Doctorate (DBA) in Data Analytics Degree - Quantitative
Grow Your Foundation in Database Administration and Optimization
This quantitative Doctor of Business Administration: Data Analytics degree from Grand Canyon University focuses on interpreting numeric data by using statistical tools to clean data, assess reliability and analyze data. With a solid foundation in data analytics competencies, your work can contribute to better-informed business decisions in the workplace, potentially playing an integral role in the future and direction of your organization.
This program differs from our qualitative DBA: Data Analytics, which focuses on examining events to better understand an observed phenomenon. You will have the opportunity to conduct original research and draft a dissertation to showcase your findings and analysis.
Earn Your Data Analytics Terminal Degree at GCU
Enjoy opportunities to advance your knowledge of evidence-based theories and practices with GCU’s doctorate in data analytics degree. This in-depth and career-focused degree program is designed to help empower you to enhance your leadership skills and meet the demands of modern business architecture.
Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, this DBA is designed for business executives as well as industry and community leaders. You will begin the dissertation process right from the start, making use of mentoring from fully qualified faculty members as you conduct original research and shape raw data into a polished academic dissertation.
Explore Techniques for Data Management and Data Analysis
Our doctorate program follows a scaffolded curriculum with embedded research skills to support learners’ progression toward becoming accomplished scholar-practitioners. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to fine-tune critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills while exploring leadership styles and the principles of servant leadership.
The faith-integrated, transparent curriculum emphasizes the role of professional ethics and the Christian worldview in industry settings. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of current business theories to complex case studies.
Some of the data analytics techniques taught in this program are:
- Foundations of data mining, with tools and techniques
- Methods of creating and communicating predictive modeling solutions
- Approaches to research design and data analysis
- Theories and frameworks that underpin financial decision making
- Using business analytics to gain an edge in a competitive marketplace
Data Analytics Courses: Key Concepts
You will begin this data analytics doctorate program by exploring the principal elements of research and scholarly writing before moving on to examine the theories and frameworks that drive financial decision-making in contemporary organizations. The curriculum examines timely issues that administrators face, including mergers and acquisitions, capital structure and corporate finance.
Other core competencies for this program include:
- Develop a research question and conduct a systematic literature review
- Apply microeconomic principles to the solution of business problems
- Understand organizational sustainability through the lens of competitive advantage
- Understand conceptual and practical aspects of data collection, management and analysis
- Prepare to present scholarly work and to thoughtfully critique the work of others
This degree is offered online; however, learners are expected to participate in two five-day residencies on or near GCU’s campus in Phoenix. These are conducted to enable learners to benefit from networking opportunities, peer feedback and intensive mentorship from faculty members.
Career Opportunities for DBA: Data Analytics Graduates
As a terminal degree, this doctorate represents the height of academic achievement in the business world. As a graduate, you can utilize your knowledge to help drive industry-wide change and lead your organization into the future.
With a firm foundation of core competencies in organizational leadership and insightful business decision making, you may be positioned to pursue employment as a:2
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Additionally, some individuals with a doctorate in data analytics may choose to enter academia, where they may contribute to the ever-growing field of business theory within postsecondary education.3
Graduate With a DBA From an Institutionally Accredited University
The quality of your education can be a key factor in the acquisition of core competencies in your field. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that prioritizes academic excellence and quality instruction. Furthermore, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Doctoral Degree in Data Analytics FAQs
Before embarking on an intensive academic journey, it’s wise to take some time to reflect upon your academic options and intended career outcomes. GCU has compiled the following FAQs and answers to get you started in your research.
Earning any type of doctorate, including one that focuses on data analytics, may present some challenges. You can expect to commit 20 hours a week for your coursework. Since this is a quantitative research program, you’ll need to pay close attention to detail as you gather, interpret and analyze raw data. However, if you have a passion for data management and for shaping the direction of the corporate environment, you may find that the potential rewards are well worth the effort.
