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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Trevecca’s online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for experienced professionals who want to solve complex business problems, advance in leadership or transition into academia. The program provides two options as students move toward completing the doctorate: an applied dissertation or an applied research project.

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  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, you will examine how the global business environment shapes strategic decision-making through the use of artificial intelligence and proven management concepts. Throughout the program, you'll develop expertise in contemporary technologies, research methods, data analytics and professional communication while gaining the skills to solve complex organizational challenges. This preparation will equip you to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in organizations across industries.

You'll also customize your education through a career-focused program track. Every track is available in both DBA degrees, allowing you to tailor your coursework to your professional interests and goals.

Program Benefits

  • Complete your degree online in three years or less, depending on your program. Neither program has a residency requirement.

  • Continue to work and focus on your other priorities while earning your degree, taking one course at a time with all materials delivered to you.

  • Tailor your degree by selecting a track that fits your career path and future goals.

  • Benefit from small classes of 19 students or fewer per class.

  • Utilize a built-in support system and complete your degree alongside others who are working toward similar goals through Trevecca’s cohort model.

Flexible Degree Options

Trevecca offers two DBA degree options: the applied dissertation and the applied doctoral project (ADP). The dissertation emphasizes original research that contributes new knowledge to the field, while the ADP applies research to address a specific organizational challenge. Because the two options share a common curriculum for most of the program, you don't have to decide right away which best aligns with your career goals–you can make that decision as you advance toward completing your manuscript.

  • Applied Dissertation
    If your goal is to be a change agent in organizational management through applied research or a career in academia, this scholarly degree option works well. The applied dissertation equips you to pursue business research interests and add to the body of scholarly knowledge. You’ll have the freedom to choose a meaningful research topic related to business administration that is relevant to your professional goals. The result will be an original dissertation that you prepare for publication over the course of the program’s 68 credit hours. The structure is designed to facilitate completion in 36 months.

  • Applied Research Project (ADP)
    This hands-on degree option is helpful if your goal is to address managerial challenges in a specific organization. This is ideal for business practitioners. If you are looking to problem solve and use data to better your workplace and address points of concern, the ADP might be right for you. This option consists of 64 credit hours and can be completed in 34 months. Your final project is not intended for publication as a dissertation, but you will walk away with confidence and a proven strategy to address real-world opportunities for growth in your organization.

Which Option is the Right Fit for You?

DBA Program

Applied Research Project

Applied Dissertation

Focus

Applies research and advanced business strategies  to solve specific challenges that you want  to address in your organization

Applies research and advanced business strategies to solve real-world organizational problems and conducts original research that expands the body of knowledge in your field.

Tracks

Yes

Yes

Career Path

Organizational leadership and administrative roles for business enterprises and major corporations

Roles in academia, consulting and administration for business enterprises and major corporations 

Planned Program Length

34 months

36 months

Modality

100% online

100% online

Manuscript

Applied research project

Applied dissertation

Estimated Program Cost

$44,736

$47,532

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Online DBA Costs

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

Online DBA Costs

Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.

DBA- traditional dissertation

COST/CREDIT HOUR

$699

HOURS

68

TUITION COST*

$47,532


DBA- applied doctoral project

COST/CREDIT HOUR

$699

HOURS

64

TUITION COST*

$44,736

*$300 Student Resource Fee assessed per course

Career Opportunities for a Doctorate in Business Administration

Professionals who’ve obtained a DBA are uniquely prepared to run major corporations, international companies or teach business at a prestigious school. They are strong candidates for careers in research organizations, firms, banks or other enterprises.  

Graduates of Trevecca's DBA program are well-positioned for roles such as: 

  • Operations Manager 
  • Chief Financial Officer 
  • Senior Managerial Consultant 
  • Director of Human Resources Management 
  • Chief Executive Officer 
  • Dean of Business 
  • Senior Manager
  • Business Faculty
  • Executive Coach

Doctor of Business Administration Details

How to start your DBA

  1. Complete the online application (it's free!).
    Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions!
  2. Fill out FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. 
  3. Request official transcripts from your previous graduate institution.

