Doctor of Business Administration
The Frank J. Guarini School of Business Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is tailored for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their strategic capabilities, research expertise, and leadership acumen in a rapidly evolving business environment. This innovative program equips business leaders and advanced practitioners with the tools necessary to address complex organizational challenges, contribute to advancing business knowledge, and create meaningful impact within their industries and communities.
DBA Program At-a-Glance
Concentrations: Organizational Leadership, Artificial Intelligence & Ethics, Business Analytics
Course Format: Hybrid (combination of online & on-campus) or 100% online
Program Duration: 4 years
Credits: 60 credits
Calendar: Trimester (11 weeks, with additional summer courses)
Curriculum Overview
The 60-credit DBA program incorporates a “learn-by-doing” methodology, fostering hands-on experiences through collaborative projects, case studies, and mentorship opportunities. The curriculum includes:
- 24 Core Course Credits: Build a strong foundation in business administration, leadership, and innovation.
- 21 Concentration-Specific Credits: Specialize in a chosen area to gain in-depth expertise aligned with industry demands.
- 1 Credit DBA Qualifying Exam: Demonstrate mastery of core business principles and research readiness.
- 2 Credits for DBA Proposal: Develop a research plan that sets the foundation for impactful dissertation work.
- 12 Dissertation Research Credits: Conduct original research that drives real-world business solutions and contributes to industry advancements.
Concentrations
Organizational Leadership: Equips students with the expertise to lead transformative initiatives, manage organizational change, and inspire teams.
Artificial Intelligence & Ethics: Addresses the growing demand for leaders who can navigate the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence. Topics include machine learning, AI-driven decision-making, and digital ethics.
Business Analytics: Tailored for data-driven decision makers, this concentration emphasizes advanced analytics, forecasting, and AI applications. It prepares graduates to extract actionable insights from complex data and manage data transformation initiatives effectively.
Our DBA Graduates
Our graduates leave with a robust foundation in business administration, advanced expertise in a chosen concentration, and research capabilities essential for leadership roles in academia, industry, and consulting. They are prepared for careers such as:
- Executive Leadership Roles (CEO, COO)
- General and Operations Managers
- Management Analysts
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Management Consultants
- Academic Positions as Professors or Researchers
What Questions Will Be Explored?
- How do organizations allocate resources given economic, management and strategy considerations?
- What best practices should be used to ensure organizational objectives are achieved by way of planning, budget, staffing and forecasting?
- In what ways does the historical evolution of financial and banking concerns in different countries create today’s modern global economy with its interconnected financial markets?
- Are there ethical and developmental considerations that are needed in the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)?
What Makes a Doctor of Business Administration Degree from Saint Peter’s University Different?
The program’s emphasis on applied research ensures graduates are equipped to address real-world problems, from improving supply chain efficiencies to developing AI-driven solutions. Rooted in Jesuit values, the program will empower students to apply these principles to real-world business practices across corporate, academic and entrepreneurial settings. The focus on ethical leadership as applied in this program furthers the University’s mission of developing socially responsible business leaders.
What Courses at Saint Peter’s are Truly Unique?
While other schools offer concentrations in supply chain, strategy and organizational behavior, Saint Peter’s University is offering 4 concentrations that directly align with emerging industry trends – Organizational Leadership, Finance, AI and Ethics and Business Analytics. By exploring these concentrations, graduates can remain at the forefront of innovation, contributing to the development of sustainable and forward-thinking business practices.
Why Should a Student Pursue a DBA from Saint Peter’s?
A distinctive feature of the DBA program is its emphasis on leadership development, teaching readiness and interdisciplinary approaches. Students will develop the skills to lead transformative initiatives, mentor others in strategic thinking and contribute to academic and industry advancements. By fostering lifelong learning, adaptability and global perspectives, the DBA program prepares graduates to remain at the forefront of innovation and leadership.