Each doctoral candidate has their own unique reasons for deciding to take data analytics courses at this level and complete a dissertation. Some individuals may aspire to explore avenues for professional growth or to delve into emerging issues within the field, aiming to contribute solutions to current challenges. No matter what your reason is, if you’re thinking about enrolling in a DBA program, then it’s likely you’re the type of person who enjoys academic challenges and understands the potential advantages of higher academic credentials.
The duration of this doctorate program can vary depending on factors such as how the program is structured, the length of certain courses, the individual’s pace of study and specific requirements of the institution offering the program. With GCU being a transfer-friendly college, this can provide a pathway to potentially expediting your degree completion. To better understand how long it might take to earn your doctorate, and determine whether you can use transfer credits, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor.
Join a welcoming community of diverse learners at GCU as you explore core competencies in data analytics at the doctoral level.
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-June2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in June 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
1 This program includes an in-person residency requirement.
2 Crabtree, M. (2023, January). The top 10 data analytics careers: Skills, salaries & career prospects. Data Camp. Retrieved on March 15, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to become a postsecondary teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on March 15, 2024.
Time to Completion and Dissertation Process
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.
Course Description
In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.
Course Description
This course explores the theories and frameworks that drive financial decision making in organizations today. Students focus on issues facing administrators in the changing business environment.
Course Description
Students will research the emerging use of business analytics in organizations. Through exploration of the available tools and models, this course will explore how analytics can be used for competitive advantage
Course Description
In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.
Course Description
This residency allows learners to continue developing their skills as academic researchers. Learners will have hands-on experience applying quantitative and qualitative design principals to develop the foundational elements for their potential dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-850, RES-825, RES-831, or RCS-831.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.
Course Description
This course addresses the foundations of data mining. The course provides tools and techniques to determine whether data is appropriate for analysis. Learners will interact with a multi-year integrated business case as a means of exploring applications of analytics.
Course Description
This course addresses predictive modeling techniques that leverage enterprise data to create competitive advantage. Methods of creating and communicating predictive modeling solutions are also discussed.
Course Description
This course provides the student with the skills and competencies needed to be able to apply microeconomic principles to the solution of business problems. Specifically, the course examines the four market structures focusing on competition and utilizes microeconomic theory to provide solutions to business problems.
Course Description
In this course, learners explore the basic components of quantitative research design. Attention is given to variables, instrumentation, and sources of data. Reliability and validity of instrumentation is discussed in the context of GCU core quantitative research designs.
Course Description
In this course, learners interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study. Alignment of statistical tests to research questions, hypotheses and design is stressed as is determining the feasibility of a quantitative research study. Ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-842.
Course Description
This course examines organizational sustainability through the lenses of competitive advantage and innovation. It addresses the leadership skills and capabilities required to foster, lead, and sustain innovation in organizations, and it explores how these ideas can be applied to create competitive advantage leading to a sustainable organization.
Course Description
In this residency, learners orally present and defend an expanded design of their preliminary dissertation research from RSD-851. Emphasis is placed on developing the quantitative dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. RES-844.
Course Description
Business is routinely using enterprise data analytics to create competitive advantage. This course addresses the complexity of implementing enterprise data analytics solutions and the related infrastructure considerations. In this course, learners will interact with a multi-year integrated business case to experience the complex interactions associated with exploiting enterprise data analytics for competitive advantage.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: RES-871 or RES-885 or RSD-883 or RSD-884.
Course Description
In this course, learners focus on data collection, data preparation and management, and the analysis of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-844 and one of the following: DBA-955 or DIS-955 or DHA-955 or PSY-955 or PCE-955 or TLC-955.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DBA-955.
Course Description
In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-874 and one of the following: DBA-960 or DIS-960 or DHA-960 or PSY-960 or PCE-960 or TLC-960.
Course Description
In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DBA-960.
Continuation Courses
The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-965.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-966 or DBA-966E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-967 or DBA-967E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-968 or DBA-968E; RSD-951.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-969 or DBA-969E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-970 or DBA-970E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-971E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-972E.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DBA-973E.
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Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.