Working professionals
Fresh graduates
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WASC Accredited
Advance your career with Online DBA program, focused on leadership, digital innovation, and hands on learning, empowering you to excel in the fast-evolving digital era.

Key Program Highlights
250+
Hrs of Live Sessions
50+
Hrs of Networking
20+
Hrs of Master Class
Learn from Top CEOs and Industry Veterans
Build a Leadership Portfolio with Real Digital Projects
Hands-On Research Guidance from Experts
Experience 2 Immersions in Cities like Singapore/Dubai, San Francisco
Get Guided by Leaders in Digital Innovation
Join GGU's Global Network of Alumni and Experts

Get Ready for Leadership in the Digital World
Get to know the DBA in digital leadership course in depth by downloading the course brochure
Empower Your Expertise. Earn the Coveted Dr.’s Title² That Elevates Your Authority and Influence.
DBA Coursework
CXO Brand: Elevate Your Influence
Evaluate the role of digital thought leadership and other avenues of a digital presence in extending your leadership influence in various industries.
Topics Covered
Leadership 4.0: Mastering Agility and Resilience in the Digital Age
Understand digital-first leadership, emotional intelligence, diverse teams, and adaptive culture.
Topics Covered
Navigating the BASICs of Tomorrow
Learn how to select the right technological intervention to lead digital change within your organization.
Topics covered
Innovate and Thrive
Foster innovation mindset, design thinking, and sustainable strategies for business model innovation.
Topics Covered
Decision Clarity: Data-Driven and Bias-Proof Decision-Making
Apply analytical techniques, storytelling, and bias mitigation for objective decision-making in digital contexts.
Topics covered
Digital Strategy Architect: Crafting Future-Ready Businesses
Transform businesses with frameworks, stakeholder engagement, talent management, and scalable technologies.
Topics Covered
Doctoral Research Methods and Analysis
Develop research skills in problem identification, literature review, and quantitative/qualitative analysis.
Topics Covered
Program Architects
Previously worked at Ashoka University, McKinsey
Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in education, business strategy, and leadership.
He is the Founding Dean of ISB, Founder of Ashoka University and Harappa Education, and has held key roles at ABP Group, upGrad, McKinsey, and 9.9 Group, driving transformative initiatives across industries.

Whom will you learn from?
9
Professors Of Practice
10
Industry Experts
Golden Gate University, Est.1901
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.
Earn a Prestigious DBA Degree from GGU,San Francisco
Globally Recognised
Receive a doctorate degree from a globally renowned US university, recognised for excellence in business leadership and academic research.
Equivalent to an On-Campus Degree
Receive the same world-class education and global recognition as on-campus graduates—without the need to relocate.
Lifetime Value
Elevate your professional stature for a lifetime. Your DBA credential represents a lifelong investment in your professional growth and leadership potential.

Accreditation and Membership
Join A Diverse Cohort of Experienced Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Collaborate with seasoned industry leaders, each bringing over 20+ years of business expertise to the table.
Executive-Level Participants
Over 68% of our students are C-suite executives or senior managers, offering unparalleled networking and mentorship opportunities.
Diverse Industry Insights
Expand your network with leaders from 12+ industries.
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A Snapshot of Our Learners in Leading Companies
5
Learner Profiles
Your Transformative Journey to the Doctorate Degree
Begin your transformative path to leadership
Digital Strategy Architect
Doctoral Research Methods and Analysis
Present and Defend Your Dissertation
CXO Brand: Elevate Your Influence
Leadership 4.0
Navigating the BASICs of Tomorrow
Innovate and Thrive
Decision Clarity
Research Topic Selection
Literature Review
Research Design
Data Collection & Analysis
Draft Dissertation
Achieve your DBA title and make a global impact
Immersion Programs
Three immersion programs that facilitate student engagement with industry stalwarts in leading global innovation hubs, fostering experiential learning and valuable networking opportunities.
Invest In Your Success
Inclusions
How To Apply
Unlock your future in 3 easy steps!
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with 10+ years' experience; candidates with exceptional profiles and leadership may apply with less experience
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program at Golden Gate University is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in the digital age. This program combines business strategy with digital innovation, focusing on leadership skills to address challenges in today’s technology-driven environments.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The admissions committee will review your application and make recommendations for approval.
The application process is fully online. Here are the steps:
Digital leadership is the ability to leverage emerging technologies, digital tools, and data to lead organizations through technological challenges and innovations.
Digital business leadership focuses on strategically using a company’s digital assets and emerging technologies to achieve business objectives. A digital leader guides the implementation of this digital approach within the organization.
The seven pillars of digital leadership include:
The first three pillars—communication, public relations, and branding—are non-negotiable, as they are foundational to effective digital leadership.
While a PhD focuses on original contributions to knowledge, a DBA combines academic learning with applied research. The DBA equips you to apply theories and concepts to enhance professional practice.
Yes, upon completing the DBA program, you are entitled to use the title “Dr.” before your name. DBA graduates often pursue senior roles such as Director, VP, or CxO positions within organizations.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership from Golden Gate University.
You can expect to dedicate 12-15+ hours per week to the program, which includes live online lectures scheduled during weekends in the IST time zone.
The program’s curriculum is designed by top faculty from Golden Gate University, with contributions from industry experts, ensuring its relevance and value to working professionals.
- Dedicated Student Support available
- You can write to us via studentsupport@upgrad.com Or for urgent queries, use the "Talk to Us" option on the Learn platform
- Additionally, an upGrad buddy will enhance the learners’ experience by engaging with them to ensure they are on track with upcoming deadlines, submissions, offer guidance, and resolve their non-academic queries.
- Other than your peers, you also have TAs (Teaching Associates) for any academic query. Your academic queries will be solved by the Faculty and TAs in 36-48 hours
You need to pay Rs.44,999 to block your seat.
1. You may request a refund for the Program 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 120 USD will be charged. Please note that once the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program with Golden Gate University 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 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program with Golden Gate University. For refund and deferral policies please refer to this link.
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. Rs.44,999 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 1-6 USD on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.
Talk to our experts. We are available 7 days a week, 10 AM to 7 PM
Indian Nationals
Foreign Nationals
The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, & related costs. upGrad does not .