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Free Courses

Doctor of Business Administration From Golden Gate University

The DBA in Generative AI from Golden Gate University (GGU) helps you master advanced research, strategic leadership, and business analytics. This program teaches critical thinking, dissertation development, and a lot more.

Doctor of Business Administration From Golden Gate University¹, San Francisco

Who should pursue doctoral studies?

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For Unstoppable Leaders (1)-69f4312005b240cdbd4ace9a19d9c875.webp

For Unstoppable Leaders

Those who go deeper to climb higher, and never stop creating business impact. A doctorate is a signal to the world that you hold deep domain expertise, thus elevating your leadership stature.

For Managerial Mentors (1)-64e222de81f3427a808cac3f5413e6bd.webp

For Managerial Mentors

Masters of their craft, eager to bring industry experience to classrooms. A doctorate gives you both the deep expertise and the credentials to guide the next generation.

For Independent Veterans (1)-464c3233a3e641cfb8b0d59db37b4351.webp

For Independent Veterans

Experienced professionals looking to move into independent & entrepreneurial roles. A doctorate can be a powerful credential to influence leaders who consult you for your expertise.

The upGrad Advantage: Outcomes only we deliver

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Earn a PwC Board Advisory Certification

Release your Doctoral dissertation as a book

Teach in UGC recognised colleges in your free time

Prototype and pilot your ideas with no-code platforms

Protect your Ideas with Solid IPs in 155 countries

Pitch your ideas to real VCs with chequebooks

Need to know more?

Get to know the Doctor of Business Administration course in-depth by downloading the course brochure

Doctorate Batch Profiles

6

Learner Profiles

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Nisha Agarwal

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Vice President

Former VP - ANZ | Former Associate VP - Royal Bank of Scotland | Experienced in Credit Risk, Regulatory & Basel Implementation 

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Nunna Veerabhadra Rao

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Director

Former Director - Ripple Construction Products Pvt. Ltd | Former CEO - Pranav Construction Systems | Former Sales Director - Hilti India 

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Gaurav Bhatli

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Former GM and Head of HR

CEO - Paatshala Learning Solutions | Former Sr. Director (Organisation & Talent Development) - Sabre Corporation | Former VP (L&D) - Everise… Read More

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Runav Desai

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Senior Executive (Analytics)

Former Sr. Executive - Naukri.com | MBA in Marketing | Experienced in Data Science & Business Analytics  

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Shruti Chugh

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Associate Project Director

Former Senior Delivery Manager - Fujitsu | Former Program Head - Coforge | Experienced in IT Delivery & Program Management 

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Suhani Jaiswal

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Data Scientist

Former Data Scientist - Accenture | Former ML Engineer - TCS  

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Learn from Great Academics and Industry Leaders

7

Instructors

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Prof. Geoffrey Ngene

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Associate Professor, Finance | 26 Years of Experience

Dr. Geoffrey M. Ngene is an Associate Professor of Finance at Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business and Economics. He holds a Ph.D.… Read More

GGU Profile
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Prof. Tommy Moreno

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Adjunct Professor, GGU | 20+ Years of Experience

Dr. Tommy Moreno is a seasoned talent development leader with extensive experience in Fortune 500 companies across sectors such as banking, … Read More

GGU Profile
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Prof. Anthony De Leon

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Former Partner, Accenture | 18+ Years of Experience

Dr. Anthony deLeon is a Senior Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Golden Gate University’s Ageno School of Business. He earned his Doctor of … Read More

GGU Profile
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Dr. Judy Lee

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Professor & Director, GGU | 35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Judy Lee is a tenured professor and Department Chair of Business Innovation & Technology at Golden Gate University's Ageno School of Bus… Read More

GGU Profile
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Prof. Marion Moreno

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Adjunct Professor, GGU | 40 Years Of Experience

Dr. Marion Moreno is a Senior Talent Management Leader with extensive experience in executive leadership and organisational development acro… Read More

GGU Profile
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Dr. Anitha Manohar

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Dept. Chair, Finance, GGU | 24 Years of Experience

Dr. Anitha Manohar is Professor and Chair of the Finance and Economics Department at Golden Gate University. She earned her PhD in Finance f… Read More

GGU Profile
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Dr. Mick Mcgee

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Director, DBA Program | 15+ Years of Experience

Dr. Mick McGee is a Professor and Director of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at Golden Gate University’s Ageno School… Read More

GGU Profile

DBA from GGU: Quality Assured & Globally Accredited

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WASC

WASC

GGU is accredited by WASC by Senior College and University Commission ( WSCUC ), which also accredits top universities such as Stanford and UC Berkeley, ensuring high educational standards

WES

WES Accreditation

WES Accreditation is one of the most widely accepted and respected forms of recognition for a degree

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AACSB

AACSB is renowned as one of the oldest standard setting bodies for business education worldwide

Testimonials

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A dedicated personal injury lawyer and lifelong

Kanon Clifford
Litigation Lawyer | Ottawa Ontario
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A seasoned marketing leader, constantly pushing boundaries to lead with impact.

