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Doctor of Business Administration

A transformative DBA experience offering a unique combination of data-driven analytics and behavioral-based leadership.

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Elevate Your Leadership Potential.

Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a natural next step for those with a master’s degree in a business-related field who are looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise to transform themselves into better problem-solvers and business leaders.

This rigorous 54- to 60-credit hour program of study focuses on applying existing theories and knowledge to real-world business problems. The result: a complete leader whose marketability has skyrocketed.

Those who hold DBAs are often in leadership positions such as chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief executive officer and a variety of other executive management and business consulting roles.

Learn More About Our DBA Residency

The DBA Residency at Northwood University is an annual flagship event designed to integrate learning, networking, researching, and other scholarly and professional activities. 

The 2024 DBA Residency was held in May and immersed students in critical learning activities that supplement doctoral coursework. Students shared in-progress research for feedback, discussed ideas and proposals for future collaboration, and engaged with community leaders and stakeholders.

Dr. Kevin D. Parlette, the first DBA graduate of Northwood University

An experienced professional in the automotive industry is the first doctor of business degree recipient in Northwood University history. Dr. Kevin D. Parlette was among the first cohort of students in Northwood’s online DBA program.

Northwood University’s Richard DeVos Graduate of School announced the addition of a DBA degree program in April 2020, and the first cohort of 15 students started their doctoral journey in August of that year.

What will the DeVos DBA do for you?

Hear from two students of the inaugural DeVos DBA cohort, Valarie Taffs-Cook and DeYeya Jones, how the DBA program has helped them continue their personal and educational growth. These stories are taken from our DBA Info Session recorded in Fall 2020.

Valarie loves the fact that the DeVos DBA program allows her to deeply study something she is passionate about while also providing something for other people to learn from as well.
DeYeya speaks about how he knew the DeVos DBA was the right fit for him with a rigorous curriculum but extremely supportive faculty who would help him succeed. He loves how diverse his cohort is and has become more intentional about how he spends his time.
A photo of Bryson Ruffin

I chose Northwood University’s DBA Program to distinguish myself from my colleagues and competitors. Achieving a doctoral degree is the summit of academia in business and will open doors for quicker advancement in my career. An additional bonus was that the program structure offers a versatile and flexible learning schedule.

— Bryson Ruffin, District Rental Manager, Penske Truck Leasing

The DeVos Difference

  • A transformative experience developing better problem-solvers and business leaders.
  • Prepares students for leadership positions such as chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief executive officer, and a variety of other executive management and business consulting roles.
  • Focuses on real business challenges, which yield significant value for the student and their organization through course projects and the final dissertation.
  • Collaboration residencies where students share their research and learn from peers, faculty and industry experts.
  • Through the cohort model and residencies, students will develop and leverage personal and professional networks.

Program Facts

  • Flexible, online program with one residency per year that caters to working professionals with demanding schedules.
  • A 3-year program that allows students to begin their dissertation during the first year.
  • A 54- to 60-credit hour rigorous program of study focused on applying existing theories and knowledge to real-world business problems.
  • A unique curriculum focused on leadership and business analytics using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
  • Small class sizes instructed by business experienced professors who hold terminal degrees.
  • Dedicated student and faculty advisors to support students from the application process through program completion.

Featured Courses

Throughout all course work, application of learning focuses on real business challenges, which translate into tremendous value for the student and their organization.

Sample Plan of Study

Year 1

  • RES 781 Introduction to Doctoral Studies
  • RES 782 Research Design and Analysis
  • ORG 712 Organizational Theory and Behavior
  • MTH 752 Applied Data Analytics
  • RES 784 Qualitative Research and Analysis
  • ORG 716 Change Management and Innovation
  • 4-Day Weekend Residency

Year 2

  • ORG 715 Understanding and Developing Organizational Culture
  • ORG 744 Strategic Human Resources
  • MGT 758 Human Resource Analytics
  • MKT 754 Applied Marketing Analytics
  • ORG 714 Advanced Communication and Conflict Resolution
  • MGT 756 Business Process Analytics
  • 4-Day Weekend Residency

Year 3

  • RES 796 Dissertation Proposal
  • RES 797 Dissertation Progress
  • RES 797 Dissertation Progress (repeated as necessary)
  • RES 797 Dissertation Progress (repeated as necessary)
  • RES 797 Dissertation Progress (repeated as necessary)
  • RES 798 Dissertation Completion and Defense (when ready)
  • 4-Day Weekend Residency

Ready to Start Your Journey?

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