Program Overview
As a member of the DBA program, you will master the existing body of knowledge in your field and develop new knowledge through original, independent and valuable research. Your initial focus will be on research content and methodology. As you progress, your emphasis will shift toward applied research and projects that address issues confronting today’s business leaders.
This is a highly personalized program where you work closely with faculty mentors, who will advise you on your research and guide you through your dissertation. Together you will develop and publish meaningful research that addresses contemporary business problems that are relevant and valuable to your career.
program overview
- Three-year, executive style
- Ten on-campus residencies per year over three-day weekends
- Cohort program allows students to work closely with faculty and fellow students
- Years 1 & 2: Coursework focused on Core Research and Applied Research courses
- Year 3: Dissertation and Candidacy for Doctorate
Weekend Residency At-A-Glance
As a cohort program, you will be working closely with faculty and your fellow students during the first two years of study. The first two years of the program will consist of five on-campus residencies per semester (Fall and Spring) that will take place over three-day weekends.
Weekend residencies can include classroom instruction, seminars, and networking events.
| Time | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch (provided) | Lunch (provided) | Lunch (provided) |
| 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
DBA vs. PH.D
The DBA is a part-time, research-oriented program designed for professionals who want to influence the future of business as executives, consultants, entrepreneurs and educators while continuing to work full time. The Ph.D. in Business Administration is a full-time, research-oriented program that emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation in financial economics and prepares future researchers and teachers at
leading academic institutions around the world.
Here’s how the two UNC Charlotte programs compare:
| DBA | Ph.D. | |
| Program length and structure | 3 years, part-time, with five UNC Charlotte residencies per semester for the first two years | 4-7 years, full-time, year-round |
| Profile | Experienced professionals | Individuals who want a career in academic teaching and research |
| Previous work experience | At least 5 years of professional experience | No business experience required; academic requirements in math |
| Previous education | No business experience required; academic requirements in math | A bachelor’s is sufficient, but a master’s is often required |
| Curricular emphasis | Core courses cover multiple business disciplines, business theory and research methodology. Program concludes with a dissertation. | Core courses cover one business discipline in depth, business theory and research methodology. Program concludes with a dissertation. |
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Business Administration | Doctor of Business Administration |