Why Study a Doctor of Business Administration?

Sponsored by University of Sharjah

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is the most advanced postgraduate degree in business and management education.

Not be confused with a PhD (although the two are similar in some ways), the DBA offers a more theoretical-approach to teaching with a hybrid of taught modules and independent research that focus on real-world business-oriented thinking that can be directly applied to business practices and management.

If you’re wondering whether the DBA is right for you, we’ve taken a quick look at some of the reasons why you might want to consider studying one…

Opportunity to explore your bigger business interests and passions

The DBA is ideal for those who’re interested in business practice rather than business theory, as the program gives you the freedom to explore specific areas of research that can benefit your own organization’s needs.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a keen interest in corporate social responsibility, not-for-profit management, business ethics (to give a few examples) or even an area of business you weren’t able to explore in much detail during your undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, the DBA allows you to tailor your learning to suit such interests and ambitions.

Better career opportunities at an executive level

From the classroom to the C-suite, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to your career choices and development with a DBA.

A number of DBA students at the University of Sharjah have been able to progress in their careers to executive level and into more senior roles in areas of their choice. Sharjah’s DBA helps professionals, managers, and executives become better users and producers of practical knowledge in order to attain academic credentials and professional advancement and improve the practice and performance of their organizations.

Going hand-in-hand with the DBA you’ll have access to a network that can open up various opportunities.

You’ll be at a competitive advantage as you learn advanced managerial skills designed for upper management, executive and leadership positions

If you have a track record of working in management and/or leadership positions, the DBA is ideal for strengthening your leadership skills while developing strategies and solutions.

The University of Sharjah’s DBA requires students to complete coursework that covers qualitative and quantitative business research methods, behavioral and evidence-based research, as well as areas of interest to you which may include accounting, human resource management, organizational behavior, marketing, entrepreneurship, business analytics and corporate finance.

As you further enhance your sound understanding of conceptual and theoretical foundations of business and management, you’ll soon find yourself in a prime position to illustrate your ability to move up into a more senior management role.

Whether it’s in the private or not-for-profit sector, education, government, or consulting – it’s likely you’ll also reap the benefits of a higher salary.

A DBA will help you stand out from the crowd

DBAs are typically pursued by senior-level workers and executives who tend to already hold an MBA, have significant professional experience and want to further distinguish themselves. It demonstrates not only your high level of business proficiency, but also your commitment to your professional and personal growth and willingness to go the extra mile.

You’ll be up to date with rapidly changing issues in global business

Revolutionary technologies such as AI, big data and data analytics are having a profound impact across all sectors and industries. This means business leaders around the world are having to learn to navigate their way through the challenges and opportunities that such technologies can offer.

The DBA provides candidates with the tools to refine their practical experience of these technologies and business insights. The University of Sharjah's Doctor of Business Administration is well-equipped to offer particular insights into these advances and how candidates can best use them in novel and innovative ways.

You’ll be earning an advanced degree that’s not purely academic

The DBA is a rigorous – albeit intellectually stimulating – program.

DBA candidates will learn to communicate and defend rigorous research ideas, studies, and findings to both academic and professional audiences. They’ll also be able to demonstrate high ethical and professional standards in research, conduct, and relationships, as well as facilitate their exceptional analytical and practical skills that can be transferred efficiently into executive level decision-making.