Doctor of Business Administration
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Curriculum Overview
Through Simon’s structured, 54-credit curriculum, you will learn to conduct doctoral-level research and have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Years 1 & 2
Foundation and Review Courses
Foundation and Review courses will provide a refresh of your previous studies, and ensure adequate preparation for the curriculum.
- MSM 491: Math Review (optional)
Analysis and concepts in modern business analysis rely heavily on quantitative methods; in this math review course, the necessary theories and intuition behind them will be covered. The focus of the course is primarily on applications in business, economics, and related areas.
- GBA 511: Probability, Statistics and Regression Analysis
The course will provide DBA students with a review of key concepts in probability and statistics, as well as a comprehensive treatment of both predictive and causal approaches to inference. It will cover concepts such as random variables and distributions, relationships between variables, and prediction tasks. GBA511 will prepare students with the statistical and analytical tools needed for their DBA research.
- MGC 502: Writing for Research
The course is designed to provide doctoral students with the advanced writing skills necessary for producing high-quality research outputs. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, exercises, and critical analysis of academic and business literature, students will develop the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively in the context of research. By the end of the course, students will be able to craft well-structured research proposals, literature reviews, empirical studies, and scholarly articles.
Research Method Courses
These courses will provide you with the research training necessary for the DBA-level research required for your thesis.
- CIS 533: AI and Machine Learning for Business
The course introduces doctoral students to the evolving field of artificial intelligence with a focus on the business applications of deep learning and generative AI. The course consists of three modules -- an introduction to deep learning; foundation models and AI orchestrators; and front-end design for AI-powered applications. The course emphasizes experiential learning and includes hands-on projects using tools such as LangChain and Streamlit.
- GBA 523: Econometrics and Causal Design
The course provides an overview of key methods for causal inference, including randomized experiments, observational studies, and modern techniques using machine learning. It covers both foundational frameworks (e.g., Neyman-Rubin and Pearl’s approach), as well as advanced tools like instrumental variables. Building on GBA511, the course provides DBA students with an advanced treatment of causal inference, as well as a brief introduction to the machine learning techniques applicable to both economic questions and causal inference.
- GBA 521: Research Methods
The course exposes students to research methods appropriate for DBA-level thesis research; it will also provide a guided process for students to develop their first DBA research project. The course introduces students to developing research questions, data and research designs, methods of collecting data, research ethics, and approaches around presenting and communicating research. Taught as a mixture of seminar-style and lecture style elements with active participation from students, the course culminates in a research project or proposal.
- GBA 549: Business Fundamentals Paper
Students demonstrate mastery of research methods at the doctoral-level through completion of an individual project on an area of interest. Projects are advised by a faculty member. Students are organized into groups by common thesis interest (either topic or methods), that match the assigned faculty member’s expertise. The Business Fundamentals Paper serves as the qualifying exam for students.
Core Topics and Seminar Courses
Customized each year based on the interests of the cohort, these courses are designed to engage you in current and developing literature, theory, and tools in connection to your chosen thesis topic.
- DBA 511 & 512: Core Topics
Core topics and seminar courses will be customized each year based on the interests of the cohort. These courses are designed to engage students in current and developing literature, theory, and tools relevant to their chosen thesis topic.
- DBA 565: Core Thesis Seminar
The course prepares students for their focused thesis efforts, through three modules: literature discussion, milestone-driven thesis development, and peer feedback. Students work in small, faculty-led groups based on shared research interests, engaging in deep reading, structured proposal development, and collaborative presentations. The course culminates in either a completed thesis or significant advancement of a thesis proposal.
Elective Options
Throughout the program, you will have an opportunity to select elective options from a range of Simon’s program offerings.
If you are on the teaching track, you will have two elective options specifically designed to prepare you to teach business education:
- DBA 501: Innovative Teaching for Business Educators
The course focuses on enhancing teaching methods by integrating key learning theories and contemporary trends in business education. Students will learn to create comprehensive course plans, foster an inclusive atmosphere, and provide constructive feedback. Students will further explore the strategic use of technology to enrich the learning experience, and how to encourage their continuous professional growth through reflective practices and ongoing engagement with the latest educational research.
- DBA 502: Instructional Observation and Insights
Designed to complement DBA 501, students will engage in structured classroom observations, and translate insights into effective teaching practices in business education. Students will enhance their understanding of various pedagogical strategies, classroom management techniques, and student engagement methods. The course emphasizes reflective practice and encourages students to critically analyze observed teaching practices to inform their development as business educators.
Year 3
Focus on your Thesis
In the third year of the program, you will focus on your thesis. Peer learning will be emphasized, as you will be learning alongside a small group of students with interests similar to your thesis topic. You will also benefit from mentorship from a Simon faculty member whose expertise is relevant to your chosen thesis topic. Depending on your particular interest area, you may opt for a nontraditional thesis (e.g., a project tackling a challenge in your current organization).
DBA Program Intensives
In-person intensives will serve as an opportunity to network with your DBA community – your peers and the DBA faculty – emphasizing collaborative learning and community building. HyFlex intensives give you the flexibility to leverage remote learning or attend in-person.
Customize Your DBA
Simon’s DBA program is designed for you to customize your studies. You will develop your specialization through a common curriculum that is tailored by electives, pro-seminar style topics and seminar courses customized to student interests, and your thesis.
Customize Your Studies with Tracks
A unique element of Simon’s DBA program is the ability to choose between two tracks—a Practice Track and Teaching Track—enabling you to customize your studies to your professional interests and career goals.
Practice Track
The primary track for the program, the practice track focuses on applying DBA-level research and cutting-edge tools to solve real-world business challenges. This track is intended for those with a variety of motivations to achieve the DBA – from tackling a major analytical project at your current organization to preparing for a strategic career pivot to launching a consulting practice.
Teaching Track
Intended for those who want to launch a teaching career at a business school or bolster their credentials as a business instructor, the teaching track emphasizes instruction and action-based learning. To earn the track designation: a student must complete DBA501 and DBA502, and complete a research paper and thesis related to instructional design/delivery techniques or research related to curriculum and instruction.
Application opens:
September 1
By 11:59 p.m. ET
We’re excited to announce Simon’s new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program—a flexible, part-time doctoral degree designed for experienced professionals who want to deepen their expertise through research and applied learning.
The program is $45,000 per year, plus program fees.*
*Does not include travel, transportation costs, or accommodations for in-person experiences.
Program costs are subject to change.
Join our mailing list to:
- Be the first to know when the application opens
- Receive an application fee waiver (a $90 value)
- Access the brochure for details on curriculum and structure