Doctor of Business Administration Program*
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for adult professionals employed in the private, public or military sectors, who wish to continue working while earning the doctoral degree.
The program – like the students – is practical and process-improvement oriented. It is delivered in a blended, “Low Residence” format. “Blended” is defined as a combination of in-class and online. Seventy-five percent of the courses are offered online with the remaining twenty-five percent are delivered in a traditional classroom setting.
Students travel to pre-determined cohort class site locations to participate in “Low Residence” courses. A typical on-site meeting schedule is as follows:
- Online Webinar Thursday evenings (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Friday evenings (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Saturdays (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Sundays (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon)
Between sessions, students work independently to complete assignments, conduct research, and accomplish other required academic tasks.
DBA Program Length & Curriculum
The DBA program is designed to be completed in two years of continuous study. The curriculum includes twenty (20) three-credit courses. The program requires completion of all courses as well as the identification of a doctoral dissertation topic, dissertation project validation, results verification, submission of a formal dissertation, and an oral defense of the project before a doctoral dissertation committee.
The accelerated program format is offered in response to the call from NGS graduates and other experienced practitioners who desire an advanced terminal credential that exemplifies the dynamic growth in Quality Systems Management knowledge. The program attracts working adults who wish to demonstrably enhance the organizational and operational effectiveness of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Eligible doctoral applicants will possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university as well as experience in a field that can benefit from the application of Quality Systems Management theory and practice.
DBA Programs
NGS offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Quality Systems Management.
Specializations are available in:
- Health Systems
- Homeland Security
- Environmental Quality Management
- Six Sigma
Curriculum Courses Specializations Admissions Apply Online FAQS
If you are interested in either Homeland Security & Defense, Environmental Policy & Quality Management or Health Systems disciplines, you may pursue the Quality Systems Management degree and choose a “specialization” in one of the three above.
You will earn your “specialization” by completing the following:
- Select a Senior Champion practicing in the discipline you wish to pursue as a “specialization.”
- Your dissertation project topic will be in the discipline you wish to pursue as a “specialization.”
- During your DBA coursework look to create synergy between your discipline of “specialization” and any assignments or activities. For example there is a course in the DBA program – QSM 858 – Advanced Benchmarking. During this course you might consider benchmarking best practices in Homeland Security & Defense if that was the discipline you chose as a “specialization.”
You should work with your Doctoral Faculty members and your academic advisor regarding your particular discipline chosen for your area of “specialization.” In fact, Doctoral Faculty members and academic division professionals routinely facilitate the selection of dissertation projects and project champions as well.
*Not available in Massachusetts