Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

• What is the EDBA degree?

  The Executive Doctorate of Business Administration is a terminal, applied doctoral program designed for experienced professionals. It combines rigorous academic research training with practical, real-world business application — enabling graduates to publish scholarly work, consult, teach, or take on senior leadership roles in organizations.

• Who should apply to the EDBA?

  The program is ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals who:

  • Have a master’s degree (e.g., MBA or equivalent) from an accredited institution.

  • Bring substantial professional experience — typically 10+ years, preferably with managerial or leadership responsibilities.

  • Want to continue working while earning a terminal degree.

  • Wish to engage in applied research that has both academic and practical impact — valuable for consulting, teaching, or executive leadership.

• Can I work full-time while I complete the program?

  Yes. The EDBA is specifically structured for working executives. The hybrid format combines weekly online coursework with one on-campus weekend residency per term — allowing you to continue your professional and personal commitments while pursuing the doctorate

• How long does the program take? What’s the format?

  The program runs 3 years (9 terms) and requires 55 credit hours. The format is hybrid: online synchronous/asynchronous learning combined with periodic residency weekends.

  Due to the cohort model and structured delivery, the timeline is fixed; it is not a self-paced program. This ensures that all students progress together and benefit from the collective experience and peer support.

• What does tuition cover? Are there any additional fees?

  Tuition is a flat, all-inclusive fee of $9,500 per term, totaling $85,500 for the full 3-year program (55 credit hours). 

  
  This fee includes: tuition, books and class materials, access to databases and learning resources, meals during residency weekends, on-campus parking during residencies, and graduation regalia.  Any additional fees — such as technology fees, library fees, or part-time enrollment fees — follow the standard graduate fee schedule, though for full-time EDBA students these tend to be minimal.

• What materials and requirements are needed to apply?

  To apply, you need to submit:

  • Official or unofficial transcripts verifying a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review). 

  • A current résumé or CV that outlines your professional and educational history — with emphasis on leadership or managerial roles.

  • A Statement of Purpose describing your career goals, motivation for pursuing the EDBA, and how the program aligns with your aspirations.

  • A writing sample highlighting your research interests entering the program.

  • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to your readiness for doctoral-level work, leadership potential, and work ethic. 

  After admissions review, selected applicants may be invited to an interview — part of the evaluation process.

• What kind of dissertation will I complete? What is “dual-impact”?

  The EDBA requires a dissertation that delivers two complementary outcomes:

  • A rigorous academic article suitable for scholarly publication — demonstrating methodological and theoretical contribution.

  • A practitioner-oriented deliverable (e.g., a teaching case, consulting framework, industry report, or real-world business solution), designed to provide tangible value to organizations or practitioners.
    This “dual-impact” model ensures your research is both academically rigorous and relevant to business practice.

• What career paths are possible after graduation?

  Graduates of the EDBA may pursue a variety of pathways, including:

  • University teaching positions (full-time or adjunct)

  • Consulting or advisory roles in industry, nonprofit, or government organizations

  • Senior executive or leadership roles in organizations — often enhanced by the analytical, research-based leadership skills developed during the EDBA

  • Specialized roles requiring both practical business acumen and scholarly/analytical rigor (e.g., organizational strategy, corporate research, policy development)

• Is the EDBA appropriate for someone without a business background or MBA?

  Yes — while an MBA is common among applicants, the EDBA welcomes professionals from various industries and academic backgrounds, as long as they hold a master's degree from an accredited institution and meet admissions criteria. 
  The program is designed to provide the research, analytical, and leadership training necessary to succeed — regardless of your prior academic or professional path.

• What kind of time commitment should I expect?

  As a hybrid program for working professionals, the EDBA is structured to balance rigor with flexibility. Weekly online classes (live and asynchronous) plus one in-person residency weekend per term are required. Outside of class hours, students should expect additional time for reading, research, writing, and dissertation work — especially as they move into the dissertation phase. Because the program is cohort-based and paced over 3 years, consistent commitment is recommended.