UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business today (April 8) announced the addition of a new flexible doctorate program designed primarily for senior-level executives around the globe.
The college will begin accepting applications this summer for fall 2023 enrollment in the new Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA).
With an adaptable, part-time schedule, the Executive DBA is targeted at working professionals who want the knowledge to translate research into business practice, to teach business at the collegiate level, or the credibility of a doctorate degree to progress within the leadership ranks of a corporation, the military, or a non-profit organization. Candidates should possess at least 10 years of leadership experience in a diverse range of organizations and industries, including non-profits and the military.
“This new program is a significant addition to our expanding professional graduate programs portfolio. We believe its flexibility and rigor will appeal to senior-level leaders who are motivated to enhance their knowledge and advance their careers,” said Charles H. Whiteman, dean of Penn State Smeal.
The curriculum allows individuals the opportunity to enhance their research skills and apply contemporary business theories to the needs of their organization or industry.
“Our Executive DBA is different in that we offer core courses and 14 concentrations that span a wide range of business disciplines,” said Brian Cameron, associate dean for professional graduate programs and executive education at Smeal. “We also offer exposure to world-class faculty whose research productivity is consistently ranked in the top 10 by the Korea University Worldwide Business Research Rankings.”
Concentrations include:
- Accounting Foundations
- Business Analytics
- Business Architecture
- Business Management Foundations
- Business Sustainability Strategy
- Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Management Consulting
- Marketing Analytics
- Negotiation and Influence
- Strategic Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Risk Management
- Real Estate Law and Valuation
- Taxation
During the first two years of the 54-credit program, students will attend in-person classes at University Park for three to four days at the start of each semester. They will then complete the remaining curriculum for that semester in a highly engaging, remote synchronous format. The third and final year of the program consists of a culminating research project.
“Over the past several years, Smeal has been thinking differently about business education in response to the changing needs of working professionals,” Cameron said. “Individuals are looking for high-quality, flexible, customizable learning options at all stages of their careers. We believe the Executive DBA will address an unmet need among senior leaders.”
More information about the Executive Doctorate of Business Administration is available online.