Doctorate in Business Administration
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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.
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.
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.
Shape the future of business and take the next step toward becoming a research-driven leader.
Join a network of senior professionals and academics transforming industries with insight and innovation. Apply Now or Contact Us to learn more.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A recognized Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field (e.g., Management, Finance, Marketing, Economics).
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- English proficiency requirements: IELTS minimum 6.5 or TOEFL iBT minimum 91.
- A research proposal (1,500 – 2,000 words) outlining the candidate’s intended research focus.
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional).
- A successful performance in an admissions interview conducted by the doctoral committee.
ACCREDITATION
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
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
CORE COURSES
27 CREDIT HOURS
Develops expertise in designing and conducting business research using advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Quantitative Analysis for Business Research – Focuses on statistical techniques, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making in business research. Qualitative Analysis and Mixed Methods Research – Explores case study research, ethnography, and integrating qualitative insights with quantitative analysis.
Examines foundational and emerging theories in business administration, providing a conceptual framework for research and practice.
Analyzes leadership theories and strategic decision-making models to drive organizational success in complex business environments.
Explores contemporary strategic management frameworks, competitive analysis, and innovation strategies for business growth.
Investigates international business trends, market dynamics, and innovation strategies in a globalized economy.
Examines sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and corporate social responsibility in business leadership.
Focuses on financial strategy, budgeting techniques, and cost control methods essential for public and private sector leadership.
Develops financial resilience strategies, resource optimization techniques, and risk assessment models in times of fiscal uncertainty.
ELECTIVE COURSES
CHOOSE TWO COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS
Explores cutting-edge financial technologies, including blockchain, digital payments, AI-driven finance, and their impact on global markets.
Examines psychological and behavioral principles that influence consumer decision-making and marketing strategies.
Develops leadership skills for fostering innovation, managing uncertainty, and scaling entrepreneurial ventures.
Applies mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and data analytics to improve business decision-making and operational efficiency.
Analyzes eco-friendly supply chain models, circular economy principles, and sustainability-driven logistics innovations.
Comprehensive Exam
0 CREDIT HOURS
Students will complete written and oral examinations to demonstrate their mastery of core and elective coursework, as well as their readiness for dissertation research.
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