UNIVERSITY OF ATLANTA
Doctor of Business Administration
DBA
Managerial Science
PROGRAM PROSPECTUS
Revised and Updated
September 2010
2010
DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 1
UNIVERSITY OF ATLANTA
DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Managerial Science
(DBA)
PROGRAM PROSPECTUS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for highly qualified
professionals (executives, senior consultants, university professors and others) who seek
to further their professional standing and educational background by embracing the
challenges of innovative, cutting-edge theories, m ethodologies, research and
applications.
The primary objective of the program is to produce graduates empowered to
contribute to the advancement of knowledge within one or more professional arenas
and positioned to expand awareness of contemporary strategic issues and practices.
The DBA curriculum and its correlative components enable participants to achieve these
objectives via:
• A thorough and deep-rooted knowledge of scientific and scholarly research
methods and their applications in a variety of professional settings.
• Advanced critical thinking as well as refined conceptual and analytical skills.
• A mastery of both the seminal theories and the latest practices in business
management.
• The tools to perform original applied research that will advance knowledge
within the business arena.
DBA Prospectus – September 2010 2
• An acute awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural, ethical, and global issues and
their impact on evolving theories and practices.
• The skills necessary for sophisticated and effective decision-making in complex
environments through the integration of theoretical insights, extensive practical
knowledge and innovative concept development.
At the successful conclusion of all courses, course-related work and the Comprehensive
Examination, each degree candidate will put forth a formal dissertation proposal to be
approved by a Director and three other members of the doctoral faculty (the four
constituting the official committee). The dissertation should significantly impact and
illuminate an issue of contemporary importance relevant to strategic management.
Students will have access to top-flight faculty. Every faculty member participating in
the University of Atlanta's DBA program has a doctoral degree from a university of
high standing, a record of successful graduate teaching, established expertise in online
delivery models, a distinguished scholarly profile, and substantial practical experience.
All bring strong theoretical grounding and real-world expertise to the program, along
with a solidly-documented commitment to dynamic, progressive professionally-oriented
education.
The program encourages participants at every turn to accept the added responsibility
of a shared commitment to the advancement of the profession and to the upholding of
the highest ethical standards in the private and/or public sector.
PROGRAM AUDIENCE
The University of Atlanta's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in
Managerial Science has been designed for a diversified student body: experienced
business professionals who wish to translate corporate experience into sen ior
leadership options, be it as a member of the executive team within their current
organization or as a top competitor in other settings; individuals at any stage of their
career who, beyond their completed Master's level studies, are inspired to soar higher, to
explore, examine and critically evaluate theories, applications, concepts, processes and
conventions in new, creative ways; those who, already part of the world of higher
education or headed in such direction, seek an appointment or professional advancement
that the DBA is apt to facilitate; and those who, focused less on specific objectives, as
conventionally defined, and more on the process of, and quest for, further growth
and development, seek the learning experience that such a program promises to
provide.
Whatever the personal or professional motivation, as part of a DBA cohort at the
University of Atlanta, students will engage with highly-qualified corporate executives
and academic professionals alike who build upon each candidate's established core
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 3
skills and knowledge to develop a superior level of competence in managerial science.
Sophisticated critical thinking skills will be honed via guided scholarly and practical
enterprise, action research, complex problem-solving activities and analytical
assessment of relevant case studies.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Developed with the input and insight of a broad-winged panel of experienced faculty
members and leading business practitioners, the DBA program emphasizes advanced
decision-making and leadership skills, in-depth knowledge of both theory and
application, and the ability to manage positive social change. Throughout this
educational journey, students will explore many of the greatest challenges and
opportunities confronting business and leadership today, including, among others,
globalization, ethics, and management of stakeholder relationships. Whatever one's
specific background or particular interests, the DBA candidate will develop the critical
knowledge and practical skills required for success. Students will have ample
opportunity to target specific areas of interest within the program setting and will
ultimately be well prepared and well positioned for forward direction and upward
mobility.
PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY
The DBA program, while academically rigorous, has been developed to foster the
needs of active professionals who must balance the demands of career, family, and
educational advancement. Moreover, University of Atlanta’s School of Business and
Managerial Science welcomes and encourages students with diverse backgrounds and
from all geographic locations, world-wide. In consequence of such diversity and cross-
national emphasis, we are able to provide an enriched, value-added environment
for expanded learning, one wherein global perspectives and multi-cultural exchange
flourish. The largely asynchronous delivery model (with synchronous, cohort-based
components) affords an opportunity to those who, despite their qualifications and
desire for doctoral-level studies, would not be able to pursue this option within the
traditional academic setting. It is for this reason, too, that, unlike most online programs,
we require no time in residence, thereby eliminating the significant costs travel and
inconvenience.
Those who are accepted into a doctoral cohort of the University of Atlanta's DBA
program will embark on a "new intellectual journey."
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 4
SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS: INDIVIDUALIZATION
The Doctor of Business Administration program at the University of Atlanta is focused on
Managerial Science in its broadest and all-embracing sense (Management, Leadership,
Decision-Making...). As such, the curriculum has been established so as to provide ample
latitude and specialization options within courses, research seminars, individually-
designed special topics projects, and at throughout the dissertation stage. The degree
candidate will, as consequence, have the opportunity to explore and pursue sub-
specializations within the vast framework of Management Studies. Ultimately, then, all
participants are members of a program that is, at once, duly focused in its structure
and field coverage, yet purposefully fashioned to allow for specialization preferences
and individualization.
SELECT PROGRAM FEATURES
• A curriculum that applies cutting-edge research to real issues in business and
management.
• The development of finely honed leadership skills that provide the maximum
number of professional options.
• Access to experienced faculty members and field experts with top-tier
academic credentials and professional experience.
• Structured research components at all stages of the program that provide
students with the opportunity to pursue their specific interests, with suitable
guidance. Three "Special Topics" courses which enhance specialization
possibilities and foster each student's particular interests.
• A program that offers flexibility.
• A cohort model that facilitates peer interchange, group discussions, idea sharing
as well as academic and services support.
• Substantial focus on global issues (across large segments of the curriculum),
which are essential to all positions of significant responsibility in the 21 st century.
• Sustained emphasis on communication and presentational skills, written
proficiency and critical thinking - all essential to advancement to (and within)
senior management in the private sector, the corporate sector and in the
academic arena.
• Thesis Support Center: In the final stages of the program, each degree
candidate will write a dissertation under the close supervision of a Dissertation
Director and collaborating Committee. Moreover, a group of specialized
facilitators will be available through the "Thesis Support Center" to provide
supplementary assistance. It should prove no small comfort to students to know
that their research and writing will be under-girded by constant support and
g u id a n c e f r o m a m u lt ip lic it y o f q u a lif ie d s o u r c e s . S u c h a n a m a lg a m o f
resources ensures that all serious candidates will be positioned and empowered
to complete their studies in a timely fashion, producing a final dissertation which
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 5
w ill re fle ct high -p itch e d d o cto ra l-le ve l stand ard s o f w hich e ach d e g re e
recipient will have reason to be proud.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
The DBA program is designed to prepare graduates for a broad array of professional
possibilities: for advancem ent in a current career or for a broader array of
professional options. Those who successfully complete the Doctor of Business
Administration program will, as a combined function of this much-coveted academic
credential and the nature, level and history of previous experience, be positioned to
compete for senior level positions of many sorts and in many sectors. These, include,
but are surely not limited to: Administrative Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Organizational Development,
College or University Faculty or Administrator, Controller, Dean of Business, Director of
Operations, Director of Training and Development, Director or Vice President of Human
Resource Management, Senior Managerial Consultant, along with an almost endless list
of other specialized options.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is duly competitive.
Prospective candidates who wish to be evaluated for admission to the DBA Program in
Managerial Science must:
1.) Hold a bachelor’s degree and Master's degree from an accredited university or
from a Ministry-sanctioned university in any other country world-wide.
2.) Submit official University transcripts attesting to the Bachelor’s degree and
Master's degree indicating grades or standing. Submit results of comprehensive
examinations (in countries where such examinations are an integral component
of the program and/or awarding of the degree).
3.) Submit a carefully honed 3-4 typed page Essay of Application. Topic:
"Reflections on Doctoral Studies." (In such an essay, you may discuss some or
all of the following: why you have been inspired to engage in a doctoral
program; how such a credential will impact your professional career or
standing; how your former preparation has led you to undertake future and more
advance studies, etc. You are not limited to these ideas; they are merely
suggestions.)
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 6
4.) Submit a comprehensive résumé or Curriculum Vitae, detailing both academic
and professional experience.
