Executive Doctor of Business Administration
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) degree program at the University of North Alabama is a professional degree program for leaders seeking to go beyond the master’s level and differentiate themselves by developing applied research skills for solving complex organizational problems and developing innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices. These qualities make the program an ideal fit for experienced leaders who may be changing roles or positions within an organization, moving into a consulting career, or wishing to transition to an academic position.
As a doctoral program, the degree requires a dissertation and the requisite statistical and methodological skills necessary to complete such a project. However, the coursework and research are applied in nature with an intentional focus on how to leverage analytical tools and methods to solve real-world problems, address contemporary issues, and navigate disruptive trends that may not have existed even five years ago.
Time to Complete:
36 Months
Part-time
Modality Offered:
Online with on-campus sessions
10 times per year
Credentials:
Executive DBA
Why North Alabama?
The UNA Sanders College of Business and Technology is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This is a highly esteemed accreditation held by fewer than five percent of business colleges worldwide.
“EDBA Classes at UNA are practical and highly relevant with immediate, real-world application. Learning and being mentored by such world-class faculty is priceless. I am excited and privileged to be in the EDBA program at UNA – it has been worth every penny, time sacrificed, and ounce of commitment.”
Curriculum & Dissertation
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration program requires 54 post-master’s credit hours (courses are listed below) and students are expected to complete the majority of their coursework in the first two years and their dissertation in year three.
Completing a dissertation is the defining qualification for conveying the doctoral degree, as it is evidence of the ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation requires the integration of various skills developed throughout the program including: 1) high level expertise and content knowledge 2) statistical and methodological skills, 3) problem solving competencies and 4) effective scientific writing.
EDBA Scholarships
The following scholarship opportunities are available to Executive Doctor of Business Administration students: UNA Alumni, active or retired military, employees in higher education, employees of a UNA corporate partner, and Alabama residents. For more information or to apply, please email edba@una.edu.
Award = Up to $25,000 per student
How much can I make with an EDBA?
EDBA Plan of Study
| 1st Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||
| EDBA 800 | Discovering Applied Research | 3 |
| EDBA 805 | Project Management for Applied Research | 1 |
| EDBA 810 | Exploring Statistical Relationships in Business | 3 |
| EDBA 811 | Engaging with Applied Statistics Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| EDBA 815 | Prediction and Planning for Business Futures | 1 |
| EDBA 820 | Organizational Problem Solving; Design and Measurement | 3 |
| EDBA 825 | Innovation System Solutions (Course may be offered at a different time) | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDBA 830 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 840 | Advanced Qualitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 900 | Developing Applied Research Skills | 2 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 1st Term | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||
| EDBA 835 | Designing Technology for User Experience | 1 |
| EDBA 845 | Emerging Methodologies for Organizations | 1 |
| EDBA 861 | Becoming Data Smart | 3 |
| EDBA 863 | Emerging Issues in Business | 3 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| EDBA 855 | Integrating GIS to Optimize Business Performance | 1 |
| EDBA 862 | Creative and Innovative Thinking | 3 |
| EDBA 864 | Exploring Trends in the Global Economy (Course may be offered at a different time) | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDBA 865 | Applied Decision Making and Optimization | 2 |
| EDBA 901 | Dissertation Design | 3 |
| Hours | 5 | |
Residency
Residency weekends are scheduled on a monthly basis during each academic term, and attendance is mandatory. These residency weekends are the primary instructional time, with online learning being utilized between the residency weekend sessions. Residency weekends are announced many months in advance so students can plan and prioritize their time appropriately.
Faculty
You will learn from dedicated full-time faculty—most holding PhDs and/or terminal degrees from leading universities—as you pursue your doctorate degree in business.
The faculty dedicated to the EDBA program can be found here.
What can I do with an EDBA?
By earning an Executive Doctor of Business Administration, you will differentiate yourself from others with only an MBA because you will have developed the applied research skills needed for solving complex organizational problems and will have learned to develop innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices.
These qualities are an ideal fit for an experienced professional seeking to further strengthen leadership skills and advance within an organization or transition into a consulting career or higher education.
Accreditations
The North Alabama Sanders College of Business and Technology is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for a doctorate degree in business should have previously earned an MBA or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited academic institution. Because of this requirement, no test scores (for example, GMAT, GRE, MAT) will be required for admission into the program.
Executive Doctor of Business Administration applicants should possess at least seven years of substantive work experience preferably with high levels of responsibility, expertise, and leadership.
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
- Completed application.
- Resume.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in academia or industry who can comment on accomplishments and contributions, leadership, and other potential success factors.
- One essay outlining goals and motivations for pursuing the program.
- Virtual interview with EDBA Admissions Committee.
Resources
Executive DBA students are provided with:
- A laptop and professional EDBA bag
- All necessary University and statistical software
- Textbooks
- Parking passes
- Research support for academic conferences
- Executive nameplates
- EDBA clothing
- Business cards
Is a dissertation required?
Yes, and it is possible to use this research project to solve an existing organizational problem for your organization.
Is this an online DBA program?
No. This program has a low residency requirement. This means that students have the flexibility to complete much of their coursework online and on their own schedule, with classes held on campus approximately one weekend each month to learn in a cohort environment from UNA business faculty.
What is the difference between an Executive DBA program and a PhD in Business Administration?
While both are doctoral degrees, Ph.D. in Business Administration programs are generally designed for younger academics looking to advance in the social sciences or academic settings and focus on theory-driven and discipline-based research. DBA programs, however, are constructed for professionals who are already experienced leaders looking for a terminal degree beyond an MBA. The Executive DBA program at UNA goes a step further by emphasizing real-world problem solving and the development of applied research skills for professionals who are looking to drive organizational change and innovation.
What will the cohort size be for the DBA program at North Alabama?
The cohort size will be approximately 15 students of like-minded professionals.
How long will the Doctor of Business Administration degree take to complete?
The Executive DBA from North Alabama will take three years, part-time, for working professionals. In the first two years, students will complete the majority of their coursework, and year three will be dedicated to their dissertation.