Admissions Requirements  

  1. Have earned a master's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting agency or the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students who do not meet these degree requirements may be conditionally accepted in accordance with the Conditional Admission Policy.
  2. A 3.4 cumulative GPA for all prior graduate coursework. 
  3. Official transcript sent directly from graduate institution to Trevecca.
  4. Submit résumé or curriculum vitae. 
  5. Complete interview with the program director. 
  6. Provide photocopy of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport). This requirement ensures that Trevecca complies with the U.S. Department of Education expectations for student verification. 

Degree Requirements

  • A graduate degree is required for all applicants seeking admittance into the program.
  • 64-68 semester credits are required for graduation.
  • For students entering the program without an undergraduate or graduate degree in a business area but with a master’s degree in a non-business area of study, 5 credits of prerequisites are required. These prerequisites (two 6-week MBA courses) can be taken at Trevecca. Prerequisites must be completed before the start of the first DBA course.
    These prerequisites include:
    • BUS 6015 (3 credits) Accounting and Finance for Managers

Additional Information

  • Applicants outside of the United States are required to submit a TOEFL score of 550 or above to considered for admission.
  • A limited number of students may be admitted conditionally outside of the normal admission requirements based on an extensive amount of professional experience.
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Earn your DBA 100% online

We understand life is busy and you may not have time to attend class on campus. That's why we offer our programs 100 percent online with no recidenc. Whether you are a working adult, a stay-at-home parent, or simply live outside of Nashville, we make it easy to earn your degree while focusing on one class at a time, any time—24/7. Classes are taught online through our learning management system, Blackboard. Additionally, books and materials are delivered to your front door. And when we say the degree is entirely online, we mean it. With the way our program is structured, you never have to step foot on campus--not even once!

With our online degree programs, you can expect the same level of quality and rigor that Trevecca has provided students since 1901. Our online students also benefit from a cohort model, where students begin and complete their degree alongside a group of other online classmates working toward similar goals.

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Why Choose Trevecca for your online DBA?

WSJ_Colleges_2026_Logo_white_1Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Next Steps

App Process & Timeline

Submit Your Application

Our application is easy and typically takes less than 7 minutes to complete. Submit your app to get the process started!

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Complete FAFSA

9 out of 10 students at Trevecca receive some form of financial aid. Complete your FAFSA today for the best chance at locking yours in!

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Send Your Transcripts

To ensure credit for prior education and to expedite your enrollment, make sure to send over your transcripts!

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Our Online DBA Faculty

  • Portrait for Dawn Olson

    Dawn Olson

    Associate Professor, Business

    Dawn is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and teaches undergraduate courses in Trevecca's Skinner School of Business and Technology as well as the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS). Dawn is a strategic, organized, and ...

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  • Portrait for Brandee Norris

    Brandee Norris, Ph.D.

    Professor and Director, Healthcare Administration Programs Coordinator for MBA and DBA Healthcare Tracks

    Brandee’s specialization is healthcare administration and she is deeply passionate about mentoring future healthcare leaders. She embraces faith-based learning and promotes the importance of authentic servant leadership. As a former healthcare ...

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  • Portrait for Phil Rickard

    Phil Rickard, DBA

    Dean, Skinner School of Business, DBA Program Director, MBA Program Director, Professor of Accounting, Finance and Strategy

    Phil is a certified public accountant with professional experience in accounting, finance and strategy in energy industries. He has also served in ministry and administrative roles for nonprofits. Prior to assuming the dean position at Trevecca, ...

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  • Portrait for Danielle Wright

    Danielle Wright

    Professor of Business, DBA Research Director
  • Portrait for James Agee

    James Agee, Ph.D.

