Business Administration (DBA)
Program Pending Approval
This program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
DBA Business Administration
Program Overview
Texas State’s McCoy College of Business offers an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program that prepares experienced professionals to solve complex, real-world business problems using advanced research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes applied research and business analytics to support evidence-based decision-making in leadership and mid- to upper-level management roles. Business leaders will develop expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, organizational behavior, econometrics, business policy, and strategic decision-making.
Graduates of the program will be equipped to lead with data-driven insights and contribute new knowledge to the business community. The program is delivered 100% online, through asynchronous classes, but has optional face-to-face residential experiences for students to network, engage in meaningful discussions, and take advantage of professional engagements of the highest quality.
Course Work
McCoy College’s online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers a research-focused curriculum designed to prepare professionals to solve complex business challenges using advanced analytical tools and applied research methods. The core courses cover business research foundations, econometrics, and business analytics, while elective options allow business leaders to tailor their education to their professional interests. The program includes a dissertation component, where students apply their knowledge to real-world business problems, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The program’s flexibility, combined with its rigorous research training, equips graduates with the expertise needed to excel in senior management and leadership roles.
| DEGREE | CORE COURSE WORK | ELECTIVES | DISSERTATION | TOTAL HOURS | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEGREE DBA (Entering with a master’s) | CORE COURSE WORK 30 hours | ELECTIVES 9 hours | DISSERTATION 15 hours | TOTAL HOURS 54 hours | LOCATION Online |
DEGREE DBA (Entering with a bachelor’s) | CORE COURSE WORK 30 hours | ELECTIVES 27 hours | DISSERTATION 15 hours | TOTAL HOURS 72 hours | LOCATION Online |
Program Details
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Texas State’s McCoy College of Business provides business leaders with advanced training in research methodologies, business analytics, econometrics, and organizational theory. Students will gain expertise in applying business research methods to solve complex business problems, develop strategic decision-making skills, and create evidence-based solutions. The program offers flexibility for working professionals with a fully online format and optional immersive residential experiences.
Program Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is to develop leaders capable of applying advanced business knowledge, research methodologies, and analytical tools to address complex business challenges. Students will develop advanced knowledge of:
- concepts and theory related to organizations and human behavior and be able to develop theory-based research plans to address business problems
- research methods
- data analysis techniques and be able to effectively apply these techniques to solve business problems
- novel business solutions that contribute to the business community
Career Options
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program prepares graduates for a wide range of career options, including:
- executive leadership roles in business organizations (CEO, COO, CFO)
- senior management positions in business strategy, operations, and analytics
- academic careers as business faculty at universities and colleges
- business consultants specializing in data analytics, strategic decision-making, and research-driven insights
Program Faculty
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program faculty specialize in a variety of business research areas, including:
- quantitative and qualitative research methods
- applied econometrics and business analytics
- organizational behavior and group dynamics
- strategic marketing analysis
- decision-making amid uncertainty
- finance and economics
- accounting analytics and human resource management
Faculty actively publish in top journals across business disciplines, integrating real-world insights and cutting-edge research into their teaching to prepare DBA students for advanced leadership roles.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Doctoral Program Director
Dr. Masoud Moradi
Masoud.moradi@txstate.edu
512.245.5261
Program Coordinator
Ana Hernandez
businessgraduate@txstate.edu
512.245.3591
McCoy Hall (MCOY), Room 530
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Application Deadlines
| DEADLINES* | U.S. CITIZEN | INTERNATIONAL |
|---|---|---|
DEADLINES* Fall - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN February 1 | INTERNATIONAL February 1 |
DEADLINES* Spring - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN September 1 | INTERNATIONAL September 1 |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration. While this program has a flexible deadline for admission consideration, class availability may be limited the closer you apply to the deadline. For specific dates, read the Flexible Application Deadlines web page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- exceptional applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any business discipline or a closely related field with a competitive GPA will be considered for admission (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- completion of a master’s degree in a business-related area from an accredited college or university, with a competitive GPA (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact Graduate Admissions if you are unsure.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- competitive GPA, which typically means an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher, in all completed graduate course work
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents & Other Requirements
- resume/CV outlining education, professional and technical achievements, scholarships/grants, publications/presentations, and other accomplishments
- statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s personal history and goals that are relevant to obtaining this doctoral degree
- three letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant’s skill and potential in the proposed program
Review important information about documents.