Doctor of Business Administration

Athabasca University's Doctor of Business Administration is a 21-credit doctoral program combining online coursework with an in-person component. The first two years include six foundational and research courses, delivered as online grouped study, alongside a one-week on-site research workshop held annually for the first three years. In year three, candidates complete a dissertation proposal and a candidacy exam before undertaking original dissertation research, which concludes with a defence. The program is accredited by AACSB International and has a single annual intake with a March application deadline. It is designed for experienced managers and senior leaders who already hold an MBA or an equivalent master's degree and have at least five years of management or professional experience, as well as for academics and instructors seeking a research doctorate. The emphasis throughout is on field-based, practical research with direct application to organizational problems rather than purely theoretical scholarship. Total completion time ranges from three to seven years, with most candidates finishing in four to five years. The structure suits working professionals who need a doctoral credential while remaining employed, given the limited on-site requirement.