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 concentrations in accounting, economics, management, and marketing, 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. Students can specialize in areas of emphasis such as Accounting, Economics, Management or Marketing, each offering specialized courses and mentorship from research-active faculty.

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 are only two areas of emphasis available for the 2025-25 academic year. Accounting and Economics. Marketing and Management areas are full for this year.

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

Economics Area of Emphasis

The Economics area of emphasis focuses on training students to conduct applied microeconomic research using the theories and methods most applicable to public policy. The focus on public finance, public choice, regional economics and labor will prepare students to conduct high-quality research applicable to jobs in academia, consulting, government or think tanks.

Economics Area of Emphasis Course List

BADM 721: Public Finance, 3 credit hours
BADM 722: Labor Economics, 3 credit hours
BADM 723: Public Choice, 3 credit hours
BADM 724: Regional Economics, 3 credit hours

Management Area of Emphasis

The management emphasis is comprised of two primary streams of research: 1) organizational behavior and human resource management and 2) strategy and entrepreneurship. Students in the management AOE explore employee performance and the factors that influence behavior in the workplace, leadership strategies and approaches for motivating employees, and strategic management processes including alliances, competitive dynamics, and technology and innovation.

Students in the management emphasis will receive one-on-one mentorship from a scholarly academic, research-active mentor. This provides students with the support needed to develop novel research ideas and independent research skills. Upon completion of the program students will be prepared to assume executive leadership roles as well as adjunct teaching roles at colleges and universities.

Management Area of Emphasis Course List

BADM 730: Foundations of Organizational Behavior, 3 credit hours
BADM 731: Foundations of Strategy and International Business, 3 credit hours
BADM 732: Management of Groups and Teams, 3 credit hours
BADM 733: Advanced Topics in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, 3 credit hours

Marketing Area of Emphasis

WVU’s rigorous and transformative DBA in Marketing program provides marketing professionals and academics the opportunity to pursue the pinnacle of academic achievement. Through our core marketing courses, you will deepen your knowledge about important marketing topics, such as consumer behavior, marketing strategy, B-to-B marketing, international marketing, and brand management. 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 marketing knowledge and skills to take on new challenges in their career in marketing industry, consulting or academia.

Marketing Area of Emphasis Course List

BADM 741: Interfirm Relationships, 3 credit hours
BADM 742: Marketing Management, 3 credit hours
BADM 743: Consumer Behavior, 3 credit hours
BADM 744: Marketing Strategy, 3 credit hours

This information is from WVU's 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.

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.

Admissions 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 consideration for the Executive 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 program is available.

To be eligible for admission into Economics, Management, and Marketing, 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 program 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:

Upload a current resume.
Request two letters of recommendation from employers, faculty, or professional associates.
Create 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 at WVU, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and your business-related research interest (Economics or Accounting for the 2025-2026 academic year).
Explain your general research interests and identify 3 DBA faculty with whom you would be interested in working.

Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities.

Please send your official transcript to: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
Or send electronically to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu.

International applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency. Learn more about international graduate applicant requirements.

All grade and/or score reports received are subject to verification. Additional documents may be requested after initial evaluation of a student’s admission 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.

Connect with Our Team

Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu

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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