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School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration
Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program
Today’s challenging business environment demands new ways of operating, and you want to be at the forefront of innovation. Get started on your goals with our online DBA. Our program focuses on skills for applying research to real business problems, leading change and transforming organizations.
A flexible DBA
Our online DBA degree program focuses on skills to solve business problems using data, facts and logic. The program is scholar-practitioner focused, technology driven and designed to meet Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) standards.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program overview
Our DBA program is for experienced professionals who want to develop their careers in business administration. The capstone project emphasizes applied research to help solve a real issue within your organization.
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.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Flexibility
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
$45,000 Capella Tuition Cap
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $45,000 in tuition costs for your doctoral degree.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. Before you apply for a loan, make sure to explore options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to manage costs.
FlexPath: Your pace. Your price.
FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a doctoral degree in business administration.
Ways to save
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.
All transfer credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
Two online learning formats to fit your life
- Take one or two courses at a time.
- Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term.
- Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
- Available in select programs.
- Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines
- Take up to three classes per quarter
- Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters
Distinguished faculty
Our faculty brings a wealth of professional experiences to the classroom, with practical insights that can help you apply what you learn in the classroom to the business world. They can teach and advise you on the skills that are relevant to your industry and share their understanding of work in your chosen profession.
DBA program outcomes
In this program, you’ll prepare to be a leader that organizations can rely on to solve problems and leverage opportunities. You’ll develop a professional brand to pursue your personal, economic and career goals. As a DBA candidate, you’ll complete a capstone project to demonstrate expertise, confidence and strategic thinking to drive progress and change within a specific business or industry.
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
Doctor of Business Administration program insights
“I decided to pursue my degree because I wanted to advance in my career and become more knowledgeable in leadership and management in education. I have always loved education, and I wanted to continue to make a difference and help others.”
Dr. Senorine N. Wasike
DBA graduate
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
“After years of working through traditional school, I was ready to quit. I had to balance the time between my family, my work and my studies. It was taking me a long time to get to where I wanted to be until I discovered FlexPath.”
Stephanie Dewald
MBA, FlexPath
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
97%
of business alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024, point of graduation
84%
of business alumni agree that the tuition they paid for their education was a worthwhile investment.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024, point of graduation
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the DBA program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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.
A professional doctorate is a doctoral degree designed to help you perform the practical application of knowledge in real-world settings.
Put simply, the professional doctorate is a terminal degree at the doctoral level that is not a PhD. You may hear these degrees called “applied” or “practitioner” degrees.
Thinking about earning a degree at the doctoral level? Explore how a professional doctorate can help with practical application of knowledge in real-world settings.
Continue reading “What is a professional doctorate?”
Capella University’s competency-based approach is designed to deliver marketable skills that you can apply immediately in your work. The DBA program is scholar-practitioner focused, technology driven and designed to meet Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) standards, focusing on solving business challenges with an evidence-based approach. You’ll demonstrate expertise and strategic thinking to drive progress and change within your chosen industry with your capstone project.
For more information regarding our DBA courses and specializations, explore:
Interested in more information about the DBA competencies?
With FlexPath, you can take courses at your own speed and move on to the next one when you’re ready. Our self-paced learning format helps put you in control.
The FlexPath learning format offers flexibility – and support – to help you fit earning a degree into your busy life. Set your own deadlines. Use what you already know to progress at your own pace. And take advantage of one tuition fee every 12-week billing session to help lower costs. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
Compare that with our GuidedPath learning format, which offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assessments. Tuition is billed on a pay-per-credit model for 10-week courses. So, you can plan out your degree to fit your schedule and budget.
The DBA program at Capella University is offered online only. It’s available in the GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats.
Learn more about the student experience and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.
Time management for adult students can be challenging, with work and family competing for attention. Here are 7 tips to help balance work, school, family and life responsibilities and maximize your productivity.
Read our blog post seven time management tips for adult students.
Additional DBA resources
The difference between a dissertation and doctoral capstone
What’s the difference between a doctoral capstone and a dissertation? Get details about project focus, timeframe and deliverables for each.
5 reasons to incorporate technology into your classroom
The future is now. Learn why you should integrate technology in your classroom and how to get started.
6 key areas of expertise to help become a successful teacher
Discover key areas of pedagogical skills and content development to help become a successful teacher.