Doctor of Business Administration, DBA

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The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is the highest level of academic achievement in the Business School and is designed for working professionals who are seeking applied research skills and want to continue working while participating in a part-time program. Individuals pursuing the DBA program should have 8+ years of professional experience and currently work in a middle-to-top management position. The program provides knowledge and skill in research methodologies across business disciplines and is taught by world-renowned faculty. 

The DBA program is delivered in a Hyflex Model and can be completed over three years beginning in the Fall Term. It focuses on engagement and research synthesis with the real-world practice of business and students’ executive management experience.

Contact Information

Executive Degree Programs Office

412-648-1600

E-mail: executiveprograms@katz.pitt.edu

Application Procedures

Apply Here

Applications may be submitted year-round, and admissions decisions are typically made within three weeks of receiving a completed application package and conducting an interview. Your application will either be accepted, rejected, or wait-listed. If wait-listed, an admissions decision may not be made until a month before classes begin. At that time, those with the strongest credentials are admitted. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from accredited colleges or universities.

Both baccalaureate and master’s degrees from accredited colleges or universities are required for admission with the professional work requirements included. Applicants with a master’s degree from an approved institution can transfer up to 27 credits into the DBA program.

Quick Check List:

• Online application form
• Resume or CV
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation from professional references, including your current supervisor if applicable
• Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English native speakers

Tuition, Fees and Financial Assistance

The cost for this program is $3,000 per credit and includes tuition, student fees, and course materials and is the same for in-state and out-of-state residents. Limited merit aid may be available for qualified students. If you are accepted into the program, you may apply and be considered for this aid by completing the Executive DBA Financial Support Plan form. The program can also share information regarding financial resources you may explore such as Federal loans and external funding. Visit tuition.pitt.edu for tuition information

Doctor of Business Administration Degree Requirements

Graduates would receive a DBA degree from the University of Pittsburgh upon successful completion of the following degree requirements:

• 72 credits (includes 27 credits that can be satisfied by transfer from an approved master’s program, 33 credits of core courses, and 12 credits of supervised Practicum Research Project coursework.
• Practicum Research Project
• 3.0 GPA or higher to graduate
• One-week residency during each of the first two summers. Students facing travel/visa restrictions can request to participate virtually.

The minimum course load is 72 credits, including 27 transfer credits from a master’s degree or equivalent, 33 credits of coursework, and 12 credits for the Practicum Research Project. A Pitt Business faculty member would supervise the Practicum Research Project. An additional faculty member (from Pitt Business and/or a partner institution) could serve as a co-advisor if additional specialty expertise is needed.