Doctor of Business Administration
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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Degree:
Doctor of Business Administration Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for current and potential business leaders and senior managers, in the private and public sectors to enhance their knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business administration. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a research-based degree, but unlike the PhD, the DBA program is intended to engage the student in the application of theoretical knowledge to the advancement of practice in the field (solving complex problems) (Archibald, 2010; Corley & Giola 2011; Huba, Shubb & Shelley, 2006).
The outcome of the research is designed to provide valuable insights to an organization. Examples of an applied investigation may include a replication study, a case study, or a special project (such as, for example, the creation of a curriculum, training program, or educational artifact), followed by an evaluation. A doctoral project for a professional degree does not have to be an original contribution to the body of knowledge that impacts the theories in the field, but typically responds to a practical problem or proposed innovation (Archibald, 2010).
The DBA is increasingly recognized by international business and management schools as the most appropriate post-MBA (or equivalent master’s degree) route to combining academic research with management and business.
Click here for potential career opportunities within the DBA.
Bring More to the Table with an Online DBA Degree
No other university can match National University’s uniquely flexible approach to earning your DBA degree online, which includes weekly course starts to fit your schedule. NU’s online DBA has no GRE or GMAT exam requirement, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Degree Requirements
Admission to the Doctorate programs requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution (also see Direct Entry and Evaluation Track Requirements).
The University may accept up to 12 semester credit hours in transfer with a maximum of 9 semester credit hours in transfer eligible toward the specialization courses in the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.
The DBA degree programs in business have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Satisfactory completion of the DBA Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
- University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Presentation completed
- Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma
Program at a Glance
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Total Credit Hours: 48 Credit Hours
Courses: 16 Courses
Recommended Completion Time: 34 Months
Next Start Date: Every Monday
Classroom Size: One
Online DBA Course Listings
All DBA specializations require the following courses:
Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence. Evaluation track students will take SKS 7001 after BUS-7102 and before BUS-7112.
Applied Doctoral Studies in Business
In this course you will be introduced to the applied business doctoral academic journey. You will explore what it means to become an academic learner. You will compare and contrast the applied degree to a research degree to show which is applicable in differing environments. You will discuss the use of conceptual frameworks and theories in research and be introduced to scholarly writing and reference management. Your course will conclude with you developing a researchable applied business research question and a brief research plan.
Doctoral Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies – Eval Track Students
Students will analyze and apply knowledge in 12 business areas necessary to address a wide variety of business-related situations. The focus of the course is demonstrating core proficiencies in the following business areas: Marketing, Business Finance, Accounting, Management, Legal Environment of Business, Economics, Business Ethics, Global Dimensions of Business, Information Systems, Quantitative Techniques and Statistics, Leadership, and Business Applications. The intent is not to introduce these core business concepts, but rather to verify a graduate-level threshold competency within each. The course includes a comprehensive case study that will allow students to demonstrate their competency within all 12 professional component areas.
Business Strategy and Innovation
In this course you will explore the ideas and methods for encouraging innovation as part of successful organizational strategic planning. You will use organizational assessment tools to evaluate a company’s human resource practices and assess how strategic planning includes elements of technology and sustainability to ensure competitive advantage in global markets.
Ethics in Business
Organizations can no longer ignore ethics and social responsibility, including the green movement. Ethics are required by local, state, and federal legislation, and today, more than ever, stakeholders at organizations are being held accountable for their actions and societal harm. Therefore, academic integrity must be carried out from the classroom to the place of business. In a case study format, students in this course will learn about current laws, their applications to business, and how to maintain an ethical perspective within the context of a global framework.
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Specialization Course 4
Scholarly Literature Review
In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.
Statistics I
In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.
Quantitative Research Design & Methodology
During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.
Qualitative Research Design and Methodology
During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.
Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.
