Business Administration,
Global MBA to DBA Pathway
(Worldwide)
Program Overview
GGU Worldwide’s Global MBA to DBA Pathway combines the practical business and strategy skills and knowledge of an MBA with the advanced research and analytical capabilities of a DBA, offering a comprehensive education for leadership and strategic roles in business and academia, globally. This pathway is particularly valuable for those aiming for senior leadership, advising, and teaching positions in complex organizations, consulting, research, or higher education.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the DBA program will achieve the program’s primary objectives through the development of:
- A thorough knowledge of the scientific and scholarly research methods and their application in the business setting in a senior management position, as a consultant, as a professor at the university level;
- Advanced critical thinking, conceptual and analytical skills;
- A strong understanding of both the seminal theories and the latest practices in business management including an advance and intensive knowledge of theory and practice in one field of business;
- Intensive knowledge of theory and practice in a chosen field of business or public management;
- Advanced ability to use qualitative and quantitative tools to perform original applied research that advances business knowledge;
- An appreciation of cultural, ethical, and global issues and their impact on business theory and practices; and
- Advanced skills necessary for effective decision-making in complex environments through integrating theoretic insights with practical knowledge.
Admission Requirements
GGU seeks doctoral candidates with strong intellect, proper educational preparation, breadth and depth of managerial or professional experience and the capacity for disciplined scholarly investigation. While most applicants have a master’s degree in a business-related field, applicants with academic preparation in other fields are welcome to apply.
Admission decisions are made by the GGU International Student Admissions Office and are based on a comprehensive review of each applicant’s academic achievements and professional experience.
The following criteria apply:
- Applicants must hold a GGU MBA.
- GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their most recent degree program for full admission.
- Resume: All applicants are required to submit a current resume/CV.
- Special Review Categories: The following applicants will undergo additional review by the Admissions Office, based on their professional experience and accomplishments:
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 in their most recent degree program.
- Applicants who do not hold a master’s degree must have earned a bachelor’s degree and possess a minimum of five years of professional work experience.
- Applicants in the Special Review Categories must also provide:
- A resume;
- A statement of purpose or complete an interview conducted by Beacon Education.
- The statement of purpose or interview must address:
- A minimum of five years of professional experience post-graduation;
- How earning a GGU degree will support their career goals.
- The statement of purpose or interview must address:
These materials will be reviewed by the International Student Admission Office and/or the appropriate GGU Faculty Director or Dean as part of the final admission decision.
Curriculum
Applicants must hold a GGU MBA.
The Doctor of Business Administration Global MBA to DBA Pathway requires completion of 16 units of foundation courses, and 32 units of dissertation work, for a total of 48 units. Students must earn a “B-” or better in each course and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better. Students must complete and successfully defend their dissertations within five years of beginning the program.
Note: DBA 809 must be taken before any other DBA courses in the program.
After the foundation curriculum coursework is completed, students must successfully pass a qualifying examination.This integrative examination will test the student’s mastery of the skills and disciplines of doctoral-level research methods and analysis.
Students must earn a grade of 85% on the qualifying exam to pass the class. Students may take the exam twice. Students who do not pass the exam on the second attempt will be withdrawn from the program.
