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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. 

What are the program's entry dates and application deadline?
The DBA program has one cohort each year, which begins in the fall semester (late August/early September). We work with students year-round to admit for the fall start.  Information regarding application deadlines for each start term can be found here. 

How long does the admission process take?
Once an application file and/or interview is complete, applicants will typically be notified of a decision within 7 business days. 

What is the GPA requirement?
Applicants are considered for admission based on GPA, transcripts, essay OR interview, and individual considerations. Since one number cannot completely define you, we consider the total admissions packet when making admissions decisions. It is preferred that applicants have completed an MBA, however, we are also open to considering other business-related graduate degrees.

When reviewing transcripts, our minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 or higher. If your cumulative GPA falls below this, please contact your admissions counselor for additional routes that may be available. 

Is there an accreditation for the DBA?
California Baptist University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.  

How long does the program take to complete?
The DBA is designed for candidates to finish in three years. Two years of the program are for courses and one year is slotted for the dissertation. The dissertation journey is unique to each candidate. Many candidates finish in under a year while others may take longer. 

When do classes meet?
The DBA program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. It is a year-round program, consisting of three full semesters, which are divided into two 8-week sessions. Full-time students take two classes per session, while part-time students take one course at a time. 

The DBA is fully asynchronous. You will have due dates, however the time of day/week that you complete your coursework is flexible.  

Am I required to have work experience to enter the program?
No. However, the DBA program is designed for working professionals. In general, DBA programs serve to solve a business problem and experience in business is beneficial.  Students from a variety of life, academic experience and backgrounds are integrated into classes to maximize networking and learning across generations, cultures and industry specialties.  

Will I be able to get the classes I need when I need them?
As a service to our DBA students, your graduate advisor will pre-register you for all of your courses, from your first semester through graduation, when you enter the program. This allows you to plan out your life without worrying about which course you should take next and which course will be offered in which semester. 

What types of careers can I pursue with a degree in the DBA?
Graduates of the DBA program are prepared for a wide range of careers focused on improving workplaces and organizational effectiveness. Common roles include executive-level positions, advancing to become a subject matter expert, advancing in a position in higher education or acquiring a position in higher education.   

DBA professionals work across industries such as healthcare, technology, business, government, education and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum and courses in the Doctor of Business Administration are designed to meet the needs of professionals tasked with responding to today's global business environment. Advanced training provides candidates with the tools to contribute to the research being conducted in their respective field.