Question 1

Who is the DBA in Digital Leadership program designed for?

Accepted Answer

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program at Golden Gate University is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in the digital age. This program combines business strategy with digital innovation, focusing on leadership skills to address challenges in today’s technology-driven environments.

Question 2

What are the eligibility requirements for this program?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A minimum 3.0 GPA from their most recent degree.
If your GPA is below 3.0 or you do not hold a Master’s degree, you must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of professional work experience.
Preference is given to applicants with managerial or professional experience, supported by a current resume.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) of around 500 words outlining:
- Your motivation for pursuing the DBA program.
- How the program will benefit your career.

The admissions committee will review your application and make recommendations for approval.

Question 3

What is the admission process?

Accepted Answer

The application process is fully online. Here are the steps:

Complete the application form.
Submit your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
The admissions panel reviews your SOP and profile to assess fit.
If shortlisted, you will receive an offer letter.
Confirm your seat by paying a deposit, followed by the remaining balance.

Question 4

What is digital leadership?

Accepted Answer

Digital leadership is the ability to leverage emerging technologies, digital tools, and data to lead organizations through technological challenges and innovations.

Question 5

What is digital business leadership?

Accepted Answer

Digital business leadership focuses on strategically using a company’s digital assets and emerging technologies to achieve business objectives. A digital leader guides the implementation of this digital approach within the organization.

Question 6

What are the key pillars of digital leadership?

Accepted Answer

The seven pillars of digital leadership include:

Communication
Public Relations
Branding
Student Engagement/Learning
Professional Growth/Development
Re-envisioning Learning Spaces and Environments
Opportunity

The first three pillars—communication, public relations, and branding—are non-negotiable, as they are foundational to effective digital leadership.

Question 7

Is a DBA equivalent to a PhD?

Accepted Answer

While a PhD focuses on original contributions to knowledge, a DBA combines academic learning with applied research. The DBA equips you to apply theories and concepts to enhance professional practice.

Question 8

Can I use “Dr.” after completing a DBA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, upon completing the DBA program, you are entitled to use the title “Dr.” before your name. DBA graduates often pursue senior roles such as Director, VP, or CxO positions within organizations.

Question 9

What certification will I receive upon completion?

Accepted Answer

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership from Golden Gate University.

Question 10

What is the weekly time commitment for the program?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to dedicate 12-15+ hours per week to the program, which includes live online lectures scheduled during weekends in the IST time zone.

Question 11

What makes this program excellent?

Accepted Answer

The program’s curriculum is designed by top faculty from Golden Gate University, with contributions from industry experts, ensuring its relevance and value to working professionals.

Question 12

What kind of support does upGrad offer?

Accepted Answer

- Dedicated Student Support available

- You can write to us via studentsupport@upgrad.com Or for urgent queries, use the "Talk to Us" option on the Learn platform

- Additionally, an upGrad buddy will enhance the learners’ experience by engaging with them to ensure they are on track with upcoming deadlines, submissions, offer guidance, and resolve their non-academic queries.

- Other than your peers, you also have TAs (Teaching Associates) for any academic query. Your academic queries will be solved by the Faculty and TAs in 36-48 hours

Question 13

How much do I pay to block my seat?

Accepted Answer

You need to pay Rs.44,999 to block your seat.

Question 14

What is the refund policy for DBA in Digital Leadership program?

Accepted Answer

1. You may request a refund for the Program at any time before the Cohort Commencement Date by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. A processing fee of 120 USD will be charged. Please note that once the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program with Golden Gate University program commences, no refund request will be considered, and any amount paid by the student will not be refunded.

2. Requests for refund must be sent via e-mail in the prescribed Refund Request Form. The refund will be processed within 30 working days of commencement of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Digital Leadership program with Golden Gate University. For refund and deferral policies please refer to this link.

Question 15

Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?

Accepted Answer

No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)

Question 16

Is there any minimum transaction limit ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rs.44,999 is the minimum.

Question 17

Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?

Accepted Answer

No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

Question 18

Will I have to pay any extra amount for EMI transaction?

Accepted Answer

If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

Question 19

Are there any fees or down payment?

Accepted Answer

Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between 1-6 USD on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

Question 20

Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?

Accepted Answer

Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

DBA in Digital Leadership from Golden Gate University¹, San Francisco

DBA in DL :Your Gateway to Digital Transformation

Overview of DBA in Digital Leadership from the Golden Gate University, San Francisco

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