5.) International Students must provide proof of college level proficiency in English when
native language is not English (Facility must be accredited/recognized by the U.S. Dept.
of Education, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or the Ministry of
Education in the residing country of the university) by means of one of the following:
• A college transcript indicating a grade of C or higher in an English composition
course.
• A high school diploma completed where instruction is conducted in English.
• College transcript indicating completion of 30 semester hours of credit with an
average of "C" or higher where instruction is conducted in English.
• Graduation from a school or university where instruction is conducted in English
• A minimum grade of level 3 on the ACT COMPASS's English as a Second language
Placement Test
• A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Minimum score of 6.0 on
the academic writing and academic reading modules.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores (hardcopy) (PBT) or online
version (iBT), or computer-based (CBT)), score required for:
o Doctorate Programs - 550 (PBT) or, 81 (iBT) or 213 (CBT)
For transcripts that need equivalency (to be determined by your admissions
representative), service organizations which are approved members of NACES
(National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services) are acceptable
(www.naces.org).
All Transcripts must be presented in English. Transcripts not in English must be
translated into English and evaluated by an appropriate third party or a trained
transcript evaluator fluent in the language of the transcript. An English translation
of the review must be included.
6.) (Recommended, but not required): Submit a sample research paper of
approximately 10-15 pages, formerly written by the applicant, and which, as the
candidate sees it, best represents her or his academic work. The paper m ay
b e a n e ssa y su b m itte d in a co u rse fo r th e M a ste r's p ro g ra m o r a
publication (in cases where potential applicants have work already in print)
7.) (Recommended, but not required): Submit letters of recommendation - no more
than three. If submitted, at least one letter should be written by a university
faculty member or administrator able to comment in detail on the candidate's
academic performance at the graduate level and likely success in doctoral-
level studies.
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 7
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
1.) Fifteen (15) courses (or 45 credits) beyond the MBA degree or its equivalent, as
follows:
• Two required Research Methods courses (Required)
• Nine of Twelve content courses (Student chooses 9 of 12 courses in this
group)
• Three topics courses - Student works on topic of chosen interest with
directing faculty member. (Required)
• One Dissertation Proposal and Prospectus course (Required)
2.) Comprehensive Examination. Students must successfully pass the Comprehensive
Examination prior to enrolling in the Thesis Proposal course. Guidelines for
preparation will be provided.
3.) Three Dissertation modules: As students progress in the dissertation process, they
move from Module A, to Module B, and finally to Module C. Upon successful
completion of Module C, the student is awarded 15 credits for the dissertation
4.) Oral defense of thesis (to be conducted either by conference call or video
conference).
PROGRAM = 60 CREDIT HOURS
(BEYOND MASTER'S DEGREE)
See program schematic on next page
DBA Prospectus – September 2010 8
PROGRAM SCHEMATIC
Course No. Course Title Credits
Research Methods Courses (REQUIRED) = 2 Courses
DBA 861 Research Methods 1 3
DBA 862 Research Methods II 3
Core Course (Choose 9 of 12)
DBA 800 Human Capital Management in Organizations 3
DBA 801 Enterprise Leadership in Organizations 3
DBA 810 Managerial Technology in Business 3
DBA 811 Managerial Negotiations 3
DBA 816 Innovation Management 3
DBA 820 Marketing Research and Analysis 3
DBA 825 Applied Corporate Finance 3
DBA 836 Contemporary Global Marketing 3
DBA 839 Dynamics of Corporate Strategy 3
DBA 840 rganizational Management and Change 3
DBA 841 Business Strategies for a Global Environment 3
DBA 851 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility 3
Topic Courses
Directed Individualized Research (All Three Required)
DBA 871 Special Topics - Global Studies 3
DBA 872 Special Topics - Strategic Studies 3
DBA 873 Special Topics - Project Management 3
Dissertation Proposal Course (Required)
DBA 900 Research Proposal and Prospectus 3
Dissertation Research (All Three Required)
DBA 971 Doctoral Dissertation I -(S/U)
DBA 972 Doctoral Dissertation II -(S/U)
DBA 973 Doctoral Dissertation III 15
Total 18 courses 60 credits
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 9
TRANSFER CREDIT
Policies and Procedures for DBA candidates
As part of the application process, a DBA candidate may present a formal petition for
up to 3 courses (9 transfer credits). Each petition will be evaluated based on fixed criteria.
