
Online Bridge DBA: Management
journey today.
Offered online by the College of Doctoral Studies, GCU’s online Bridge to Doctor of Business Administration: Management is tailored for ambitious learners with a master's degree in a field other than business. The bridge courses cover the prerequisites needed for doctoral study in the DBA management program.


We offer an alternative route for professionals with a non-business master’s degree who are interested in pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration. Our program includes essential coursework in business theory and more to prepare students for the rigor of doctoral-level study.
At GCU, students can benefit from faith-integrated courses rooted in integrity, ethical leadership and academic excellence. Our supportive faculty are committed to guiding you and offering assistance throughout your studies. You will complete your studies in a learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives, helping to prepare you to pursue your online1 DBA management degree.
In this online DBA in management bridge, you will complete the introductory courses required for doctoral-level business learners at GCU. This includes coursework in accounting, finance, statistics and marketing. The bridge courses provide content in the areas of business management.
As a student in this bridge online DBA program, you are immersed in key areas of modern business theory and practice, including:
Consumerism and the global economy
Leveraging intellectual capital
Strategic management theory
Values-driven leadership
Sustainability
Bridge to Your DBA
Through the coursework, you will be taught business skills and how to apply this knowledge to expand business theory or application. Upon successful completion of the DBA bridge program, you can apply for the Doctor of Business Administration: Management.

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, demonstrating our commitment to integrity, academic quality and continuous improvement. We take pride in providing programs that emphasize academic rigor and thoughtful curriculum design within a supportive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
This bridge program is essential for those who do not have required prerequisites and want to pursue an online1 DBA program and position themselves for potential career advancement. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the program to help you understand what to expect and how to get started.
Completing the Bridge DBA in Management program is a required step for professionals without a business master’s degree who aspire to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration. This program can equip you with the foundational business knowledge and research skills needed for a rigorous doctoral environment.
GCU offers learners the flexibility to begin their doctoral studies online. This format combines quality instruction with interactive learning experiences, allowing you to build essential business knowledge on a more convenient schedule.
The Bridge DBA in Management program can prepare you for admission into the DBA program if your master’s degree is in a non-business field. By completing the bridge coursework, you can demonstrate your readiness for doctoral study and meet essential prerequisites, enhancing your application and facilitating a smooth transition into the DBA’s advanced curriculum.
The key difference between the two programs is the DBA management doctoral program they lead to. The quantitative DBA program analyzes numerical data using statistical tools to interpret trends, measure outcomes and support data-driven decision-making. In contrast, the qualitative DBA program emphasizes understanding human behavior and thought processes through non-numerical research methods, such as interviews and case studies, to explore the how and why behind business phenomena. Students will choose the quantitative or qualitative research track after they have entered the DBA program.

Complete the form on this page to learn more about this bridge DBA program at GCU.
- Excludes programs with residencies and practicums.