Doctor of Business Administration
A professional doctorate for senior professionals enhancing leadership capabilities through research-backed approaches.
Program Overview
Equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, Calwest's professional doctorate is for senior professionals looking to advance their careers by enhancing their leadership capabilities and experiencing first-hand the power of an innovative, research-backed approach to today's workplace challenges. On the successful completion of the DBA, the prefix 'Dr.' can be used before your name as a professional title, and you can legally describe yourself as a Doctor of Business Administration.
Who Is This For?
Holders of both Undergraduate and Masters degrees
Senior professionals seeking doctoral-level qualification
Leaders wanting research-backed approaches to challenges
MBAs looking to further their academic credentials
Program Delivery
100% online through Calwest Tubeclasses platform
Research-focused curriculum with one-to-one supervisor guidance
Self-paced study with structured milestones
Doctoral-level assessments and dissertation
Eligibility
Current ICMA membership
Recognized undergraduate degree AND master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
For the DBA for MBAs pathway: an existing MBA receives 33 RPL credit hours
CMAs without an MBA are advised to first complete the MBA for CMAs pathway
Research Essay
All DBA applicants must submit an essay of 3–4 pages titled “My objectives in undertaking Doctoral Research” as part of the application package. From the Research Proposal stage onwards, you will be assigned an individual supervisor to guide you through your proposal and thesis (25,000–50,000 words), which is marked by two independent examiners.
English Proficiency
Applicants without prior academic experience in an English language environment must meet one of the following minimum scores:
TOEFL - 530 (paper) / IBT 71 (internet-based)
IELTS - 6.5
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) - 50
CEFR - B2
ACT Compass - Level 3
Pathways & Cost
Fees vary depending on the pathway chosen and any Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) credits. Holders of an MBA receive automatic RPL credit for coursework courses. See the full fee structure for detailed breakdowns.
