Doctor of Business Administration
Get to Know the LMU Doctor of Business Administration
The Doctor of Business Administration at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, develops outstanding applied researchers dedicated to advancing business, policy, and society through impactful contributions to research and practice. Tailored for accomplished professionals, our part-time, hybrid program enables you to pursue a research-based degree while maintaining your professional trajectory. By equipping you with the essential tools for evidence-based decision-making in tackling complex challenges, you'll unlock new paths for leadership and create change in the global marketplace.
Our curriculum encourages you to explore and analyze diverse business challenges, considering their impact on organizations, industries, and your personal and professional life. The DBA program is designed to be completed in 3 years, and begins with a week-long residential intensive on innovative, global, ethical, and sustainable business practices. In the first and second year, you will focus on coursework and seminars to develop your research and analytical skills. The third year is dedicated to your dissertation. Throughout your doctorate program, you'll attend on-site weekends and work with the Dean's office to identify opportunities for participating in conferences and academic events related to your field.
Doctor of Business Administration Quick Facts
- Units: 60
- Part-time: 3 years
- Modality: Online Synchronous and Asynchronous with On-campus Residencies
- Class Meetings: 3 hours every other week
- Residentials: 1 week-long, pre-program residential; on-site weekends once per semester during year 1 and 2
- Travel Funding: Dedicated funds to use towards conference and research travel*
*subject to preapproval
Our Doctor of Business Administration By the Numbers
Years to Complete Part-time
Average LMU Graduate Class Size
LMU Student to Faculty Ratio
Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a foreign institution. Master's degree in business or a relevant field is preferred.
- 5 years of high-level managerial or executive experience, and 8 years of managerial experience overall.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are received; there is no need to wait until a deadline to submit your application. Applicants should expect to receive an admission decision within one month of submitting a complete application.
Fall (August) 2025
- January 10, 2025: Round 1
- March 10, 2025: Round 2
- May 31, 2025: Round 3
- We will continue to accept applications after May 31, 2025 until all spaces are full.
Doctor of Business Administration Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Application: Resume, personal statement, research interests, and $50 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- College/university transcripts
- Interview
International applicants have additional admission requirements.
LMU does not issue student (F-1) visas for the Doctor of Business Administration program.
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Tuition and Fees
Our Doctor of Business Administration offers exceptional value without compromising quality. We understand the importance of affordability in pursuing higher education, which is why we strive to provide a competitive tuition structure. Students benefit from a robust curriculum and valuable networking opportunities, ensuring a worthwhile investment in their future.
Scholarships
All applicants who apply by the final deadline are automatically considered for all available merit scholarships; no special scholarship application is required. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application, including previous academic record, test scores, and work experience. Domestic and international students may qualify.
Financial Aid
All need-based financial aid and most other aid awards at the Federal, State and University level are determined in whole or in part by the information submitted in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may submit your FAFSA and apply for financial aid prior to applying for admission to LMU. Our Financial Aid Office recommends applying for aid as soon as possible. Visit Financial Aid for financial aid application instructions and other important information regarding the types of aid you may receive.
Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens are able to receive federal or state-funded types of financial aid. International students should visit Financial Aid for more information.
Each year, Financial Aid prepares a student expense budget defining estimated standard allowances for education costs for graduate and professional students. This Cost of Attendance budget is used to determine a student's financial aid eligibility for scholarships, grants, loans and work awards.
Professional Development and Opportunities
Attending and presenting at conferences and other research-focused events is a vital part of your development as a researcher and practitioner, made possible through built-in funding for travel. You will gain exposure to current research, develop your presentation skills, broaden and challenge your perspectives, spark inspiration for future research, build your network, find opportunities for publications, and impact practice.
Our faculty play an important role in the development of DBA students. In addition to formal mentorship through the dissertation process, you will build strong connections with faculty who share similar research interests. Through these relationships, there is the potential to collaborate on research projects, co-author papers and articles, and discover teaching opportunities within LMU.
Career Advancement
Motivations among students for pursuing a DBA vary; some are satisfied with applying their newfound skills within their existing career paths, while others aspire to transition into new and challenging experiences. DBA graduates, with their comprehensive skill set, are especially well-suited for careers in the following fields:
Teaching: Beyond opportunities in adjunct positions, thanks to evolving accreditation policies, DBA graduates may find themselves eligible for tenure-track and clinical positions at universities.
Research: The combination of advanced research skills, practical experience, and strategic thinking makes DBA graduates well-suited for research positions in industry and the non-profit sector.
Consulting: DBA graduates have developed advanced expertise in specific areas of business. This fusion of deep knowledge with practical experience and applied research adds significant value to organizations seeking expert guidance and solutions.
Centers of Excellence
Our Centers of Excellence within the College of Business Administration are pivotal in fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and the community. These centers, including the Center for Asian Business, the Center for International Business Education, the Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability, provide DBA students with unique opportunities. DBA students benefit from access to research grants and can engage with the ongoing research conducted by these centers. Additionally, our centers host numerous events throughout the year, such as guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, allowing DBA students to immerse themselves in these fields of interest and expand their professional networks.
Never Miss a Deadline