Doctor of Business Administration
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program is one of a few AACSB-accredited DBA programs in the nation. The Davis DBA is an applied program where candidates practice using analytical tools to solve current work problems and challenges. The program is based on theoretical and managerial/applied perspectives in a broad array of business areas. The coursework emphasizes the practical application of advanced business knowledge, analytics, and evidence-based decision making that is useful for today’s contemporary leaders. Hence, the program is ideal for executives, aspiring consultants, and "clinical" or applied faculty desiring positions in schools of business internationally.
DBA Program Mission Statement
The DBA program's mission is to cultivate advanced skills for the development of evidence-based decision making among senior executives and policy makers. The focus is on both inspired leadership of organizations and ethical business practices in a contemporary world.
DBA Program Outline
The doctoral program admits a new cohort each fall. On campus cohort classes are held one weekend (Friday and Saturday) per month for the first two years of the program. Doctoral candidates engage in individual work that can be accomplished through collaboration with faculty and colleagues. Jacksonville University's Doctor of Business Administration degree can be earned in a minimum of three years. The doctoral program is broken down into two phases. In the first phase, spanning two academic years, each candidate completes five "traditional" semesters long terms, consisting of 17 “core” courses. Candidates complete a total of 45 credit hours in the first phase. The first phase culminates with each candidate successfully completing a doctoral comprehensive activity. Only those candidates who successfully complete all doctoral coursework, pass their comprehensive activities, and remain in good standing will continue on to the second phase of the DBA program. In the second phase, each candidate completes a their dissertation research and writing. Candidates choose their dissertation discipline or field of study and work closely with their mentors, dissertation chair and committee members. Candidates are expected to remain in good standing, complete a dissertation proposal and defend their dissertation. DBA candidates are required to complete the minimum 63 credit hours of DBA coursework, pass the doctoral comprehensive activities, successfully defend their dissertation, have their dissertation accepted by their dissertation committee, and meet all the requirements of the program to receive their doctoral degree. The doctoral program also offers concentrations and elective courses for those students desiring additional coursework in practical business experience, research and writing. Another unique feature of the JU DBA program is the opportunity to co-publish business, accounting, economics, management, marketing, or international business articles in peer-reviewed journals during the second phase of the program. In addition, an introduction to teaching at the university level is included in the coursework.
Admission Requirements
For a list of admission requirements to the DBA program, see Graduate Admission – DBA Admission in the Admissions section of this catalog.
Tuition and Other Costs
- Tuition (per year) - $31,500 per year for the Spring 2021 Cohort, with $15,750 due each spring and fall semester for the Davis DBA without a concentration.
- Tuition for 3-year program - $94,500 for the Spring 2021 Cohort
- Tuition (per year) - $33,000 per year for the Spring Cohort, with $16,500 due each spring and fall semester for the general DBA with a concentration area included.
- Tuition for 3-year program - $99,000 with a concentration area included for the Spring 2021 Cohort
- Tuition includes some flex bucks that can be used towards a light breakfast/lunch and snacks on DBA official class weekends.
- Students are responsible for all costs associated with travel to JU, housing and meals during on campus weekends, preparation and printing of dissertation, books and research software required for classes and required to complete their dissertations.
Program Completion
DBA candidates must successfully complete all required course work, a comprehensive doctoral activity, and dissertation no later than six (6) years after starting the program. A DBA candidate, who does not complete the program within six years and is in the dissertation phase of the program, may request a one-year extension (subject to approval by the DBA Graduate Committee) to complete his/her research. However, no extensions will be granted beyond seven years in the DBA program.
Program Requirements
CONCENTRATIONS (Optional)
Accounting and Finance (choose 4)
Management
Marketing
The following courses are required:
DBA 795: Dissertation Extension (1 credit hour if needed)
*DBA 795, Dissertation Extension (6 credit hour if needed)
*ACCT, DSIM, ECON, FIN, INB, MGT, MKG 800, Special Topics (max. 6 credits)