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 Courses¹:

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Credit 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 Hours	9
Spring
BA 9806	Integrative Perspectives on Business Knowledge	3
BA 9815	Problem Solving using Qualitative Research Methods	3
BA 9803	Navigating the Global Marketplace	3
	Credit Hours	9
Summer
BA 9683	Research Project I	3
	Credit Hours	3
Year 2
Fall
BA 9783	Research Project II	3
BA 9814	Advanced Quantitative Research Methods	3
BA 9817	Applied Qualitative Methods	3
	Credit Hours	9
Spring
BA 9816	Creation and Dissemination of Business Knowledge	3
BA 9883	Research Project III	3
BA 9812	Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the New Economy	3
	Credit Hours	9
Summer
BA 9994	Preliminary Examination Preparation	3
	Credit Hours	3
Year 3
Fall
BA 9998	Pre-Dissertation Research	6
	Credit Hours	6
Spring
BA 9999	Dissertation Research	6
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	54

¹

Course substitutions may be permitted with approval of the DBA Academic Director.

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

Department Contacts: