Business Administration, D.B.A.

The DBA curriculum is designed to empower learners to become ethical leaders. The coursework consists of four clusters of three classes each.
     I.    The Global Business Environment
           II.   Research Skills
     III. The Internal Environment of Business
           IV. Specialization Courses

In cluster I, students explore the world, the external environment of business through the traditional/stakeholder model of the firm. This exploration leads to research questions, both qualitative and quantitative, which are addressed through the cluster II courses. The activities in the cluster II courses are designed around questions raised in the cluster I courses.

As students gain a broader understanding of the world around them, questions will arise, some of which may be addressed through the research courses and some which will require the student to think critically about moral and ethical issues. Cluster III courses specifically address these moral and ethical issues. The specialization courses in cluster IV allow students to develop in-depth knowledge in a selected field and to begin developing a dissertation proposal.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates of the Doctorate of Business Administration program are expected to do the following:

Analyze complex issues in a global, diverse business context.
Conduct relevant research for business application.
Create innovate and adaptive solutions to complex business problems.
Provide adaptive leadership for continual organizational sustainability and growth.
Serve through ethical practices and social responsibility.
Communicate effectively in a variety of modes appropriate to the setting.

Program Structure and Delivery

Coursework is delivered over two years with courses from clusters I and II alternating during the first year. The second year covers cluster III followed by cluster IV. Courses are delivered in a blended format, integrating face-to-face classroom meetings and online activities or interactions in a planned, instructionally valuable manner.

Degree Requirements

Orientation	0 cr.
Cluster I. The Global Business Environment	9 cr.
Cluster II. Research Skills	9 cr.
Cluster III. The Internal Environment of Business	9 cr.
Cluster IV. Specialization Courses	12 cr.
Summative Activity, including 12 dissertation credits	15 cr.
Total	54 cr.

Student Orientation

DBA799 Student Orientation (0 cr.)

Foundational Courses: (9 cr.)

Foundational graduate level coursework in statistics, corporate finance, and managerial economics must be successfully completed prior to taking the Comprehensive Exam. Foundational courses, from those listed below or equivalents, do not count toward degree credits. Students choose MBA618 or GM630, MBA643 or GM660.

Cluster I: The Global Business Environment

Cluster II: Research Skills

Cluster III: The Internal Environment of Business

Cluster IV: Specialization Courses

Choose a specialization

Business Economics and Finance Specialization

Management and Strategy Specialization

Summative Activities

Faculty

The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree in business or management-related area and the following courses with a grade of B or better: Managerial Finance, Managerial Economics, and one semester of graduate statistics. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants must complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel) and,
An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
A reflective essay which includes:
1. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
2. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and their reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
3. description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
4. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
Two letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability and,
A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Winona Campus

Twin Cities Campus

Rochester Locations

Online