For working professionals
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Earn the most prestigious title in your career and develop leadership skills suited to today’s global business challenges. This online DBA program empowers you to innovate and lead at the highest levels.
Key Program Highlights
120+
Years of Legacy
70,000+
Alumni Network
Earn a Doctorate from a Premier US University
Customize Your DBA Degree with 5 Specialized Concentrations
Receive Personalized 1:1 Research Mentorship
Optional San Francisco Campus Immersion
No GMAT/GRE - Your Experience Matters Most
Get to know the Doctor of Business Administration course in-depth by downloading the course brochure
Empower Your Expertise. Earn the Coveted Dr.’s Title² That Elevates Your Authority and Influence.
For over 120 years, Golden Gate University (GGU) has helped working professionals advance their careers. In San Francisco, GGU offers flexible online and hybrid programs, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). With a portfolio of more than 60 degrees and certificates, GGU provides practical, real-world learning from experts in business and management.
Internationally Recognized and Accredited
The Directorship & Board Advisory Certification is a specialized executive program designed for professionals aiming to transition into board-level roles. Delivered in collaboration with PwC India, this immersive program builds strategic thinking, ethical governance fluency, and boardroom confidence through live sessions, real-world simulations, and expert-led masterclasses.
This program, although INR 50,000, is provided at no additional cost to DBA students.
The program comprises of ~20 hrs of live lectures delivered through masterclasses PwC experts. The batch schedule will be informed to the learners well in advance.
Unlock High-Impact Outcomes Through a Transformative DBA Program
Learn to shape an organization's future by influencing key decisions.
Drive impact across various industries by preparing to serve on multiple boards.
Leverage your experience to guide and mentor current and future leadership.
Increase your standing and recognition in the business community.
Master real-world scenarios through simulations, investor cases, and red flag drills.
Learn directly from PwC and corporate governance experts.
Earn a co-branded certificate that signifies your boardroom readiness.
Why should you choose a DBA over a PhD?
Program Focus
Career Enhancement
Time Commitment
Curriculum
End Goal
DBA
Scholar-practitioner approach toward solving real-world business challenges
Ideal for career progression in business management, executive leadership, or consulting
Finish in as little as 3 years¹
Industry-relevant curriculum with practical case studies and applied research opportunities.
Equip professionals to take on C-suite roles, consultancies, or entrepreneurial ventures.
PhD
Ideal for those pursuing an academic or high-level research career
Best suited for individuals seeking to contribute to academic theory and research
Longer and More intensive
Research-intensive, theoretical coursework with limited practical exposure.
Primarily prepares for academic teaching and research roles.
Seasoned Professionals
Collaborate with seasoned industry leaders, each with over 12 years of business experience.
Executive-Level Participants
Over 65% of our students are C-suite/senior executives, offering unparalleled networking and mentorship opportunities.
Diverse Industry Insights
Expand your network with leaders from 10+ industries.
A Snapshot of Our Learners in Leading Companies
6
Learner Profiles
Earn the Prestigious DBA Degree from GGU
Same doctorate degree as the on-campus program
Receive the same world-class education and global recognition as on-campus doctorates without the need to relocate.
Nationally Accredited US University 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.
Whom will you learn from?
7
Instructors
Learn with a
World-Class Curriculum
Doctoral Writing and Research Methods
Develop advanced research skills to conduct and present doctoral-level research effectively.
Topics Covered:
Quantitative Research Methods
Explore statistical techniques and data analysis methods essential for conducting robust quantitative research.
Topics Covered:
Qualitative Research Methods
Explore qualitative analysis techniques essential for conducting robust qualitative research.
Topics Covered:
Corporate Finance
Gain valuable insights into core principles and practices of corporate finance.
Topics Covered:
Financial Theory and Applications
Understand important theoretical models and empirical research in financial theory and its applications.
Topics Covered:
International Finance
Gain valuable insights into core principles and practices of international finance.
Topics Covered:
Data as an Asset
Learn how Master Data Management (MDM) systems help maintain the integrity of the data in an organization.
Topics Covered:
Operational Performance Management
Explore the basics of Operational Performance Management (OPM)
Topics Covered:
Application of AI in Solving Business Problems
Examine how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to address and solve complex business challenges.
Topics Covered:
Marketing Management
Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to drive business growth and effectively manage marketing functions.
Topics Covered:
Consumer Behavior
Understand consumer behavior theories, research methodologies, and contemporary trends in the field.
Topics Covered:
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:
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 Complex Change
Navigate organizational transformations by applying advanced leadership strategies and change management principles.
Topics Covered:
Strategic Leadership
Explore classic and contemporary strategic leadership methods.
Topics Covered:
Join this optional on-campus immersion in San Francisco and experience the dynamic environment of Silicon Valley, where innovation is at the heart of everything. Engage with faculty, industry experts, and fellow learners to exchange valuable ideas. Participate in hands-on workshops, seminars, and projects that foster teamwork and learning. Beyond the classroom, explore the diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant neighbourhoods of San Francisco for a truly enriching experience.
Your Transformative Journey to the Doctorate Degree
Doctoral Writing and Research Methods
Quantitative Research and Analysis
Qualitative Research and Analysis
Select research topic
Conduct literature review
Design research framework
Collect and analyze data
Draft your dissertation
Attain your DBA title
Leverage advanced knowledge
Make a global impact
Finance
Marketing
Business Analytics
Leadership and Strategy
General Management
Present your research
Defend your findings
Receive expert feedback
Invest In Your Success
Inclusions
How To Apply
Following are 3 simple steps in the admission process for the online Doctor of Business Administration from GGU
Eligibility
A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 55% marks and 5 years of full-time work experience after graduation. If the Bachelor's degree score is below 55%, the candidate must have: A Master's degree with at least 55% marks (no experience required), OR A two-year Post Graduate Diploma (equivalent to a Master’s) with equivalency verification from a recognized body such as AIU, WES, ICAS, etc. (no experience required). Important Notes: The Bachelor's, Master's, or Post Graduate Diploma must be from a university recognized by an accrediting body such as UGC or an equivalent authority. Work experience will not include trainee, internship, articleship, apprenticeship, freelance, part-time roles, or any experience overlapping with the Bachelor's degree duration. or Bachelors Degree with 5+ years of work experience
Testimonials
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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 provide any a.