Delivery
In-person, on campus at the The Dubois Center ten times a year over three-day weekends
Business Administration, DBA
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Why get a DBA at UNC Charlotte?
The Difference is Charlotte
Located in one of the nation’s leading financial centers, the program connects you to organizations where applied research can drive real impact across industries.
Practitioner-Scholar Model
You’ll combine academic research with professional experience, developing insights that address real business challenges within your organization and industry.
Cohort-Based Experience
You’ll progress through the program with a cohort of experienced professionals, gaining diverse perspectives and building a strong professional network.
Comparison
DBA vs. Ph.D.
Both the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Ph.D. in Business Administration are doctoral degrees grounded in research, but they are designed for different professional goals and career paths.
- The DBA is designed for experienced professionals who want to apply research to real-world business challenges while continuing to work full time.
- The DBA is a part-time, 3-year program designed for working professionals, while the Ph.D. is typically a full-time program requiring several years of study.
- In the DBA, your research is applied, focused on generating insights that inform decision-making in organizations and industries.
- In a Ph.D. program, research is generally more theoretical, contributing to scholarly knowledge and academic literature and preparing graduates for academic research careers.
If your goal is to use research to drive strategy, solve complex problems and create impact within your organization or industry, the DBA offers a direct path to that work.
Have questions about the DBA or want to explore whether it’s the right fit? Connect directly with the program to learn more about the curriculum, research focus and expectations for doctoral study.
If you’re ready to deepen your expertise, apply research to real-world challenges and contribute meaningful insights to your organization or industry, the DBA offers a clear path forward.
DBA
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to develop advanced research capabilities while applying theory to real-world business challenges. The curriculum has three major components:
Research Methodology Courses
- BDBA 8100 – Introduction to Experimental Design and Measurement
- BDBA 8130 – Introduction to Business Theory
- BDBA 8140 – Advanced Business Theory
- BDBA 8150 – Business Statistics and Data Analysis
- BDBA 8200 – Research Methods I
- BDBA 8230 – Research Methods II
- BDBA 8350 – Dissertation Proposal Development
Seminars in Applied Research
- BDBA 8110 – Organizational Theories and Systems
- BDBA 8120 – Professional Issues I
- BDBA 8210 – Current Topics Research Seminar
- BDBA 8220 – Professional Issues II
- BDBA 8240 – Focused Research Seminar
Dissertation
DBA Scholars
Who You'll Learn With
DBA candidates are experienced professionals from across industries, including senior leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs.
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Paula Sharpe
Senior Business Execution Consultant | Incident Manager — Payment Operations, Global Operations, Wells Fargo
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Densel Fleming
Chief Wealth & Investment Officer, Vintage Wealth Management Group, Inc.
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Amy Bugyis
Mergers & Acquisitions and Transformation ROI Expert, Advisory LLC Owner
Career Outcomes
The DBA prepares you to:
- Apply research to strategic decision-making
- Lead organizational change
- Contribute thought leadership in your field
- Advance into senior leadership, consulting or academic roles
Tuition + Program Investment
Tuition for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is structured as a comprehensive program fee rather than per-credit tuition.
Total tuition and fees are approximately:
- $94,000 for North Carolina residents
- $120,000 for non-residents
The program fee includes books, course materials and meals during required residencies. Travel and lodging for residencies are not included.
contact us
Have questions?
Ready for a one-on-one conversation?
Contact Dr. Alan Turovlin, DBA Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor.
aturovli@charlotte.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DBA?
A DBA is a doctoral degree focused on applying research to real-world business challenges, designed for experienced professionals.
How is a DBA different from a Ph.D. in Business?
A DBA focuses on applied research and professional practice, while a PhD is typically more theoretical and research-oriented.
Who is the DBA designed for?
The program is designed for experienced professionals who want to deepen their expertise and apply research in their organizations or industries.
Can I work full-time while completing the DBA?
Yes. The program is structured for working professionals and designed to be completed while maintaining full-time employment.
How long does the program take?
Most DBA programs are completed in 3–4 years in a cohort-based format.