Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (USA)
"Earn the 'Dr.' title while remaining a full-time executive leader"
- 3 phases · 17 modules · 3 Years programme
- Earn the internationally recognised "Dr." title
- Dissertation on a live business challenge in your organisation
- Cohort of up to 25 senior executives from 25+ countries
Duration
3 Years
Phases
3
Modules
17
Cohort
Up to 25
Credential
DBA
Delivery
Online + Residency
About This Programme
The Corporate Academy Doctor of Business Administration is a Ph.D.-equivalent professional doctorate designed for senior executives who wish to advance their organisations through rigorous applied research. Unlike a traditional Ph.D., every module is immediately applicable — you will solve a real business challenge your organisation faces today.
Over three years you will move through doctoral foundations, specialist electives co-designed with PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte faculty, and a fully supervised dissertation that results in original, publishable knowledge. Residencies in London, Singapore, and Dubai place you inside global boardrooms and peer networks.
Graduates earn the internationally recognised 'Dr.' title and join a community of 5,000+ DBA alumni who lead at the C-suite and board levels across 25+ countries.
Learning Outcomes
Eligibility & Admission
- Masters or MBA from a recognised university
- 10+ years of professional experience
- 5+ years in senior management / leadership
- Strong command of English (written & spoken)
- Research interest statement (500 words)
- Interview with admissions panel
Programme Structure
3 phases · 17 modules · 3 Years
Doctoral Foundations
Specialist Electives
Doctoral Research
Career Outcomes
Where our DBA graduates lead
Chief Executive Officer
₹ 80L – 3Cr PA
Board Director
₹ 40L – 1.5Cr PA
Distinguished Professor
₹ 25–60L PA
92%
Executive Promotion Rate
2×
Avg. Salary Multiplier
18 mo
Avg. Time to Next Role
Programme Faculty
Prof. Arjun Mehta
Programme Director · PhD Harvard · Ex-McKinsey Partner · IIM-A Faculty
Dr. Claire Fontaine
Dissertation Supervisor · DBA London Business School · Ex-Deloitte EMEA
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
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
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
Is a DBA equivalent to a PhD?
Yes. A DBA is a professional doctorate equivalent in academic standing to a PhD, but focused on applied management practice rather than pure theory. Graduates earn the 'Dr.' title and are eligible for academic positions.
Can I study while working full-time?
Absolutely. The programme is specifically designed for working executives. Live sessions are held on weekends; residencies are intensive week-long modules held twice per year.
What is the minimum work experience required?
Applicants must have at least 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in senior management or leadership roles.
Will I get a supervisor for my dissertation?
Yes. Each candidate is assigned a senior academic supervisor and an industry practice mentor from day one, ensuring both scholarly rigour and real-world relevance.
How are residencies conducted?
Residencies are held in London, Singapore, and Dubai. They include masterclasses with global thought leaders, peer-to-peer workshops, and site visits to partner organisations.
What happens if I need to pause my studies?
We offer a formal deferral policy allowing candidates to pause for up to 12 months due to professional or personal commitments, with no loss of academic standing.
Talk to a DBA Counsellor
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Upcoming Intakes
September 2026
Next Batch
7 seats left
January 2027
Upcoming
12 seats left
April 2027
Later
15 seats left
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