Components of the Dissertation
In this course, students will complete Chapters 1 and 2 of their Dissertation Proposal. Chapter 1 includes a brief review of the literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study, while Chapter 2 consists of the literature review, including the theoretical/conceptual framework. Completed and committee-approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are required to pass this course successfully.
Completing the Dissertation Proposal
In this course, students will complete Chapter 3 and their Dissertation Proposal (DP). Chapter 3 includes the research methodology and design, population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. Students will then assemble their Dissertation Proposal including all appendices necessary. A completed, committee-approved Chapter 3 and a final approved Dissertation Proposal (against the minimum rubric standards) are required by the end of the course.
Data Collection and Analysis
In this course, students will prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application. After obtaining IRB approval, students will collect data and submit a data collection verification form when data collection is complete. Students will begin synthesizing collected data and analyzing results. IRB study approval and a completed data collection verification form are required by the end of the course.
The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense
In this course, students will complete Chapters 4 and 5, followed by their Dissertation Manuscript. Chapter 4 includes presenting study results aligned to the research design and research questions and/or hypotheses. Chapter 5 includes study implications, recommendations, and conclusions. Students will then compile and present findings in the completed Dissertation Manuscript and in an Oral Defense. A completed, committee-approved Chapter 5, Dissertation Manuscript, and successful Oral Defense (against the minimum rubric standards) are required to complete the course and graduate.
Specializations
Advanced Accounting
No business can survive without a clear understanding of the bottom line, so it is no surprise that the accounting field is expected to grow 13% in the next seven years. With a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Advanced Accounting, you’ll be poised to help organizations use data to ensure a positive financial footing. With this NU specialization you will acquire a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge as you explore the relationships among business activities, economic outcomes and business performance with our unique one-to-one mentoring approach. As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue positions such as chief accountant, senior audit director, and vice president of accounting.
Financial Management
Money talks and, with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Financial Management, you’ll be the person companies listen to. Working with professors who all hold doctoral degrees, you will gain advanced skills in fiscal analysis, budgeting and spending for public and private organizations. In a program that is 100% online, you will examine domestic and global financial issues, including causes of fluctuations in interest and monetary exchange rates, and explore advanced business financial decision models, investment selection techniques and how financial institutions generate earnings and manage risks. As a graduate, you will be ready for a variety of related positions, including economist, financial research specialist, statistician, financial analyst, budget analyst, loan officer, financial manager, financial planner and investment banker.
General Business
Modern business is ever-evolving and in this tumultuous setting a business generalist is an invaluable asset. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in General Business specialization allows you the flexibility to select courses from a broad range of electives so you can study subjects in a one-to-one mentoring environment that fit your personal and professional interests and goals. You will have the opportunity to examine a variety of topics, including advanced corporate finance, supervisory techniques and business knowledge in the global environment, with the goal of strengthening your knowledge in business practices.
Global Business Management
NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches.
Health Services
By 2024, it’s estimated that nearly $1 in every $5 spent in the U.S. will be spent on health care. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Health Services will prepare you to lead private or public sector entities as they try and navigate this challenging industry. You will develop essential perspectives and skills for application of theoretical and research-based health care industry management issues. You will explore strategic planning in health care and managed systems, comparative health care system analysis, and examine strategies related to total quality management in health care. In addition, you will develop skills in problem identification and resolution, analysis and intervention as administrative issues, and recognition of the constraints and limitations to intervention and change in delivery systems.
Human Resources Management
People are every organization’s greatest asset. In the DBA in Human Resources Management specialization, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of strategic labor relations and practices as you examine how an organization’s employee relations practices are linked to its overall business plan. You will explore HRM Information Systems, compensation and staffing strategies, training and professional development, recruiting, workplace diversity, benefits and pay management, labor relations, labor laws, and field-specific technology. Your doctoral professors will also help you develop the necessary skills to properly create, develop, mediate and maintain the personnel interrelationships that are so important to the overall success of the organization.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Consulting opportunities in Industrial/Organizational Psychology are exploding. The NU DBA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a 100% online specialization that explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in a work environment. Under the mentorship of your doctoral professor, you will develop competencies in theory, research and applications of psychology to human behavior in organizations, and conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management. NU graduates are prepared for positions that include evaluating, interpreting and integrating knowledge into the business decision-making process.
Information Technology
NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Information Technology is a cross-discipline specialization that utilizes courses from NU’s School of Technology programs. Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies. In this specialization, you will gain a general understanding of networks and computing, as well as the cloud, mobile technology, telecommunications, architectures, computing platforms, protocols, and tools.
Organizational Leadership
Competition for CEO jobs is fierce, but having a doctorate in the subject can help you rise to the top. Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary, 100% online program designed to help you develop the research skills, management practices and understanding of qualitative and quantitative business analysis tools needed of professionals in business administration, human resources, non-profit administration and related fields. You will explore theoretical research as it relates to strategic planning in all phases of organizational leadership, including building organizational capacity and sustainability. Our graduates are prepared for positions in organizational consulting or generalist leadership positions within corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.
Project Management
According to the 2013 Project Management Talent Gap Report, more than $15.7 million new project management jobs are projected in the next decade. The DBA in Project Management specialization focuses on management, leadership and team building in the project/program environment. You will examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. Through mentoring feedback from your doctoral professors, you will explore principles, concepts, tools and techniques that help improve project performance and organizational effectiveness.
Strategic Marketing
NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Marketing transcends traditional marketing by focusing upon emerging trends in the 21st century in marketing management and marketing research. Students will focus on thought leadership-driven strategic marketing, encompassing contemporary and emergent marketing management methods, global product management, precision pricing, advanced promotional methods, and proven distribution techniques. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared for the marketing workforce of tomorrow.
Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy
Ever since the events of 9/11, homeland security has taken on a heightened status in the defense of our nation. The field offers unique career opportunities to help secure our borders, airports, and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies and analyses; and respond to natural disasters or terrorist assaults.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Chief Executives
-
$173,058
avg. salary (USA) -
23,911
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Finance
- Accounting
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Financial Statements
- Auditing
- Fundraising
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- City of New York
- YMCA
- State Of Texas
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- State of Washington
- Lumen Technologies
- Marriott International
- General and Operations Managers
-
$100,939
avg. salary (USA) -
320,505
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Project Management
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Auditing
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Enterprise Mobility
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Marriott International
- Penske Automotive Group
- Menards
- Sales Managers
-
$136,922
avg. salary (USA) -
55,888
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- AutoZone
- Marriott International
- Ross Stores
- Ross-Shire Engineering
- Hilton
- US Foods
- Merck & Co.
- Administrative Services Managers
-
$106,287
avg. salary (USA) -
21,903
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Finance
- Administrative Support
- Accounts Payable
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Aramark
- Grease Monkey
- Lithia Motors
- Cintas
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Cushman & Wakefield
- City of New York
- Facilities Managers
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$101,816
avg. salary (USA) -
12,017
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Facility Management
- HVAC
- Construction
- Project Management
- Facility Repair And Maintenance
- Plumbing
- Facility Operations
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- CBRE
- JLL
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Sodexo
- Life Time
- Compass Group
- Aramark
- Industrial Production Managers
-
$115,295
avg. salary (USA) -
17,632
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Lean Manufacturing
- Production Management
- Process Improvement
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Manufacturing Operations
- Project Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Accenture
- GE Aerospace
- Lonza
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Northrop Grumman
- Airgas
- CRH Americas
- Transportation and Storage Managers
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$97,888
avg. salary (USA) -
19,112
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Warehousing
- Warehouse Operations
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Inventory Control
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Amazon
- US Foods
- Lowe's
- Domino's Pizza
- Deutsche Post DHL Group
- Waste Management
- Sysco
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
-
$136,349
avg. salary (USA) -
1,271
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Finance
- Project Management
- Auditing
- Marketing
- Benefits Enrollment Processes
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Benefits Administration
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Elevance Health
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sanofi
- Marsh McLennan
- Willis Towers Watson
- Hub International
- Hobby Lobby Stores
- Human Resources Managers
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$135,435
avg. salary (USA) -
17,619
