Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA)
Reach the Next Stage of Your Career with Our Low-Residency EDBA
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) degree at the University of North Alabama is a professional program for leaders seeking to go beyond the master’s level and differentiate themselves by developing applied research skills for solving complex organizational problems and developing innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices. These qualities make the program an ideal fit for experienced leaders who may be changing roles or positions within an organization, moving into a consulting career, or wishing to transition to an academic position.
As a doctoral program, the degree requires a dissertation and the requisite statistical and methodological skills necessary to complete such a project. However, the coursework and research are applied in nature with an intentional focus on how to leverage analytical tools and methods to solve real-world problems, address contemporary issues, and navigate disruptive trends that may not have existed even five years ago.
Time to Complete
36 Months
Part Time
Modality
Online with on-campus sessions
10 weekends per year
Credential
Executive DBA
A Smart Investment with Big Returns
“EDBA Classes at UNA are practical and highly relevant with immediate, real-world application. 天美传媒ing and being mentored by such world-class faculty is priceless. I am excited and privileged to be in the EDBA program at UNA – it has been worth every penny, time sacrificed, and ounce of commitment.”
Curriculum & Dissertation
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration program requires 54 post-master’s credit hours (courses are listed below) and students are expected to complete the majority of their coursework in the first two years and their dissertation in year three.
Completing a dissertation is the defining qualification for conveying the doctoral degree, as it is evidence of the ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation requires the integration of various skills developed throughout the program including: 1) high level expertise and content knowledge 2) statistical and methodological skills, 3) problem solving competencies and 4) effective scientific writing.
Scholarships Available
The following scholarship opportunities are available to Executive Doctor of Business Administration students: UNA Alumni, active or retired military, employees in higher education, employees of a UNA corporate partner, and Alabama residents. For more information or to apply, please email edba@una.edu.
Award = Up to $25,000 per student
How much can I make with an EDBA?
EDBA Plan of Study
| 1st Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||
| Discovering Applied Research | 3 | |
| Project Management for Applied Research | 1 | |
| Exploring Statistical Relationships in Business | 3 | |
| Engaging with Applied Statistics Lab | 1 | |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| Prediction and Planning for Business Futures | 1 | |
| Organizational Problem Solving; Design and Measurement | 3 | |
| Exploring Trends in the Global Economy | 1 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 2 | |
| Structural Equation Modeling | 2 | |
| Applications of Disruptive Technology | 3 | |
| Emerging Issues in Business | 2 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| 1st Term | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Analysis | 3 | |
| Innovation Engineering and AI for Business Creativity | 3 | |
| Agile Manuscript Development | 2 | |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| Integrating GIS to Optimize Business Performance | 1 | |
| Emerging Methodologies for Organizations | 1 | |
| Developing Applied Research Skills | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| Writing an Article for Peer-Review | 2 | |
| Dissertation Design | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 1st Term | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||
| Dissertation | 6 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| Intuition to AI: Decision Making for Executives | 2 | |
| Dissertation | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| Dissertation | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours (3 Years) | 54 | |
Low-residency Program with Online Coursework
Residency weekends are scheduled on a monthly basis during each academic term, and attendance is mandatory. These residency weekends are the primary instructional time, with online learning being utilized between the residency weekend sessions. Residency weekends are announced many months in advance so students can plan and prioritize their time appropriately.
Find Out Why This Student Chose UNA for His EDBA
天美传媒 from the Best and Build Your Network
Master executive-level skills while learning from highly dedicated, full-time faculty immersed in their industries—with most holding PhDs from leading universities. Small class sizes, averaging 15 students, create an ideal environment for engaging with expert professors and collaborating with fellow high-performing professionals.
EDBA Faculty can be found here.
How an EDBA Can Help You Advance Your Career
By earning an Executive Doctor of Business Administration, you will differentiate yourself from others with only an MBA because you will have developed the applied research skills needed for solving complex organizational problems and will have learned to develop innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices.
These qualities are an ideal fit for an experienced professional seeking to further strengthen leadership skills and advance within an organization or transition into a consulting career or higher education.
Accreditation You Can Count On
The North Alabama Sanders College of Business and Technology holds accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)—the world’s largest and most respected accrediting body for business education. This distinction places the Sanders College among the top six percent of business schools worldwide, reflecting the high standards students should consider when exploring what to look for in an accredited MHA program.
The 天美传媒 is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. As one of the region’s leading university healthcare administration programs, UNA upholds a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement in every aspect of its academic experience.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for a doctorate degree in business should have previously earned an MBA or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited academic institution. Because of this requirement, no test scores (for example, GMAT, GRE, MAT) will be required for admission into the program.
Executive Doctor of Business Administration applicants should possess at least seven years of substantive work experience preferably with high levels of responsibility, expertise, and leadership.
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
- Completed application.
- Resume.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in academia or industry who can comment on accomplishments and contributions, leadership, and other potential success factors.
- One essay outlining goals and motivations for pursuing the program.
- Virtual interview with EDBA Admissions Committee.
Resources
Executive DBA students are provided with:
- A laptop and professional EDBA bag
- All necessary University and statistical software
- Textbooks
- Parking passes
- Research support for academic conferences
- Executive nameplates
- EDBA clothing
- Business cards
Is a dissertation required?
Yes, and it is possible to use this research project to solve an existing organizational problem for your organization.
Is this an online DBA program?
No. This program has a low residency requirement. This means that students have the flexibility to complete much of their coursework online and on their own schedule, with classes held on campus approximately one weekend each month to learn in a cohort environment from UNA business faculty.
What is the difference between an Executive DBA program and a PhD in Business Administration?
While both are doctoral degrees, Ph.D. in Business Administration programs are generally designed for younger academics looking to advance in the social sciences or academic settings and focus on theory-driven and discipline-based research. DBA programs, however, are constructed for professionals who are already experienced leaders looking for a terminal degree beyond an MBA. The Executive DBA program at UNA goes a step further by emphasizing real-world problem solving and the development of applied research skills for professionals who are looking to drive organizational change and innovation.
What will the cohort size be for the DBA program at North Alabama?
The cohort size will be approximately 15 students of like-minded professionals.
How long will the Doctor of Business Administration degree take to complete?
The Executive DBA from North Alabama will take three years, part-time, for working professionals. In the first two years, students will complete the majority of their coursework, and year three will be dedicated to their dissertation.