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Your Program

Developing the next generation of rigorous, practice‑focused research scholars.

Now Accepting Applications

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers a fall semester entry.

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DBA Program Overview

The DBA is a rigorous, three‑year doctoral program for experienced professionals who wish to conduct meaningful, applied research while continuing their careers. The program blends advanced coursework, close faculty mentorship and a structured research journey focused on real‑world organizational challenges.

Program Structure

The 72‑credit DBA curriculum intentionally balances foundational scholarship, applied research skills and sustained research development.

These courses provide the theoretical, methodological, and strategic grounding needed for doctoral‑level inquiry:

  • Functional Area Core (18 credits)
    Deepens expertise in key business disciplines and managerial domains.
  • Applied Methodology Core (9 credits)
    Builds the research design, data collection and analytical skills required for rigorous, defensible inquiry.
  • Macro Perspectives (9 credits)
    Examines organizations within broader economic, institutional and global contexts.

A multi year, faculty‑guided research experience focused on a significant organizational problem drawn from your professional context. Rather than a fixed class schedule, you work directly with your faculty advisor to establish a meeting cadence and research pace that fits your professional life.

This collaborative approach ensures:

  • Personalized mentorship
  • Ongoing accountability
  • Steady progress toward your annual research goals

Program Length and Format

The DBA is completed over three years and is designed to fit the rhythm of executive and professional life.

  • Seminar courses are delivered in 7‑week modules
  • Directed research credits follow a semester‑long structure

This format allows you to maintain momentum while balancing professional responsibilities.

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Buffalo, NY 14260-4000
Tel:  716-645-3204

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Class Schedule Designed for Working Professionals

The DBA schedule reflects a deep understanding of how experienced professionals learn best.

Fall and Spring Semesters

During the fall and spring terms, seminar courses meet twice weekly on weekday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. ET. This intentional cadence:

  • Keeps ideas fresh and builds continuity from session to session
  • Encourages richer discussion and deeper engagement than weekly formats
  • Fosters a strong intellectual community among faculty and peers

Regular interaction is a defining feature of the doctoral experience, and this schedule supports sustained dialogue and collaborative learning.

Summer Semester and Residency Experience

The summer term includes one seminar course delivered in a compressed format, allowing you to stay on track academically while preserving flexibility during the summer months.

The course begins and ends with the twice‑weekly morning sessions. In between, you may participate in an optional in‑residence experience to strengthen your cohort relationships and deepen collaboration.

Residencies typically involve intensive daily sessions (four to eight hours per day over one week) and may be held in Buffalo or select international locations, such as Singapore. If you cannot attend in person, you can participate live via Zoom, with sessions recorded for asynchronous engagement, ensuring full access regardless of location.