Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program is one of a few AACSB-accredited DBA programs in the nation. The Davis DBA is an applied program where candidates practice using analytical tools to solve current work problems and challenges. The program is based on theoretical and managerial/applied perspectives in a broad array of business areas. The coursework emphasizes the practical application of advanced business knowledge, analytics, and evidence-based decision making that is useful for today’s contemporary leaders. Hence, the program is ideal for executives, aspiring consultants, and "clinical" or applied faculty desiring positions in schools of business internationally.

DBA Program Mission Statement

The DBA program's mission is to cultivate advanced skills for the development of evidence-based decision making among senior executives and policy makers. The focus is on both inspired leadership of organizations and ethical business practices in a contemporary world.

DBA Program Outline

The doctoral program admits a new cohort each fall. On campus cohort classes are held one weekend (Friday and Saturday) per month for the first two years of the program. Doctoral candidates engage in individual work that can be accomplished through collaboration with faculty and colleagues. Jacksonville University's Doctor of Business Administration degree can be earned in a minimum of three years. The doctoral program is broken down into two phases. In the first phase, spanning two academic years, each candidate completes five "traditional" semesters long terms, consisting of 17 “core” courses. Candidates complete a total of 45 credit hours in the first phase. The first phase culminates with each candidate successfully completing a doctoral comprehensive activity.  Only those candidates who successfully complete all doctoral coursework, pass their comprehensive activities, and remain in good standing will continue on to the second phase of the DBA program. In the second phase, each candidate completes a their dissertation research and writing. Candidates choose their dissertation discipline or field of study and work closely with their mentors, dissertation chair and committee members. Candidates are expected to remain in good standing, complete a dissertation proposal and defend their dissertation. DBA candidates are required to complete the minimum 63 credit hours of DBA coursework, pass the doctoral comprehensive activities, successfully defend their dissertation, have their dissertation accepted by their dissertation committee, and meet all the requirements of the program to receive their doctoral degree. The doctoral program also offers concentrations and elective courses for those students desiring additional coursework in practical business experience, research and writing. Another unique feature of the JU DBA program is the opportunity to co-publish business, accounting, economics, management, marketing, or international business articles in peer-reviewed journals during the second phase of the program.  In addition, an introduction to teaching at the university level is included in the coursework.  

Admission Requirements

For a list of admission requirements to the DBA program, see Graduate Admission – DBA Admission in the Admissions section of this catalog.   

Program Completion

DBA candidates must successfully complete all required course work, a comprehensive doctoral activity, and dissertation no later than six (6) years after starting the program. A DBA candidate, who does not complete the program within six years and is in the dissertation phase of the program, may request a one-year extension (subject to approval by the DBA Graduate Committee) to complete his/her research. However, no extensions will be granted beyond seven years in the DBA program.

Program Requirements

CONCENTRATIONS (Optional)

Accounting and Finance (choose 4)

FIN 610Practicum in Portfolio Management

3

FIN 640Analyzing Financial Performance

3

FIN 650Adv Managerial Acct & Fin Modeling

3

FIN 680Financial Decision-making

3

ACCT 620Advanced Managerial Accounting

3

ACCT 640Analyzing Financial Performance

3

ACCT 650Adv Managerial Acct & Finance Modeling

3

ACCT 680Financial Decision-making

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Management

MGT 566Legal & Ethical Environment of Business

3

MGT 610Strategic Human Resource Management

3

MGT 620Responsible Leadership

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Healthcare Leadership (choose 4)

HQS 501Introduction to Healthcare Quality/Culture, Interprofessional Teams, and Simulation

3

HQS 502Health Law, Regulatory Issues, and the Business of Healthcare Quality Improvement

3

HQS 512Organization, Delivery, and Policy in Healthcare

3

HQS 516Information Systems and Technology for Improved Healthcare

3

XXX-XXXSpecial Topics

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Customized Professional

XXX-XXX XXXXXXXX

3

XXX-XXX XXXXXXXX

3

XXX-XXX XXXXXXXX

3

XXX-XXX XXXXXXXX

3

Total Credit Hours:12

Foundation Courses Prerequisite

A statistical course is required for candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree in business or who lack basic knowledge in statistics. 
DSIM 509Essentials of Quantitative Methods

3

DSIM 510Fundamentals Quantitative Methods

3

Total Credit Hours:3

The following courses are required:

ACCT 760Advanced Managerial Accounting

3

DBA 711Methodology and Behavioral Models

3

DBA 720Archival Research Methods

3

DBA 725Quantitative Methods for Executive Deci

3

DBA 730DBA Colloquium I

1-3

DBA 731First Year Doctoral Research Paper

3

DBA 755Advanced Research Methods

3

DBA 770Applied Econometrics and Statistics

3

DBA 775Adv Research Methods I I

6

DBA 780DBA Colloquium II

1-3

DBA 781DBA Colloquium III

1-3

DBA 785Dissertation I /Applied Research I

6

DBA 790Dissertation II /Applied Research II

6

DBA 795Dissertation Extension

6

DSIM 740Technical and Analytical Innovation

3

Or

MGT 740Technical and Analytical Innovation

3

ACCT 720Applied Archival Research Models in Bus

3

Or

FIN 720Applied Archival Research Models in Bus

3

FIN 750Corporate Mergers Acquisitions Valuatio

3

MGT 715Entrepreneurial Behavior in Organizations

3

MGT 736Strategic Leadership

3

MKG 765Marketing with a Global Mindset

3

Total Credit Hours:60

DBA 795: Dissertation Extension (1 credit hour if needed)

*DBA 795, Dissertation Extension (6 credit hour if needed)

*ACCT, DSIM, ECON, FIN, INB, MGT, MKG 800, Special Topics (max. 6 credits)