If you're interested in applying to Concordia's DBA program, here's what you can expect throughout the process.
Applying to the DBA program
Earning a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a big decision. Concordia University Wisconsin’s DBA program offers an innovative balance of theory and practice. In this program, you’ll study trends, analyze real-life case studies, and develop the skills you need in order to level up your leadership. What sets apart a DBA degree is that its emphasis is on your development as a scholared practitioner. A scholared practitioner is someone who can conduct and read both quantitative and qualitative research, and then apply it to his or her context.
Get to know the program before you apply
Graduate Admissions Counselor Jennifer Tadeo offers her advice to you here: “If you are thinking about applying to Concordia University Wisconsin’s DBA program, I recommend learning about our school and our amazing faculty, staff, and current DBA students. One way to do this is by watching our recorded webinars here.” This will help you get a feel for what the program will be like and which professors you might want to consult with regarding your research topic.
Tadeo continues: “Another way to engage with Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is by working with your DBA admission counselor to set up a time to meet with our program director, Dr. Sunil Ramlall, or one of our other full-time DBA faculty based on your concentration interest. We also have current DBA cohort students that would love to discuss the program via Zoom or over coffee. We want to be sure CUW’s DBA is a good fit for you. While the DBA requires hard work and dedication to the program, it is a program that is designed for working professionals.”
Before completing an application
Make sure you meet the criteria. You’ll need a master’s degree with a focus in business or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution. Also, you’ll need to demonstrate completion of an intermediate level statistics course (MBA 510 or equivalent), or have equivalent work experience. Visit the pre-stats requirement section here for more information. If you haven’t taken stats, don’t stress. Take the stats courses (MBA 510 or MBA 534) through Concordia University Wisconsin before or during your first semester in the DBA program.
You’ll need official transcripts for your application, so you might want to request them from any previous institutions as soon as you know you want to apply. Lastly, the program requires that you’ve earned a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your master’s work. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide English proficiency. You do not need to complete the GMAT or GRE to be accepted into this program.
Submitting your application
Before you prepare to submit your application, here’s what you’ll need to have prepared.
What you’ll need to submit:
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Resume or CV
- List of references
- Personal statement (no more than 3 pages):
- How did your educational and personal experience influenced you to pursue a DBA?
- What are your career goals? How will this help you achieve them?
- What research topic or interest area do you want to study?
- Participate in a video-conference interview
When you’re ready to apply, you can begin your application here.
You’re not on your own
Concordia’s approach to the DBA is uncommon. When you leave the program, you’ll have the tools, experience, and knowledge to transform organizations and improve performance through grounded research methods. You’ll be supported by faculty every step of the way, including when you choose your classes and dissertation topic. The DBA program’s faculty members are experienced in their industries and in scholarly research. Also, you’ll have the chance to network with industry partners so that you can put yourself out there and build connections. Finally, you’ll have the support of your peers in our cohort model. Don’t be surprised if you end up building lifelong relationships with your peers and professors.
Concordia University Wisconsin is no stranger to higher education and doctoral programs. This program is firmly rooted in our university’s educational foundation. Our legacy and program strength are second to none, but the interpersonal experience at Concordia is what truly makes us Uncommon. Are you ready to make a positive impact on your organization and beyond?
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