Doctorate in Business Administration

Introduction

About the Program

Lead with Insight. Research with Purpose. Transform with Expertise.

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is an advanced doctoral program for accomplished executives, senior professionals, and aspiring scholars ready to turn their leadership experience into impactful research and strategic innovation.
Designed for leaders across business, government, and academia, AUE’S DBA provides a dynamic platform to convert deep industry knowledge into scholarly contributions that advance business practice and shape the future of organizations.
This is more than just a degree it’s a launchpad for driving meaningful change. The DBA empowers professionals to influence systems, redefine frameworks, and solve complex business challenges through rigorous, applied research. Focus areas include strategic leadership, financial decision-making, sustainable enterprise, digital transformation, and public-sector innovation, ensuring your research remains relevant and makes a real-world impact.
The curriculum guides you from advanced academic foundations to original dissertation research. Candidates engage in doctoral coursework, collaborative research seminars, and dissertation development in high-demand fields such as FinTech, behavioral marketing, entrepreneurship, global strategy, and policy design. This multidisciplinary approach allows you to align your research path with your expertise, passion, and long-term goals.
Delivered entirely on campus, the DBA creates an immersive learning environment where students benefit from direct interaction with distinguished faculty from AUE’s College of Business Administration. Our faculty combines academic excellence with real-world insight, mentoring you to develop advanced research skills, sharp analytical thinking, and the confidence to tackle today’s pressing business and policy issues. Graduates of the DBA program emerge as research-driven leaders-equipped to shape institutional strategy, contribute to academic knowledge, and deliver transformative solutions within their fields of influence.

Program at a glance

Total Credit Hours

63 Credit Hours

Duration

4 Years

Instruction Language

English

Tuition Fees

63,000 AED/Yearly

Quality assured

Accreditations

Accredited by AACSB

Accredited by CAA

Program Director

Dr. Emad Ahmed

Associate Professor

Credit breakdown

Program Structure

Course Category	Total Number of Courses	Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses	8	27
Elective Courses	2	6
Comprehensive Exam		0
Research Seminar		3
Dissertation		27
Total		63 Credit Hours

Curriculum

Courses & Descriptions

General Education Courses

Bridging Courses

Core Business Courses

Core IT Courses

Core Courses

Advanced Research Methodology 3 CH

DBA 703 Advanced Topics in Business Strategy 3 CH

DBA 703 is an advanced-level course within the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, designed for students who have already acquired foundational knowledge in management and business strategy. It builds upon prior coursework to deepen strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities at the executive level. The course examines cutting-edge frameworks in strategic management, competitive analysis, innovation, and global business dynamics. It equips students to analyze complex environments, evaluate disruptive trends, and design sustainable strategies for business growth and transformation. Key topics include industry analysis, innovation strategies, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, CSR and sustainability, and entrepreneurial strategy. This course is intended for DBA candidates, particularly those specializing in strategic management, executive leadership, consulting, or corporate transformation roles. Students will strengthen skills in critical analysis, strategic decision-making, competitive positioning, risk management, and strategic innovation. The course emphasizes the synthesis of theory and practice, culminating in a research-driven strategic business plan that demonstrates real-world application and executive-level insight. The course bridges academic theory and industry practice through case studies, applied projects, and the exploration of contemporary strategic challenges faced by global organizations. It prepares students to lead complex strategic initiatives, navigate disruption, and deliver sustainable value in dynamic business landscapes.

Contemporary theoretical Frameworks in Business and Management 3 CH

DLPA 707 / DBA 707 Financial Decision-Making and Resource Allocation in Fiscal Stress 3 CH

DBA 704 Global Perspectives in Business and Innovation 3 CH

DBA 702 Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making 3 CH

This advanced course is a core component of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, positioned to deepen doctoral candidates’ expertise in organizational leadership and strategic decision-making. It integrates theory with practice, preparing students to navigate complex business landscapes. 
The course explores classical and contemporary leadership theories, strategic decision-making frameworks, and the psychological and ethical dimensions that shape executive choices. Major themes include cognitive biases, risk management, global and digital trends, corporate culture alignment, and leadership in uncertain environments. 
Designed for doctoral students in business administration—particularly those aspiring to senior executive, consultancy, or academic research roles—it emphasizes critical analysis, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership. Participants will develop key skills in evaluating leadership models, applying decision-making tools to multifaceted challenges, and synthesizing insights into actionable strategies. 
Through case studies, applied models, and a major strategic leadership report, students will bridge scholarly concepts with real-world business practices. By course completion, they will be equipped to lead organizations toward sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments.

