Doctor of Business Administration

Earn your doctoral degree in three years or less!

  • TOTAL COST

    $21,525*
  • NEXT START DATE

    Oct 05, 2026
  • COMPLETION TIME

    36 Months
  • AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

  • SEMESTER CREDITS

    55

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    Online DBA Degree Designed for Working Professionals

    Designed for experienced professionals, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at American College of Education (ACE) can prepare you to advance your career toward senior and executive leadership positions. Hone advanced analytical thinking, strategic decision-making and data-driven problem-solving skills that define successful leaders who excel at driving organizational improvement and innovation.

    Our fully online DBA program helps you use applied research to make a real-world impact in today’s complex and evolving business landscape. Through rigorous, career-relevant coursework aligned with ACBSP and IACBE standards, you’ll translate theory into practice, organizational effectiveness and economic value. Through our built-in, guided dissertation course sequence and the support of experienced doctoral faculty, you’ll design and conduct original research to address modern business challenges, helping you build expertise, authority and credibility in your professional field. 


    Why ACE?

    Low-Cost, High Quality

    You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

    Quality You Expect

    We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

    Flexibility You Need

    Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

    1Source: Student Right to Know


    Tuition

    We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

    Total Cost Doctor of Business Administration

    Total Tuition

    55 semester credits x $306 per credit

    $16,830

    Fees

    $100 Application Fee
    $150 Conferral Fee
    $1200 Dissertation Fee
    (6 Courses X $200 per Course)
    $3245 Technology and Library Fee
    (55 Semester Credits X $59 per Credit)

    $4,695

    Total Program Cost

    $21,525*

    Find a plan that fits your budget.

    When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

    $24,810
    Walden University
    Austin Peay State University
    University of Phoenix
    Grand Canyon University

    Source: Internal Research Completed March 2025


    Program Details

    The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) prepares experienced professionals to lead organizational improvement and innovation through advanced analytical thinking, strategic decision-making, and evidence-based practice. In addition to rigorous, application-oriented coursework, doctoral students will design and conduct an original applied research study addressing a complex business or organizational challenge. This work is completed under the guidance of experienced doctoral faculty and a dissertation or capstone committee, ensuring a high‑quality scholarly contribution with meaningful real-world impact.

    Majors

    Focus of Study


    Start Dates

    With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

    October 05, 2026 Term

    Oct 02, 2026

    Application Due

    Oct 02, 2026

    Payment Due

    Oct 05, 2026

    Term Start

    Oct 09, 2026

    Unregister/Cancel Deadline

    Nov 08, 2026

    Term End

    November 16, 2026 Term

    January 11, 2027 Term

    February 01, 2027 Term

    February 22, 2027 Term

    April 12, 2027 Term

    May 24, 2027 Term

    June 14, 2027 Term


    Courses

    Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

    LEAD6001

    Introduction to Advanced Studies

    1 Semester Credits

    LEAD6011

    Leadership as a Reflective Practice

    1 Semester Credits

    LEAD6021

    Leadership Seminar

    1 Semester Credits

    BUS6523

    Global Marketing in the Digital Economy

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6543

    Managing Risk: Evaluation and Implementation

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6553

    Leadership and “Leveling the Playing Field”

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6563

    Leadership Theory and Change

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6573

    Strategic Operation Leadership

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6583

    Systems Thinking for Business Optimization

    3 Semester Credits

    BUS6513

    Innovation Theory and Organizational Practice

    3 Semester Credits


    Admission Requirements

    ACE General Admission Requirements

    Program Admissions Requirements

    International Transcript Requirements

    English as a Second Language Applicants

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