Executive DBA in Digital Transformation
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (USA)
"Lead enterprise-wide digital change with doctoral-level authority"
- 3 phases · 17 modules · 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 Executive DBA in Digital Transformation is built for technology leaders, CDOs, and CIOs who need the academic depth to guide their organisations through AI, cloud, and platform-era disruption. You will produce doctoral-quality research on a live digital transformation initiative inside your own organisation.
The programme integrates AI strategy, data governance, and platform economics with rigorous research methods. Your dissertation will be a board-ready transformation playbook grounded in original evidence — not a textbook framework.
Delivered entirely online with asynchronous content and live weekend cohort sessions, the programme respects your calendar while connecting you with a global cohort of technology executives from 20+ industries.
Learning Outcomes
Eligibility & Admission
- Masters, MBA, or equivalent from a recognised institution
- 10+ years professional experience
- 5+ years in technology leadership, product, or digital strategy
- Research interest statement on a digital transformation topic
- Interview with programme director
Programme Structure
3 phases · 17 modules · 2.5 Years
Research & Technology Foundations
Specialist Deep Dives
Doctoral Dissertation
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
Chief Digital Officer
₹ 60L – 2Cr PA
Chief Information Officer
₹ 50L – 1.5Cr PA
VP / Director – Digital
₹ 40L – 1Cr PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2×
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Dr. Rohan Kapoor
Programme Lead · DBA MIT Sloan · Ex-Google Cloud Strategy Lead
Prof. Sandra Walsh
Research Supervisor · PhD Oxford · 20 yrs digital transformation consulting
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 — 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
Executive DBA in Digital Transformation
Corporate Academy
Awarded on successful defence
Earn the "Dr." Title
Upon successful defence of your dissertation, you are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration — 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 technology background to apply?
Yes — applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in technology leadership, product management, or digital strategy roles. Prior coding skills are not required.
Is the programme fully online?
Yes. All taught content is delivered online with live cohort sessions on weekends. There are no mandatory in-person residencies, though optional networking intensives are offered.
Will my dissertation be based on my own organisation?
Where possible, yes. The programme encourages candidates to use their own organisation as the research site, producing actionable insights with immediate business value.
How are live sessions structured?
Live sessions run on Saturday mornings (3–4 hours) and are recorded for asynchronous viewing. Dissertation supervision is conducted via 1:1 video calls with your assigned supervisor.
What is the time commitment per week?
Expect 10–15 hours per week during taught phases, reducing to 8–10 hours during the dissertation phase as your research becomes self-directed.
Talk to a DBA Counsellor
Get a personalised admissions roadmap — 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.
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