Program Information
More than 50-years old, GGU’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for working professionals who want to further their career with the most advanced business degree program GGU offers. The DBA program addresses the learning needs and objectives of senior business managers, consultants and university professors. Its primary objective is to produce graduates who can contribute to the advancement of their professions and to the expansion of knowledge and awareness of contemporary strategic issues and practices. Note: This program is available only to students who apply via the Beacon platform.
Our curriculum has a three-tiered focus. Students examine current theories, practices, and issues in business; train in research methods; and study the relationships between business and social and global issues. We believe doctoral students must be adept in all these areas to be successful contributors to the expansion of knowledge and improvement of business practices. For the dissertation, students conduct original research on a topic of current importance and personal interest. The dissertation should impact and help illuminate the strategic issues they face in their professions.
The program encourages students to accept the added responsibility of a shared commitment to the advancement of their professions and to upholding the highest ethical standards in the private or public sector.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the DBA program will achieve the following:
- Thorough knowledge of scientific, practical, and scholarly research methods and the ability to apply them in business as founders, senior managers, consultants, thought leaders, or professors.
- Advanced critical, transformational, and strategic thinking, conceptual and analytical skills.
- Strong understanding of both the seminal theories and the latest practices in business management including advanced and intensive knowledge of theory and practice in business.
- Advanced ability to use qualitative and quantitative tools to perform original applied research and analytics that advances business knowledge and technology.
- Appreciation of cultural, ethical, diversity, equity, justice, environmental, and global issues and their impact on business theory and practices.
- Advanced skills necessary for effective leadership and service in complex evolving, emerging, and disruptive environments through integrating theoretical insights with practical knowledge.
Admissions Requirements
GGU seeks doctoral candidates with strong intellect, proper educational preparation, breadth and depth of managerial or professional experience and the capacity for disciplined scholarly investigation. While most applicants have a master’s degree in a business-related field, applicants with academic preparation in other fields are welcome to apply. Doctoral candidates must be fluent in Chinese and are expected to write at a level that meets the standards of scholarly publications. They are expected to understand contemporary practices in business and the economic, social, and political context in which they are conducted.
Admission decisions are made by the GGU International Student Admissions Office and are based on a comprehensive review of each applicant’s academic achievements and professional experience.
The following criteria apply:
- GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their most recent degree program for full admission.
- Resume: All applicants are required to submit a current resume/CV.
- Special Review Categories: The following applicants will undergo additional review by the Admissions Office, based on their professional experience and accomplishments:
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 in their most recent degree program.
- Applicants who do not hold a master’s degree must have earned a bachelor’s degree and possess a minimum of five years of professional work experience.
- Applicants in the Special Review Categories must also provide:
- A resume.
- A statement of purpose or complete an interview conducted by Beacon Education.
- The statement of purpose or interview must address:
- A minimum of five years of professional experience post-graduation.
- How earning a GGU degree will support their career goals.
These materials will be reviewed by the International Student Admission Office and/or the appropriate GGU Faculty Director or Dean as part of the final admission decision.
Faculty
All faculty members who teach in our DBA program have doctoral degrees from leading universities in their fields and possess extensive practical experience. They bring theoretical and a real-world views to their teaching, research, and advising and a commitment to dynamic, leading-edge education.
Students
Our students are one of the program’s greatest strengths. Typical doctoral students at GGU are working professionals. Without exception, they come from successful careers in top positions in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. They bring their experiences and knowledge to the classroom and, in turn, demand incisive instruction and intelligent, well-developed classroom discussions.
Format
In keeping with our commitment to support working adult professionals with accessible education, we have designed the GGU Worldwide DBA program as fully online, offering an engaging real-world, real-time curriculum delivered by experienced and highly qualified professors.
Requirements for the Global Doctor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Leadership and Strategy
The Doctor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Leadership and Strategy requires completion of 12 units of foundation courses, 12 units of concentration courses, and 28 units of dissertation work, for a total of 52 units. Students must earn a “B-” or better in each course and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better. Although research papers, reports and examinations may be required in doctoral seminars, the major assessment points in the DBA program are the qualifying examination, taken after the foundation curriculum is completed, and the dissertation research. Students must receive a passing score on the qualifying examination and successfully complete all required courses before they are allowed to present a dissertation proposal and officially advance to candidacy. Students must complete and successfully defend their dissertations within five years of beginning the program.
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