Kevyn Eng
Head of Growth & Marketing | Hugosave, Singapore.
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An inspiring retail leader, driving growth in Vietnam’s ever-evolving market.

Thanh Tam Dang
Senior Retail Business Manager | Vietnam

Network with peers worldwide with on-campus immersions

Experience the dynamic environment of Silicon Valley, as you engage with faculty, industry experts, and fellow learners to exchange valuable ideas. Participate in hands-on workshops, seminars, and projects that foster teamwork on-campus at GGU, San Francisco

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Earn a Prestigious DBA Degree from GGU

Same Doctorate as On Campus

Receive the same world-class education and global recognition as on-campus doctorates without the need to relocate

Nationally Accredited US Degree

Since 1959, GGU has been accredited by the prestigious WASC’s Senior College and University Commission, recognized by the US Department of Education

Lifetime Alumni Status

Join an alumni network of over 68,000 professionals, with many in key leadership roles spread all over the world.

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GGU Doctor of Business Administration Syllabus

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DBA 800: Foundation

Doctoral Writing

DBA 801: Foundation

Quantitative Research Methods

DBA 802: Foundation

Qualitative Research Methods

DBA 820: Concentration

Corporate Finance

DBA 821: Concentration

Financial Theory and Applications

DBA 822: Concentration

International Finance

DBA 850: Concentration

Data as an Asset

DBA 851: Concentration

Operational Performance

DBA 852: Concentration

Application of AI

DBA 870: Concentration

Marketing Management

DBA 871: Concentration

Consumer Behavior

DBA 872: Concentration

Digital Marketing and New Media

DBA 880: Concentration

Leadership Theory

DBA 881: Concentration

Leadership Complex Change

DBA 882: Concentration

Strategic Leadership

Doctoral Writing and Research Methods

Develop advanced research skills to conduct and present doctoral-level research effectively.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Research 
  • Identifying the Research Problem 
  • Conducting Literature Research and Review
  • Structuring and Drafting a Literature Review 
  • Formulating a Research Question and Hypothesis
  • Choosing a Research Method 
  • Collecting and Analyzing Data

Quantitative Research Methods

Explore statistical techniques and data analysis methods essential for conducting robust quantitative research.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Quantitative Research
  • Exploring Quantitative Research Design 
  • Collecting Data for Quantitative Research
  • Measurement and Sampling 
  • Constructing Statistical Models 
  • Enhancing Statistical Models 
  • Analyzing Multivariate Analysis 
  • Formulating and Writing Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research Methods

 Explore qualitative analysis techniques essential for conducting robust qualitative research.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Collecting Data for Qualitative Research
  • Conducting Interviews and Focus Groups 
  • Introduction to Data Analysis 
  • Data Display and Exploration 
  • Analyzing Qualitative Data 
  • Verifying Conclusions 
  • Strategies and Techniques for Qualitative Research

Corporate Finance

Gain valuable insights into core principles and practices of corporate finance.

Topics Covered:

  • Analyzing Corporate Governance
  • Analyzing Financial Statements
  • Applying Time Value of Money
  • Deciding an Optimal Corporate Structure
  • Assessing Risks and Returns
  • Making Dividend Decisions
  • Corporate Valuation
  • Rationalizing Mergers and Acquisitions

 Financial Theory and Applications 

Understand important theoretical models and empirical research in financial theory and its applications.

Topics Covered:

  • Efficient Market Hypothesis
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Portfolio Theory 
  • Capital Asset Pricing Model and Its Applications 
  • Event Study Analysis
  • Fundamentals of Derivatives 
  • Derivatives and Risk Management 
  • Applying Option Methodology

International Finance

Gain valuable insights into core principles and practices of international finance. 

Topics Covered:

  • Globalization and International Monetary System
  • Balance of Payments and the Market for fX
  • Parity Relationships and Forecasting FX Rates 
  • Foreign Exchange Derivatives
  • Managing Transaction Exposure 
  • International Banking and Money Market
  • International Equity Market
  • International Portfolio Investment

Data as an Asset 

Learn how Master Data Management (MDM) systems help maintain the integrity of the data in an organization.

