Doctorate of Business Administration

Empower Your Career, Lead with Research

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program at WVU offers experienced business professionals a pathway to explore academia, consulting, and advanced professional positions. With a focus on research, in-depth exposure to business literature, and a supportive environment through faculty guidance and mentorship, we ensure a comprehensive learning experience for our students. The online delivery of the program allows you to seamlessly maintain momentum in your career while pursuing your doctoral degree. Additionally, optional on-campus residences are available to further enrich your educational journey.

At our WVU, we understand the importance of flexibility and relevance. The DBA can be completed in just three years, enabling you to efficiently achieve your academic goals while balancing your professional commitments. Starting from Fall 2023, our DBA program will also offer concentrations in accounting, economics, management, and marketing, allowing you to specialize in your area of interest.

1. Core and Research Methodology:
   We understand the importance of equipping our students with strong research skills. You will receive intensive instruction in research methods and statistics, laying the groundwork for conducting empirical research of the highest caliber.

2. Areas of Emphasis:
   The DBA program offers four foundational Areas of Emphasis: Accounting, Economics, Management, and Marketing. These areas provide students with in-depth knowledge and expertise in crucial aspects of business. Our program AoEs tailor your degree to suit your interests and set you up with a diverse skill set, empowering you to excel in a wide range of professional settings and contribute significantly to the business world.
   
   Accounting and Economics are currently admitting for the 2025 cohort. Check back for openings in Management and Marketing.

3. Research and Dissertation:
   Under the guidance of your faculty mentor, you will have the opportunity to put your research skills into practice. This stage of the program will allow you to engage in meaningful and impactful research aimed at solving real-world problems within the industry.

DBA Program Overview

Our DBA program has been meticulously designed to provide you with a strong foundation in research, an in-depth exposure to business literature, and a supportive environment to foster impactful research through faculty guidance and mentorship. With a completion timeline of three years, our program offers efficiency without compromising quality. The program consists of 53 credit hours, divided into 17 credit hours in research methods, 16 credit hours in content seminars, and 20 credit hours in research and dissertation.

Year 1:

• Convert at least one research idea into a research proposal.
• Develop sections of a journal manuscript, including abstract, review of prior research and theory, development of hypotheses, and description of research methods.

Year 2:

• Convert the research proposal from year 1 into a quality research manuscript.
• Aim for the manuscript to be presentation-worthy at an academic research meeting.
• Prepare the manuscript for submission to a reputable publication based on your chosen research track.

Year 3:

• Maintain regular meetings with your dissertation chair and committee.
• Execute and defend your approved dissertation proposal.