DLPA 706 / DBA 706 Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Cost Control, and Public Finance Leadership 3 CH

DBA 705 Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility 3 CH

College Mathematics and Science Courses

Concentration Courses

Cybersecurity Engineering Core Courses

Mechatronics Engineering Core Courses

Engineering Core Courses

Thesis

Electives

DBA 713 Advanced Operations Research 3 CH

DBA 710 Behavioral Insights in Marketing 3 CH

DBA 709 Emerging Trends in FinTech 3 CH

DBA 711 Entrepreneurial Leadership 3 CH

DBA 712 Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies 3 CH

Comprehensive Exam

Comprehensive Exam CH

Dissertation

AI Governance & Ethical Leadership CH

Business Strategies in Real Estate CH

Cultural Identity & Corporate Branding CH

Digital Health Transformation CH

Digital Transformation & Regulatory Alignment CH

Foreign Direct Investment and Regulatory Reforms CH

Green Finance & ESG Investments CH

Innovation Ecosystems & Advanced Industries CH

Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience CH

Strategic Workforce Localization (Emiratization) CH

Sustainable Businness & Net Zero 2050 CH

Water-Energy-Food Nexus & Sustainability CH

Research Seminar

Research Seminar 3 CH

Basic Health Science Courses

College Core Courses

Clinical Placement Courses

Semester by semester

Study Plan

Credit hours: 63
Duration: 4 years
Terms: 8

Core 27 CH · 43%
Electives 6 CH · 10%
Research Seminar 3 CH · 5%
Dissertation 27 CH · 43%

Swipe to see each year →

Year 112 CH
Semester 16 CH
- — 6 CH Advanced Research Methodology Core Courses
Semester 26 CH
- — 3 CH Contemporary Theoretical Frameworks in Business and Management Core Courses
- DBA 702 3 CH Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making Core Courses
Year 212 CH
Semester 36 CH
- DBA 703 3 CH Advanced Topics in Business Strategy Core Courses
- DBA 704 3 CH Global Perspectives in Business and Innovation Core Courses
Semester 46 CH
- DBA 705 3 CH Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Core Courses
- DLPA 706 / DBA 706 3 CH Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Cost Control and Public Finance Leadership Core Courses
Year 312 CH
Semester 59 CH
- DLPA 707 / DBA 707 3 CH Financial Decision-Making and Resource Allocation in Fiscal Stress Core Courses
- — 3 CH Elective
- — 3 CH Elective
- — 0 CH Comprehensive Exam
Semester 63 CH
- — 3 CH Research Seminar
- — 27 CH total Dissertation Completed over 3 terms: Semester 6 – Semester 8
Year 4
Semester 7
- — 27 CH total Dissertation Completed over 3 terms: Semester 6 – Semester 8
Semester 8
- — 27 CH total Dissertation Completed over 3 terms: Semester 6 – Semester 8

Study Plan - Doctorate in Business Administration

What we aim for

Program Goals

Develop expertise to conduct high-impact, applied research in business and management.
Equip graduates with advanced knowledge to solve complex business challenges and drive innovation.
Prepare future thought leaders for meaningful contributions to academia and industry.
Support the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based, globally competitive economy.
Facilitate international collaboration and exposure to diverse research environments.

