UofC

Location: Scurfield Hall, Room 333
Phone:403.220.8442
Fax: 403.282.0095
Email address: dbarequest@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
Web page URL: haskayne.ucalgary.ca/programs/dba

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - thesis-based

The DBA degree is offered in block format, requiring attendance at two weekend or week-long sessions per semester, such that candidates can continue to work while pursuing their studies.

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:

a) At least 10 years of management experience, including seven years at the senior management or executive level, or at least five years’ experience as lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program.

b) A post-baccalaureate degree (e.g., MBA or relevant business-focused Master’s degree) from a recognized institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a four-point scale. Students presenting credentials in an area other than business may be required to complete a qualifying period to gain a general business background before beginning the regular doctoral course requirements.

c) Students who do not present an MBA or other master’s degree from a recognized postsecondary institution may be considered for admission. Exceptional candidates with a four-year bachelor’s degree (i.e, a GPA of 3.50 or higher) who have substantial managerial experience will also be considered. Consult the DBA Program Director for further information.

d) For those students required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 (paper-based test), or 105 (Internet-based test), or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic version) score of 7.5, or a Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) score of 86, or a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75. This requirement can also be met by completing Tier III of the International Foundations Program with a minimum grade of "A" on Academic Writing & Grammar III, "A" on Reading Comprehension & Proficiency III, and "A" on Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency III.

e) Current CV.

f) Three reference letters from professionals or academics who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s career. References from personal friends or relatives will not be accepted.

g) A personal statement outlining objectives, intent and commitment to a research program (2 pages).

h) Availability of a research-active supervisor and resources for the area in which the student wishes to study.

See the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/management-doctorate-business-administration-thesis-based.

Course requirements for doctoral students will be based on the student’s background and program needs. Credit for previous courses will be provided as appropriate.

The program consists of a minimum of 24 units (4.0 full-course equivalents). Eighteen of these are from six core courses required of all students. In addition, students fulfill 6 units from two elective courses.

a) Six core courses (total 18 units):

1. Management Studies 703 Philosophy of Science for Business Administration
2. Management Studies 705 Critical Research Assessment
3. Management Studies 709 Qualitative Research Methods
4. Management Studies 711 Quantitative Design and Analysis
5. Strategy and Global Management 707 Advanced Strategic Management Tools
6. Management Studies 713 Seminars in Advanced Business Management

b) Two of six elective courses (total 6 units):

1. Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources 733 Leadership for Change
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation 735 Cultivating Entrepreneurship and Innovation
3. Finance 737 Finance and Governance for Managers
4. Operations Management 731 Decision-Making for Outcome Optimization
5. Management Studies 745 Knowledge Dissemination to Enhance Managerial Practice
6. Management Studies 747 Business Economics in the Global Context

Attendance at an orientation session is mandatory for all incoming DBA students.

Doctoral students are required to have secured a permanent supervisor within the first twelve months of their program. A supervisory committee reflective of the student’s research interests is required within three months after the permanent supervisor has been approved.

Students whose research involves human subjects must receive approval from the Haskayne School of Business and from the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board before beginning data collection.

Candidacy

The candidacy exam will involve the development of an integrative paper which describes the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of research on a well-defined content area and includes the writer's original thoughts and ideas on the topic, based on the available evidence. Adjudication of the soundness of the integrative paper will be conducted by a review of the material by the student’s supervisor and two external readers, with an oral exam.

Thesis Examination

Students will complete an oral thesis examination at the end of their program. The student presentation portion of the thesis examination is public. In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the program requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

All degree requirements must be completed within six registration years.