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Develop advanced business skills that fit your career goals with a DBA
Prepare to be the leader that organizations can rely on to solve problems and leverage opportunities with our online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Our DBA specializations can help you build advanced skills to develop your career in business administration.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program overview
The DBA program is for experienced professionals who want to develop their career in business administration. The capstone project emphasizes applied research to help solve a real issue within your organization.
As a DBA student, you’ll begin with eight core courses to lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of business practice. From there, you’ll move into the coursework for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and advance toward your capstone project.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited Capella University business programs and select specializations. The full accreditation statement and the list of accredited programs and specializations is available here. Founded in 1988, the ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs.
Applicants to the DBA program must provide the following information for admission:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International and FlexPath applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for DBA specializations: General Management, Organizational Leadership and Development, Strategy and Innovation.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
The total cost of your DBA program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors. With Capella Tuition Cap, you always know the maximum total tuition you’ll pay for your degree.
View detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for DBA specializations: General Management, Organizational Leadership and Development, Strategy and Innovation.
Choosing a DBA specialization
Every DBA journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced expertise for the next phases of your business career.*
- Learning outcomes
- Career exploration
DBA in General Management
- Learn to communicate effectively in this field for diverse audiences and purposes
- Learn to lead and execute projects using structured research processes to find evidence-based solutions to business problems
DBA in Organizational Leadership and Development
- Demonstrate scholar-practitioner knowledge and expertise in organizational leadership and development, grounded in current theory, research and best practices.
DBA in Strategy and Innovation
- Learn to lead and execute projects within the field of strategy and innovation, using structured research processes to discern evidence-based solutions to current or forward-looking business problems.
DBA in General Management
- This program can help you prepare to pursue leadership in settings such as finance, manufacturing and retail
- Explore roles such as executive officer, director and budget analyst
DBA in Organizational Leadership and Development
- Skills taught in this program can apply to diverse areas of business, from banking and finance to data processing and insurance
- Explore job titles such as director, strategy manager and vice president
DBA in Strategy and Innovation
- This program can help you prepare to pursue leadership roles across multiple industries
- Explore job titles such as chief operating officer, executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Which is better for your DBA, FlexPath or GuidedPath?
Your lifestyle and learning preferences will factor into choosing a path for your DBA. FlexPath gives you the freedom to set your own deadlines and complete coursework at your own pace. GuidedPath offers a more structured approach with a fixed weekly schedule.
- Complete your assessments at your own pace
- Engage one-on-one with faculty to receive feedback
- Get support from coaches when you need it
- Pay one tuition fee per 12-week billing session; books, supplies and other fees apply
- Complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines
- Participate in weekly discussion posts with your classmates and faculty
- Connect with academic advisors to keep you on track
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
Find out if FlexPath is right for you
Not sure about FlexPath or GuidedPath? The Path Finder Quiz evaluates your learning style to help determine which learning format is better suited to your personal and professional goals.
Why choose the DBA program at Capella University?
Integrated capstone
You’ll begin your capstone early in the program, building real-world knowledge you can apply in today’s business and management settings.
Two learning formats
Choose the option that fits. GuidedPath, a flexible, yet structured approach, or FlexPath, a self-paced learning format.
Support along the way
Start and advance through your doctoral journey with support from faculty and academic coaches.
“I would like to make the transformational change I envision for both organizations and individuals. This degree will not only give me the skills but the credibility within the industry to do so.”
Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.