The DBA in Management program provides a comprehensive curriculum structured to prepare future business leaders for strategic roles across various industries. With a blend of advanced theory and practical application, students can gain an understanding of quantitative decision-making, business analytics and quantitative research methods. Key areas of focus include ethical leadership, global business strategy and data-informed decision-making, which can empower students to analyze business data effectively and drive sustainable growth.
Students will engage in topics such as:
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
As part of the DBA in Management program, students engage in two five-day residencies held on or near the GCU campus. These immersive experiences can enhance executive leadership skills, deepen understanding of business intelligence and refine academic research approaches.
The first residency focuses on advanced research methodologies, laying a foundation for your dissertation. Participants engage in collaborative workshops, receive faculty mentorship and begin developing an analytical mindset. In the second residency, students present their scholarly work, showcase dissertation progress and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors. These residencies also offer valuable networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with fellow professionals.
Together, these experiences help bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering you to lead with insight, precision and purpose.
To achieve programmatic competencies, you will continue to develop your skills in areas such as:
Communication
Data science for business
Integration of systematic feedback
Application of management theories
Research design
In a quantitative DBA program, students analyze events through statistical data analysis and business data interpretation, using numeric data and statistical tools to uncover patterns that inform strategic decisions and predict outcomes. Conversely, a qualitative DBA emphasizes non-numerical research methods to explore the motivations behind human behavior, that can enable students to conduct in-depth studies of leadership, organizational culture and performance factors that extend beyond the numbers.
Demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence by earning your Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) in Management from Grand Canyon University’s College of Doctoral Studies. This advanced doctoral program is designed for executives and organizational leaders, helping them enhance their impact through a curriculum that combines transformative business practices with strategic management theory. The program focuses on strategic decision-making, business forecasting and organizational leadership, which can prepare graduates to apply data-driven insights and sound business sound business principles across various industries and sectors.
The DBA in Management online(See disclaimer 1) is tailored to working professionals seeking to enhance their business skills while balancing existing commitments. The flexible format allows you to access course materials conveniently, making it easier to balance work, education and personal life. You’ll connect with a network of peers and experienced faculty, fostering meaningful dialogue and professional growth. As a private, faith-based institution, GCU emphasizes a Christian worldview, integrating ethical decision-making and servant leadership principles essential for business leaders facing complex challenges.
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Deciding to return to school to pursue a terminal degree involves thoughtful consideration of your career path and future goals. These frequently asked questions and answers can help you align your professional aspirations.
Does this doctorate in management degree require a dissertation?
Is a doctorate in business administration worth it?
Is a DBA higher than an MBA?
Take the next step toward becoming a data-driven leader equipped to solve complex business challenges.
GCU's Doctor of Business Administration in Management is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), highlighting the college's commitment to academic excellence in business education. GCU has also been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.
DBA in Management graduates work throughout the program to help themselves navigate the demands of the corporate world with advanced expertise in data-driven strategy, organizational leadership and data literacy in leadership. This doctorate is designed to prepare professionals to lead with insight, make informed decisions and drive innovation across industries.
Career paths in business leadership and consulting often include roles in domestic and international settings, where strategic thinking and analytical skills are highly valued.(See disclaimer 2) Graduates may also choose to contribute to academia by teaching at postsecondary institutions and advancing research in business theory and practice.
Additional roles that may align with the DBA management program include:
Chief executive officer
General manager
Operations manager
Administrative services manager
Business operations specialist
Facilities manager
Chief executives work in the private sector(See disclaimer 3)
Median annual wage for chief executives in May 2024(See disclaimer 4)
