Graduate Program
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program caters to the needs of mature students, helping them advance in their careers. It is designed to graduate scholar-practitioners who set the standard for best practices and contribute to solving critical business and management problems through research, teaching, and consulting. The program accommodates both fully employed and full-time students, particularly experienced business professionals looking to translate their industry expertise into leadership roles as consultants or executives within their organizations. The program provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills gained during coursework and to exhibit the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to successfully complete the Doctoral Project.
Primary CIP Code: 52.0201) Business Administration and Management, General
Program Learning Objectives (PLO)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program will allow students to:
- Employ advanced written communication skills to share complex information, organizational vision, and actionable guidelines to various audiences. (ILO1)
- Deliver advanced oral presentations that use effective content, organization, and delivery, accompanied by appropriate technology. (ILO2)
- Demonstrate the skills, competence, and critical thinking required to design, execute, and evaluate creative and meaningful research in a field of specialization. (ILO2)
- Generate, evaluate, and assess the Christian ethical obligations and responsibilities of business for the purpose of responsible management. (ILO5)
- Demonstrate effective information literacy skills including formulation of research problems; integration of previous publications into an appropriate literature review; design of a research study; data analysis; ability to summarize and present the results. (ILO6)
Mode of Instruction
Instruction can be completed through classroom-hybrid and/or online instructional methodologies.
Admission Requirements
Education: IAU requires evidence of an earned bachelor and master degree. At least one degree must be in a related major or discipline. Other disciplines may be acceptable and shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and they may require prerequisite courses. All degrees must be earned at an appropriately accredited institution or foreign equivalent. IAU understands the differing rigor of schools and grading scales around the world, and IAU evaluates prior academic credentials within their own context. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Experience: IAU recommends a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience.
Information Technology: Possess computer and internet skills sufficient to effectively participate in IAU’s pedagogical model and conduct research at the graduate level.
Curriculum Vitae (CV). A CV demonstrating experience and qualifications including a thorough review of an applicant’s educational background, employment history and highlighting main accomplishments at each position.
Letter of Interest. The Letter of Interest will contain three parts: Personal Statement, Professional Statement, and Research Statement. Each part will be described below.
- Personal Statement. Please express in no more than one page how the applicant’s experience, education, and training qualifies them for admission into the DBA program.
- Professional Statement. Please describe in no more than two pages the applicant’s interest in the DBA program and their plan to complete it.
- Why pursue a DBA degree?
- What significant qualities or experiences will be brought to the DBA program?
- What are the applicant’s career aspirations after graduation with a doctorate degree?
- What obstacles/challenges does the applicant anticipate having to overcome to complete the degree within a reasonable time frame (i.e., 4 years), and what is their plan to address these obstacles/challenges?
- What concrete steps will be taken to manage the applicant’s time and balance coursework with a minimum of 18 hours of study each week
- Research Statement. Please describe in no more than three pages the applicant’s research interests and topics to be pursued.
Letter of Recommendation. Two letters of recommendation should be requested from professionals in academia or industry who can comment on the applicant’s:
- Personal and professional accomplishments and how they achieved them.
- Academic pursuits.
- Demonstrated leadership and potential for doing advanced academic work.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Potential as an instructor.