Topics Covered:

  • Getting Started with Master Data Management
  • MDM Architecture
  • MDM Services, Modeling and Risk management
  • MDM and Information Security 
  • Implementing MDM Project
  • MDM and Entity Resolution 
  • Data Synchronization and Governance

Operational Performance Management

Explore the basics of Operational Performance Management (OPM)

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Operational Performance Management 
  • Performance Management in Decision-Making
  • Developing New Frameworks 
  • Balanced Scorecard 
  • Performance Prism 
  • Tableau de Bord 
  • McKinsey’s 7-S Framework 

Application of AI in Solving Business Problems

Examine how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to address and solve complex business challenges.

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding AI and Business 
  • Data for Business Resilience
  • Risk Management in Business 
  • Fraud Detection 
  • Internet of Things
  • Cybersecurity and Threat Management 
  • Machine Intelligence and Generative AI
  • GRC and Application of AI

Marketing Management

Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to drive business growth and effectively manage marketing functions.

Topics Covered:

  • Integrating Marketing Scholarship and Marketing Management
  • Understanding Consumer and Organizational Buyer Behavior
  • Formulating Marketing Strategies
  • Building and Managing Brands
  • Developing and Managing Products and Services
  • Setting Price, Distribution and Marketing Communications Policy
  • Managing Sales and Customer Relationships
  • Structuring a Marketing Research Proposal

Consumer Behavior

Understand consumer behavior theories, research methodologies, and contemporary trends in the field. 

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding Consumer Behavior
  • Perception, Learning, and Memory
  • Personality, Values, and Lifestyles
  • Attitudes and Motivation
  • The Influence of Groups and Social Class
  • Subculture and Culture
  • The Decision-Making Process
  • Structuring a Research Proposal

Digital Marketing and New Media

Navigate the uncharted territory of new media, where emerging platforms and cutting-edge technologies open up fresh avenues for communication and brand-building.

Topics Covered:

  • Digital Marketing: Management and Scholarship
  • Online Marketplace Analysis: Micro-Environment
  • Digital Marketing: The Macro-Environment
  • Digital Marketing Strategies
  • Digital Branding and the Marketing Mix
  • Data-Driven CRM: Digital Techniques
  • Delivering the Digital Customer Experience
  • Digital Marketing Campaigns

Leadership Theory, Research, and Application

Understand the latest leadership models, concepts, and strategies, as well as their practical application in real-world contexts.

Topics Covered:

  • Leadership Fundamentals
  • Approaches to Leadership
  • Contingency Approaches to Leadership
  • Transformational and Authentic Leadership
  • Followership, Servant, and Team Leadership
  • Leadership’s Response to Complexity 
  • Leadership Ethics

 Leadership Complex Change

Navigate organizational transformations by applying advanced leadership strategies and change management principles.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Leading Complex Change 
  • Winds of Change and Global Environment 
  • Systems Thinking and Complexity Science 
  • Executing Strategic Organizational Change 
  • Domains and Models of Organization Change 
  • Change Leadership, Neuroscience, and Competencies 
  • Adaptive Leadership 
  • Change Resistance in Organizations

Strategic Leadership

Explore classic and contemporary strategic leadership methods.

Topics Covered:

  • Strategic Leadership and Leadership Theories
  • Strategic Leadership Trends and Context
  • Strategic Template and Strategic Thinking
  • Good and Bad Strategy
  • Measuring Success and Strategic Decisions
  • Collaboration and Building Strategic Leadership Team
  • Personal Assessment and Development
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Start with a free course in research methodology
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GGU Doctor of Business Administration Course Fees

Program Fee
INR 10,65,000*
No taxes applicable

Inclusions

Pay as you learn with annual installment plan
12 months No-cost EMI available
Pay upfront and receive an additional fee waiver
View Plans
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Program Fee
INR 12,15,000*
No taxes applicable

Inclusions

Pay as you learn with annual installment plan
12 months no cost EMI available for each installment
Pay upfront and receive an additional fee waiver
View Plans
fee image

How to Apply for DBA Program?

There are 4 simple steps in the Admission Process which are detailed below:

Eligibility

Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of work experience.  

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Complete Application

Fill in details of your education, work experience and submit your Statement of Purpose (SoP)

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Application Review

Admission panel reviews the SoP and candidate profile to assess fitment

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Receive the Offer Letter

Shortlisted candidates are sent the Offer Letter

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Reserve your Seat

Pay the block amount to reserve your seat, pay the balance amount subsequently.

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Refer and Earn Rewards
Refer someone and Earn upto INR 80,000 Cashback/Vouchers, on every successful enrollment
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Power Your Promotion with DBA Course from GGU

  • Job Outlook (2023–2033):

Top executive roles are projected to grow 6% over the next decade, much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), highlighting rising demand for strategic leadership.

  • Salary Uplift:

A DBA from GGU can significantly boost your earning potential. Graduates often move into leadership roles such as Strategy Director, VP of Operations, or Management Consultant, which come with highly competitive compensation packages, both in India and internationally.

  • On-the-Job Upskilling & Future Growth:
  1. Master executive decision-making and strategic business thinking.
  2. Lead innovation and transformation across functions.
  3. Apply advanced frameworks to real-time business challenges.
  4. Sharpen research-backed problem-solving in complex environments.
  5. Switch functions or industries with top-tier credentials.
  6. Develop the gravitas, skills, and mindset for high-stakes corporate, consulting, or academia leadership roles.

What are the Skills you'll Acquire in this Golden Gate University DBA?

The Doctor of Business Administration course from GGU empowers you with the skills and tools to tackle contemporary business challenges and drive transformative change. Rooted in a robust curriculum, this program provides the expertise to excel in leadership, research, and strategic decision-making.

By the end of this program, which is one of the best online DBA programs from GGU, you will have mastered the following key skills.

  • Advanced Research Methodologies: Gain proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including tools like SmartPLS, RCommander, and Qualtrics to analyze data, identify patterns, and drive informed decisions.
  • Strategic Leadership Skills: Learn how to design and implement strategies that address complex organizational challenges while effectively leading diverse teams.
  • Business Analytics and Decision-Making: Use data-driven techniques and analytical tools such as Excel to optimize decision-making processes and solve real-world business problems.
  • Ethical and Global Business Acumen: Develop a nuanced understanding of international markets, economic trends, and cultural sensitivities, enabling you to lead across borders effectively.
  • Dissertation Development: Conduct original research culminating in a dissertation that addresses real-world business challenges, guided by faculty with deep industry expertise.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Build frameworks to analyze complex problems systematically and craft actionable solutions, enhancing your impact in both academic and professional spheres.

What Tools Will You Learn IN Golden Gate University DBA Program?

This doctorate in business administration from GGU helps you gain skills in tools to enhance your research, analytics, and strategic capabilities. These industry-standard tools are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, ensuring you graduate with job-ready expertise.

  • SmartPLS: Perform structural equation modeling and path analysis to explore relationships among variables and test theoretical models.
  • Excel: Build financial models, perform predictive analytics, and manage large datasets efficiently using advanced Excel functionalities.
  • RCommander: Use RCmdr for data cleaning, statistical analysis, and machine learning, adding depth to your quantitative research capabilities.
  • Smart Leadership Assessment Tools: Evaluate leadership styles and organizational dynamics to understand effective change management.
  • Academic Research Databases: Access an extensive library of journals, case studies, and scholarly articles for your research, available through GGU’s library services.
  • AI and Data Analytics Platforms: Explore AI applications in business analytics, making use of data management and predictive tools.

How is the Golden Gate University DBA Course Different From a PhD?

The Golden Gate University DBA course, in association with upGrad, stands out as a transformative professional doctorate designed for experienced professionals aiming to make a direct impact on business practices and strategies.

Unlike a traditional PhD, which is more academic and research-focused, the DBA integrates practical problem-solving with real-world application, making it ideal for those of you looking to advance leadership, innovation, and industry expertise.

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

Features

GGU DBA (via upGrad)

Traditional PhD Programs

Program Focus

Scholar-practitioner approach toward solving real-world business challenges.

Emphasis on theoretical research contributing to academic knowledge.

Career Enhancement

Ideal for career progression in business management, executive leadership, or consulting.

Suited for individuals pursuing academic or high-level research careers.

Time Commitment

  • Designed for working professionals.
  • Can be completed in as little as 3 years.

Typically requires a longer, more intensive time commitment.

Curriculum

Industry-relevant curriculum with practical case studies and applied research opportunities.

Research-intensive, theoretical coursework with limited practical exposure.

End Goal

Equip professionals to take on C-suite roles, consultancies, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Primarily prepares for academic teaching and research roles.

