Executive Doctor of Business Administration

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is an advanced, research-intensive degree that emphasizes practical application of knowledge. It focuses on expanding expertise across diverse industry domains by offering deep insights into business and management challenges.

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DBA

A doctoral program with an emphasis on practicality

Approach business through a doctoral program that emphasizes practicality. Students will gain advanced research lenses to tackle complex problems, experience a transformative shift in decision-making, and strategically implement management solutions rooted in solid research. The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program gives a distinct advantage in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

The program delves deeply into academic theories underpinning business concepts and emphasizes original research within a chosen area. Students will test and apply these theories in real-world scenarios and contribute to advancing academic knowledge. The knowledge and skills acquired throughout the 36-month, 6-semester program can be seamlessly integrated into ongoing professional responsibilities and require no interruption to the student’s professional trajectory.

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Program Structure

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program spans 6 terms within 36 months with a pre-program orientation before the first term.

Total Units: 38
Coursework: 24
Research: 14

International Experience

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers international opportunities for qualified students.

Global Alliance Week

The Global Alliance Week is an annual research conference hosted by one of the partner schools. It is where students from across the consortium can come together to discuss and present their research topics to get insight from leading academics, industry leaders, and subject matter experts. Students will have the chance to network with one another and work alongside international research supervisors.

Top-tier research, collaboration, and guidance from partner institutions

Students will have access to research faculty from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), University of Houston (Bauer), and LUISS Business School as dissertation supervisors and mentors. Courses will be handled by faculty with international experience and active research portfolios in specialized domains.

Start Date and Class Schedule 

Duration: 36 Months (6 Semesters)
Start Date: Every August

Class Schedule:

  • 3 days in-person classes on week 1 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
  • Saturday hybrid classes (in-person or online) on week 2 to week 15
  • 3 days hybrid classes (in-person or online) at the end of a semester (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)

Class Type: In-Person Residential and Hybrid
Number of units: 38

Minimum Requirements:

  • MBA or other Master’s degree; 10+ years of senior-level business, management, or policy-making experience;
    • Research topic accepted by a supervisor (Asian Institute of Management (AIM), University of Houston (Bauer), or Luiss)
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Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake

9 August 2025

(For Non-Resident and Resident Applicants)

Program Learning Goals 

These goals outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are expected to develop by the time they graduate. They ensure that the programs of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) remain both challenging and aligned with the current business landscape.

Program Learning Goal 1:

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration students will acquire and utilize advanced knowledge in their specialized domain.

Program Learning Goal 2:

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration students will be practice-oriented business and management researchers.

Program Learning Goal 3:

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration students will be data-driven business decision-makers.

Get to know our global partners

Students of the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program can enjoy new learning and networking opportunities not just in the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), but also through our international partner institutions and organizations. 

  • luiss business school logo
  • luiss logo 2
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Difference between DBA and PhD

Similarities:

  • Academically equivalent terminal degrees
  • Rigorous study + research
  • Write and defend thesis
  • Strong support, serious preparation, and high expectations

Differences:

  • DBA has more applied orientation
  • DBA requires no career interruption
  • DBA may take advantage of own work environment
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Go beyond business with our
Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for the Executive Doctor of Business Administration Program at the Asian Institute of Management

The DBA Program at the Asian Institute of Management is a rigorous, practice-oriented research degree program designed for experienced professionals seeking to gain deep expertise in their chosen business management domain and to advance their analytical, problem-solving skills. It provides a transformative learning experience that prepares students to tackle complex business challenges examined through an advanced research lens.

The DBA Program is designed for seasoned professionals, including executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants, who want to deepen their business and management expertise, impact their organization through innovative frameworks, solve business problems through evidence-based solutions, and gain the highest-level credentials cemented by a “Dr.” title.

The DBA Program follows a blended/hybrid format, which includes a combination of hybrid online learning and in-person residencies. This structure allows students to maintain their professional commitments while pursuing their advanced degree.

The minimum duration of the DBA Program is 36 months, with courses scheduled to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

The DBA Program emphasizes advanced research skills development and in-depth knowledge in areas such as strategic management, innovation, and global business. Students will learn to drive change and shape the future of the business world through practice-oriented, scientific research and informed leadership.

To be considered for admission, applicants should possess a master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification in any discipline), must have at least 10 years of senior-level business or management experience, and strong academic and professional credentials. For more details, please visit our admissions page.

Currently, we do not offer specific financial aid options for the DBA Program. However, we encourage you to explore external funding sources, such as scholarships, employer-sponsored tuition assistance, or personal loans to support your investment in this prestigious program.

To apply, please visit our website at www.aim.edu/dba and follow the online application process. Our admissions team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns. 

The DBA Program employs a blend of coursework designed to develop students’ research competencies, advanced seminars on contemporary business and management issues to deepen students’ domain expertise, and a DBA dissertation through which students create academic scholarship in their area of focus that advances business thinking. Students will be expected to read academic research papers, evaluate findings and implications for further research and business management practice, and apply key concepts to their own business and professional environments.

Yes, the DBA Program has a strong international focus through a Global Executive DBA Alliance with the University of Houston – C.T. Bauer College of Business in the United States and Luiss Business School in Italy. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with international research faculty from the Asian Institute of Management, University of Houston, and Luiss Business School as dissertation supervisors and mentors. Students will be able to participate in the annual Global Alliance research conference hosted by the partner schools each year.

Through the program, students will develop advanced research skills and gain deep expertise in their chosen domain, empowering them to contribute to the advancement of business and management thinking and make a lasting impact within their organizations and beyond.

Yes, the program’s blended/hybrid format is designed to accommodate senior-level working professionals. Classes are scheduled to minimize interference with your work commitments, allowing you to balance your studies with your career.

Yes, you will have ample opportunities to connect with fellow students and alumni through networking events, seminars, and online platforms. These connections can prove invaluable as you progress in your career.

The DBA Program is tailored for experienced professionals and emphasizes practical, real-world applications of research and knowledge. In contrast, a traditional PhD program typically focuses more on theoretical research and is aimed at those seeking careers in academia.

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