Business Administration DBA, ABD (All But Dissertation) (Online)
You began your doctoral journey for a reason. While many students encounter challenges during the transition from coursework to dissertation, stepping away does not mean the dream is over.
Executive Leadership, Grounded in Purpose
If you are a Doctor of Business Administration student looking to complete your dissertation, California Baptist University offers a pathway to help experienced professionals move forward with clarity, support and purpose. Within a Christ-centered community, we are committed to helping you finish what you started and fulfill the goals God has placed before you.
*Based on student's progress
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your Doctor of Business Administration (Online) at CBU?
Maximize Your Career
Curriculum and courses in the Doctor of Business Administration are designed to meet the needs of professionals tasked in responding to today's global business environment and provides advanced training in professional management, human resources, marketing and other business-related fields.
Strengthen Technical Aptitude
Graduates of the online Doctor of Business Administration program will acquire the tools needed to synthesize their theoretical foundation, carry out timely and relevant applied research and immediately apply creative and actionable plans to solve existing problems.
Expand Your Network
The program's cohort model allows for students to progress together through coursework and the dissertation process.
Finish What You Started Through Our ABD Pathway
The DBA-ABD program at CBU offers a flexible pathway for candidates who have completed doctoral coursework but have not yet finished their dissertation (ABD: All But Dissertation). Qualified applicants from accredited DBA or Ph.D. programs may be considered for advanced standing and enter the program at the research sequence, allowing them to complete their dissertation fully online and asynchronously. This pathway is designed to support doctoral candidates in completing their degree while benefiting from CBU's structured research sequence, faculty mentorship and comprehensive dissertation support.
What type of doctoral program would qualify to enroll as an ABD candidate?
Programs for either the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) must be from accredited business schools and have a dissertation requirement.
How will I know if I have reached All But Dissertation (ABD)?
ABD candidates will have completed all of the coursework that is required in their respective programs and have passed a proposal or comprehensive stage. The program listed in the school’s catalog would allow for a quick comparison to your transcripts to determine your ABD status.
Do I have to have a completed proposal before entering the ABD track?
You do not have to have a completed proposal. By entering in at the research sequence, four research courses culminate into a comprehensive course that will help you with both the development and strengthening of a proposal.
Learn Flexibly Online, On Your Schedule
- Accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online
Program Details
Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Doctor of Business Administration degree, graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply different theoretical models of core business disciplines.
- Assess, design and defend a variety of research methodologies.
- Integrate biblical principles into the advancement of business knowledge.
- Model advanced scholarly communication practices.
- Develop original business knowledge and practical applications in a specialized business field.
Professor of Human Resource Management Office Phone: 951-343-2193 Associate Professor of Business Administration Office Phone: 951-552-8185 Research Methods Instructor Office Phone: 951-552-8216
Scott Dunbar, D.B.A.
Director of Online Education
E-mail: sdunbar@calbaptist.edu
Tad Hove, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Management Division
Director, Master of Business Administration Program; B.S., Business Administration
E-mail: thove@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Park Building 216
Staci Mizell, EdD
Coordinator of Online Doctoral Research Courses
E-mail: smizell@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: The Point-A 110
Is financial aid available to help pay for online programs?
Our online degrees offer a reputable and more affordable option for earning your bachelor’s,
master's or doctorate degree. When pursuing an online degree, students are freed from
the financial obligations that accompany some traditional degrees, such as room accommodations,
gas and parking. Additionally, CBU has partnered with select employers to provide their employees with the opportunity to improve their career through their
educational goals and receive a 20% tuition scholarship. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Are CBU's online programs accredited?
California Baptist University (CBU), which includes all programs offered online, is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Many prospective
students are uncertain about which college degrees employers or universities will
accept. This regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your
CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.
What resources do I need to complete my degree online?
To complete your online degree, you will need access to a computer, Wi-Fi and a word
processor like Microsoft Word. These are necessary to access the student learning
system and complete your assignments. Some programs may require different resources.
Check with your enrollment counselor for specific expectations upon applying for your
program, or you can view additional information here.
What is a DBA?
California Baptist University’s Doctor of Business Administration is a professional
doctorate degree created for the working adult/practitioner. The online doctorate
in business administration allows students to focus on one online class every eight
weeks in a cohort setting. The program helps students attain the insights and skills
that are needed to advance to executive or professional leadership positions and/or
advance in positions within higher education.
As you make the decision to return to school to complete your dissertation, know that you are not starting over-you are building on the expertise and commitment that brought you this far. At CBU, you’ll find a supportive community of faculty and staff who understand the unique challenges of the dissertation phase and are dedicated to helping you cross the finish line. From personalized guidance to practical resources, we’re here to help you stay focused, regain momentum, and complete your doctoral journey with confidence-so you can apply your hard-earned knowledge to make a meaningful impact in your field.
| Application Deadlines | Fall |
|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 |
| Standard | August 1 |
Career Possibilities
- Business Executive
- Marketing Manager
- Business Consultant
*Some career options may require further education.
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join a growing group of accomplished alumni who earned their degree while balancing career and family goals. To begin your journey at California Baptist University and connect with your God-given calling, request more information or apply today!