APS.DBAC - Doctor of Business Administration - Major in Business Administration (Doctoral Completion Program)

• A minimum of at least 30 credit hours at the doctoral level that must include at least eight credits in research philosophy, methodology, or data analysis and at least 18 credits in a business or business-related discipline such as management, finance, accounting, healthcare administration, information systems, etc. Credits must have been earned within the last eight years, and the student must have been in good standing in the previous doctoral program. However, credits up to 12 years of age may be accepted upon approval of the chair. Students lacking some of the required credits for admission may be accepted provisionally but required to complete the missing courses before beginning the course of study for the bridge program. Students may not use doctoral credits earned at IWU as the basis for meeting the admissions requirements of the DBA completion program without the approval of the chairs of both their original doctoral program and the DBA. 

• A graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course in the doctoral level courses, from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Candidates with no less than three years and fewer than five years of work experience who possess exceptional qualifications and a demonstrated global management/leadership perspective are encouraged to apply. These applicants should submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating the competencies, achievements, and cross-cultural insights that would enable them to succeed in the rigorous DBA program. Supporting documentation may include:

• Demonstration of relevant practical training experience

• Professional certifications or specialized credentials

• Evidence of significant project leadership or management roles

• Publications, presentations, or thought leadership contributions

• Awards, recognitions, or notable professional achievements

• Advanced technical skills or domain expertise

• Entrepreneurial ventures or business innovations

• Letters of recommendation highlighting exceptional capabilities and global outlook

In addition, the DBA program will conduct a brief interview with each student to validate the applicant's information. Lastly, each applicant must submit a writing sample which does not inform our decision making but helps to position the student for success.

Prerequisite Course

course is a pre-requisite for the Doctoral Completion: DBA. Students must complete this pre-requisite course with at least a grade of "B" by the end of the first term of the program. However, this requirement is waived for students who have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in business, business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, management, or other related discipline from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Transfer Credit

For the Doctoral Completion Program: DBA, a maximum of eight (8) credits may be transferred into the program.

Time Limit for Degree

The Applied Doctoral Project must be completed within six years after starting the program, which begins with course. A student who has completed coursework is required to remain continuously enrolled in course or be terminated from the DBA Program. A student who has not completed their Applied Doctoral Project within the six-year period will be terminated from the DBA Program. Students nearing the end of the six-year period may be provided with a schedule of benchmark tasks that are required to be completed before the six-year deadline expires. Students who do not meet those benchmark tasks on schedule may be terminated from the DBA Program due to the insufficient time remaining to meet requirements.

• Complete all credit hours required in the curriculum sequence with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a minimum grade of "B-" in each course. A grade of "C+" or below will require the course to be repeated. 

• Successful completion and approval of the doctoral project.

• Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.