Business Administration

Align your passion and professional experience with academic scholarship. Make an impact in your field and community.

The Doctor of Business Administration is a research-based doctoral program that focuses on applied, scholarly and evidence-based research.

The DBA program has an innovative, hybrid design that takes you through three phases of deep learning and professional reflections. As a working professional, you'll have the opportunity to address real-life management issues. You'll focus on current challenges that businesses and societies face, and you'll anticipate the challenges of the future.

Through course work, you'll advance your knowledge in management theories, emerging research themes and methodological approaches. Focusing on your research problem, you'll have the opportunity to dive deep into academic scholarship and reflect on your experience.

Through your doctoral research, you'll scrutinize assumptions that underpin dominant management theories and practices. You'll develop and produce knowledge that empowers organizations, industries and communities. Your novel contributions to the advancement of management knowledge and practices will help you take your place as a leader in your field.

We are excited to have you join our community of researchers who seek to advance the understanding of management knowledge and practices and shape the future of businesses and societies.

Hybrid model

Unique to British Columbia and Canada, the Doctor of Business Administration combines the research-focus and rigor of a traditional PhD with the practical nature of a professional doctorate. 

The DBA is designed to:

1. respond to the changing landscape of doctoral education with a focus on practice-based research
2. align with evolving requirements of the labour market to prepare scholar-practitioners for multiple career paths beyond academia
3. capitalize on Royal Roads' 25 years of successful experience pioneering blended education in Canada

Compare the differences between a PhD, professional doctorate and the RRU–Doctor of Business Administration.

Doctoral research

Royal Roads University is a public, research-intensive university. We promote innovative, applied research and seek to produce relevant knowledge that responds to global, national and community-based issues.

As part of your DBA, you'll conduct rigorous research and write and defend a dissertation. As a scholar-practitioner, your research will address current challenges facing businesses and industries or issues that are likely to affect these in the future.

Your research will contribute to the advancement of professional, value-driven and innovative management and business practices and research.

Supervisory committee

Unlike other doctoral programs, you do not need to identify an academic supervisor in your application. You'll do so once you are admitted.

During your first year in the DBA, you'll work with the program head to identify potential supervisors and advisors who best support your research. Your principal supervisor or advisors can be external to Royal Roads University.

You'll work with your supervisor to refine the initial research proposal you submitted as part of your application to the DBA.

Who it's for

The DBA is designed for working professionals who want to make a difference in their field of practice or industry.

Our DBA students are driven to conduct scholarly, scientific and practice-based research. They are committed to producing relevant knowledge that will contribute to academia and drive conversations to solve industry problems.

The program is also a good fit for academics in universities and colleges who do not have a doctoral degree. The DBA will help graduates advance in the post-secondary sector.

Meet DBA students.

Standard admission

• Relevant master's degree from a recognized university, normally with a minimum ‘B' (3.00/4.33 GPA).
• Normally, a minimum of seven years of relevant full-time work experience, with five years at a management level and increasing levels of responsibility.

Flexible admission

No Flexible Admission process for this program. All applicants must have a recognized master's degree.

English language proficiency

If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

The adjudication panel will look for evidence of sufficient management knowledge, skills and competencies; appropriate work and management experience; progressive professional development; leadership potential; intellectual curiosity; a commitment to dedicating time to the program; and a capacity to take on independent applied research. 

The following will be used in assessing the eligibility of applicants for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts and credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation. 

Letters of reference

Three letters of reference that attest to the qualities of intellectual curiosity, ethical behaviors, independent thinking, responsible leadership, and motivation to complete the program.  Ideally, two of which should be from individuals qualified to speak specifically to the applicant's academic qualifications and ability to conduct research at the doctoral level.

Program proposal

Candidates will be expected to develop an initial three to five-page proposal which includes:

• Statement of proposed investigation that defines an actual problem situation and draws on relevant literature;
• Statement of anticipated contributions of proposed investigation in relation to the areas of management research, management practice, knowledge economy, globalization and sustainability;
• Statement of career goals and how the program links to those goals as well as the impact the program may have.

Structured resume

• Education: Include all higher education institutions attended and specify if any degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded.
• Professional experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service (including months and years), and a description of responsibilities. As well, indicate all progressively senior-level appointments and/or points of increased levels of decision-making authority.
• Voluntary/unpaid work experience: Include organization title, length of service, and a brief description of duties and responsibilities.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions held in professional associations, service clubs, and the community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information: Provide any other information that may be of assistance to the review committee.

If applicable:

• A writing sample may be requested (e.g., thesis chapter, academic or professional report/publication).
• An interview may be required with the applicant to determine their suitability for admission.
• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Any other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.