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Talent Management
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management
- Employee Engagement
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- Lumen Technologies
- Marriott International
- GAF Materials Corporation
- General Motors
- Walmart
- Cost Estimators
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$74,762
avg. salary (USA) -
20,820
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Construction
- Project Management
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Construction Estimating
- Bidding
- Quantity Take-Offs
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Black & Veatch
- Kiewit Corporation
- Turner & Townsend
- Granite Construction
- Turner Construction Company
- MasTec
- CDM Smith
- Human Resources Specialists
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$67,674
avg. salary (USA) -
87,030
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Employee Relations
- Auditing
- Recruitment Strategies
- Talent Acquisition
- Talent Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Deloitte
- General Motors
- Target
- Amazon
- Ryder
- Lowe's
- Walmart
- Logisticians
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$79,084
avg. salary (USA) -
25,353
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Supply Chain
- Logistics
- Warehousing
- Purchasing
- Inventory Management
- Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Fastenal
- Amazon
- United States Postal Service
- United States Department of Transportation
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
- Boomerang Transport
- Project Management Specialists
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$98,236
avg. salary (USA) -
78,005
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Project Management
- Construction
- Construction Management
- Subcontracting
- Project Schedules
- Project Planning
- Change Orders
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- CBRE
- Black & Veatch
- Lumen Technologies
- GovCIO
- Entergy
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- Management Analysts
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$100,961
avg. salary (USA) -
116,342
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Project Management
- Business Process
- Business Requirements
- Data Analysis
- Business Analysis
- Agile Methodology
- Process Improvement
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Wells Fargo
- Elevance Health
- Deloitte
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Accenture
- Cardinal Health
- USAA
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
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$75,838
avg. salary (USA) -
110,988
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Business Development
- Digital Marketing
- Project Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Marketing Strategies
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Ford
- Amazon
- PayPal
- Leaf At Home LTD
- General Motors
- Humana
- Tiktok
Doctor of Business Administration Program Outcomes
At National University, you can earn your Doctor of Business Administration degree online, when it’s convenient for you. And although you attend class online, you still receive the personal support and guidance you deserve thanks to our one-to-one learning model. We also have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This offers the flexibility you need to fit higher education into your busy schedule.
DBA Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of National University’s Doctor of Business Administration program, graduates will be able to:
- Formulate solutions to practical business problems based on original research
- Evaluate the relationship between the global environment and business decisions
- Construct socially responsible and ethical business strategies
- Defend business-related theories, applications, and perspectives to diverse audiences
- Develop business methods and concepts based on practical application of current theories
Hear From Our Faculty
Watch our video to learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration program from Dr. Eugene Wilkerson, Dean for the School of Business.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
*The DBA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Health Services, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Information Technology specializations are not.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online
Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.
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Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
For those who have completed their doctoral academic work at another institution, but still need to complete their dissertation, our Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) could help you get across the finish line. Apply today or call 559-772-3701 or email [email protected] and we’ll share with you how NU may be able to assist you in completing your dissertation.
DISSERTATION PROCESS
Faculty assists each NU Doctoral student to reach this high goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.
A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.
Career Potential*
- Chief Executive
- General and Operations Managers
- Sales Manager
- Administrative Services Manager
- Industrial Production Manager
- Transportation Manager
- Storage and Distribution Manager
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Investment Fund Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Security Manager
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Cost Estimator
- Management Analyst
- Business Teacher, postsecondary
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Operations Research Analyst
*Positions may depend on specialization chosen and require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Some roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctorate degree — but only one of several varieties. Read on to learn more about the major categories of doctoral degrees and some important ways in which they differ from one another.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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