Online DBA Degree from the World's Top Schools

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) curriculum is carefully structured to provide a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

First-Year Courses

The initial phase includes compulsory Doctor of Business Administration courses focusing on contemporary topics in business and management. These may cover intellectual property management, financial innovations, Fintech, the Internet of Things, Industrial Revolution 4.0, and analytics. Additionally, a course on strategy is included to lay the foundation for advanced studies.

Research Methods Training

A critical aspect of the program is the Research Methodology Course (10 cu), particularly the compulsory "Applied Research in Business and Management." This course ensures students acquire the necessary research skills vital for the subsequent dissertation phase.

Core Topics Covered in the Courses

Compulsory Doctorate in Business Administration certification courses online address contemporary issues in business and encompass a range of subjects from intellectual property management to strategic considerations, offering a broad yet focused perspective.

Elective Options and Specializations

Students have the flexibility to choose from a variety of elective courses (20 cu), allowing them to tailor their studies based on personal interests and career goals. Specializations include Strategic Leadership, Corporate Governance, CSR, Business Economics, Marketing, Technology Management, and Inclusive FinTech.

Dissertation Phase

The DBA program's pinnacle is the Doctoral Dissertation Course (80 cu), where students engage in a comprehensive research project. This phase involves a literature review, data collection, analysis, and the writing of a dissertation. Upon submission, students undergo a rigorous examination and oral defense.

Duration and Flexibility of the Courses

The program is structured to accommodate flexibility. With a combination of compulsory, elective, and complementary elective courses, students can complete the DBA course for freshers in a minimum of three years and a maximum of seven years, providing adaptability for working professionals. Additionally, the option to audit up to 10 cu of courses from a diverse range of Graduate Unrestricted Elective courses adds to the program's flexibility.

Singapore's premier educational institutions offering DBA courses are globally recognized for their excellence. With influential alumni networks and carefully designed curricula, these institutes are top choices for those aspiring to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration in Singapore, providing a transformative and internationally esteemed educational experience -

1. National University of Singapore

Overview 

NUS offers a comprehensive DBA course focusing on advanced research and strategic leadership in business. Renowned faculty with expertise in various business disciplines. Requires a relevant master's degree, substantial work experience, and a robust research proposal.

Faculty 

NUS faculty includes notable individuals like Nalin Advani and Richard Arvey from the Business School, Ali Namazie and Amanda Blair from NUS College, and Dr. Misty Cook and Dr. Gene Navera from CELC.

Alumni 

NUS boasts a prestigious alumni network, including two Singapore Prime Ministers, four Presidents, and notable figures like Lee Kuan Yew. Its graduates span politics, business, and academia, with prominent names such as Mahathir Mohamad and Olivia Lum.

2. INSEAD

INSEAD's DBA course Singapore is renowned for its global perspective and emphasis on practical impact. Distinguished faculty members with extensive research and industry experience. Requires a master's degree, substantial professional experience, and a strong research proposal.

Faculty 

INSEAD's distinguished faculty includes Vikas A. Aggarwal in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise, Philippe Aghion in Economics, David Dubois in Marketing, Lucie Tepla in Finance, and Guoli Chen in Strategy. Recognized for impactful research, they embody academic excellence and innovation.

Alumni 

INSEAD's global alumni network of 66,000+ individuals from 179 countries engages in lifelong learning, volunteering, and career development. Notable alumni include Julie Battilana, Meera Sanyal, and Christopher Harborne.

3. Singapore University of Social Sciences

SUSS offers a DBA certification course emphasizing applied research and addressing real-world business challenges. Potent faculty with a focus on pragmatic business applications. Requires a master's degree, substantial work experience, and a well-defined research proposal.

Faculty

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) boasts a diverse faculty, including Professors Tan Tai Yong and Robbie Goh, Associate Professors Calvin Chan and Allan Chia, and other esteemed academics like Dr. Vikki Bo Wenjin.

Alumn

SUSS alumni, from various degree and diploma programs, access career services, events, and exclusive benefits through the alumni portal. They engage in professional development, social activities, and networking opportunities.

Dissertation and Research Focus

In a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, the Dissertation and Research Focus stage allows candidates to make substantial contributions to business knowledge via original applied research. This complex process encompasses three key elements - formulating a research proposal, engaging in intensive collaboration with faculty advisors, and finally, defending one's completed dissertation.

Developing a Research Proposal

Initiating the journey involves constructing a detailed research proposal. This document operates as an essential roadmap for our expedition into academia. It delineates the research questions, methodology, and potential contributions to the field with the utmost precision. 

Furthermore, it necessitates three crucial elements from us - a comprehensive understanding of our chosen research area, identification with pinpoint accuracy of gaps in existing literature, and last but not least, a well-defined approach towards conducting our study. Crafting a robust research proposal sets the stage for a meaningful and impactful dissertation.

Working with Faculty Advisor

In the dissertation phase, candidates actively engage in close collaboration with seasoned faculty advisors. These esteemed mentors crucially guide the research process. They offer insights into methodologies and provide constructive feedback on drafts, all while ensuring that academic rigor underpins every aspect of their work. 

This relationship operates collaboratively, a factor that not only enhances research quality but also allows candidates to reap significant benefits from the expertise and experience of these influential figures within their respective fields. The research remains on track and achieves the highest academic standards through regular interactions with advisors.

Defending Your Dissertation

Defending the completed dissertation represents the apex of a DBA journey. It is an intensive examination where candidates present their research findings, methodology, and conclusions to a panel composed solely of experts. The defense serves as not only an opportunity but also as a platform. 

It allows for showcasing not just depth in knowledge acquisition but furthermore underlines three vital aspects - the significance of conducted research, its resultant contribution towards business field development, and overall learning enrichment within this academic discipline. 

