Online DBA in Business Administration
Take your executive career to the highest level with an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from International University Canada. This doctoral program is designed for senior professionals and experienced leaders who want to apply advanced research to real-world business challenges — without leaving their careers or relocating.
The online DBA in Business Administration at IUC is a professionally focused doctoral degree offered by the School of Business. It is designed for senior executives, managers, and business leaders who want to advance their strategic thinking, apply doctoral-level research to organisational challenges, and earn a globally recognised doctorate entirely online
Program Highlight
About the DBA in Business Administration Program
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professionally oriented doctoral degree offered by the School of Business at International University Canada. Unlike a traditional PhD, the DBA focuses on applying advanced management research to real-world business and organisational problems — making it the ideal qualification for senior executives and experienced professionals.
This fully online doctoral program prepares students to become transformational business leaders, independent consultants, executive coaches, and scholarly practitioners. Students explore key areas including advanced corporate strategy, global leadership, financial management, organisational change, and applied business research.
The program concludes with an original doctoral dissertation — an independent research project grounded in professional practice that contributes meaningful insights to the business world.
Whether you are a C-suite executive, a senior manager, or an experienced entrepreneur, this online DBA gives you the tools, mentorship, and doctoral credentials to lead at the highest level — entirely on your own schedule.
Online DBA in Business Administration (36–48 Months)
Session: 2025 – 2026
Program Structure
This online DBA program is structured in two phases: Coursework and Qualifying Exams, followed by Doctoral Research. Students can study at their own pace while meeting key academic milestones.
- Duration: 36–48 Months (Full-Time Online)
- Total Credits: 90 Credits
- Format: 100% Online — live sessions, recorded lectures, and one-on-one supervisor meetings
- Dissertation: Original research dissertation required for graduation
Core Research Areas
| Research Area | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Organizational Theory & Behavior | Advanced Organizational Theory, Leadership & Motivation, Institutional Theory |
| Strategic Management | Competitive Strategy, Resource-Based View, Corporate Governance |
| Research Methodology | Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Research, Mixed Methods, Bibliometrics |
| Applied Management | Innovation Management, International Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship Theory |
| Emerging Topics | AI & Business Analytics, Sustainability & ESG, Digital Transformation |
Curriculum Overview
The DBA in Business Administration curriculum focuses on three key areas: advanced business theory, applied research methods, and original doctoral research. Designed to strengthen strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and scholarly expertise, the program addresses modern business challenges faced by senior executives. Courses are delivered online by experienced faculty members with strong research and industry credentials. Students engage in intensive academic study, independent inquiry, and applied problem-solving. The program concludes with a doctoral dissertation grounded in professional practice that contributes original insights to the business world.
Curriculum Breakdown Summary
Our DBA in Business Administration curriculum is structured to deliver a rigorous, professionally focused learning journey that supports both executive leadership development and original applied research. It is organized into four key components: Core Doctoral Courses, Research Methodology, Concentration Electives, and Dissertation Research.
