For Tech Leaders

Golden Gate University (GGU), USA, with its 120-year legacy of academic excellence, offers a transformative Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program focused on Generative AI and Emerging Technologies. This doctorate, in association with upGrad, stands out as exceptional because of its faculty with over 80 years of cumulative AI/ML teaching expertise.

With access to a global alumni of 68,000 and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), this DBA in emerging technologies program gives you the option to be a part of 3 global AI immersion hubs:

• Immersion 1 in Singapore (5 days)
• Immersion 2 in India (5 days)
• Immersion 3 in San Francisco (5 days)

Designed to equip you with the expertise needed to solve complex challenges, the GGU DBA in Gen AI program has the potential to position you as a leader in the industries of tomorrow.

In today's world, Artificial Intelligence, especially Generative AI, is one of the defining forces shaping the future of industries across sectors. A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in Generative AI from GGU prepares you for leadership in this evolving landscape, equipping you to drive strategic change, build innovation-led teams, and create lasting impact.

Salary Impact: Average Hike & CTC Ranges

• Significant Salary Boost: Professionals with Generative AI expertise experience an average salary increase as compared to peers without such skills.

Immediate Upskilling Benefits

• Strategic Decision-Making: Develop practical frameworks to make strategic decisions in AI-driven environments.
• Leadership in Innovation: Lead cross-functional teams, manage change, and drive technology-led transformation.
• Hands-on Technical Exposure: Build practical experience with cutting-edge Generative AI platforms to sharpen your analytical expertise.

• Problem Solving with Impact: Apply research-driven insights to address complex, real-world business challenges.

Growth Progression:

• Accelerated Promotions: Professionals with Generative AI expertise are positioned for faster promotions due to the high demand for such skills.
• Career Transitions: Step into roles such as Chief Innovation Officer, AI Strategy Consultant, or Head of Digital Transformation with specialized knowledge
• Management Readiness: Prepare for high-stakes leadership roles and executive responsibilities across industries or academia.

This unique DBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI, provides strategic business insights with hands-on AI knowledge, helping you stand out in your current role or transition into top-level positions like Chief Innovation Officer, Strategy Head, or VP of Digital Transformation. With the right skills and mindset, you're prepared to lead, adapt, and grow in a world that’s being reshaped by AI.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to elevate your career and establish you as a recognized leader and innovator in the global business landscape. Our unique offerings go beyond traditional academic learning to provide tangible, real-world advantages.

1. Board Advisory Certification with PwC Academy: A Seat at the Table

Gain unparalleled readiness for boardroom roles with a first-of-its-kind certification from PwC Academy. This exclusive offering is integrated into the DBA program and provides:

• Influential Decision-Making: Learn to shape an organization's future by influencing key decisions.
• Multi-Board Impact: Drive impact across various industries by preparing to serve on multiple boards.
• Leadership Mentorship: Leverage your experience to guide and mentor current and future leadership.
• Enhanced Visibility & Prestige: Increase your standing and recognition in the business community.
• Practical Boardroom Skills: Master real-world scenarios through simulations, investor cases, and red flag drills.
• Expert-Led Training: Learn directly from PwC and corporate governance experts.
• Co-Branded Certification: Earn a co-branded certificate that signifies your boardroom readiness.

2. Idea to IP: Where Research Meets Real-World Impact with Patent Guidance

Distinguish yourself by transforming your innovative ideas into protected intellectual property. This exclusive offering provides:

• End-to-End Patent Support: Receive comprehensive guidance from idea validation to filing, all the way until the patent grant is issued.
• Faculty-Led Guidance: Benefit from expert-led support, with faculty guiding you through patent search and application drafting.
• Protected Innovation Portfolio: Build a robust portfolio of protected innovations to enhance your leadership profile.
• Industry Connections: upGrad connects you with leading firms for guidance at every step.

3. Amplify Your Research: Publish With Purpose

Turn your research into recognized thought leadership and establish academic credibility. This outcome-driven approach includes:

• Refined Research for Publishing: Receive guidance from experienced faculty to refine your research for academic publication.
• Strategic Journal Placement: Discover the most suitable platforms and journals to meaningfully publish your work.
• Enhanced Visibility & Credibility: Build academic visibility and credibility that distinguishes you in leadership roles.
• Expert Mentorship: Get faculty mentorship to refine your work, identify publishing platforms, and broaden your research impact.

4. Become a Published Thought Leader: Write Your E-Book, Publish & Inspire

Establish your authority and inspire others by becoming a published e-book author. This unique opportunity offers:

• Structured E-Book Creation: Craft your e-book with ongoing faculty feedback and structured support.
• Global Publishing Access: Publish your e-book on leading digital platforms like Amazon with guided support.
• Strengthened Personal Brand: Significantly strengthen your personal brand and influence within your industry and beyond.
• Faculty Guidance: Receive expert faculty guidance to shape your ideas, gain feedback, and successfully publish.

5. Not Just a DBA; Join an Exclusive Leadership Circle

Expand your network and gain invaluable insights by learning alongside an elite group of senior executives. This program offers:

• Cross-Industry Collaboration: Collaborate with senior executives from diverse industries and geographies.
• Fortune 500 Perspectives: Gain unique perspectives from CXOs and VPs at Fortune 500 and other global companies.
• Elite Learning Network: Become part of an exclusive learning network that fosters leadership and growth.
• High-Caliber Peer Group: Interact with a high-caliber peer group, including CXOs, VPs, and Directors from top organizations.

Note: Certain features may have an additional charge

Golden Gate University (GGU), San Francisco, has a legacy of excellence built over 120 years. Renowned for its focus on working professionals, GGU has consistently empowered leaders through innovative programs and world-class education.

Choosing to pursue a program in Generative AI from Golden Gate means aligning yourself with a university that offers unparalleled academic rigor, global recognition, and career-transforming opportunities.

1. A Legacy of Excellence

With over a century of experience, GGU is one of the oldest universities in California, catering specifically to working professionals.

Here’s why you should get your DBA from this university:

• Its DBA program is accredited by the prestigious WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring your degree is recognized and respected worldwide.
• GGU is also AACSB and WES-recognized, placing it among the top-tier institutions for business education.

2. Learn from Global Thought Leaders

GGU’s faculty brings over 80 years of combined AI/ML teaching experience, 15+ patents, and 125+ publications. These aren’t ordinary Phd holders and professors — they are pioneers in their fields, blending academic expertise with industry relevance.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from those shaping the future of business and technology.

3. A Degree That Works for You

Whether online or on-campus, GGU’s DBA offers the same globally recognized curriculum and degree. The online format ensures flexibility without compromising quality, while global immersions add value through experiential learning. Your professional experience takes precedence, with no GMAT or GRE requirements.

4. Designed for Impact

GGU’s DBA program goes beyond academics. It’s about real-world relevance, offering practical tools and strategies to solve contemporary business challenges.

Whether it’s mastering tools like SPSS, R, and Tableau or creating impactful research through a dissertation guided by world-class mentors, this DBA in emerging technologies program equips you for leadership roles.

Earning a degree in DBA in emerging technologies from GGU opens doors to some of the most coveted roles in business and technology.

Whether you aim to transition into executive leadership, establish yourself as a thought leader, or drive transformative initiatives in your industry, the career outcomes of this program are designed to meet your aspirations.

Top Career Roles After DBA in Emerging Tech with Gen AI – India 

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): INR 10L to INR 44.3L
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): INR 15L to INR 52L
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): INR 12L to INR 50L
• Vice President – Digital Transformation: ₹24L – ₹95L 
•  Management Consultant (AI/Tech Strategy): ₹18L – ₹37L 
• Director – AI & Emerging Tech : ₹43.3L – ₹46.5L 

Top Career Roles After DBA in Emerging Tech with Gen AI – USA

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): USD 81,890 to USD 282,680 (₹69.5L to ₹2.4Cr)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): USD 99,052 to USD 271,184 (₹84.1L to ₹2.3Cr)
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): USD 86,697 to USD 264,852 (₹73.6L to ₹2.25Cr)
• Vice President – Digital Transformation: USD 147,491 to USD 310,686 (₹1.25Cr to ₹2.63Cr)
• Management Consultant (AI Strategy): USD 86,240 to USD 202,439 (₹73.2L to ₹1.72Cr)
• Director – AI & Emerging Technologies: USD 172,403 to USD 240,000 (₹1.46Cr to ₹2.04Cr)

Note: The above INR values are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹85.41, as per the latest available data. Please note that exchange rates fluctuate regularly due to market conditions.

The DBA in generative AI from GGU and PhD are both prestigious doctoral degrees, but their focus, structure, and outcomes cater to different aspirations.

Golden Gate University’s DBA program is specifically designed for experienced professionals aiming to apply research to solve real-world business challenges and drive organizational innovation, while a PhD is more suited for those seeking to expand theoretical knowledge within academia.

Comparison: GGU DBA (via upGrad) vs. Traditional PhD Programs

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program from Golden Gate University (GGU) is designed to arm you with future-ready skills, enabling you to lead confidently in an era dominated by Generative AI and emerging technologies.

Under the guidance of global AI and ML experts with over 15 patents and 125+ research publications, you will develop the following essential skills:

• Generative AI and Innovation: Explore the latest applications of Generative AI to develop transformative business strategies, enhance decision-making, and address real-world challenges.
• Dissertation Guidance: Work closely with faculty mentors on a dissertation focused on solving real business problems. This mentorship ensures your research creates a measurable, real-world impact.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Excellence: Master advanced research techniques using tools like SPSS, R, and Tableau to analyze data, extract insights, and build strategies supported by solid research.
• Leadership in a Digital Age: Cultivate advanced leadership skills to inspire teams, manage AI-powered transformations, and make data-driven decisions with ethical precision.
• Global Perspective and Collaboration: Develop the ability to lead across diverse cultures, utilizing global business insights gained through immersive learning experiences.
• AI-Driven Problem Solving: Design and implement AI-led frameworks to tackle business challenges, improve operational efficiency, and maintain competitive advantage.
• Ethical Business Practices: Gain a deep understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation and lead responsibly in technology-driven transformations.
• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: Learn to assess opportunities, mitigate risks, and develop strategies that drive business growth, innovation, and long-term value for your organization.
• Publication and Innovation Outcomes: Pursue multiple research opportunities, including publishing, patenting, or authoring scholarly work that impacts the field.

What Tools Will You Learn?

This DBA in generative AI program integrates industry-leading tools into its curriculum, ensuring you graduate equipped with hands-on expertise to tackle real-world challenges. These tools are carefully chosen to enhance your analytical, research, and decision-making skills, making you future-ready.

• SPSS: Conduct advanced statistical analysis and interpret complex datasets to uncover actionable business insights.
• R and RCmdr: Harness the power of R for data cleaning, statistical modeling, and machine learning applications, empowering you to make evidence-based decisions.
• Tableau: Build dynamic dashboards and impactful data visualizations to present insights effectively to stakeholders and drive informed strategies.
• SmartPLS: Perform structural equation modeling and path analysis to validate theoretical models and refine organizational strategies.
• Generative AI Platforms: Gain proficiency in tools that drive innovation, enabling intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and transformative business solutions.
• Academic Research Databases: Access a vast library of academic journals, case studies, and scholarly articles to inform and support your research endeavors.
• Leadership Assessment Tools: Evaluate organizational dynamics and leadership styles to design strategies for effective change management.
• AI-Driven Platforms: Explore AI applications for fraud detection, process optimization, and decision-making, preparing you to address evolving industry challenges.
• Excel (Advanced): Develop financial models, manage large datasets, and perform predictive analytics with advanced Excel capabilities.

Golden Gate University (GGU) isn’t just a place to earn a doctorate — it’s where ambitions meet opportunities on a global scale. With over 120 years of academic excellence and a focus on empowering working professionals, a DBA in Emerging Technologies from GGU sets the gold standard for education in Generative AI and Emerging Technologies.

This DBA program in Generative AI from Golden Gate is designed for leaders who always aspire to stay ahead. Whether you aim to make strategic business decisions powered by AI, lead global teams, or innovate within your organization, this DBA equips you with the tools, knowledge, and network to transform your career.

1. A Curriculum Shaped by Visionary Pioneers

The program is crafted by industry stalwarts in association with upGrad, whose expertise spans decades in AI, ML, and emerging technologies.