Maximum Total Credit Awarded:
- Transfer Credit (TRC): 30 credits
- Standardized Exam Credit (SEC): 0 credits
- Prior Experiential Learning Credit (PEL): 9 semester credits
Completion Time
| Program | Full Time Standard (Yrs) | Part Time Standard (Yrs) | Full Time 150% (Yrs) | Part time 150% (Yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBA Degree | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
Curriculum
| DBA Program Requirements | Semester Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Component 3 Courses 9 Semester Hours (Non-MBA holders must take the following or transfer in equivalents) | ECN 500 Managerial Economics | 3 |
| FIN 500 Financial Management | 3 | |
| MKT 500 Marketing Management | 3 | |
| Core Component 4 Courses 12 Semester Hours | BUS 860 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 |
| ECN 800 Economic Theory and Policy | 3 | |
| MGT 800 Leadership in Organizations | 3 | |
| MGT 860 Managerial Decision Making | 3 | |
| Internship Component 2 Semester Hours | The Internship Component requirement can be fulfilled by completing an internship, internship reflection course, or by seeking a waiver. | 2 |
| Elective Component 13 Semester Hours | The Electives Component requirement can be fulfilled by receiving credit for any graduate courses (500+) that are not a requirement. | 13 |
| Research Component 3 Courses 9 Semester Hours | RSC 900 Doctoral Research Methods | 3 |
| RSC 810 Literature Review | 3 | |
| Choose 1 (other can be elective) | ||
| RSC 905 Quantitative Analysis | 3 | |
| RSC 910 Qualitative Analysis | 3 | |
| Comprehensive Examination Component 2 Courses 9 Semester Hours | DOC 901 Comprehensive Examination | 4.5 |
| DOC 902 Comprehensive Examination | DOC 901 Comprehensive Examination | |
| Project Component 4 Courses 15 Semester Hours | DOC 910 Prospectus | 4.5 |
| DOC 911 Proposal | 4.5 | |
| DOC 912 Project | 4.5 | |
| DOC 913 Project Defense | 1.5 | |
| TOTAL DBA | 60 | |
*69 units with prerequisites. For the course descriptions, click here.
Graduation Requirement
- Complete 60 semester units of prescribed curriculum.
- Complete a minimum of TWO internships.
- Complete Comprehensive Examinations and Doctoral Project.
- Complete all required coursework with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.
- F-1 students must maintain lawful status.
| SOC | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-1011.00 | Chief Executives |
| 11-1011.03 | Chief Sustainability Officers |
| 11-1021.00 | General and Operations Managers |
| 11-2022.00 | Sales Managers |
| 11-3012.00 | Administrative Services Managers |
| 11-3013.00 | Facilities Managers |
| 11-3013.01 | Security Managers |
| 11-3051.00 | Industrial Production Managers |
| 11-3051.01 | Quality Control Systems Managers |
| 11-3051.02 | Geothermal Production Managers |
| 11-3051.03 | Biofuels Production Managers |
| 11-3051.04 | Biomass Power Plant Managers |
| 11-3051.06 | Hydroelectric Production Managers |
| 11-3071.00 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
| 11-3071.04 | Supply Chain Managers |
| 11-3111.00 | Compensation and Benefits Managers |
| 11-3121.00 | Human Resources Managers |
| 11-3131.00 | Training and Development Managers |
| 11-9021.00 | Construction Managers |
| 11-9072.00 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling |
| 11-9151.00 | Social and Community Service Managers |
| 11-9179.00 | Personal Service Managers, All Other |
| 11-9179.01 | Fitness and Wellness Coordinators |
| 11-9179.02 | Spa Managers |
| 11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other |
| 11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers |
| 11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers |
| 11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers |
| 11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers |
| 11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers |
| 11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers |
| 13-1051.00 | Cost Estimators |
| 13-1071.00 | Human Resources Specialists |
| 13-1081.00 | Logisticians |
| 13-1081.01 | Logistics Engineers |
| 13-1081.02 | Logistics Analysts |
| 13-1082.00 | Project Management Specialists |
| 13-1111.00 | Management Analysts |
| 13-1141.00 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists |
| 13-1199.00 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other |
| 13-1199.04 | Business Continuity Planners |
| 13-1199.05 | Sustainability Specialists |
| 13-1199.06 | Online Merchants |
| 13-1199.07 | Security Management Specialists |
| 25-1011.00 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
Concentrations
FINANCE
CIP Code 52.0801
The MBA with a concentration in Finance focuses on developing comprehensive insight into financial markets and analyzing the rationale behind the financial actions taken within firms. Finance concentration courses examine the linkages between the financial structures present in the external environment and the financial arrangements internal to business. The successful completion of this degree will provide graduates with the critical thinking and practical skills needed for managerial positions in corporate finance, investment management, and international finance.
Courses Required (9 units)
- FIN 510 Advanced Financial Management (3 units)
- FIN 530 International Financial Management (3 units)
- FIN 540 Financial Markets and Institutions (3 units)
- FIN 550 Mergers, Acquisitions, Restructuring, and Corporate Governance (3 units)
MARKETING
CIP Code 52.1401
The MBA with a concentration in Marketing allows students to gain a broad-based business background with an emphasis on real-world marketing applications. students will study forms of marketing and communication related to advertising, promotion, public relations, and publicity. Plus, deepen their knowledge of market research, analysis, communications, strategies, and more. Faculty also apply outside work experience to uniquely engage students by sharing their own professional lessons learned, and encouraging class discussion through examination of real-life scenarios.
