27 Months | Doctorate | Business Administration

Golden Gate University, San Francisco
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Golden Gate University, San Francisco is an accelerated 27-month doctoral programme designed for senior business professionals, consultants, executives and university educators. The programme combines advanced business theory, applied research and practice-based learning to develop leaders capable of solving complex organizational challenges. Learners complete doctoral research, qualitative and quantitative research methods, a specialization concentration, qualifying examination and an original doctoral dissertation under expert faculty supervision. Students also gain access to upGrad’s post-doctoral leadership ecosystem, including publication support, patent guidance, entrepreneurship mentoring and the optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification.

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Golden Gate University, San Francisco Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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University Rankings & Accreditation

Golden Gate University, San Francisco — recognition that matters

Golden Gate University San Francisco, California

WASC Senior College and University Commission Institutionally Accredited

Founded 1901

Ranked #1 For Working Professionals (Washington Monthly)

Best Online College California

70,000+ Alumni Global Professional Network

Practice-Based Curriculum Accelerated 27-Month DBA

San Francisco Innovation & Technology Hub

Program Highlights

Everything that matters — at a glance

⏱
Programme Duration
27 Months
📋
Programme Type
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
💰
University
Golden Gate University, San Francisco
💻
Learning Format
Live Online + Faculty Mentorship
🏦
Total Credits
56 Credits
🤝
Research
Original Doctoral Dissertation
🌍
Specializations
Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Business Analytics & General
📜
Optional Certification
PwC Directorship & Board Advisory
🎓
Alumni Network
70,000+ Global Alumni
🏆
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Business Administration

How You Learn Online

UGC-compliant 4-Quadrant learning model — structured for working professionals

Video & E-Tutorial

Animated video lectures, virtual labs, audio content and full transcriptions — available 24/7

E-Content & Resources

Digital study material, e-books, case studies, web references and reading material uploaded weekly

Live Discussion Forum

Weekly live sessions with course coordinators for doubt-clearing and peer interaction

Assessments

Weekly quizzes, assignments, MCQs and project evaluations — structured and timely feedback

Program Curriculum

Industry-aligned, application-based — built for career outcomes

Foundation (12 Credits)

Doctoral Research and Writing
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research
Research Design
Research Ethics
Academic Writing
Literature Review
Evidence-Based Research
Research Proposal Development
Problem Identification
Research Methodology
Critical Thinking

Qualifying Examination

Qualifying Examination
Research Readiness Assessment
Doctoral Competency Evaluation

Concentration - Finance

Corporate Finance
Financial Theory and Applications
International Finance

Concentration - Marketing

Marketing Management
Consumer Behavior
Digital Marketing and New Media

Concentration - Leadership & Strategy

Leadership Theory, Research and Application
Strategic Leadership
Leading Complex Change

Concentration - Business Analytics

Managing Data as an Asset
Operations Performance Management
Application of AI in Solving Business Problems

Concentration - General

General Business Studies
Advanced Business Strategy
Contemporary Business Issues

Doctoral Dissertation (32 Credits)

Dissertation Proposal
Original Research
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Dissertation Writing
Faculty Supervision
Dissertation Defense
Final Thesis Submission

Optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification

An Overview of the Modern Board
Corporate Governance, Ethics & Regulatory Frameworks
Finance & Risk for Board Oversight
Digital, Cyber & M&A Readiness
Independent Directors – Risks and Rewards
Stakeholder Engagement & Investor Relations
Board Simulation & Readiness Presentation

Doctoral Research Journey

Research Topic Selection
Research Gap Identification
Problem Statement Development
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Conceptual Framework
Hypothesis Development
Research Proposal Approval
Research Planning
Faculty Mentoring
Research Timeline
Ethics Approval

Research Execution

Primary Data Collection
Secondary Data Collection
Survey Design
Interview Methods
Case Study Research
Sampling Techniques
Data Validation
Quantitative Data Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis
Statistical Interpretation
Research Findings
Managerial Recommendations

