Equivalent coursework with a minimum grade of B, confirmed by academic review.
Doctorate of Business AdministrationOnline
Turn management experience into doctoral research.
The 60-credit UBIS DBA combines doctoral coursework with an original business research project and defended dissertation. Compare the curriculum, tuition, entry routes and prior-credit review.
$34,050
Full doctoral tuition · USD
Fees are additional.
60 credits42 coursework + 18 dissertation
3-year program periodmaximum seven years to completion
Start next term
Monthly faculty consultationduring each academic term
Study & tuition
Complete doctoral coursework before the dissertation phase, with monthly faculty consultation during each academic term.
3-year program period
Research progress and dissertation approval determine individual completion. The maximum is seven years.
Academic term starts6 terms per year
Admissions confirms your entry term. Doctoral programs do not follow the MBA weekly start schedule.
What you'll study
Complete 42 credits of doctoral coursework and 18 credits of dissertation seminars. Your research proposal must earn approval before candidacy; the program ends with a dissertation defense.
Doctoral research coursework
Introduction to Business & Management Research at the Doctorate Level
Introduction to the Literature Review
Applied Research Trends in Strategic Management, Organisational Behaviour and Leadership
Introduction to Action Research
Research Trends in ESG
Introduction to Case Study Research Methodology
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Research Proposal Development and Defense
Dissertation and candidacy
After the 700-series coursework, advance to the 800-series dissertation seminars. Your research advisor and the Doctorate Academic Leader must approve your research proposal. Reach candidacy within five years and complete the doctorate within seven years.
Previous doctoral study has two different routes
A separate prior-learning assessment that may award advanced standing.
Neither award is automatic; academic review determines what counts and what remains.
See the ABD completion pathway
The doctorate ends in regalia
Coursework, an approved research proposal and a defended dissertation lead to the same moment for every route: the UBIS graduation ceremony.
Research and academic experiences beyond coursework.
The DBA community can draw on research support, live online discussions and optional residential academic programmes.
Research Institute
Dr Femina Syed leads support for publication planning, research ethics and analytical tools.
Research support detailsSunday Symposium
Live online sessions connect students with academics, industry practitioners and venture leaders.
Oxford and Cambridge immersives
UBIS students have joined week-long UK residential programmes with Oxford and Cambridge faculty. Future dates will be published when confirmed.
In our doctoral graduates' words.
Doctoral graduates on what their UBIS studies meant to them.
Graduate highlight · DBA
UBIS has been an amazing journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge. This doctorate stretched me, but it was worth it and deeply fulfilling.
Graduate story · DBA
My UBIS journey strengthened my leadership vision and refined my data-driven approach.
Graduate story · DBA
My UBIS DBA journey deepened my strategic insight, helping me analyze complex markets through research and strengthen innovation in the financial ecosystem.
Graduate story · DBA
This doctorate deepened my curiosity and challenged me through uncertainty. With every question came more learning, and through perseverance and resilience, I discovered the greatest achievement of all. I am deeply grateful to those who mentored, guided, and encouraged me along the way.
Accreditation & licensure
The MBA and DBA hold IACBE programmatic accreditation. CHEA recognizes IACBE; HELC licenses UBIS in Washington, DC.
Read the accreditation disclosure
Apply to UBIS
For applicants with a master's degree or equivalent.
- Master's degree certificate and transcripts
- Passport or government ID
- CV and a 250-word letter of intent
- A recommendation letter from your previous institution or employer
- English proficiency evidence, if required
What happens next
Admissions confirms your DBA route and any approved prior credit before enrollment.