Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Trevecca’s Doctor of Business Administration equips students to teach, consult or advance in a corporate or academic setting, focusing on one of our distinct study tracks.
Upcoming Start Dates:
- Online:
-
Apr. 17, 2024 -
Aug. 21, 2024 -
Jan. 15, 2025 -
Apr. 23, 2025
Students in the DBA program get an advanced education in general business principles, while also gaining focused expertise in one of our 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.
- Enterprise Leading and Managing: Develops enterprise-level leaders who work in complex entrepreneurial settings.
- Healthcare Administration: Prepares graduates for leadership and service in healthcare organizations at middle and senior management levels.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Allows students to receive up to 12 credit hours for doctoral coursework completed at another institution in any discipline.
- 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.
Program Benefits
- Complete your degree online in 32 months with no residency requirements.
- 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.
- Utilize a built-in support system and complete your degree alongside others who are working toward similar goals through Trevecca’s cohort model.
- Get started without testing; no GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is required.
- Benefit from small classes of 19 students or fewer.
- Learn from faculty who possess the highest degrees in their fields and have relevant and valuable real-world experience.
What to Expect
As a student in Trevecca’s Doctor of Business Administration program, you’ll move through curriculum that pairs the latest business theories with practical applications for the workplace. You’ll examine how the global environment impacts business decisions and strategies while learning to use the latest technologies to strengthen training methods and communications. You’ll learn to use research techniques and data analytics for innovative problem solving, and you’ll discover how to cultivate a creative and entrepreneurial culture in your organization.
In addition to choosing your selected degree track, you’ll have the choice of completing either a traditional dissertation or an Applied Doctoral Project. The traditional dissertation is a pathway to new knowledge and is the more typical choice of academic faculty and leaders. The Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) is designed for working practitioners who want to use methodology and data to address real-world problems and issues.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded 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.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreHere’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.
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.
Cost/Credit Hour$699 |
Hours60 |
Tuition Cost*$41,940 |
*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course. $150 estimated book cost per course.
- Location/Modes
- Admissions
- Dissertation/ADP
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. 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.
Getting Started
- Complete the online application (it's free!).
Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here! - Fill out FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.
- Request official transcripts from your previous graduate institution.
Admissions Requirements
- 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.
- A 3.4 cumulative GPA for all prior graduate coursework.
- Official transcript sent directly from graduate institution to Trevecca.
- Submit résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Complete interview with the program director.
- 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.
- 60 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 6000 (2 credits) Introduction to Graduate Business Studies
- 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.
In addition to completing coursework that coincides with the selected degree track, students will have the choice of completing a traditional dissertation or an Applied Doctoral Project.
Applied Doctoral Project
An Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) is designed for working practitioners who want to use more sophisticated methodology and data to address real-world problems and issues. For example:
- Why are we experiencing employee turnover and how can we reduce it?
- What strategies are most successful in improving cash flows?
- What social media practices are most likely to help in increasing sales?
- How can we improve processes and reduce costs?
ADPs include these chapters:
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Problem or Opportunity
- Solutions or Recommendations
Dissertation
A classic dissertation is a pathway to new knowledge and is the more typical choice of academic faculty and leaders. Here are some examples of topics explored:
- Do diverse teams help to reduce sexual discrimination?
- Do stores in larger populations centers generate higher per store sales?
- Which college majors have the lowest and highest retention at Christian colleges?
Dissertations include these chapters:
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Findings and Recommendations
Career Opportunities
Trevecca’s online Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) degree program is designed for experienced professionals who want to take their education to the next level. The curriculum offers instruction on the latest business theories and methods paired with practical applications for the workplace.
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.
Executives who earn a DBA are well-positioned for roles such as these:
- 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
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Cohort Schedule
View a sample schedule of the courses you will be taking when you enroll.
Introduction to Doctoral Business Studies
BUS 8000
Current Topics in Management and Leadership
BUS 8010
Current Topics in Business Strategy
BUS 8020
Current Topics in Accounting and Finance
BUS 8030
Current Topics in Marketing
BUS 8040
Introduction to Applied Business Research Design
DBA 8050
Applied Business Research Principles and Practices
BUS 8200
Introduction to Applied Business Research Analytics
BUS 8210
Applied Doctoral Project Proposal / Dissertation Project Development
BUS 8220
Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) 1 - Problem and Solution Design
BUS 8300
Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) 2 - Project Execution and Analysis
BUS 8310
Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) 3 - Project Report and Completion
BUS 8320
Applied Doctoral Project (ADP) Continuation
BUS 8330
OR
Dissertation 1 - Proposal Completion
BUS 8350
Dissertation 2 - Data Collection and Analysis
BUS 8360
Dissertation 3 - Dissertation Completion
BUS 8370
Dissertation Continuation
BUS 8380
Choose a Track
Enterprise Leadership and Management
TRACK
This course is designed to provide students with the information needed to lead an enterprise successfully. The course will cover topics such as leadership characteristics, ethical leadership, team leadership, inspirational leadership, and visionary leadership models.
Students will study enterprise leadership from an inspirational view of leadership from a Christian perspective in developing cohesive teams. Students will explore the levels of effective leadership, issues facing leadership, and strategic measures of leadership. Students will investigate the complexity of the leadership environment of an enterprise through related discussions, topics, and case studies to better understand the skills and the different ways in which leadership can be conveyed.
Credit Hours: 4
Consulting and Coaching
TRACK
Healthcare Administration (Doctoral Track)
TRACK
Higher Education
TRACK
Interdisciplinary Studies
TRACK
Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
TRACK
This course serves as a foundational introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning, and their applications in various industries. The course aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of AI, as well as its potential impact on leadership and organizations. Topics to be covered include:
- What is AI? History, evolution, and key concepts
- Types of AI (narrow AI vs. general AI) and their applications
- Ethical considerations and challenges related to AI in leadership
- AI's impact on decision-making processes and organizational structures
- Case studies and real-world examples of AI-driven leadership strategies
- Future trends and implications of AI for leadership in various sectors
This course focuses on developing students' data literacy and analytical skills, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and understand AI-powered insights effectively. It is essential for leaders to be able to leverage data and analytics to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Topics to be covered include:
- Fundamentals of data analysis and interpretation for non-technical leaders
- Identifying relevant data sources and acquiring data
- Data visualization techniques for effective communication
- Understanding AI algorithms and interpreting AI-generated insights
- Ethical considerations in data collection and analysis
- Applying data-driven decision-making in leadership roles
- Hands-on exercises and projects using data analysis tools and platforms
This course focuses on the practical aspects of implementing AI within organizations and leading through the associated changes. Successful integration of AI requires leaders who can manage both the technical and human aspects of AI adoption. Topics to be covered include:
- AI strategy and integration planning for organizations
- Identifying opportunities for AI adoption in various business functions
- Assessing the impact of AI on the workforce and organizational culture
- Managing resistance to change and fostering an AI-friendly organizational culture
- Ethical considerations and responsible AI implementation
- Mitigating AI-related risks and ensuring data security and privacy
- Case studies of successful AI implementations and lessons learned
- Collaborative project work on developing an AI implementation plan
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.