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Location: Scurfield Hall, Room 424
Phone:403.220.6073
Fax: 403.282.0095
Email address: dbarequest@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
Web page URL:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - thesis-based

The DBA is a full-time, blended-learning program that allows senior-level professionals to complete the degree while continuing their career. It combines graduate-level courses with a rigorous research component, including a thesis based on independent inquiry developed under the guidance of a supervisor assigned at the start of the program.

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:

a) At least 10 years of management experience, including seven years at the senior management or executive level, or at least five years’ experience as lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program.

b) A post-baccalaureate degree (e.g., MBA or relevant business-focused Master’s degree) from a recognized institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a four-point scale. Students presenting credentials in an area other than business may be required to complete a qualifying period to gain a general business background before beginning the regular doctoral course requirements.

c) Students who do not present an MBA or other master’s degree from a recognized postsecondary institution may be considered for admission. Exceptional candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree (i.e, a GPA of 3.50 or higher) who have substantial managerial experience will also be considered. Consult the DBA Program Director for further information.

d) For those students required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test), or a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.5, or a minimum CAEL score of 70 with a minimum of 70 in each component, or a minimum PTE score of 75. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate () with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.

e) Current CV.

f) Three reference letters from professionals or academics who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s career. References from personal friends or relatives will not be accepted.

g) A personal statement outlining objectives, intent and commitment to a research program (2 pages).

h) Availability of a research-active supervisor and resources for the area in which the student wishes to study.

Admission Deposit

Successful applicants will be required to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission into the DBA program with an online non-refundable deposit of $3,000. The deposit will be credited toward tuition fees upon registration.

See the Future Students website:

Advanced credit may be given on a case-by-case basis, with approval of the DBA Director.

The program consists of a minimum of 24 units. Eighteen of these are from six core courses required of all students. In addition, students fulfill 6 units from two elective courses.

a) Six core courses (total 18 units):

1. Management Studies 703
2. Management Studies 705
3. Management Studies 709
4. Management Studies 711
5. Strategy and Global Management 707
6. Management Studies 714

b) Two of six elective courses (total 6 units):

1. Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources 733
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation 735
3. Finance 737
4. Operations Management 731
5. Management Studies 746
6. Management Studies 748

Attendance at an orientation session is mandatory for all incoming DBA students.

Doctoral students are required to have secured a permanent supervisor within the first twelve months of their program. A supervisory committee reflective of the student’s research interests is required within three months after the permanent supervisor has been approved.

Students whose research involves human subjects must receive approval from the Haskayne School of Business and from the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board before beginning data collection.

Candidacy

For complete details of the candidacy requirements, see the DBA Candidacy Requirements document at .

Thesis Examination

Students will complete an oral thesis examination at the end of their program. The student presentation portion of the thesis examination is public. In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the program requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Typically, students are expected to complete the degree in four years. Students have a maximum of six years from the start of their program to complete all degree requirements.