Academic & Professional Development

Academic Writing
Critical Thinking
Research Communication
Literature Review
Reference Management
Publication Writing
Conference Paper Development
Journal Submission
Research Ethics
Plagiarism Prevention
Patent Awareness
Innovation Management

Doctoral Completion

Dissertation Draft
Supervisor Review
Committee Review
Dissertation Revision
Final Thesis Submission
Dissertation Defense
Viva Voce
Doctoral Graduation

Post-Doctoral Leadership Development

Executive Leadership
Business Consulting
Thought Leadership
Corporate Governance
Entrepreneurship Mentoring
Research Commercialization
Innovation Strategy
Global Networking
Industry Collaboration
Career Advancement

5 Specializations

Click any specialization to see fees and key modules

Finance Golden Gate University Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Corporate Finance
Financial Strategy
International Finance
Financial Decision Making

Marketing Golden Gate University Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Marketing Strategy
Consumer Behaviour
Digital Marketing
Brand Management

Leadership & Strategy Golden Gate University Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Strategic Leadership
Leading Change
Executive Decision Making
Business Transformation

Business Analytics Golden Gate University Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Business Analytics
Data Management
Operations Performance
AI for Business

General Business Golden Gate University Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Business Management
Business Strategy
Organizational Development
Executive Management

Fee Structure

Transparent pricing — paid semester-wise with Zero Cost EMI available

Specialization	Per Semester	Total Fee	EMI / Month (6 mo)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)	NA	₹10,65,000	Starting at ₹31,500/month

The total programme fee is ₹10,65,000 (no taxes applicable). Flexible financing options are available through upGrad financing partners for eligible learners.

Scholarships Available

Reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis

Category	Who's Eligible	Scholarship
Flexible EMI	Eligible learners	Available
Education Loan	Available through financing partners	Available
Corporate Sponsorship	Senior Executives & Organizations	Available

Eligibility Criteria

Simple and transparent — no entrance exam required

🇮🇳 Students with Indian Education

Passed 10 + 2 from a recognised board
Completed undergraduate degree (minimum 3 years)
Aggregate minimum of 50% marks
Final year students can apply with last semester results
Work experience gives added advantage

🌍 Students with Foreign Education

Certificate of Equivalence from AIU (Association of Indian Universities) required
Visit aiu.ac.in for details

Career Opportunities

Roles our graduates step into after completing this program

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Lead organizational growth, innovation and long-term strategic initiatives across global enterprises.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Manage enterprise operations, business performance and organizational transformation.

Chief Strategy Officer

Develop business strategies, competitive positioning and sustainable growth initiatives.

Business Consultant

Provide executive consulting in strategy, leadership, innovation and organizational effectiveness.

Management Consultant

Solve complex organizational challenges using applied research and evidence-based business solutions.

Corporate Board Member

Contribute to governance, strategic oversight and executive decision-making at the board level.

Business Analytics Leader

Lead analytics-driven business transformation using data, AI and strategic decision-making frameworks.

University Faculty

Teach business administration, supervise doctoral research and contribute to academic scholarship.

Entrepreneur

Build, scale and transform ventures using research-backed leadership and innovation strategies.

Executive Researcher

Conduct applied business research that influences corporate strategy, policy and management practices.

Our Hiring Partners

Top companies that recruit our graduates

PwC Deloitte EY KPMG Accenture IBM Microsoft Google Amazon Oracle Infosys TCS Capgemini Cognizant HCLTech Wipro Golden Gate University Alumni Network upGrad Career Network

Student Testimonials

Real students. Real outcomes.

The DBA programme helped me bridge academic research with executive leadership, enabling me to solve real organizational challenges.

Programme Learner

Senior Executive

The faculty mentorship, research guidance and dissertation process significantly strengthened my strategic thinking and consulting skills.

DBA Graduate

Business Consultant

The flexibility of the programme allowed me to continue my leadership role while completing an internationally recognized doctoral degree.

Working Professional

Corporate Leader

The curriculum integrates advanced research, leadership and practical business application, preparing professionals for executive and academic careers.

