DBA in Marketing Online

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GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship
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Overview

Elevate Your Skills in Marketing and Consumer Behavior 

Forward-thinking business leaders and executives understand the importance of applying data-driven marketing strategies to achieve business growth objectives. Grand Canyon University’s Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA): Marketing (Quantitative Research) blends theory with practical application so executives and those in leadership roles could advance their company’s competitive edge in the marketplace.

Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, the DBA in Marketing is designed for current and aspiring business leaders within profit and nonprofit industry sectors. It is expected that program applicants hold a master’s degree in business or a related field and have a certain amount of business experience. However, if you do not have this level of business experience, we offer a bridge program with a marketing emphasis that is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to move into the main DBA program. 

DBA Marketing students talking
Why GCU

Earn Your Doctorate Online1 

Learners can benefit from the curriculum with its embedded research skills, integrated dissertation process with systematic feedback and the biblically rooted foundation. This program features a multi-year programmatic business case to enable learners to apply their current knowledge of business theories within a practical scenario.

Doctoral learners will progress through a rigorous curriculum designed to sharpen analytical and reasoning skills. Learners have opportunities to demonstrate progress in academic research, writing and verbal communication. GCU’s online DBA program affords working professionals the flexibility to learn from anywhere at any time.1 Using the intuitive learning portal, learners will engage in intellectually stimulating exchanges with instructors and peers who bring diverse perspectives to the digital classroom.

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Coursework

In courses such as approaches to research design and data analysis, consumer behaviors in global marketing and data-driven marketing management, learners can acquire the following core competencies:

  • Analyze the complexities of a global integrated enterprise, propose methods to expand business perspective beyond profit and incorporate ethical considerations when evaluating complex business decisions
  • Critically appraise and synthesize existing research
  • Analyze and apply sound research principles in the design of ethical original and independent research
  • Acquire and harness data and information for decision making throughout the marketing management process
  • Evaluate the implementation of marketing solutions and the related cultural considerations with an eye toward competitive advantage

The dissertation process is integrated in the curriculum from the beginning. Even though this is an online DBA in Marketing program, learners are expected to participate in two in-person residency experiences. These are conducted on or near GCU’s campus to benefit learners with networking opportunities, peer feedback and intensive mentorship from faculty members. During the first residency, learners can acquire advanced skills in academic research that will provide the framework for their dissertation. During the second residency, learners are expected to present their scholarly work and show progress on their dissertation.

Careers

Executive-Level Career Paths in Business or Higher Education

This degree is the pinnacle of academic achievement for business leaders. Graduates may be prepared to pursue high-level executive and consulting positions, as well as positions at postsecondary institutes.

Some roles that may be related to this degree may include the following:

Chief executive officer

General manager

Operations manager

Sales manager

Facilities manager

Industrial production manager

Human resource manager or specialist

Training and development manager

Entertainment and recreation manager

Management analyst

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree at an Accredited University

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has maintained its accreditation with the HLC since 1968. In addition to this, GCU holds specific accreditations, approvals and authorizations for many of its degrees and programs. This includes our ACBSP accredited DBA programs, which ensure the quality and integrity of our business degree programs. 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

During this program, you will have the opportunity to learn communication skills and engage in research at the highest academic level. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you determine if this path in planning, executing, and evaluating marketing strategies aligns with your career goals.

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Begin Making Data Driven Decisions

Elevate your career and deepen your expertise with an advanced DBA in marketing online.

Apply Now

§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 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 has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.

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