Courses Required (9 units)
- MKT 510 Marketing Channels Strategy (3 units)
- MKT 520 Strategic Brand Management (3 units)
- MKT 530 Strategic Retail Management (3 units)
- MKT 550 Global Marketing Management (3 units)
- MKT 550k Global Marketing Management (3 units)
- MKT 560 Marketing And Consumer Behavior (3 units)
- MKT 580 Luxury Brand Management (3 units)
- MKT 590 Social Media and Digital Marketing (3 units)
- MKT 595 Event Management (3 units)
- MKT 805 Marketing Research and Competitive Strategy (3 units)
HOSPITALITY, TRAVEL & TOURISM
CIP Code 52.0901
The MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Travel Tourism program teaches the students with relevant management skills necessary for business administration management as well as advanced knowledge pertaining to the Travel & Tourism industry. The Travel & Tourism industry makes up about 10% of global GDP and people employed around the world. With the growth in the middle and upper-middle class in countries like China, India and many other countries, there are hundreds of millions of people who have stepped out of their cities or countries to experience many other cultures, countries, and places of history. Graduates of this specialization, work in hotels, hospitality and catering industry, international and national food chains, food-craft institutes.
Courses Required (9 units)
AGRIBUSINESS
CIP Code 01.0102
The MBA with a concentration in Agribusiness is the study of food consumers, retailers, marketers, processors and primary producers, with a focus on profitably managing the producer-to-consumer chain. This program gives students opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and practice; develop their careers; and be able to deliver more profitable outcomes for agribusiness. Students learn to locate, analyze, interpret, synthesize and apply information to agribusiness problems and opportunities. Graduates demonstrate specialized knowledge of agribusiness management, and business and communication skills associated with their selected areas of study.
Courses Required (9 units)
- AGR 500 Agricultural Management (3 units)
- AGR 520 Agricultural and Food Policy (3 units)
- MGT 620 Operations and Supply Chain (3 units)
BEAUTY MANAGEMENT
CIP Code 52.0101
The MBA with a concentration in Beauty Management prepares students to succeed in the highly competitive beauty industry, whether entering the corporate world or undertaking an entrepreneurial venture. Students learn to identify, implement, and solve business issues through theoretical and practical foundations. Having a degree in business can allow you to pursue many exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the beauty industry. Those with business degrees can pursue careers in management, allowing them to lead a team of fellow professionals and handle several important leadership duties.
Courses Required (9 units)
- HCA 540K Beauty and Health (3 units)
- MGT 650K Consumer Management for Beauty Industry (3 units)
- BUS 605K Entrepreneurship in Beauty Industry (3 units)
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
CIP Code 30.7102
The Business Analytics major combines an MBA core with a specialization in analyzing data systems. Students develop the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for the methodical exploration of data from a business or organization. In addition to the theoretical instruction, the business analytics courses have a hands-on component using practical exercises using SAP, Quickbooks, and databases, which will allow students to gain real-world experience as well as demonstrate to employers that they know how to apply classroom learning in the field. This concentration is non-quantitative and does not require a computer science background. *Must have a Microsoft Windows OS PC or laptop to install SQL. Software provided.
Courses Required (9 units)
- MIS 555 Business Analytics (3 units)
- MIS 560 Database Management Systems (3 units)
- MIS 570 Applied Decision Making (3 units)
ECONOMICS
CIP Code 45.0601
The MBA with a concentration in Economics will study traditional micro and macro policies as well as how trade policies are affected by national and international economic trends. In this program, students will study the forces that drive markets and the economics of the decision-making processes of businesses and consumers, which can help provide students with an understanding of the economic concepts necessary for sound business decision-making.
