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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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What is a Doctor of Business Administration?

Study core business disciplines, including management, operations, and strategy in SAU’s Doctor of Business Administration. Our program will focus on developing your leadership capabilities, research skills, and critical thinking abilities to prepare you to lead organizations effectively and responsibly. You’ll learn quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis techniques, and research design principles to conduct original research that addresses real-world business problems.

Reduce tuition with grad assistantships

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Why earn a Doctor of Business Administration?

In our DBA program, you have the chance to benefit your organization while taking classes. With flexibility in course paper topics and doctoral dissertations you can choose topics that interest you and collect and analyze data to help your workplace obtain productivity gains. Additionally, our DBA program gives you the option to enroll in a course load that fits your schedule.

Recognized program

Our DBA program has been recognized by Edvocate for Best DBA programs, College Consensus, and named in the global list by CEO magazine.

Supportive environment

We offer a tight-knit community of scholars and practitioners. Our program hosts parties and socials to connect students and alumni.

Advance your career

Graduates of our program frequently obtain promotions or transition into consulting or teaching.

Flexible format

Our DBA program can be completed at your own pace. Enroll full-time or part-time.

What you’ll learn in your DBA program

In our Doctor of Business Administration program, you’ll learn to lead management research, how to create and administer surveys to understand the needs of your workforce, and how to analyze statistical data to make accurate data-driven decisions.

Mastery of academic writing skills
Mastery of managing diverse personalities in the workplace
Mastery of the research process
Enhanced interpersonal communication skills

Impactful experience

“I love to learn and grow and the DBA program delivered. The professors’ deep knowledge and expertise in teaching and mentorship methods were priceless.”

Eric Rant ‘23 Doctor of Business Administration

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Explore Doctor of Business Administration courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 48 credits.

View Degree Requirements

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Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
Dissertation Design and Development	3 credits	DBA 904
Analyzing Behavior in Organizations	3 credits	DBA 910
Managing Human Resources in a Global Env	3 credits	DBA 911
Enhancing Employee Engagement	3 credits	DBA 930
Leading Organizational Change	3 credits	DBA 950

How much does a Doctor of Business Administration cost?

The cost of your DBA degree will depend on several factors like the number of credits you take per semester and how long it takes to complete the program. New students also pay a $10 matriculation fee. The budget below includes direct costs only: tuition and fees. Explore total cost of attendance to calculate indirect costs, like loan fees, transportation, and personal expenses.

3-year program

Expense	Per semester (fall or spring)	Per summer session	Total program cost
Total tuition ($1,315/credit hour)*	$7,890	$3,945	$63,120
Technology fee	$70	$70	$700

Total direct charges (billable)	$7,960	$4,015	$63,820

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.

Part-time program (~5 years)

Expense	Per semester (fall or spring)	Per summer session	Total program cost
Total tuition ($1,315/credit hour)*	$3,945	$3,945	$63,120
Technology fee	$70	$70	$1,120

Total direct charges (billable)	$4,015	$4,015	$64,240

*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.

St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Business Administration program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes institutions committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

How does SAU support DBA students?

St. Ambrose University’s Doctor of Business Administration faculty are disciplinary experts, have professional experience, and focus on student learning and success. Faculty frequently meet students on weekends, evenings, and breaks to accommodate your busy schedule. You’ll also get a personal touch in your classes with one-on-one coaching.

Doctor of Business Administration faculty

David O'Connell, DBA

Jason Senjem

Jennifer Palar, PhD

Jessica Greenwald, PhD

Monica Forret, PhD

Other support resources

Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.

Discover career support

Are there cost savings available for DBA?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.

Graduate assistantships

Graduate assistantships can reduce your total tuition cost or provide income as you pursue your degree. Check our employment page for open positions.

Employer tuition assistance

Many employers offer tuition assistance. Check with your Human Resources office to determine if these benefits are available.

Military benefits

Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.

What’s on campus for Doctor of Business Administration students?

Make a difference for graduate students at St. Ambrose University by joining the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA). GSGA members serve on campus-wide committees such as Graduate Council, Commencement, Hooding, Board of Trustees, President's Advisory Board, Academic and Student Affairs, Academic Support, University Life, and Educational Policies.

Tailored support

“The faculty realize that all the students in the DBA are working to balance school, work, and family. Therefore, they worked to help us be successful.”

Jennifer L Crull ‘23, Doctor of Business Administration

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What are the admission requirements for the DBA program?

Here are the admissions requirements for our DBA.

Complete an application for graduate admission at St. Ambrose University
Submit official grade transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
Provide a professional resume and written statement of career goals
Provide 1-3 sole-authored papers completed in master’s coursework (e.g., thesis, case analysis). If papers from master's degree coursework are unavailable, please contact the DBA Director to discuss options to fulfill this requirement.
Complete an interview with a College of Business faculty member
GMAT scores are not required for admission

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International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are additional admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Submit official international transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: Varies by program; typically TOEFL - 80 IELTS - 6.5)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with a DBA?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Doctor of Business Administration program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Chief executive officer (CEO)
Chief operations officer (COO)
Chief financial officer (CFO)
Professor
Research analyst
Chief innovation officer

Potential employment settings

Large corporations
Startups and entrepreneurial ventures
Industry associations and think tanks
Academic institutions
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies

Traits of a DBA Professional

Leadership
Analytical
Research-oriented
Strategic
Innovative
Visionary

Industry facts

The median annual wage for administrative services managers was $103,330 in May 2022.
Overall employment of administrative services and facilities managers is projected to grow 5 percent by 2032.

For more information on Doctor of Business Administration employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.