FOX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration Executive Program.

About the Program

The Executive DBA is a part-time program that prepares senior managers and executives to rigorously discover, describe, study and solve everyday practical problems. Individuals are prepared to approach problems as evidence-based managers by using the tools and techniques of applied business research on issues relevant in the industry.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location: The Executive DBA is delivered through six required on-site weekend residences per year (Friday through Sunday) for the first two years, with additional online components. Residencies are in-person at Convene at Commerce Square in Center City Philadelphia.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The program is designed for part-time study.

Affiliation(s): Research interests of Fox faculty are supported by numerous centers and institutes throughout the Fox School and Temple University.

Accreditation: The Executive DBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Job Prospects: The program prepares graduates for corporate, consulting and academic careers.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: All participants in the Executive DBA must be matriculated.

Financing Opportunities: Tuition includes books, lodging and most meals during the required residencies, as well as some funding for research and conference travel. Students are responsible for travel to and from in-person residencies. Students may be considered for merit-based scholarships. The Fox School offers 5% tuition scholarships for all Temple alumni who are admitted to the program. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States are eligible for federal financial aid opportunities. Alternative loans through private lenders may also be available as well as a payment plan through Temple’s Bursar’s Office. Students are responsible for the total cost of the program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: 

  • December 15 - Early Admissions Deadline
  • June 30 - Final Deadline

Applications are processed as they are received throughout the year.

APPLY ONLINE to this Fox graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from individuals familiar with the applicant's demonstrated leadership, academic potential and critical thinking skills.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants should have at least 12 years of management experience, with at least 7 years at the senior management or executive level. They should hold an MBA or other relevant business-focused master's degree. 

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: The equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college is required. For three-year degrees, mark sheets must be evaluated by WES or another NACES organization.

Statement of Goals: Describe your goals and motivations for pursuing the Executive DBA degree and your area of research interest.

Standardized Test Scores: No standardized tests are required for admission, but scores may be submitted if the applicant desires.

Admissions Essay: A personal statement describing your plan to balance the program's time commitments of about 15 hours per week with your work schedule and other demands is required.

Resume: A current professional resume or CV that highlights professional experience and education is required.

Interview: Candidates may be interviewed after submission of the application. If an interview is scheduled, on-site interviews are strongly recommended so that applicants can visit Temple University and the Fox School to tour the facilities and meet the Executive DBA faculty. Interviews may also be conducted via video conference.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 54

Required Courses:

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
BA 9801 Understanding the Firm through Management and Organizational Theory 3
BA 9802 Scientific Inquiry through Applied Research 3
BA 9813 Problem Solving using Quantitative Research Methods 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
BA 9806 Integrative Perspectives on Business Knowledge 3
BA 9815 Problem Solving using Qualitative Research Methods 3
Select one of the following: 3
Navigating the Global Marketplace
Special Topics in Business Research
 Credit Hours9
Summer
BA 9683 Research Project I 3
 Credit Hours3
Year 2
Fall
BA 9783 Research Project II 3
BA 9814 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 3
Select one of the following: 3
Applied Qualitative Methods
Special Topics in Business Research
 Credit Hours9
Spring
BA 9816 Creation and Dissemination of Business Knowledge 3
BA 9883 Research Project III 3
Select one of the following: 3
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the New Economy
Special Topics in Business Research
 Credit Hours9
Summer
BA 9994 Preliminary Examination Preparation 3
 Credit Hours3
Year 3
Fall
BA 9998 Pre-Dissertation Research 6
 Credit Hours6
Spring
BA 9999 Dissertation Research 6
 Credit Hours6
 Total Credit Hours54

Culminating Events:
Proposal:
The doctoral dissertation is an original investigation that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing body of knowledge and demonstrate the student's own knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of their primary area of interest. In consultation with the committee chair, the proposal should include a statement of the general research problem and motivation for the research; the questions or hypotheses to be investigated; the relevance of the problem to business theory and practice; a review of relevant literature; an outline of the dissertation; a detailed description of the methodology to be used; and expected contributions and practical implications. Executive DBA students should defend their dissertation proposal defense in the Fall of their third year.

Dissertation:
The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense, including the student's ability to express verbally their research question, methodological approach, primary findings and implications. The Dissertation Examining Committee votes to pass, conditionally pass, or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation based on whether the requirements laid out in the dissertation proposal and agree upon by the committee and the student have been successfully met.

Executive DBA students should defend their dissertation in the Spring of their third year. Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. After the Graduate Secretary has arranged the time, date and room for the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," at least 10 days before the defense. The department publicly announces the defense, and the Graduate School announces the defense on its website.

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://www.fox.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/executive-doctorate-in-business-administration-dba/

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management

Graduate and International Programs Office

1801 Liacouras Walk, 701 Alter Hall (006-22)

Philadelphia, PA 19122

foxinfo@temple.edu

215-204-7678

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://apply.temple.edu/FOX/Account/Login

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Barry Griffiths

Senior Associate Director, Graduate Admissions

barry.griffiths@temple.edu

215-204-3960

Academics:

Dr. Pallavi Chitturi

Academic Director, Executive DBA Program

pallavi.chitturi@temple.edu

Program Administrators:

Phyllis Tutora

Senior Director, International and Executive Programs

ptutora@temple.edu

215-204-1184

Brian Foley

Associate Director, Executive DBA Program

bfoley@temple.edu

215-204-2299