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Doctoral Programme Data & Analytics New Batch

DBA in Data Science & Business Analytics

Golden Gate University, San Francisco (USA)

"Lead the data revolution with doctoral-level research authority"

4.9 (512 reviews)
1,050 enrolled
2.5 Years
Online
  • 3 phases ยท 17 modules ยท 2.5 Years programme
  • Earn the internationally recognised "Dr." title
  • Dissertation on a live business challenge in your organisation
  • Cohort of up to 20 senior executives from 25+ countries
Ph.D.-Equivalent Credential Industry-Recognised Global Cohort ยท 25+ Countries

Duration

2.5 Years

Phases

3

Modules

17

Cohort

Up to 20

Credential

DBA

Delivery

Online

About This Programme

The DBA in Data Science & Business Analytics is designed for Chief Data Officers, analytics directors, and data product leaders who want doctoral credentials to match their technical depth. The programme combines advanced ML research, causal inference, and executive data storytelling โ€” producing leaders who can both build and govern data-driven organisations.

Your dissertation will investigate a live analytics challenge using primary data from your organisation โ€” from algorithmic bias in credit scoring to predictive modelling in supply chain disruption. The outcome is publishable research with immediate commercial value.

Learning Outcomes

Design and defend doctoral research using advanced statistical and ML methods
Apply causal inference and experimental design to business decisions
Lead AI and data governance programmes at board and regulatory level
Build predictive and prescriptive analytics architectures for large organisations
Communicate complex data insights to C-suite and board audiences
Evaluate algorithmic fairness, bias, and ethics in ML systems
Publish in leading data science, management, and IS journals
Govern data strategy, data products, and data platforms at scale

Eligibility & Admission

  • Masters in Data Science, Statistics, CS, or MBA with analytics focus
  • 10+ years professional experience
  • 5+ years in data science, analytics, or AI leadership
  • Python/R proficiency assessment
  • Research interest statement on a data/analytics problem

Programme Structure

3 phases ยท 17 modules ยท 2.5 Years

Phase 1

Data Research Foundations

Months 1โ€“6
Research Methods for Data Scientists
Advanced Statistics & Causal Inference
Machine Learning Theory & Evaluation
Data Governance & Ethics
Academic Writing for Technical Leaders
Phase 2

Specialist Analytics Electives

Months 7โ€“18
Deep Learning & NLP Research Applications
Predictive Modelling Lab (Python / R)
Executive Data Storytelling & Visualisation
AI Strategy & Data Product Management
Algorithmic Fairness & Responsible AI
Data Platform Architecture (Cloud/Lakehouse)
Phase 3

Doctoral Dissertation

Months 19โ€“30
Research Proposal on a Live Analytics Problem
Data Collection, Cleaning & Feature Engineering
Model Development & Validation
Dissertation Drafting & Supervision
Viva Voce Defence
IS / Data Science Journal Submission

Career Outcomes

Where our DBA graduates lead

Chief Data / Analytics Officer

โ‚น 60L โ€“ 2Cr PA

Google India PhonePe HDFC Bank

Director โ€“ AI / ML

โ‚น 40L โ€“ 1.2Cr PA

Microsoft India Flipkart Razorpay

Data Science Researcher / Professor

โ‚น 30L โ€“ 80L PA

IITs IIMs IISc

92%

Executive Promotion Rate

2ร—

Avg. Salary Multiplier

18 mo

Avg. Time to Next Role

Programme Faculty

D

Dr. Sunita Patel

Programme Director ยท PhD MIT CSAIL ยท Ex-Google Brain Research Scientist ยท IIT-B Adjunct

4.9
ML Research Causal Inference AI Governance
P

Prof. Laurent Dupont

Analytics Research Lead ยท DBA Insead ยท Ex-McKinsey Analytics Practice Lead

4.9
Predictive Modelling Data Strategy Executive Analytics

Candidate Reviews

4.9

Programme Rating

5
64%
4
23%
3
9%
2
3%
1
1%
512

Total reviews

V
Venkat Rao Jun 2026

The DBA transformed how I engage with my board. I now bring evidence, not just intuition, to every strategic discussion. The dissertation process was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

P
Patricia Walsh May 2026

Worth every rupee. The faculty are genuinely at the top of their field. My supervisor pushed me in ways that made the research genuinely original. Got promoted to Group CEO three months after defending.

A
Anand Gupta Apr 2026

Demanding programme โ€” but that's the point. The cohort of fellow executives is itself worth the investment. The network I've built across 18 countries is invaluable.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Doctor of Business Administration

DBA in Data Science & Business Analytics

Corporate Academy

Awarded on successful defence

Ph.D.-Equivalent Credential

Earn the "Dr." Title

Upon successful defence of your dissertation, you are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration โ€” a credential recognised by leading corporations, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Add it to your LinkedIn, email signature, and board profile.

  • Globally recognised 'Dr.' title
  • Alumni network of 5,000+ doctoral graduates
  • Eligible for academic appointments at leading B-schools
  • Verified by partner accreditation bodies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer science or mathematics degree?

Not necessarily. The programme is designed for experienced data practitioners. Strong Python/R skills and working knowledge of ML are required, but a formal CS degree is not.

What level of Python/R proficiency is expected?

Intermediate proficiency โ€” you should be comfortable with pandas, scikit-learn, and ggplot2. A refresher bootcamp is offered before programme start for candidates who need it.

Can my dissertation use proprietary company data?

Yes โ€” and this is encouraged. All data governance and confidentiality protocols are agreed in advance. Many candidates produce commercially sensitive research that is embargoed for 2 years.

Talk to a DBA Counsellor

Get a personalised admissions roadmap โ€” free of charge.

Upcoming Intakes

October 2026

Next Batch

7 seats left

January 2027

Upcoming

12 seats left

April 2027

Later

15 seats left

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Custom cohorts, invoiced billing, and group discounts for 3+ sponsored candidates from the same organisation.

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