Learning Experience

  • Hybrid model with optional on-campus immersion.
  • Flexible learning model with 24/7 support, mentorship, and real-world projects tailored to your goals.
  • Often requires physical presence at a university.
  • Very little flexibility for working professionals.

FAQs on DBA from Golden Gate University

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at GGU is designed for senior professionals, consultants, and academics aiming to advance their careers. It focuses on strategic business knowledge, research, and real-world leadership.

GGU is ranked among the top 10% of U.S. schools, with 80% of faculty based in San Francisco and actively practicing in industries like Salesforce, LinkedIn, Meta, and Amazon. The program is tailored for working professionals and emphasizes global business relevance. 

The program targets senior managers, consultants, and university professors who want to contribute to their profession and gain expertise in advanced business management and research. 

The DBA has a three-tiered focus: 

  • Examine current theories, practices, and issues in business 
  • Train in advanced research methods 
  • Study relationships between business, social, and global issues 

Students develop: 

  • Advanced critical thinking, conceptual, and analytical skills 
  • Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research tools 
  • Understanding of seminal theories and the latest business practices 
  • Ability to conduct original applied research 

Yes, students can earn the PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certificate, gaining boardroom fluency, strategic thinking, governance knowledge, and stakeholder management skills.

1. You may request a refund for the GGU DBA at any time before the Cohort Commencement Date by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. A processing fee of Rs. [10,000] will be charged. Please note that once the DBA program commences, no refund request will be considered, and any amount paid by the student will not be refunded.

2. Requests for refund must be sent via e-mail in the prescribed Refund Request Form. The refund will be processed within [30] working days of commencement of the program. For detailed terms and conditions regarding the Program and the refund policy, please refer to your Program Offer letter before enrolling.

No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)

Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

Graduates can pursue leadership roles such as senior management positions, consultants, university professors, or board-level roles with enhanced strategic and governance expertise. 

Yes, through the PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification, students gain practical board skills, stakeholder management expertise, and governance knowledge to transition into executive and board roles. 

 Immersion Program Inclusions

The Immersion Program Fee includes the following:

  • Academic and Co-Curricular Activities: Participation in academic sessions and other co- curricular activities.
  • Networking Sessions and Workshops: All scheduled networking sessions, workshops, and study materials.
  • Certificate of Participation: A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the Immersion Program.

Immersion Program Fee excludes the following:

  • Air Tickets
  • Airport Transfers (to and from the hotel)
  • Insurance Costs (travel, health, etc.)
  • Personal Activities: Any personal activities not part of the official itinerary.
  • Local Transfers
  • Visa and Related Costs
  • Lunches Off Campus
  • Breakfast & Dinner.
  • Accommodation

The program start dates vary. Please refer to the official program website for the most up-to-date information. 

The program duration is 36 months, designed to accommodate working professionals. 

The program fee for Golden gate university DBA program is INR 10,65,000. All details are available on the official program page. Please check the website for the most accurate information. 

To apply for the Doctor of Business Administration course from GGU, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Option 1:
  • A Bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks, and
  • 5 years of full-time work experience after graduation
  • Option 2 (if Bachelor's score <55%):
  • A Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (No work experience required), OR
  • A 2-year Post Graduate Diploma (equivalent to a Master’s) with equivalency verification from bodies like AIU, WES, or ICAS (No work experience required)

Important Eligibility Notes

  • The degree must be from a UGC-recognized or equivalent accredited university.
  • Work experience must be full-time and non-overlapping with your graduation period.
  • Internships, articleships, part-time, freelance, or apprenticeship roles are not considered valid.

Documents Required for the Online DBA Program from GGU

🔹 Identity Proof (Single PDF, front & back):
Aadhaar / Passport / PAN / Driving Licence — must clearly show full Date of Birth

🔹 Passport-size Photograph:
Colored, formal photo

🔹 Academic Records:

  • If applying via Bachelor's (55%+ & 5 yrs experience):
    All semester-wise/consolidated marksheets, final/provisional degree certificate
  • If applying via Master’s / Post Graduate Diploma (if Bachelor's <55%):
    All semester-wise/consolidated marksheets, final/provisional certificate
    (PG Diploma must include equivalency from AIU/WES/ICAS, etc.)

🔹 Work Experience Proof:
Only required if applying via Bachelor's with 55%+ score
(Internship, freelance, part-time, or overlapping work during studies not accepted)

You need to pay INR 50,000 to block your seat for the Doctor of Business Administration from GGU


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  1. The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

  2. The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, & related costs. upGrad does not .

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