The purpose of this document is to set out the policies and procedures relative to transfer
credit evaluation.
NOTE: Doctoral degree candidates must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours
beyond the Master's in Business and a total of at least 90 credit hours beyond the
Bachelor's degree level. In theory, up to 9 hours of transfer credit may be applied to
the doctoral degree, but only if the total relevant (discipline-specific) credits exceed
the post-Baccalaureate credit requirement.
If the above condition is not met, students should not file a petition. If the provision is
met, the following procedures apply:
1.) Provide official graduate transcript records (part of the application process).
2.) Indicate the course or courses for which transfer credit is petitioned.
3.) Establish and officially document:
(a) that the course or courses for which the petition has been filed has/have
been completed at an accredited or Ministry-recognized graduate college
or university.
(b) that the course or courses for which the petition has been filed is/are
properly indicated on one of the official transcript records provided (as
noted in # 1, above) and was/were completed with a final course grade of
no less than B (or equivalent).
(c) that the content and level of the course or courses formerly completed are
fundamentally equivalent to the course or courses offered at the University
of Atlanta.
The following courses are NOT subject to transfer: DBA 861, 862, 871,
872, 873, 900, 971, 972, and 973.
Subsequent to an academic review of the petition, the Department of Admissions will
forward a summary of those courses for which transfer credit has been granted, if any.
DBA Prospectus – September 2010 10
PROGRAM COSTS
1.) 15 (3-credit) courses at $1000 each = $15,000
2.) Dissertation = 3 Modules @ $500 each = $1500
3.) Note: Students are granted one year (twelve months) to complete the
dissertation successfully. The one-year period commences when the degree
candidate completes the Dissertation Proposal course (applicable costs noted
above). Successful completion indicates that the work has been submitted in
final form and has been officially approved by the Dissertation Director and all
Committee Members. An additional charge of $1500 is assessed annually for
any extension beyond the 12-month period allotted for the successful
completion of the dissertation. An extension is defined as any period beyond
the initial 1 2 months, whether as a result of non-submission, delay, or revisions
imposed by the Director or the Committee. In the case of partial year
extensions, the charges will be pro-rated based on $1500 per year (with a
minimum extension charge of $500).
BASIC PROGRAM (TUITION) COSTS = $16,500
SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM COSTS
1.) Program costs do not include the requisite purchase of books (or e-books, when
available) and other applicable fees (graduation fee, etc.). Total program book
estimate: $3000.
2.) In addition to E-brary Access (provided to all students), DBA students will be
required to subscribe to at least one online research library (Questia, HighBeam
or others, subject to approval). Subscription costs vary, but are approximately
$200.00 per year (quite a reasonable rate!). More specialized online research
libraries may charge higher rates.
DBA Prospectus - September 2010 11
PAYMENT OF TUITION
1.) $1500 enrollment fee to reserve a place in a doctoral cohort. This fee will
be deducted from the tuition total.
2.) $500 per month as of the second month until the balance is paid in full.
(This is the minimum monthly payment due. Enrollees may opt for
larger monthly payments, which will result in a more rapid fulfillment of
financial obligations.)
Note: Students who elect a full payment-upon-enrollment option will be granted a
10% discount off the total program cost.
ESTIMATED PROGRAM TIME-LINES FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
As is true of all doctoral-level programs, degree completion time is largely a
function of individual rates of progress throughout the program. It is difficult,
therefore, to assign a precise time-line to studies at this level—all the more so
in that the model at the University of Atlanta is a combination of
synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students ultimately determine their
own rate of progress, however, each course is set on an 8 week structure. Time-
lines are, therefore and by necessity, only generic approximations.
• 3 intensive years (for those who progress at maximized, accelerated pace)
• 3-4 intensive years (for those who progress at standard, un-delayed pace)
• 4 years + (for those who move more slowly through the program)
ACCREDITATION
The University of Atlanta is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the
Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is recognized by the United
States Department of Education as a nationally recognized Accrediting agency. As such,
all curriculum, faculty, administrators, academic standards and administrative
procedures and policies are frequently reviewed to ensure that the University maintains
consistent standards of Excellence.
Presently, the Commission's scope of recognition extends through the first
professional degree level with CHEA and through professional doctoral degrees with
the U.S. Department of Education.
