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:
- Please click here to initiate your graduate application. Select “Create User Account”
- 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 long does the program typically last?
The program of study will last three years. This includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- Can I complete the program at my own pace?
No. The DBA program is designed in a cohort format with specific required residency and completion dates.
- How often and when are the required residencies?
The program requires four two-day residencies for each of the three Fall and Spring semesters during the three-year program. In addition, a one-week orientation residency will be held prior to the start of the first Fall semester for a cohort.
- Is attendance mandatory for all sessions and residencies?
Yes. All scheduled residencies are required. In addition, matriculation at this level assumes dedication and commitment to all scheduled online sessions and faculty consultations.
- Is any part of the DBA program conducted online?
Yes. With the exception of the required scheduled residencies, all coursework will be conducted online.
- Do you accept transfer credit from other academic programs?
No. The cohort format of this intensive, research-oriented degree program does not allow for transfer credit from other institutions.
- Where are classes held?
All required residencies will be held at FIU Downtown on Brickell, located 1101 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131. The FIU Brickell building is less than 10 miles from Miami International Airport and has a wide variety of accommodations, dining, and shopping options conveniently located nearby.
How much does the DBA program cost?
- How much is tuition?
The total tuition and one-time fees for the program is $74,174.96. This does not include personal expenses related to travel, accommodations, meals during residency, books and materials, or the pre-requisite Professional Development Seminar.
- Is there any financial aid available for the program?
Currently, all financial aid must be obtained through student loans. To find out more about financial aid, email cobfa@fiu.edu. However, many of our current students receive some form of financial aid through their employers or veterans benefits packages.
- Are there any fellowships, scholarships, assistantships or grants available?
No. Currently, there are no such programs available. All financial aid must be obtained through student loans. To find out more about financial aid, email cobfa@fiu.edu. However, many of our current students receive some form of financial aid through their employers or government benefits packages.
- What costs other than tuition should I expect?
The tuition and program fees does not include personal expenses related to travel, accommodations, meals during residency, or the Professional Development Seminar. Costs related to required course materials or books are also not included in the tuition costs.
- Is room and board during residencies included with the cost of tuition?
No. Information regarding accommodations and hotel discounts available to program participants will be made available to you upon program acceptance and enrollment.
- How will my tuition be billed to me?
Following acceptance into the DBA program, arrangements can be made with FIU for billing and payment of all tuition and other program costs.
- Is tuition the same for in-state as it is for out-of-state students?
Yes. The tuition for the DBA program is the same regardless of where you reside.
How can I find out more?
- How can I sign up for an information session?
- How often are information sessions conducted?
DBA program information sessions are held several times throughout the year online.
- What are the benefits of attending an information session?
Attending an on campus or online information session is one of the best ways to get to know the program particulars. At each session, you will have the opportunity to meet with program staff and faculty director. All the details of the program will be thoroughly explained and all questions will be answered.