    Professor

    James’ specialization is in statistics, research and management, which he teaches in a variety of programs across campus, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). He received his Ph.D. from the State University of New York (Albany) ...

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  • Portrait for Dean Diehl

    Dean Diehl

    Associate Professor

    As a senior executive with Sony Music, Dean brings a unique combination of practical experience, formal education and research into the classroom. Whether teaching undergraduate music business and entrepreneurship students or adults in the MBA ...

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  • Portrait for Eda Cako-Moore

    Eda Cako-Moore

    Faculty Recruiter, Director of Science in Business Management Program

    Eda is a full-time instructor in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. She holds a B.S. in intercultural communications and an MBA with a concentration in management and leadership from Trevecca. Eda also serves as program director of ...

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  • Portrait for Edmund McFadden

    Edmund McFadden, DBA

    Associate Professor, Healthcare Administration

    Dr. McFadden has over 30 years of healthcare consulting, operations, and information technology experience in multi-site, high-growth healthcare companies. He teaches undergraduate, master's, and doctorate-level courses. He has successfully ...

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  • Portrait for Melinda Burch

    Melinda Burch

    Associate Professor

    After completing her undergraduate education at Trevecca, Mindy started her career as a middle school math teacher in Clarksville, TN and completed her master's degree at Austin Peay State University. After moving back to Nashville, she worked at ...

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  • Portrait for Rick Mann

    Rick Mann

    Professor of Business, Director of MBA Program

    Rick has a passion for building strategic leaders and organizations that create remarkable value for their stakeholders. This passion finds expression at the Skinner School of Business where he provides academic oversight of Trevecca's MBA and ...

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POVThe moment you hear "Dr." in front of your name for the first time

Headshot of Jeff Leegon

At first, I thought business was all about making money, but the DBA taught me that business is really about stewardship. It’s about using resources wisely, whether that’s grant dollars or your team’s time.

Jeff Leegon Trevecca graduate

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


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Cohort Schedule

View a sample schedule of the courses you will be taking when you enroll.