The panel assesses the research's robustness and the candidate's capacity to express their findings, and moreover, it gauges the overall academic merit of the dissertation. A successful defense marks not only completion but also the attainment of a DBA program, resulting in a doctoral degree.

DBA roles and responsibilities span across diverse sectors, showcasing their versatility. In academia, they contribute as professors, imparting practical insights. Consulting roles leverage their strategic acumen, aiding businesses in overcoming challenges. Research positions allow them to delve into cutting-edge theories, impacting industry knowledge. At the highest levels of management, DBA professionals lead with a unique blend of practical experience and academic rigor, steering organizations toward innovation and sustainable growth.

Academic Positions

Academia often presents rewarding opportunities to DBA graduates. Their advanced research skills and profound understanding of business concepts make them excellent candidates for positions such as professors, researchers, or academic administrators in business schools or universities. By engaging in teaching, mentorship, and publishing research that advances the knowledge base within their specialized areas, DBA holders significantly contribute to the academic community.

Consulting Roles 

Graduates equipped with a DBA's practical orientation possess the expertise to offer strategic insights and solutions in business consulting. Stakeholders value their ability to employ rigorous research methodologies for tackling real-world challenges. In management consulting or specialized advisory services, holders of DBAs can harness their strategic acumen. This guides organizations toward effective decision-making while promoting sustainable growth.

Research-Focused Positions

Graduates with a DBA degree demonstrate excellence in research-focused positions, whether they choose academia or the corporate world as their setting. Their thorough applied research training not only prepares them to lead but also enables substantial contributions to projects addressing modern business issues. Collaborations with industry partners think tanks, or research institutions could yield valuable insights and propel the advancement of business knowledge as part of this involvement.

Management and Leadership Roles

Graduates armed with a DBA emerge well-prepared to occupy high-level management and leadership positions. Their advanced business acumen, combined with strategic thinking and research skills, positions them as effective leaders who can navigate complex business landscapes successfully. In executive roles or business development, even in organizational leadership, the unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights that DBA holders offer is invaluable.

As of March 23, 2021, a DBA-Senior in Singapore commands an average salary of S$95,945. However, the range is notably broad. It spans from S$74,252 to S$118,253. This variance hinges on several factors: the individual's educational background and certifications, their supplementary skills, and years invested in professional experience. Extensive experience, relevant certifications, and a robust skill set may position professionals at the upper end of the salary spectrum.

To embark on a DBA journey in Singapore, understanding the prerequisites, guidelines for international students, and financing options is crucial. Certain requirements should be met for anyone to become eligible to apply for a DBA program in Singapore. Also, there are certain guidelines for international candidates that demand attention. Let’s have a more detailed look -

Prerequisites and required documents  

Applicants, to qualify for admission into the DBA program, must possess an MBA or EMBA. Alternatively, a Master's degree in relevant disciplines will work. Furthermore, they should strengthen their application with a minimum of five years of work experience. Individuals holding other qualifications and bearing pertinent work experience will receive consideration on an individual basis. 

The comprehensive application demands the inclusion of a resume/CV and a research proposal - this document details both the research questions under examination and potential societal benefits that may arise from said research and two reference letters. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and international students may apply to the program. The admission process considers individual merit and available program capacity.

Guidelines for International Students 

Students pursuing advancement in the master of DBA course must meet essential prerequisites. They need to finish 40 Credit Units (cu) of coursework and uphold a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0. This protocol guarantees that candidates, before progressing to the Qualifying Examination (QE), have established an academically robust foundation. Passing the QE successfully confirms their doctoral candidature. 

The program's commitment to academic excellence is underscored by stringent coursework and DBA degree requirements. This ensures that candidates are thoroughly prepared for the advanced research phase of their DBA journey.

Financing your DBA studies 

Strategic planning is necessary to finance a DBA Singapore, given its comprehensive nature. Financial considerations must account for DBA course fees and materials expenses. One can explore various funding options, such as scholarships, grants, and employer sponsorship. Institutions often provide merit-based scholarships. 

External organizations, on the other hand, might grant financial assistance in accordance with specific research interests. Employer sponsorship aligns with aspirations for professional development. Some companies even go so far as to foster and invest in their employees' pursuit of advanced degrees. 

Moreover, probing the field of government-supported financial aid or student loans could yield significant support. By balancing these options, individuals can select DBA courses Singapore with financial confidence. This ensures that they focus on their academic pursuits without experiencing excessive financial strain.

1. What is the difference between a PhD in business and a DBA degree?

A PhD emphasizes theoretical research and contributes to academic knowledge. In contrast, a DBA places emphasis on applied research, addressing practical business challenges. Typically, experienced professionals pursue a DBA seeking solutions for complexities within their respective industries.

2. What are the benefits of pursuing a DBA, compared to an MBA or business master's degree?

An MBA delivers comprehensive business education. However, part-time DBA courses Singapore, through their provision of advanced research skills and profound insights, are ideal for senior executives.

3. How long does it take to complete a part-time vs full-time DBA program in Singapore? 

The duration of full-time Doctor of Business Administration programs typically spans between three to six years. However, part-time options offer flexibility. The period can be extended based on both program structure and individual progress.

4. Can I get financial aid, grants, or scholarships as an international DBA student in Singapore? 

Many institutions offer financial support, including scholarships and grants, for international DBA students. It's advisable to explore opportunities specific to the chosen institution and external funding sources.

5. Does pursuing a DBA in Singapore make it easier to find jobs or get a work visa after graduation? 

While a DBA enhances employability, DBA administrator job prospects and visa regulations vary. Success in securing employment post-graduation depends on individual circumstances and alignment with job market demands.