Business Administration, D.B.A.

John Chambers College of Business and Economics

Marco Schaaf, a Business Administration major poses a question to Dr. John Howard, Director of NIOSH during the School of Public Health's Dean's Colloquium in the Health Sciences Center

The Doctorate of Business Administration degree, offered by the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, is carefully constructed to provide you with a foundation in research, an in-depth exposure to academic literature, and a supportive environment through faculty guidance and mentorship.

Cost:

$1,509 / Cost per credit hour ^*

Courses and Credits:

13 Courses / 53 Credits

Duration:

Three years / 8-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: May 18, 2026 Admission Term: Summer

Learning Format:

Online courses

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Program Overview

Build a Career Utilizing Advanced Business Research Skills

Our Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program, with a concentration in accounting, targets experienced business professionals creating pathways for you to consider academia, consulting and advanced professional positions. The DBA is carefully constructed to provide students with a foundation in research, an in-depth exposure to business literature, and a supportive environment through faculty guidance and mentorship.

Given the experience level of the students entering the program, this will create graduates who can easily help bridge the gap between academia and the industry. You will benefit from the experience and expertise faculty members but will learn a great deal from their peers through professional networking and collaboration.

Research-Driven Curriculum: Gain a strong foundation in research methods, business literature, and empirical analysis to solve real-world problems.
Flexible Online Format: Maintain your career momentum while completing a rigorous doctoral program designed for working professionals.
Specialized Expertise: Choose from four areas of emphasis—Accounting, Economics, Management, or Marketing—to tailor your learning to your goals.
Cohort-Based Learning: Collaborate with experienced peers and faculty mentors in a supportive, intellectually rich environment.
Dissertation with Impact: Conduct meaningful research under expert guidance, culminating in a dissertation that addresses real business challenges.

Curriculum

The DBA curriculum is typically completed over three years. Core classes cover statistics, research methods and business pedagogy, along with research and dissertation work.

Learning Outcomes

When you graduate, you will be well-prepared for careers in academia, consulting, government, or industry, with advanced knowledge and research skills in their chosen field:

Apply the holistic nature of research to business opportunities and problems.
Apply research methods and data analysis to solve business problems.
Develop a theory-based research plan to address unique business problems.
Create and communicate original scholarship that addresses researched solutions to business problems

DBA Core Classes

BADM 700: Statistics Bootcamp, 3 credit hours
BADM 701: Research Methods 1 – Introduction to Regression, 3 credit hours
BADM 702: Research Methods 2 – Cross Section Data Analysis, 3 credit hours
BADM 703: Research Methods 3 – Experimental Methods, 3 credit hours
BADM 704: Research Methods 4 – Causal Inference, 3 credit hours
BADM 705: Research Methods 5 – Non Cross Section Data Analysis, 3 credit hours
BADM 706: Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion for Business, 3 credit hours
BADM 707: Business Pedagogy, 3 credit hours

Research and Dissertation, 18 credit hours

BADM 797: Research

Please note: There will only be one area of emphasis, Accounting, for the 2026-27 academic year. Economics, Management, and Marketing are not available.

Accounting Area of Emphasis

In the Accounting emphasis, students gain a deep understanding of accounting areas such as financial reporting, analytics, forensic accounting, systems, managerial accounting, taxation and auditing, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and manage risks effectively. You will receive one-on-one mentorship from our research-active faculty who are thought-leaders in their fields. Graduates will be well-equipped with accounting research knowledge and skills to take on new challenges of an academic or research career.

Accounting Area of Emphasis

BADM 710: Introduction to Accounting Research, 3 credit hours
BADM 711: Behavioral Accounting Research, 3 credit hours

Select one of the following tracks:

Applied Professional Research Track

BADM 713: Introduction to Applied Professional Accounting, 3 credit hours
BADM 714: Advanced Professional Accounting Research, 3 credit hours

Academic Research Intensive Track

BADM 715: Accounting Academic Research Intensive, 3 credit hours
BADM 716: Advanced Academic Accounting Research, 3 credit hours

This information is from the 2025-2026 Academic Catalog.

Chambers College is Accredited by the AACSB

The Chambers College is AACSB accredited and has been for over 60 years. Only 5% of business schools globally receive this distinction.

Connect With Us

Julie Turner-Maramba John Chambers College of Business and Economics

304-293-2333 Jaturner@mail.wvu.edu

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Video: Why Pursue WVU's DBA?

Christian Schaupp, program coordinator for the Doctorate of Business Administration graduate program, explains how the DBA can help you go further in your field.

Program Requirements and Eligibility

Admission to the DBA is highly competitive; meeting the minimum standards for admission does not guarantee admission. A holistic admissions process considers minimum requirements as well as professional accomplishments and certifications. Success in the program requires significant commitment and time. The cohort design does not permit for students to take courses outside of the prescribed sequence. Consideration for admission is only given to those applicants that have a complete application package on file with the WVU College of Business and Economics.

To be eligible for consideration for the DBA program applicants must:

Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
Have a master's degree in business, communications, media management or other related field from an accredited college or university. If you do not have a master’s degree, we offer accelerated master’s to DBA options.

To be eligible for admission into Accounting, you must:

Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
Have a Master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. For students who do not possess a Master’s degree, an accelerated Master's to DBA-A is available.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

Once qualified to proceed with the application to the DBA program, applicants will be required to submit additional documents, including:

A current resume.
Two letters of recommendation from employers, faculty, or professional associates.
A Statement of Purpose.

Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and your business-related research interest.
Explain your general research interests and identify three DBA faculty with whom you would be interested in working.

To apply to West Virginia University as a graduate applicant:

Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
Create an account, follow the instructions, and complete the application. Start your application.
Pay the application fee.
Submit your application.

How to Apply

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:

File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Careers and Employment

Doctorate of Business Administration graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their advanced knowledge, research skills, and expertise in business administration. The career outlook for DBA graduates is generally positive, with a wide range of job opportunities available in various fields.

Overall, the career outlook for DBA graduates is strong, with many opportunities for growth and advancement in various industries. The demand for highly-skilled business professionals continues to grow, making the DBA degree a valuable investment for those seeking to further their careers in the field of business administration.

Career Paths

Executive Leadership: DBA graduates may be well-suited for executive leadership positions such as CEO, COO, or CFO in organizations across different industries.
Consulting: DBA graduates may work as consultants for businesses, advising on areas such as strategy, operations, and finance.
Academia: DBA graduates may choose to pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers, working in business schools and universities.
Government and Non-profit Organizations: DBA graduates may also find opportunities in government agencies and non-profit organizations, where they can use their expertise to drive policy and social change

John Chambers College of Business and Economics