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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Doctorate in Business Administration?

  • What exactly is the DBA degree?

    The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a three-year doctoral degree that is designed for working senior-level professionals who desire to achieve a doctoral degree in business while continuing their work responsibilities and careers. The DBA represents the highest level of academic achievement in business education and will prepare you with the advanced knowledge necessary to manage complex organizational environments and solve real-world problems via the conduct of applied research in all areas of business. It is a terminal degree.

  • Who is the DBA degree for?

    The Doctorate in Business Administration is designed for working senior-level executives who desire to continue their careers while obtaining a doctorate. Our students generally have more than 10 years of significant work experience; seven years of management experience; and a relevant advanced degree, such as an MBA or M.S. Prospective students must also exhibit excellent communication skills in the English language and demonstrate high potential for applied research skills. A comprehensive understanding of the functional areas of business, including accounting and finance, marketing, human resource management, corporate and competitive strategy, information systems and operations management, is also expected.

  • What is the difference between a PhD and a DBA?

    The PhD in Business Administration focuses on theoretical research with the intent of pursuing a career in theory development and publishing within a relevant business discipline. The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree differs from the PhD in that its focus is on applied research with the intent of pursuing a career in either education or the business community at large.

  • Will I be a doctor when I complete my degree?

    Yes! Because this is terminal degree, you will receive a doctorate awarded by the College of Business upon successful completion of your studies.

  • Is the DBA program at FIU accredited?

    Yes. The Doctorate in Business Administration is awarded by the Chapman School of Business at Florida International University which is a fully-accredited business school by the AACSB.

  • Can I participate in the program if I don't live in the Miami area?

    Absolutely! The program is designed to be a combination of online and residency instruction. While you must attend all required residency sessions, you can live and work virtually anywhere in the world if you have an Internet connection.

  • What are the benefits I can expect from obtaining a Doctorate in Business Administration?

    During the pursuit of your DBA degree, you will make valuable networking connections and develop long-term relationships with other senior-level executives as well as our world-class research faculty. Individuals who successfully obtain the DBA degree possess and demonstrate high-level, deep understanding of advanced business knowledge and applied research skills. Such advanced understanding sets the stage and creates a clear path toward career advancement, differentiation, or change. Organizations that employ individuals holding this terminal degree can expect an employee capable of crafting tangible and creative solutions for complex problems as well as a leader in organizational development initiatives and skill-building from within.

How do I apply to the Doctorate in Business Administration program at FIU?

  • What factors are considered when reviewing an applicant to your program?

    Many factors are considered and each applicant is judged on his or her own merit and accomplishments. Generally speaking, an applicant’s work and management experience, their educational background, the content of their application materials and personal statement, and the results of the personal interview are used in the determination process. The success of our program comes from the diversity of experience and perspective of our students. As such, we look for evidence of success from every angle.

  • When can I submit my application?

    We accept applications from prospective students on a rolling basis for admission each Fall. We highly recommend you get your application in as early as possible so that your materials can be received and reviewed and a slot reserved for you in the Fall cohort. We accept applications for Fall admission through Aug 1 of each year.

  • What application materials should I send?

    Submit your completed application and all supporting documentation to:

    FIU – DBA Program
    Chapman Graduate School of Business
    Florida International University
    11200 SW 8th Street, CBC 200
    Miami, Florida 33199

    • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities. Transcripts must be sent directly to: If the official transcripts are not in English, a second copy of the transcript must be evaluated by an official translation agency and sent to our mailing address above.
    • Official proof of degree: A notarized copy of the original diploma is required if the degree is not posted on the official transcript
    • Current Resume - detailing your chronological professional experience, and dates of earned degrees.
    • Statement of Purpose - document of no more than two pages outlining your objectives for pursuing the DBA degree program
    • Two Letters of Recommendation from employers, faculty or professional associates
    • A formal interview with the DBA Academic Director will be scheduled by program manager. This interview will be conducted online. Instructions for access will be sent to you prior to the scheduled date.
    • Applicants do not need to take either the GMAT or GRE exams as they have already demonstrated proficiency via completion of their Master’s-level degree.
    • Citizenship and immigration document as outlined in the Application & Requirements section of this website.
  • Where can I find the program application?

    To apply for the program:

    1. Please click here to initiate your graduate application. Select “Create User Account”
    2. Attach your resume.
  • When must all of my application materials be turned in?

    Since we accept applications on a rolling basis for admission each Fall, we strongly recommend you get your application in as early as possible so that your materials can be received and reviewed and a slot reserved for you in the Fall cohort.

    Cohorts for the Fall intake are generally fully subscribed on or before July 1 of each year.

  • Do I have to submit all of my application materials at the same time?

    No. Application materials such as transcripts, etc. can be submitted to us as they are received.

  • Is the GMAT, GRE or other standardized admission test required for admission?

    No. Most applicants already will have taken the exam to complete their MBA, M.S. or other graduate program. We do not require a standardized admission test.

  • Is an interview required?

    Yes. If after review of your application materials it is determined that you are a good candidate for the DBA degree, an interview with our Academic Director and Program Manager will be scheduled.

  • Do you accept applications from non-US citizens?

    Yes. Information regarding visa and citizenship document requirements can be found on the Application & Requirements page.

  • Is there a cost to submit my application?

    Yes. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee will be paid when you start the application process.

  • Can my acceptance be deferred?

    Yes, we can defer acceptance if necessary.

  • Must I have an MBA or business-related master's degree to apply to the program?

    No. While the MBA degree is the most common advanced degree for applicants to a DBA program, any relevant advanced degree will be considered for application to the DBA program.

What is the basic structure for the DBA program?

How much does the DBA program cost?

How can I find out more?

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to OCR at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.

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