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The DBA dissertation follows doctoral coursework
The UBIS DBA is a 60-credit program: 42 credits of doctoral coursework followed by 18 credits of dissertation research. The sequence builds research knowledge before students complete a dissertation on a business problem.
Coursework covers areas such as literature review, applied research trends, action research, case study methods, qualitative and quantitative methods, and proposal development and defense.
Review the UBIS DBA curriculumA research proposal must be approved before candidacy
Before advancing to candidacy, a DBA research proposal must receive approval from the research advisor and the Doctorate Academic Leader. The proposal helps define the research problem and the plan for investigating it.
UBIS states that candidates must reach candidacy within five years and complete the doctorate within seven years. Individual progress and dissertation approval determine the time needed.
See the DBA research and candidacy requirementsDissertation research ends with a defense
The DBA concludes with a dissertation defense. The candidate develops and presents the research after completing the doctoral coursework and dissertation seminars.
The dissertation should address a clearly framed business or management problem using an appropriate research approach. Students can explore the program’s methods coursework and discuss their research direction with faculty as they progress.
Explore the DBA study tracksResearch support can help along the way
The UBIS Research Institute supports research-active students with mentoring, publication planning, ethics guidance and practical methods and analysis tools. Support can cover literature reviews and qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods research.
Students should check with their advisor and the Institute about support relevant to their own project. Research support complements the academic requirements; it does not replace proposal approval or dissertation review.
Explore UBIS Research Institute supportFrequently asked questions
How many credits are in the UBIS DBA dissertation phase?
The UBIS DBA includes 18 credits of dissertation research within its 60-credit structure. The other 42 credits are doctoral coursework.
What must happen before DBA candidacy?
The research proposal must be approved by the research advisor and the Doctorate Academic Leader before the student advances to candidacy.
How long can the UBIS DBA take?
The program period is three years, with a maximum of seven years to completion. UBIS says research progress and dissertation approval determine individual completion, and candidates must reach candidacy within five years.
What research support is available?
The UBIS Research Institute offers support that includes mentoring, publication planning, research ethics, literature reviews, research methods and analytical tools.