| Component | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Doctoral Courses | 30 Credits |
| Research Methodology | 18 Credits |
| Concentration / Electives | 18 Credits |
| Dissertation Research | 24 Credits |
| Total | 90 Credits |
Core Doctoral Courses
The Core Doctoral Courses develop a strong foundation in business administration theory, analytical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of corporate strategy, leadership, financial management, and business research while strengthening their abilities to critically evaluate, investigate, and contribute original ideas to the field of business administration.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 – Foundations | DBA901 | Foundations of Business Administration Theory | 3 Credits |
| DBA902 | Advanced Organisational Behaviour | 3 Credits | |
| DBA903 | Corporate Strategy & Competitive Advantage | 3 Credits | |
| DBA904 | Business Ethics & Corporate Governance | 3 Credits | |
| Semester 2 – Advanced Theory | DBA905 | Global Business & International Management | 3 Credits |
| DBA906 | Executive Leadership & Change Management | 3 Credits | |
| DBA907 | Corporate Finance & Investment Strategy | 3 Credits | |
| DBA908 | Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behaviour | 3 Credits | |
| Semester 3 – Applied Management | DBA909 | Operations Management & Supply Chain Strategy | 3 Credits |
| DBA910 | Digital Transformation & Business Innovation | 3 Credits |
Research Methodology
The Research Methodology core develops a strong foundation in academic research principles, analytical thinking, and evidence-based problem-solving. These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of quantitative and qualitative research while strengthening their abilities to design, conduct, and publish original business research at the doctoral level.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | RES801 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 Credits |
| RES802 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 Credits | |
| RES803 | Philosophy of Social Science Research | 3 Credits | |
| Semester 3 | RES804 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 Credits |
| RES805 | Advanced Multivariate Statistical Analysis | 3 Credits | |
| RES806 | Systematic Literature Review & Meta-Analysis | 3 Credits |
Business (B) Core — Concentration Electives
The Concentration Electives allow students to deepen their expertise in their chosen area of professional focus within business administration. Students select courses that align with their career goals, industry experience, and doctoral research direction.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | DBA911 | Advanced Corporate Strategy | 3 Credits |
| DBA912 | Global Leadership & Organisational Development | 3 Credits | |
| DBA913 | Sustainable Business & ESG Strategy | 3 Credits | |
| Semester 5 | DBA914 | Data-Driven Decision Making for Executives | 3 Credits |
| DBA915 | Doctoral Seminar in Business Research | 3 Credits | |
| DBA916 | Special Topics in Business Administration | 3 Credits |
Dissertation Research
The Dissertation Research phase is the final and most significant component of the DBA program, worth 24 credits. Students conduct an original applied research project addressing a real-world business challenge under the close supervision of an assigned faculty member. The dissertation progresses through four structured stages — from proposal and research design to final defence — and must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to professional practice. Successful completion of the dissertation is required for the award of the Doctor of Business Administration degree.
| Phase | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Phase | DIS901 | Dissertation Proposal & Research Design | 6 Credits |
| DIS902 | Dissertation Research I | 6 Credits | |
| DIS903 | Dissertation Research II | 6 Credits | |
| DIS904 | Dissertation Defence & Final Submission | 6 Credits |
Dr. Patricia A. Walcott
Senior Lecturer & Research Faculty
Dr. Charles R. Bennett
Associate Professor of Educational Psychology
Dr. Margaret L. Thornton
Professor of Educational LeadershipPrograms Cost
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
| Payment Plan | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Full Payment | CAD $4,500 | One-time — pay once, no extra charges |
| 2-Installment Plan | CAD $2,250 | 2 payments — every 6 months |
| 4-Installment Plan | CAD $1,125 | 4 payments — every 3 months |
| Monthly Plan | CAD $375 | 12 monthly payments |
| Your Master’s CGPA | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8 – 4.0 | 60% | CAD $1,800 |
| 3.5 – 3.79 | 45% | CAD $2,475 |
| 3.0 – 3.49 | 30% | CAD $3,150 |
| Prior publications or research awards | Extra 5–10% | Assessed individually |
| Your Experience | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ years senior management or leadership | 60% | CAD $1,800 |
| 5–9 years relevant professional experience | 40% | CAD $2,700 |
| Community leadership, NGO, or public service | 25% | CAD $3,375 |
| Military or government service | 30% | CAD $3,150 |
| Entrepreneurship or business ownership | 20% | CAD $3,600 |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agent Commission | Available for authorized education consultants |
| How to Register | Email us at info@iuc-edu.ca |
| Commission Payment | Paid after student enrollment confirmation |
| Support Provided | Marketing materials, official letters, application support |
Apply Now
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
Apply Now
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic support Costs may vary based on program type, course load, and mode of study (on-campus, hybrid, or online) We aim to provide exceptional value through modern facilities, expert faculty, and industry aligned curriculum making your investment in education both meaningful and future-focused.
Admissions Requirements
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Qualifications |
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| 2 | Required Documents |
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| 3 | Financial Requirements |
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| 4 | Additional PhD Requirements |
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Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Deadline | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Intake | October 1 | December 30 | January 15 |
| Fall Intake | April 1 | August 10 | September 5 |
| Rolling Admissions | Open Year-Round | Anytime | Next Available Session |
Requirements and Deadlines
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic.