Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Business Administration
Make your business leadership skills indisputable with a DBA degree made for real-life application.
Finish in as little as 3 years†. No GMAT or GRE Required.
Doctor of Business Administration
An online DBA degree built for today's leader.
Business evolution is faster and more complex than ever. Leaders are expected to navigate technological and sustainable advancements while making decisions that impact their business, as well as their communities and society. Built for today’s business leader, The Bellevue University applied Doctor of Business Administration degree will prepare you to solve current problems in your industry, lead in top executive positions, and address the complexities of today’s business landscape with vision, knowledge, and clarity.
Earn your doctorate in business administration in 3 years† — start to finish.
Time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. The Bellevue University program is structured so that you can earn your DBA online in only three years† — with built in two-week breaks — when you transfer in your MBA or equivalent master’s-level credits and finish each course with satisfactory grades.
Publish and present as an expert thought leader with a DBA.
Many Doctor of Business Administration programs prepare candidates for a teaching career or academic research. The Bellevue University DBA degree program is different. At Bellevue University, the DBA helps you become an expert and a thought leader in your chosen research topic to help tackle real challenges in the business world. Your research project will also provide you the opportunity to present and publish on your topic as an expert.
Complete a research project; not a dissertation.
The Bellevue University DBA degree does not require you to write a dissertation at the end of the program. Instead, you will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. Start in year one and work on it throughout the three-year program† — so when your courses are complete, your doctoral project is, as well.
Why Earn Your DBA Online at Bellevue University?
Doctoral research project
You will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. You will start the project in year one and complete it during the three-year program†.
3 years start to finish†
We understand time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. Our program is structured so that you can earn your degree 100% online in only three years†.
Applied DBA
Many DBA programs prepare candidates for a teaching career in academia. Our DBA program, however, prepares you for the real-world business challenges that require informed, executive-level decision-making.
Two-week breaks
Life doesn’t stop when you earn your degree. We’ve built in a two-week break between every course to help you recharge and make time for other responsibilities.
†Students must receive satisfactory grades and complete all terms sequentially to complete the program in as few as three years.
Business as Usual? Not at Bellevue University.
Not all DBA programs are designed to complement the life of a business professional. As a leading university for working adults, at Bellevue University, we have addressed the obstacles that often stand in the way of completing a doctoral degree — empowering you to become an expert in a reasonable amount of time.
| Bellevue University DBA |
VS. |
Other DBA Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctoral research project starts in first year |
VS. |
Dissertation required, usually completed at the end of a program |
|
Applied doctoral project prepares you for real-world business challenges |
VS. |
Traditional doctorate prepares you to teach at the collegiate level |
|
100% online |
VS. |
Some courses offered online |
|
No on-campus residency required |
VS. |
Often require an on-campus residency |
|
10-week courses with 2 week break in between each course |
VS. |
Register for courses at every term, with little time to rest and reset |
Courses
What You’ll Learn
- Communicate advanced business analyses to lead an organization effectively.
- Assess advanced scholarly thinking to identify and resolve business challenges ethically.
- Conduct business research for organizational and societal problems.
- Combine experience, knowledge and judgment to build advanced competencies in business.
Transfer your graduate degree.
Over the course of your DBA online program, you will take 55 credit hours. When combined with an MBA of 36 credit hours* (or equivalent degree), you will have a total of 91 program credit hours upon completion
- 36 Credits transferred from MBA or equivalent program*
- 55 Total hours taken in Bellevue University DBA Program
- 91 Total program credit hours
* Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Doctor of Business Administration Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
DBA Requirements (55 Credit Hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
Note that for students enrolled before Fall 2024, Year 3, Terms 1 through 4 differ from the schedule shown here.
