DBA in Data Science & Business Analytics
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (USA)
"Lead the data revolution with doctoral-level research authority"
- 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
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
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
Data Research Foundations
Specialist Analytics Electives
Doctoral Dissertation
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
Chief Data / Analytics Officer
โน 60L โ 2Cr PA
Director โ AI / ML
โน 40L โ 1.2Cr PA
Data Science Researcher / Professor
โน 30L โ 80L PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2ร
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Dr. Sunita Patel
Programme Director ยท PhD MIT CSAIL ยท Ex-Google Brain Research Scientist ยท IIT-B Adjunct
Prof. Laurent Dupont
Analytics Research Lead ยท DBA Insead ยท Ex-McKinsey Analytics Practice Lead
Candidate Reviews
Programme Rating
Total reviews
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.
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.
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.
Doctor of Business Administration
DBA in Data Science & Business Analytics
Corporate Academy
Awarded on successful defence
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
Sponsoring Executives?
Custom cohorts, invoiced billing, and group discounts for 3+ sponsored candidates from the same organisation.
Explore Corporate PartnershipsBrowse Other Programmes
View All 16 DBA Programmes