A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral degree focused on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. It’s designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, strategic thinking, and research capabilities.

Core Characteristics of a DBA Program

• Practical Focus: Unlike a PhD in Business, which is research-oriented, a DBA emphasizes applying research to solve real-world business problems.
• Professional Development: It’s designed to enhance your executive and professional practice.
• Rigorous Curriculum: Combines advanced business theory with practical application.
• Culminating Project: Often involves a significant research project or dissertation that addresses a critical business issue.

Typical Course Structure

While specific courses vary by institution, a DBA program generally includes:

• Core Business Courses: Advanced topics in finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organizational behavior.
• Research Methodology: Focusing on quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Dissertation or Capstone Project: A substantial research-based project addressing a significant business problem.
• Electives: Allowing specialization in areas of interest (e.g., healthcare management, entrepreneurship, etc.).

Admission Requirements

Admission to a DBA program is competitive. Typically, you’ll need:

• A Master’s degree in business or a related field.
• Significant professional experience.
• Strong GMAT or GRE scores (often waived for experienced professionals).
• Letters of recommendation.
• A well-articulated research proposal.

Career Outcomes

DBA graduates often assume leadership roles in organizations, such as:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Consultant
• Academic Administrator

Example of a DBA Program

To get a specific idea of course content, admission requirements, and program structure, you can check out the DBA program offered by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka: