist in program duration, structure, ideal candidate profiles, curriculum focus, and anticipated career paths. DBA candidates are typically experienced professionals aiming to refine business practices, cultivate innovative perspectives through applied research, and enhance their career flexibility, potentially including roles in academia. In contrast, Ph.D. candidates generally pursue full-time, research-intensive careers within academic institutions.
The research orientation also varies significantly between these doctoral programs. Doctor business administration candidates concentrate on applied research methodologies, utilizing business theory to investigate and resolve real-world business challenges within their dissertations. Ph.D. research, conversely, is often rooted in theory and addresses broader, discipline-specific inquiries.
Compare the programs
