Management

Management

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Thesis-based program

Program overview

One of the first of its kind in Canada, the Haskayne Doctor of Business Administration will prepare graduates to address complex strategic and organizational challenges and to become thought-leaders in their field of interest. Developed for senior business leaders, the DBA is designed to build effective research, critical thinking and analytical skills required for the successful leading of organizations.

The Haskayne DBA combines graduate-level courses with a rigorous research component, including a thesis based on independent inquiry and under the guidance of a supervisor assigned at the start of the program. Upon graduation, students become practitioner-scholars and are equipped with the skills to make superior decisions for the benefit of their organizations  through the application of scholarly knowledge and the use of evidence.

Completing this program

  • Alternative Course Delivery: The DBA is a full-time program that allows you to complete the degree while continuing your career.
  • Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
  • Candidacy: Students will reach Candidacy after successful completion of all of the courses, a written field of study exam and defense of a research proposal.

Outcomes

Strategic management, Management consulting, Applied research, Teaching

A Doctor in Business Administration is usually considered a final degree.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

Eight core courses and one additional elective course

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Combo in-person/online

Time commitment

Four years (six years maximum)

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program.

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Mathison and Scurfield Halls from anywhere. Experience all that the Haskayne School of Business has to offer for interested prospective graduate students from wherever you are. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.


Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Placeholder Profile Image

    James Agarwal

    Accepting Inquiries
    Marketing; Consumer Psychology, Marketing Ethics; Global Marketing; Marketing Research, Statistical Methodology
  2. Marco Bijvank

    Marco Bijvank

    Accepting Inquiries
  3. Placeholder Profile Image

    Giovani da Silveira

    Accepting Inquiries
  4. Jim Dewald

    Jim Dewald

    Accepting Inquiries
  5. headshot

    Jinhee Huh

    Accepting Inquiries
  6. Mohammad Keyhani

    Mohammad Keyhani

    Accepting Inquiries
    Digital Entrepreneurship Technology, NoCode Entrepreneurship, Strategic Entrepreneurship, Generativity
  7. Pengfei Li

    Pengfei Li

    Accepting Inquiries
    industry dynamics, economic geography, international business, strategy
  8. Barrie R Nault

    Barrie R. Nault

    Accepting Inquiries
    Business Technology Management
  9. Scott Radford

    Scott Radford

    Accepting Inquiries
  10. Chad Saunders

    Chad Saunders

    Unavailable
    Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Admission requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 point system.

Minimum education

A post-baccalaureate degree (MBA or relevant business-focused Master’s degree). Students with credential in an area other than business may require to complete a qualifying period to gain general business background before beginning the doctoral course requirements.

Work samples

None

Documents

  • Current CV
  • Completion of a series of essays including a personal statement outlining objectives, intent and commitment to a research program

Reference letters

Three

Test scores

None

Work experience

At least 10 years of management experience, including seven years at the senior management or executive level, or at least five years’ experience as lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program.


English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

Deadlines

January 2025 Entry

Round 1: Deadline for completed applications, including all documentation (references, transcripts, etc.), is May 1, 2024 (decision by June 30, 2024).

Round 2: Deadline for completed applications, including all documentation (references, transcripts, etc.), is August 1, 2024 (decision by September 30, 2024).

International Application Deadline: Completed applications, including all documentation (references, transcripts, etc.) must be submitted no later than May 1, 2024 (decision by June 30, 2024). 

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Haskayne School of Business

Scurfield Hall, Room 227
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
403.220.3803

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

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