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Introduction to Doctoral Business Studies
BUS 8000
This course will introduce students to key business topics at the doctoral level. Students will work through doctoral-level analysis, writing, and case studies developing requisite writing skills, critical thinking skills, and engagement of doctoral and peer-reviewed research in preparation for future coursework and research. This course must be completed with a B or better before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
Current Topics in Management and Leadership
BUS 8010
This course will review current principles and best practices in management and leadership. Analysis of these trends will be reviewed in the literature and selected case studies. Students will reflect on their own management and leadership patterns.
Credit Hours: 4
Current Topics in Business Strategy
BUS 8020
Students will review strategic management foundations as well as current strategic principles and practices. Students will review cases related to strategy development and execution.
Credit Hours: 4
Current Topics in Accounting and Finance
BUS 8030
This course is designed to facilitate comprehension of financial transactions and reports for effective applications to managerial decision-making and strategic formulation. Current topics from accounting and finance that drive value creation in both tactical and strategic initiatives will be explored. Topics will include corporate governance, cost management, profitability analysis, forecasting financial statements, credit evaluation and market-based valuation.
Credit Hours: 4
Current Topics in Marketing
BUS 8040
Students will review theoretical marketing concepts like consumer behavior as well as current trends in ethical marketing and digital marketing practices. This course is designed to strengthen analytical, communication, and leadership skills in marketing from a Christian perspective. Students will critically review academic literature related to strategic marketing and engage in a self-directed marketing project under the guidance of an experienced marketing faculty mentor.
Credit Hours: 4
Introduction to Applied Business Research Design
DBA 8050
This course introduces students to foundational topics related to research. A special emphasis is placed on choosing reliable and valid measures and developing sound designs. Ethical research practices are also explored.
Credit Hours: 4
Applied Business Research Principles and Practices
BUS 8200
Students will review research and/or project-based, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies including both theoretical foundations and with cases demonstrating applied principles and practices. Students will work through doctoral-level analysis, writing, and case studies developing requisite writing skills, critical thinking skills, and engagement of doctoral and peer-reviewed research in preparation for their applied doctoral project or dissertation. This course must be completed with a C or better before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
Introduction to Applied Business Research Analytics
BUS 8210
This course is designed to equip students with the statistical tools needed to analyze the data from a variety of different research designs that an organization might use to assess operational issues.  In addition, students will develop the skills necessary to interpret and present findings.
Credit Hours: 4
Applied Doctoral Project Proposal / Dissertation Project Development
BUS 8220
In this course, students will pull together all they have learned related to applied business research principles and practices and develop the research framework and proposal for the Applied Doctoral Project or Dissertation that they will complete for this program. This course must be completed with a C or better before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
Proposal and IRB Application
BUS 8230
Students will build on the Chapters 1 and 2 completion from BUS 8220 and develop Chapter 3 using either a quantitative or qualitative methodology including both theoretical foundations and with cases demonstrating applied principle and practices. Working with the instructor, students will work through doctoral-level analysis, writing, and case studies developing requisite writing skills, critical thinking skills, and engagement of doctoral and peer-reviewed research in preparation for their applied doctoral project or dissertation. Students will complete and submit the final DBA proposal related to chapters 1-3 and a related IRB application. This course is graded as S or U. All elements must be satisfactorily completed before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
Data Collection and Analysis
BUS 8240
Students will begin data collection then continue with data analysis based upon approval of the DBA Proposal in BUS 8230 and the IRB Application. Working with the instructor and the DBA Advising Team, students will work through doctoral-level analysis, writing, and case studies developing requisite writing skills, critical thinking skills, and engagement of doctoral and peer-reviewed research in preparation for their applied doctoral project or dissertation. Any revisions to the proposal must be approved by the instructor, Director of Research, and possibly by the IRB. This course is graded as S or U. All elements must be satisfactorily completed before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
Manuscript Completion
BUS 8250
Course description: Students will complete the DBA (ADP or DISS) manuscript following the success achieved in BUS 8240. Working with the instructor, students will work through doctoral-level analysis, writing, and case studies developing requisite writing skills, critical thinking skills, and engagement of doctoral and peer-reviewed research in preparation for their applied doctoral project or dissertation. The final DBA manuscript must conform and not deviate to all aspects of the approval proposal and IRB application. Any revisions must be approved by the instructor, Director of Research, and possibly by the IRB. This course is graded as S or U. All elements must be satisfactorily completed before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 4
DBA Continuation
BUS 8260
Students will complete any remaining items required for approval of the DBA Manuscript from BUS 8250 for revision and finalized for approval. As such, the work will be self-directed with the support of the instructor. The course may be repeated with the approval of the DBA Program Director and DBA Director of Research. The final DBA manuscript must conform and not deviate to all aspects of the approval proposal and IRB application. Any revisions must be approved by the instructor, Director of Research, and possibly by the IRB. This course is graded as S or U. All elements must be satisfactorily completed before any later DBA work can be taken.
Credit Hours: 1

Choose Your Track

Students in Trevecca’s DBA program receive an advanced education in general business principles, while also gaining focused expertise in one of these specialized tracks of study:

  • Higher Education: Designed for those interested in teaching business or serving as a college administrator
  • Consulting and Coaching: Equips graduates to serve as internal or external executive consultants and coaches
  • Executive Leadership and Management: Develops enterprise-level leaders who work in complex entrepreneurial settings
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: Allows students to receive up to 12 credit hours for doctoral coursework completed at another institution in any discipline
  • Healthcare Administration: Prepares graduates for leadership and service in healthcare organizations at middle and senior management levels
  • Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Provides aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on organizations
  • Organizational Intelligence: Walks leaders through a scaffolded learning experience that empowers them to identify and address the barriers to OQ, create a culture of growth and learning and drive systemic and systematic improvement in their organizations

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.

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