Department of BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Doctorate of Business Administration
ACCOUNTING | ECONOMICS | MANAGEMENT | MARKETING
- 53 Hours / Full Time
- Online classes
- Completed in three years
- Starts in the Summer
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.
The DBA program is built on three foundational areas:
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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. -
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. -
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.
Meet Christian Schaupp
West Virginia University is on the front lines of building leaders in the hospitality industry, thanks to a student-focused gift from a neighboring luxury resort and the family who has shepherded it to success.
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.
Graduate Programs Advising
Our graduate advisors are here to help guide you through the graduate school experience and should be the first person you turn to for questions about your plan of study, course registration, or any issues that come up while you are completing your degree.
304-293-5505 | jaturner@mail.wvu.edu
Military
Friendly
Whether you are a veteran, a reservist, a National Guardsman, or still serving on active duty, West Virginia University is a great place to further your education. The Military Times ranked WVU as the 14th Best College for Vets in 2023. At WVU you will find faculty, staff, and students who want to support you and help you succeed.
WVU offers several resources for current and former military personnel and incentives for online programs as well.
Affordability.
West Virginia University has worked hard to make its programs affordable for military personnel and veterans. WVU is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, meaning that the university agrees to waive a portion of tuition not covered by the GI Bill. Unlike most universities, WVU participates in the program for all graduate and professional programs. Additionally, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers a $100 discount per credit hour to all current and former service personnel pursuing the Doctorate of Business Administration program.
* If the Department of Defense is covering all tuition and online learning fees, you are not eligible for the $100 per credit hour discount.
Program Highlights
Hours / Full Time
Completed in Three Years,
Summer Start
4 AREAS OF EMPHASIS
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Economics
What will it cost?
*2025-2026 tuition
Tuition for current academic year can be found at tuition.wvu.edu and does not reflect future costs.
More Info
- Application
- Application fee: $60
- Official Transcripts
- Resume
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Statement of Purpose +
- Why are you interested in the DBA from WVU specifically?
- What are your career goals/plans upon completion of the DBA?
- What are your general research interests? After reviewing the DBA faculty website, can you identify 3 faculty with whom you would be interested in working?
- Two letters of recommendation
- International Admissions
Application Deadlines:
- May 1
- Late applications accepted as space allows.
To be eligible for consideration for the Executive DBA program applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- Have a Master’s degree in business, communications, media management or other related field from an accredited college or university. If you do not have a master’s degree, we offer accelerated master’s to DBA options.
READY TO APPLY?
Take the next step in your journey.