Courses Required (9 units)
- ECN 510 International Economics (3 units)
- ECN 520 Money, Banking And Financial Systems (3 units)
- ECN 800 Economic Theory and Policy (3 units)
HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
CIP Code 51.0701
The MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration is designed around the strategies, theories, and practices utilized by management professionals working in the health care industry. Healthcare organizations have been growing for many years as the U.S. population ages and demand for health services increases — and this in-demand industry needs leaders to handle the business of providing medical care. However, landing a position in healthcare administration requires the right combination of educational background and practical skills. The MBA in HCA program will prepare students for a lucrative, exciting, and rewarding career influencing decisions in healthcare, and changing the future of the industry.
Courses Required (9 units)
- HCA 500 United States Health Care System (3 units)
- HCA 510 Health Care Law and Ethics (3 units)
- HCA 520 Dynamic Health Care Leadership (3 units)
- HCA 530 Healthcare Human Resource Management (3 units)
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
CIP Code 52.1001
The MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management prepares students to take on this increasingly important role. And because it is an MBA, its approach to the HR discipline is to enhance student’s business acumen first and foremost, along with the ability to drive change. The program lays a foundation in standard business administration topics, weaving topics like leadership, marketing, finance and accounting throughout the coursework. Employees may be an organization’s greatest asset, but it takes skilled leadership to tap their full potential. An MBA in HRM can be a powerful tool for HR leaders seeking the most effective ways to motivate and train their workforces and to hire, retain and promote the best people.
Courses Required (9 units)
- HRM 505 Compensation (3 units)
- HRM 510 Staffing (3 units)
- HRM 515 Training And Development (3 units)
- HRM 520 Employment Law (3 units)
LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
CIP Code 52.0203
The MBA with a concentration in Logistics & Supply Chain Management can help students understand the ins-and-outs of many parts of business operations. At its core, logistics & supply chain management involves the movement of resources: whether it be goods, services, or people. Businesses in many different fields need logistics managers to optimize this flow and make it efficient. An MBA degree in Logistics can lead to a number of careers, including logistics manager, operations manager, logistics analyst, and more.
Courses Required (9 units)
- MGT 605 Materials Management (3 units)
- MGT 620 Operations Management and Supply Chain (3 units)
- MGT 630 Quality Management in the Supply Chain (3 units)
LUXURY BRAND MANAGEMENT
CIP Code 52.1902
The MBA with a concentration in Luxury Brand Management enables students to develop and enhance the ability to successfully manage a luxury brand, product or services. Simply put, completion of this program awards graduates with an MBA degree that will provide students with opportunities for a career in the luxury sector. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including knowledge of luxury products, marketing trends and brand management. The program will help students learn, experience and allow them to excel in the luxury Business. The benefits of earning an MBA in the luxury sector extend far beyond a paycheck. This degree will increase knowledge of luxury brands and student’s own creativity as well.
Courses Required (9 units)
- MKT 560 Marketing & Consumer Behavior (3 units)
- MKT 580 Luxury Brand Management (3 units)
- MKT 590 Social Media and Digital Marketing (3 units)
- MKT 595 Event Management (3 units)
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
CIP Code 11.0101
The MBA with a concentration in Management Information Systems combines an MBA core with a specialization in information systems management. Students develop the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for business administration management as well as advanced knowledge pertaining to information systems. In addition to the theoretical instruction, the business analytics courses have a hands-on component using SAP, Quickbooks, and databases, which will allow students to gain real-world experience as well as demonstrate to employers that they know how to apply classroom learning in the field. This concentration is non-quantitative and does not require a computer science background. *Must have a Microsoft Windows OS PC or laptop to install SQL. Software provided.
Courses Required (9 units)
- MIS 550 Enterprise Resource Planning for Managers (3 units
- MIS 560 Database Management Systems (3 units)
- MIS 580 IT Project Management (3 units)
Quality and Cost Effective
Instruction Methods
Hybrid/Online
Level
Graduate
Program Time
4 Years
Campus
San Diego
The structure of the lectures at IAU allows for shared experiences within the classroom, which was very useful, as many students come to IAU from all over the world. The teaching methods of the lectures are very appropriate and easy to understand, which fits working adults and distance learning students.
Corporate Strategic Planning and Organizational Behavior are among the classes that were most beneficial for me. In the classroom, we discussed case studies to help relate the knowledge we’d gained to its real-world applications.
Marimuthu Nadason
DBA 2011 Student