Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Case Western Reserve University•Cleveland, , USA

Duration

3 years years

Format

hybrid

Total Cost

USD163,092

Accreditation

AACSB

Program Overview

The Weatherhead DBA program at Case Western Reserve University is designed for experienced executives who wish to address complex organizational challenges through rigorous applied research and innovative thinking. Founded in 1995, it is one of the longest-running DBA programs in the United States with 350+ alumni worldwide. The program uses a lockstep cohort model where approximately 20 experienced professionals progress together through the same three-year course sequence, combining on-campus residencies in Cleveland with virtual sessions.

Mission Statement

To develop creative practitioner-scholars who can tackle the world's most pressing management challenges through interdisciplinary research and practical application, bridging rigorous academic inquiry with real-world organizational impact.

Unique Value Proposition

One of the longest-running DBA programs in the United States (founded 1995, 350+ alumni)

Ranked #3 DBA Program in the U.S. by College Consensus

Named premier DBA provider by CEO Magazine (2022)

Lockstep cohort of ~20 senior executives (average age 50, 15+ years experience)

Three-paper dissertation format: qualitative, quantitative, and integrative

Optional DBA-to-PhD pathway in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems

Faculty developed groundbreaking concepts: Appreciative Inquiry, Emotional Intelligence, Flourishing Enterprise

AACSB-accredited business school at an R1 research university (AAU member)

Engaged Practitioner Scholars (EPS) post-graduation community

70-80% of students present at prestigious conferences

Learning Outcomes

1.Master qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches
2.Conduct rigorous applied research addressing real-world organizational challenges
3.Lead transformational change through evidence-based management
4.Design sustainable business and organizational systems
5.Disseminate knowledge to influence managerial practice
6.Integrate theory and practice as a creative practitioner-scholar

Program Philosophy

Managing as designing -- applying design thinking, complexity science, and interdisciplinary research to complex business challenges. The program develops creative practitioner-scholars who bridge rigorous academic inquiry with real-world organizational impact.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Program Overview

Mission Statement

Unique Value Proposition

Learning Outcomes

Program Philosophy

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience Level

Educational Background