University at Buffalo (UB)
Your Program
Developing the next generation of rigorous, practice‑focused research scholars.
Now Accepting Applications
Enrollment for the Doctor of Business Administration program will begin in the spring 2027 semester.
The Doctor of Business Administration 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.
The DBA program's research component is a progressive, three-year journey.
In year one, you will build a shared foundation. Students move through three research courses as a cohort, each course taught by a dedicated faculty member, developing the core skills and scholarly frameworks that underpin rigorous business research. This cohort experience is about teaching you research skills that hold true across all business disciplines.
By year two, the journey becomes more focused. Students are organized into small groups of five to six, each working with a faculty member whose expertise aligns with the group's research interests. The smaller setting makes for deeper mentorship and more targeted advice as your research starts to crystallize.
In year three, the experience becomes even more tailored to supporting a writing-intensive final year. Groups of two to three students work closely with a faculty advisor to polish and finalize their research, bringing the depth of attention and customized assistance that a capstone doctoral project calls for.
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.
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. Research courses meet once per week 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 (4 to 8 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.