Year 1
Term 1
The online residency course will provide students with an overview of the university, the College of Business, the DBA program, faculty, and a time to meet their fellow classmates. Tutorials explaining the online learning platform and how to use the library for research will be covered. Students will be introduced to learning expectations and the rigors of doctoral studies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
Students investigate relationships of business and society and how the human experience is affected and shaped through the social institution collectively known as business. Students examine complex interactions of people, businesses, and governments. Focus is on how these multifaceted interactions affect quality of life and economic value creation. Students examine social, ethical, political, legal, and regulatory implications of these relationships. The course explores how business leaders must achieve economic value creation while simultaneously providing meaning, purpose, and social value. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 2
This course examines a number of ways leadership is perceived and practiced in global organizations. Accordingly, key theoretical perspectives and practical matters in leadership will be examined to determine desired leadership approaches in various cultures. Key topics include cultural diversity in organizations and ethical standards in multicultural leadership. Emphasis will be placed on complexity of diverse people, understanding and respecting differences, adaptive leadership, and ethical challenges of leading global and multicultural organizations. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 3
This course focuses on the development of human capital strategy that maximizes all human-derived sources of capital. Emphasis is placed on assessing and measuring human capital stocks and needs within the organization. Attention also is given to strategies that retain and motivate members to meet organizational needs while simultaneously looking for win/win partnerships between the organization and its employees and other stakeholders. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
This course is the first in the series of doctoral research projects to be completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis is placed on statement of the problem, purpose of the study, scope, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 4
This course provides the student with a variety of theoretical and grounded readings that address and examine challenging communication issues that modern business organizations face. Topics include, but are not limited to internal identity and value factors; company culture and internal knowledge factors; organization-society relationships; and internal/external stakeholder relationships. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Year 2
Term 1
This course covers the quantitative analysis tools associated with professional practice in leading an organization. The focus is on practical application of statistics and data analysis techniques to maximize organizational outcomes. Successful students will become sophisticated designers and consumers of quantitatively-based research, reports, and communication. In addition, emphasis is placed on communicating statistically-based conclusions to stakeholders who may not have quantitative training. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 2
This course introduces students to the basic tools and concepts of qualitative business research. With this epistemological grounding, the seminar will then explore the core issues in case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative research design, including methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, congruence testing, and the use of counterfactual analysis. Students will look at business problems and situations, critique their assumptions, comparative strengths and weaknesses, and select proper tools for analysis. Students thereby develop their skills in participant observation, interviewing, and document analysis by using each method to investigate a topic or question of their choice. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
This course is the second in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project, applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a more substantial literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis will be placed on statement of the problem, developing a feasible topic, designing the study, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 3
This course explores the interconnectivity of energy, environment, and business strategy. Strategies for adapting to the impact of environmental changes, energy production and consumption, and government policies are discussed. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on economic, social, and environmental impacts, and plays an increasing role in organizational strategy, is explored. Major federal environmental laws and a study of local policy and regulations relating to sustainable projects are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the role of lean sustainable quality leadership (LSQL) and a systems approach, to successfully lead an always-improving, waste-limiting, and sustainable company in harmony with the environment. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
This course is the second in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project, applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a more substantial literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis will be placed on statement of the problem, developing a feasible topic, designing the study, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 4
Students investigate and apply financial management principles and strategies used by business leaders and boardroom decision makers in the pursuit of long-term financial and organizational success. The course focuses on applications of core principles and techniques of financial strategy, benefit-cost-value cash flow analysis, value-based decision making, financial statement analysis and holistic communication of financial performance and strategies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
In the Graduate Student Research Data bootcamp, doctoral students will be provided with the practical tools of completing scientific research in management, so they are able to collect, represent, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The bootcamp will enable students to answer testable questions and analyze data to answer a research question in social science, including running statistics programs such as SPSS. Any specific experience in data analysis and coding is not required. Students will gain hands-on learning experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods by completing a replication paper project.
2-Week Break
Year 3
Term 1
This course provides the student with an examination of the interrelationship of company philosophy, purpose, and policy that are the foundation for strategy formulation and implementation. Topics include the role of the boards; business policy planning; long term economic, social, and cultural assessments; sustainable and adaptable value creation processes; competitive advantages; and organizational change. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 2
This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
This course concentrates on strengthening strategic marketing decisions within a firm by examining its current position in the market in comparison to competitors and determining where it should invest monetary and human capital. Emphasis will be put on aligning decisions with core beliefs, mission, and vision. A central focus will be the ethical decisions and implications on stakeholders and society. Examining the theoretical and empirical research along with identifying new entrants in the market and market disruptors will be explored to enhance decision-making. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 3
This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
This course covers promoting and marketing an entrepreneurial idea from its inception to the marketplace. The course is designed for exploring the unique marketing strategies required to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. It will also focus on issues surrounding companies with high growth potential, and how sustainability and the creativity is needed to develop innovative marketing for these environments. Students will practice with examples of early market disruption and innovation, explore their own creativity and work together on entrepreneurial ideas to solve contemporary business problems. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
2-Week Break
Term 4
This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
Organization survival requires constant adaptation, innovation and change. This course will address current issues, basic theories and practical strategies associated with organizational change and development in contemporary and global organizations, which are necessary for their enduring survival and success. It will cover the drivers of change, including the competitive environment, new technologies, consumer demand, economic conditions and government policy actions; why organizations fail to change; how to deal with resistance to change; how to plan for, implement, monitor and measure change; and the role of leaders and culture in effective change management. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program
Graduation
See the end at the beginning.
Usually, a dissertation waits at the end of most doctoral programs, a giant obstacle to overcome. This isn’t the case in the Bellevue University DBA online program. Instead, you will undertake an applied research-based doctoral project that seeks a solution to a business challenge you are passionate about. With a structured plan, you’ll work on your project throughout the DBA program—so when coursework is finished, your doctoral project is complete as well.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Learn more about business courses that can make the difference in your career.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
Cohort learning: a proven model for busy professionals.
When you’re ready to enroll in the highest level of education, there’s no better place to turn than to an experienced leader in adult learning. The Bellevue University Online Cohort Learning Format has been specifically designed—and proven to work—for busy adults. You register for all your courses upfront, and then move through them step-by-step with your peers. It’s our most popular and effective learning format for adult learners.
Learn from expert faculty.
Throughout your DBA degree program, you will learn from award-winning faculty with practical experience and doctoral education.
Get to know your instructors.
Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Ph.D.
Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, program director for the Doctor
of Business Administration program, has held positions at companies across the Midwest. Her
professional experience and academic research span a wide variety of subjects, including
business strategy, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and dissertation
research.
Dr. Cronin-Gilmore is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. In addition, she has earned numerous certifications and received several awards for her contributions to both teaching and business. These awards include an Excellence in Teaching Award from the United States Distance Learning Association, and Marketer of the Year and Pinnacle Awards-both from the American Marketing Association, Omaha chapter-among others.
Gregory Ashley, Ph.D.
Dr. Greg Ashley brings extensive experience in building curriculum, instruction, and teaching business, economics, and industrial-organizational psychology
courses at all academic levels. His special research interests involve social capital, self-awareness, humility, leadership, and psychometrics. Ashley also
directs the Bellevue University Ph.D. in Human Capital and chairs its Dissertation Committee.
Inhyun Han, Ph.D.
Dr. Han specializes in leadership and organizational behavior, bringing her interdisciplinary management research experience and novel insights to the DBA program. Her research interests include the leader's mindset, proactive behavior and decision-making, negotiation, stereotype threat, and first-generation college students and their real-world outcomes. Dr. Han's research has been published in the International Journal of Conflict Management and she has presented her work at numerous research conferences. Dr. Han welcomes opportunity to collaborate on intriguing research projects with DBA students in management.
John Kyndt, Ph.D.
Dr. John Kyndt specializes in energy, water purification, and sustainability. He brings valuable experience in renewable fuels research and
in building sustainable systems, as well as know-how for startup technology ventures. His instructional repertoire includes biochemistry,
microbiology, nutrition, energy, and sustainability. Dr. Kyndt is co-author of the book, Algae: Coloring the future green.
Stephen J. Linenberger, Ph.D.
With many years of teaching, course development, research, and training experience, Dr. Linenberger offers expertise in leadership
education and practice. He has created and taught courses in social psychology of leadership, leadership ethics, human capital, and
organizational leadership. Dr. Linenberger has presented his research at academic conferences and won an international award for his
research in leadership education for medical schools. He also has leadership experience from his prior work in human services and retail management.
Paul Poppler, Ph.D.
Dr. Paul Poppler's extensive experience in research, publication, speaking and program/course development enhances the dynamic aspect of the DBA
program. His research interests include business policy and strategy, human capital, human resource management, and ethics.
Kevin Schieuer, Ph.D.
Dr. Kevin Schieuer brings valuable insights and connections to the DBA Program from his diverse work and educational experiences in math, physics,
electrical engineering, business administration, agriculture, law, and finance. Dr. Schieuer directed the Business Administration Program for many
years, serves as Co-Director of the MBA Program and Director of the MS Strategic Finance Program and earned the Excellence in Teaching and University
Service Kotouc Professorship Award, among others.
Linda Thiede Thomas, Ph.D.
As Director of Graduate Programs for the College of Business, Dr. Linda Thomas has vast experience in providing an administrative perspective to
students. Her research interests and teaching experience include organizational behavior and management, human capital, leadership, and management
research. Dr. Thomas previously directed the Bellevue University MBA program and has received the ConAgra Distinguished Professorship Award, among others.
Nicholas Wolff, Ph.D.
Dr. Nick Wolff brings an entrepreneurial and innovative approach to curriculum development and instruction in the fields of business, human capital, leadership, and entrepreneurship. His special research interests involve interactive learning, leadership, conflict management, values, and psychometrics. Dr. Wolff also teaches courses in the Bellevue University Doctorate in Human Capital Management program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Doctoral degrees can be more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$810 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Application Fee (non-refundable): $100
General College Fee (per term): $250
Graduation Fee: $100
Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.
As a graduate student, you may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.
And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.
See how expert faculty and a proven program model make your DBA degree at Bellevue University more than worth the cost.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
Prior to applying for enrollment into the DBA program, students must possess a regionally accredited MBA, or equivalent master’s degree. A maximum of 36 credit hours from approved master’s programs may be transferrable. If the student has an MBA from an accredited college or university, it will be accepted in whole. Students entering with non-MBA master’s degrees must take equivalent courses from Bellevue University’s MBA program to make up for any core deficiencies.
- 1. Possess a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the U.S., or a U.S.-equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university outside the U.S.
- 2. Have five years of professional experience.
- 3. Submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee for doctorate programs (this fee is waived for Bellevue University alumni) and a 1,000-word statement describing your interest in the DBA.
- 4. Provide all official transcripts for previous graduate coursework. Showing a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
- 5. Submit a resume.
- 6. Submit one letter of nomination from an employer and one letter of recommendation from a peer or personal reference.
Note: Because of the cohort and concentrated nature of the Doctorate of Business Administration program, doctoral-level credit hours from other university programs will typically not be accepted in transfer.
For International Students: International students who do not possess a degree from a post-secondary institution, where English is the principal language of instruction, must have a minimum score of 575 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International credentials must be submitted to World Education Services (at the applicant’s expense) for a formal course-by-course evaluation at www.wes.org.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Doctor of Business Administration
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