Faculty Mentor

Golden Gate University

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you apply — answered clearly

What is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Golden Gate University? Program

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an accelerated 27-month doctoral programme offered by Golden Gate University, San Francisco. It is designed for experienced professionals, executives, consultants and business leaders who want to combine advanced business knowledge with applied research to solve complex organizational challenges.

Who should enroll in this programme? Eligibility

The programme is ideal for senior managers, business executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, university educators and experienced professionals seeking doctoral-level expertise in business administration and leadership.

What is the duration of the programme? Program

The Doctor of Business Administration programme is completed over 27 months and combines doctoral coursework, specialization, research and an original dissertation.

How is the programme delivered? Learning

The programme follows a flexible online learning model with live faculty sessions, self-paced learning, research supervision, dissertation mentoring and academic support throughout the doctoral journey.

What subjects are covered in the curriculum? Curriculum

The curriculum includes doctoral research, quantitative and qualitative research methods, research design, academic writing, business strategy, leadership, business analytics and specialization-specific courses, followed by an original doctoral dissertation.

What specialization options are available? Curriculum

Learners can choose from Finance, Marketing, Leadership & Strategy, Business Analytics or General Business concentrations based on their professional goals and research interests.

Does the programme include research methodology? Curriculum

Yes. Participants learn research design, qualitative research, quantitative research, literature review, proposal development, academic writing, research ethics and evidence-based business research methods.

What is the Qualifying Examination? Assessment

The Qualifying Examination evaluates a learner’s readiness for doctoral research by assessing research knowledge, academic competency and preparedness for the dissertation phase.

What is included in the doctoral dissertation? Projects

The dissertation involves identifying a research problem, preparing a proposal, collecting and analyzing data, conducting original research, writing the dissertation and successfully defending it before the doctoral committee.

Will I receive faculty supervision? Learning

Yes. Every learner is assigned faculty mentors who provide continuous guidance throughout the proposal, research, dissertation writing and defense process.

Does the programme support research publications? Research

Yes. Learners receive guidance on academic writing, journal publications, conference papers, research communication, intellectual property awareness and innovation management.

Is the PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification included? Certification

The programme offers an optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification that covers corporate governance, board responsibilities, finance, risk oversight, mergers & acquisitions, stakeholder engagement and board readiness.

Will I receive a doctoral degree after completing the programme? Certification

Yes. Upon successful completion of all coursework, qualifying examination, dissertation and defense requirements, learners receive the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree awarded by Golden Gate University, San Francisco.

What career opportunities are available after completing the DBA? Career

Graduates can pursue leadership roles such as CEO, COO, Chief Strategy Officer, Business Consultant, Management Consultant, Corporate Board Member, Business Analytics Leader, University Faculty, Entrepreneur and Executive Researcher.

How much is the programme fee? Fees

The total programme fee is ₹10,65,000 (no taxes applicable). Flexible financing options are available through upGrad financing partners for eligible learners.

Can working professionals pursue this programme? Learning

Yes. The DBA is specifically designed for working professionals and offers a flexible online format that allows learners to balance doctoral studies with their careers.

What makes Golden Gate University’s DBA unique? Program

The programme offers an accelerated 27-month curriculum, faculty-guided applied research, multiple specialization options, strong industry relevance, a global alumni network of over 70,000 professionals and optional PwC Board Advisory Certification, making it well suited for experienced business leaders seeking executive and academic advancement.

Why should I choose the Golden Gate University DBA programme? Program

Golden Gate University combines more than a century of business education with a practice-oriented doctoral curriculum. The programme emphasizes applied research, executive leadership, strategic decision-making and organizational impact, preparing graduates for senior corporate, consulting and academic careers through a globally recognized Doctor of Business Administration degree.

Earn a Globally Recognized Doctor of Business Administration

Advance your expertise in executive leadership, strategic management, applied business research, organizational transformation and business analytics through Golden Gate University’s internationally recognized Doctor of Business Administration programme.

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