Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at St. Thomas University is a terminal degree designed for experienced professionals who want to lead at the highest levels of business. This DBA equips professionals with advanced leadership, analytical, and strategic skills to excel in business and academia.

Program Overview

The DBA program at STU is rooted in a strong business core and proven management theory. The program emphasizes the strategic management of people, policies, and products. It equips scholar-practitioners with advanced research skills and practical knowledge to solve real-world challenges in diverse business environments. Students gain deep expertise in areas such as innovation, organizational behavior, and ethical leadership, while also building a robust research foundation. Whether aiming to drive change in corporate settings or transition into faculty roles in higher education, graduates of the DBA in Management are prepared to lead with insight, integrity, and impact.

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Applied Research

Focus on solving real-world business issues

Only 2%

Business degree holders with exclusive doctoral degrees

Career Paths

CEO, Professor, Entrepreneur, and More

Specializations

The DBA in Business Administration degree program allows students to tailor their studies to a specific area of interest or career focus within the broader field of business. Whether it’s Management, Sports Administration, or Cyber Security a specialization deepens expertise in that niche, enhances strategic and applied research skills, and prepares graduates for executive-level roles in their chosen industry.

Cyber Security Management

A DBA with a focus on Cyber Security Management is vital for aspiring Chief Information Security Officers as it provides necessary knowledge and skills in the areas of risk management, governance, cyber security law, information privacy, and principles of management tailored to the cyber security professional’s needs. This DBA from STU will blend these different bases of knowledge in order to give graduates the edge they need to tackle the issues organizations are facing and earn advanced positions in the field.

The DBA in Cyber Security Management degree prepares graduates for the executive level by focusing on the skills CISOs and other high level IT managers need to effectively develop and implement information security solutions for their organizations. Those with backgrounds in computers and security will gain valuable insight into employee behavior, organizational design, policies, processes, and communication that will help improve their effectiveness as managers and executives.

General Management

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Management specialization prepares graduates in a business background, with a strong focus on the management of people, policies, and products. This program also trains scholar/practitioners who possess skills and knowledge to solve real world issues in business/management environments. Students will establish a strong research base studying in the program.

The DBA in Management at STU features a strong business core combined with proven management theory. The program prepares those in leadership roles to expand their knowledge and abilities in strategic management, innovation, and organizational behavior. The program also prepares individuals for faculty positions in higher education.

Sports Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Sports Administration is designed to prepare individuals for management positions in the sports industry and faculty positions in higher education. The degree program prepares graduates in a business and sports background, as well as establishing a strong research base.

The sports field has a need for more qualified professionals with a strong business background. The DBA in Sports Administration curriculum provides professional preparation for management and leadership positions with professional sports teams, intercollegiate athletics, and higher education.

All students admitted to the DBA program will be granted 30 credits from their Master’s Degree, toward the program total of 90 credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s Degree. Resulting in a 60 credit hour degree completion plan. Additionally, in consultation with the program director an additional 15 graduate, or post graduate credits may be accepted toward the remaining 60 credits beyond the Master’s Degree depending upon content and discipline of the graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and doctoral specialization selected.

Depending on the number of credits transferred in from the Master’s Degree, course work can be completed in 1–1½ years before dissertation.

Career Landscape

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate is confident, knowledgeable, and filled with high-level opportunities. With advanced expertise in strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, and organizational innovation, DBA graduates are well-positioned for executive roles such as CEO, COO, consultant, or director across industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and government. They are also sought after in academia for teaching and research positions. As businesses increasingly value ethical leadership and real-world problem-solving, the DBA opens doors to impactful roles that drive growth, transformation, and long-term success.

In the Classroom

The classroom experience in a DBA program is collaborative, executive-focused, and research-driven. Students—often experienced professionals—engage in advanced seminars, real-world case studies, and applied research projects that tackle current business challenges. Discussions are rich with peer insight, and coursework blends leadership theory with data analysis, strategic decision-making, and organizational behavior. The environment is designed to sharpen both academic and practical skills, preparing students to lead with insight and innovation at the highest levels.

Research, Innovate, and Lead at the highest level.

Apply now to join our DBA program and join a community of leaders committed to pursuing excellence.

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Business Administration Fast Facts

Research Options
Several options available for doctoral research including action research, traditional dissertation, or journal articles.
Personalized Support
Small class sizes of 10-15 students offer personalized attention.
Speed to Graduation
Course work may be completed in as little as 1–1½ years before dissertation, depending on prior credits.

Contact

For more information or to begin your enrollment in the DBA in Business Administration program at STU, please contact our admissions office. Our advisors are ready to assist you.

Admissions
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Call or Text: 305-563-8792
Email: admissions@stu.edu

Doctor of Business Administration

Program Overview

Specializations

Career Landscape

In the Classroom

Research, Innovate, and Lead at the highest level.

Business Administration Fast Facts

Research Options

Personalized Support

Speed to Graduation

Contact

Reach out

Colleges

Information

Compliance