• Dr. Dakshinamurthy V Kolluru: With a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and over 20 years of expertise in fields like Machine Learning, Optimization, and Deep Learning, Dr. Kolluru brings unmatched depth to the program. His work on advanced algorithms and pattern recognition ensures you learn from the very best in the industry.
• Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad: Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Dr. Sunkad’s two-decade career in IoT, Network Security, and IT Strategy reflects his deep understanding of how technology drives innovation. His hands-on approach connects classroom concepts to real-world applications.

This DBA in Emerging Technologies with Gen AI reflects the latest developments in its up-to-date curriculum to ensure you’re learning the latest technologies and tools in Generative AI.

2. Global Immersion Program: 3 Countries, Infinite Opportunities

This online DBA in emerging technologies program isn’t confined to a screen — it’s a global experience that gives you the option to immerse yourself in not one, not two, but three global immersions.

• India (Immersion 1): Start your journey by connecting with C-suite executives and exploring the foundations of transformative leadership.
• Singapore (Immersion 2): Present your research proposal and receive expert feedback while immersing yourself in Southeast Asia’s thriving tech ecosystem.
• San Francisco (Immersion 3): Join a research colloquium, collaborate with industry leaders, and experience firsthand the innovation culture of Silicon Valley.

Each immersion gives you global perspectives, leadership exposure, and meaningful professional connections.

3. Learn Without Limits

The flexibility of this online DBA in emerging technologies program ensures you can balance work, life, and education seamlessly. But the benefits don’t end at graduation — access to course materials remains available, enabling you to revisit lessons and stay ahead of evolving trends.

4. A Network That Opens Doors

Joining GGU connects you to a powerful alumni network of over 68,000 professionals, with 54% in C-suite and senior management roles across companies like Microsoft, Cognizant, Adobe, Amazon, and Google. This network is not just a number — it’s your gateway to collaboration and career-defining opportunities.

Online DBA programs in generative AI aren't just about convenience — They’re a revolutionary way to achieve world-class education with benefits that go beyond traditional classroom experiences.

Here’s why this mode of learning is the ideal choice for advancing your career.

1. Unmatched Flexibility for Busy Professionals

Online learning enables you to pursue a DBA in generative AI without putting your career or personal life on hold. In fact, studies reveal that 69% of students prefer studying online due to the flexible nature of online programs.

So, whether you’re managing a team, spearheading projects, or simply balancing family time, you can structure your learning schedule around your priorities.

2. Cost-Efficient and Accessible

Traditional DBA programs often come with significant costs, including relocation, housing, and commuting. Online DBA programs in generative AI, on the other hand, eliminate these expenses, making high-quality education accessible.

Additionally, a 2024 survey on online vs offline education shows that offline courses are around 66% costlier than online programs.

3. Broader Access to Global Expertise

An online format connects you to world-class faculty and industry experts, often from multiple locations, without the need to relocate. This approach gives you access to thought leaders across continents, ensuring diverse perspectives and insights.

Furthermore, online DBA programs in generative AI by upGrad include opportunities for virtual networking, live sessions, and even optional global immersions.

4. Higher Retention and Engagement

Interactive online modules, simulations, and multimedia resources lead to significantly higher engagement. Research highlights that online learning retention rates range from 25-60%, compared to 8-10% in traditional classrooms. This is attributed to the ability to revisit lectures and materials at your own pace.

5. Learning That Aligns with Industry Trends

The Doctor of Business Administration in Generative AI online program by upGrad is designed to reflect real-world demands, focusing on practical skills like data analysis, strategic decision-making, and leadership development.

With tools like Tableau, SPSS, and AI platforms integrated into the coursework, you gain hands-on expertise that mirrors the skills needed in modern-day business.

6. Global Peer Networking

The online learning format brings together professionals from diverse industries and geographies. By joining a DBA in generative AI for business leaders online, you collaborate with peers worldwide, creating an invaluable network of global leaders.

These connections often translate into long-term professional partnerships and opportunities.

7. Career Advancement Without Interruptions

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an online DBA is the ability to continue working while studying. This allows you to directly apply your learning to your current role, positioning you as an immediate value-add to your organization while progressing toward leadership roles.