What you will learn

Program Learning Outcomes

Critically analyze and integrate advanced business theories to solve complex challenges.
Conduct independent, high-quality research using advanced qualitative and quantitative methods.
Apply strategic thinking and leadership principles to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Demonstrate ethical decision-making and corporate social responsibility.
Evaluate global trends to develop informed, competitive business strategies.
Communicate research findings and strategic insights effectively.
Translate research into actionable solutions that enhance performance and industry practice.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Doctoral must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Academic Qualification Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited higher education institution, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
2. English Language Proficiency Demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a valid test score meeting one of the following minimum requirements:
  - IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5
  - TOEFL IBT: Minimum score of 91
  - The English test score must be less than two years old at the time of application.
  - Exceptions to English Language Proficiency
  - A native speaker of English who has completed his/her Master’s degree in an English-medium institution and in a country where English is the official or de facto national language; or
  - An applicant with a Master’s degree in an English-medium program who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or its equivalent, at the time of admission to his/her Master’s program.
3. Research Proposal Submission Submit a research proposal of 1,500-2,000 words clearly outlining the proposed research topic, objectives, preliminary literature context, and intended methodology.
4. Letters of Recommendation Provide two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and research potential.
5. Admissions Interview Successfully complete an admissions interview conducted by the Doctoral Admissions Committee. Final recommendation must include a written justification from the Dean for final approval from the Graduate Studies Steering Committee.
6. Professional Experience Relevant professional experience in the field shall be considered an added merit during the admissions assessment process.

FAQ

1. What are the DBA program's credit hour requirements?

The DBA requires 63 credit hours: core courses, electives, a research seminar, a comprehensive exam and a dissertation.

2. How is the DBA program delivered?

The program is taught face-to-face on the AUE campus in 16-week semesters, with three contact hours per course each week.

3. What are the admission requirements for the DBA program?

Applicants need a relevant Master's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0); English proficiency of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91, taken within the last two years; a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words; two letters of recommendation; and an admissions interview. Professional experience is an added merit.

4. Can I transfer credits into the DBA program?

Yes. Up to 25% of the program's credit hours can be transferred; at least 75% must be completed at AUE.

5. What are the main components of the DBA curriculum?

Core courses (27 credit hours), electives (6 credit hours), a research seminar (3 credit hours), a comprehensive exam (0 credit hours) and the dissertation (27 credit hours).

6. What are examples of elective courses available?

Electives include FinTech, Behavioral Marketing, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Operations Research and Sustainable Supply Chains.

7. What are the requirements to successfully complete the comprehensive exam?

Students must pass written and oral examinations covering their core and elective coursework. One re-examination is allowed.

8. What is expected in the dissertation phase?

Students carry out original research and publish two peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed articles: one before the proposal defense and one before the final defense.

9. What form of academic support do DBA students receive?

Each student has a faculty advisor and structured mentorship, attends research seminars, and has access to the university's research resources and databases.

10. What are the learning outcomes of the program?

Graduates are able to conduct applied research, think strategically and lead ethically, apply advanced business theory, and turn research insights into real-world impact.

11. What are the DBA program's graduation requirements?

Complete all 63 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0, pass the comprehensive exam, successfully defend the dissertation, and publish two research papers.

12. What career opportunities are available to DBA graduates?

Graduates go on to executive leadership roles, university faculty positions, consultancy, policy advisory work and applied research in the private and public sectors.

13. Can graduates use the title 'Doctor'?

Yes. Graduates who successfully defend their dissertation and complete the program may use the title 'Doctor'.

When can I join?

Three intakes every year

Students can join at the beginning of any semester.

Intake 01

September

Fall Semester

Intake 02

January

Spring Semester

Intake 03

May

Summer Semester

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Doctorate in Business Administration

About the Program

63 Credit Hours

4 Years

English

63,000 AED/Yearly

Accreditations

Dr. Emad Ahmed

Program Structure

Courses & Descriptions

Study Plan

Year 112 CH

Semester 16 CH

Semester 26 CH

Year 212 CH

Semester 36 CH

Semester 46 CH

Year 312 CH

Semester 59 CH

Semester 63 CH

Year 4

Semester 7

Semester 8

Program Goals

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Three intakes every year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Semester

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