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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to prepare advanced business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, strategists, consultants, and global professionals who can lead organizations through innovation, digital transformation, sustainable growth, and strategic leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy.


PURPOSE

The Doctor of Business Administration program is grounded in an innovation-driven, leadership-centered, and globally engaged philosophy of business education. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, ethical leadership, interdisciplinary problem-solving, digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurial innovation, and practical application of advanced business knowledge. The program seeks to cultivate visionary leaders capable of integrating research, technology, and global business strategies for organizational excellence and societal impact.

Philosophy

The Doctor of Business Administration program is grounded in an innovation-driven, leadership-centered, and globally engaged philosophy of business education. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, ethical leadership, interdisciplinary problem-solving, digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurial innovation, and practical application of advanced business knowledge. The program seeks to cultivate visionary leaders capable of integrating research, technology, and global business strategies for organizational excellence and societal impact.

Emphases Competencies

The Doctor of Business Administration program develops advanced competencies in Strategic Leadership and Executive Management, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sustainability and Crisis Management, Aviation Systems and Strategic Operations, Global Maestro Human Management, Real Estate Investment and Auction Management, Health Care Management, Organizational Change and Innovation, International Business Strategy, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Financial and Resource Management, and Applied Business Research. Strategic Business Leadership and Market Innovation

OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this degree, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of business theories, strategic management practices, and organizational leadership necessary to lead effectively in dynamic, technology-driven, and globally competitive business environments.
  • Apply executive leadership, innovation management, digital transformation strategies, and data-driven decision-making skills to solve complex organizational challenges, improve operational performance, and promote sustainable growth.
  • Conduct applied business research utilizing analytical, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies to generate strategic insights, support organizational decision-making, and contribute to professional business practice and industry advancement.
  • Demonstrate ethical leadership, global business competence, and cross-cultural management skills by integrating social responsibility, sustainability, and international perspectives into organizational strategy and professional practice.
  • Integrate interdisciplinary business competencies in entrepreneurship, financial management, organizational innovation, crisis management, and emerging technologies to develop transformative solutions for evolving global markets and industries.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants seeking admission to a doctoral degree program must submit the following:

  • Completed Application for Admission
  • $100.00 non-refundable application fee
  • A brief autobiographical statement
  • Official Transcript Verifying Completion of an Appropriate Master’s Degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 Scale (or equivalent)
  • Minimum of Three Years of Significant Professional Experience Following the Master’s Degree
  • Doctoral Application Essay
  • Recommendation from a Professor, Employer, or Professional Leader
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Two Recent Photographs for Student dentification

The University reserves the right to request interviews, additional documents, writing samples, portfolios, or other materials when deemed necessary for admission consideration.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the prescribed doctoral program within five academic years. A maximum of seven years may be granted upon approval of the Academic Dean.
  • Successfully complete all required coursework and program requirements.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • Earn no grade below “B” in doctoral-level coursework. A grade of “C” constitutes unsuccessful completion of the course.
  • Successfully pass all required qualifying examinations.
  • Successfully complete the dissertation, doctoral project, or equivalent culminating research requirement.
  • Successfully complete the oral defense of the dissertation or doctoral project.
  • Complete all practicum, internship, residency, or professional engagement requirements, where applicable.
  • Satisfy all financial obligations to the University.
  • Receive approval for graduation from the appropriate faculty and academic administration.
  • Complete GE 500 Worldview unless waived through approved biblical or theological coursework.
  • Complete Service Leadership Engagement Program (SLEP)
  • Successfully complete the required Capstone Graduation Program and On-Campus Residency Requirement.

The University reserves the right to establish additional graduation requirements for specific academic programs as approved by the faculty and administration. The program integrates business theory, applied research, executive leadership, technology innovation, global entrepreneurship, crisis management, and industry specialization to develop transformational leaders equipped for the future of business and society.

COURSES

Core Courses

12 Credit Hours(Select 3 courses)

DBA 801 Advanced Strategic Management and Leadership (4)
DBA 802 Data Analytics and Strategic Decision Intelligence(4)
DBA 803 Global Business Ethics, Governance, and Innovation (4)
DBA 804 Innovation Strategy and Creative Leadership (4)
DBA 805 Global Sustainability and Future Development (4)

Emphases Courses

16 Credit Hours(Select 4 courses)

1. AI & Digital Transformation Strategy

DBA 811 Artificial Intelligence and Business Innovation (4)
DBA 812 Digital Transformation and Organizational Change (4)
DBA 813 Business Analytics and Strategic Data Systems (4)
DBA 814 Emerging Technology and Future Business Strategy (4)
DBA 815 AI Governance and Ethical Technology Leadership (4)
DBA 816 Smart Organizations and Digital Ecosystems (4)

2. AI-Driven Human Capital & Future Workforce

DBA 851 AI-Driven Human Capital Management (4)
DBA 852 Workforce Analytics & Strategic Talent Management (4)
DBA 853 Human-AI Workforce Integration & Organizational Transformation (4)
DBA 854 Future Workforce Strategy & Global Human Capital Leadership (4)

3. Data Science

DBA 881 Advanced Data Science Foundations (4)
DBA 882 Machine Learning for Business Intelligence (4)
DBA 883 Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Decision Making (4)
DBA 884 Data Governance, Privacy, and Ethical Leadership (4)
DBA 885 Digital Transformation and Intelligent Enterprise Systems (4)

Practicum / Internship Courses

8 Credit Hours

(Students may select either Option A or Option B)

Option A: Practicum / Internship Track

8 Credit Hours

(Each course carries 1 credit hour. Students complete a total of 8 courses.)

DBA 891 Doctoral Business Practicum I (1)
DBA 892 Doctoral Business Practicum II (1)
DBA 893 Applied Organizational Leadership Practicum (1)
DBA 894 Advanced Business Strategy Field Experience (1)
DBA 895 Management Internship I(1)
DBA 896 Management Internship II (1)
DBA 897 Global Business Leadership Practicum (1)
DBA 898 Doctoral Applied Business Consulting Project (1)

Option B: Independent Research / Study Track

8 Credit Hours

   (In place of the practicum track, students may choose 8 credit hours of Free Elective courses.)

Dissertation

9 Credit Hours

RS 805 Dissertation Research Seminar (3)
RS 807 Dissertation (6)

Capstone

3 Credit Hours

CP 890 Capstone (3)

Service leadership Engagement Program (SLEP)

The Service Leadership Engagement Program is designed to cultivate servant leadership, ethical responsibility, professional integrity, and community engagement through structured leadership service activities. Doctoral students participate in community service, organizational leadership projects, and professional engagement experiences that strengthen ethical leadership and social responsibility competencies.

Option 1 - Community Service

Complete 24 hours of approved community service, demonstrating leadership, civic engagement, and service to the community.

Option 2 - Leadership Service Seminar

Complete a 1-credit Leadership Service Seminar, which focuses on the role and responsibilities of leaders in serving communities. Students are required to attend the seminar and successfully complete a reflective report or assigned project demonstrating their understanding and application of service leadership principles.

Total

48 Credit Hours

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Midwest University

851 Parr Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385 | (636)327-4645 | usa@midwest.edu
Copyright © 2026 Midwest University / Staff Login

Midwest University

851 Parr Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385
(636)327-4645
usa@midwest.edu
Copyright © 2026 Midwest University
Staff Login