College of Business and Economics

DOCTORATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Doctoral Degree Program

Ready to apply your learning to solve real-world business problems at Wisconsin’s largest business school? The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program exists to meet your needs, whether you’re looking to advance your business career or transition into teaching or consulting. Our doctorate in business is one of only a handful of DBA programs in the nation accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is the only one in Wisconsin. It focuses on integrating business functions such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and information technology.

Our program is both challenging and practical — those admitted should expect a learning experience that’s both rigorous and rewarding.

Fast Facts

  • The expected program duration is three years. A new cohort launches every September, with rolling applications and admission starting in November.
  • Key admissions requirements include at least six years of professional work experience and a Master of Business Administration or related degree. Application and admission »
  • Program cost is 60 credits at $1,527 per credit. Financial considerations »
  • Success rate of 85 percent across five cohorts, including 100 percent success in Cohort 2.
  • Doctoral dissertations are conducted one-on-one with DBA faculty committee in various functional areas, resulting in publications and other achievements.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in management consulting and analysis and postsecondary teaching — two areas where our graduates thrive — are projected to grow 8 to 11 percent faster than the average occupation between 2023-33. Your DBA degree will put you at the top of employers’ lists for hiring and promotions.

3-year plan Apply Information sessions

A decade’s worth of success.

A person speaks at a podium.

 

Since the first doctoral student started their journey to a doctorate in business from UW-Whitewater in 2014, we have awarded more than 90 DBA degrees. UW-Whitewater owns the only AACSB-accredited Doctor of Business Administration program in the state, and the College of Business and Economics ranks among the top 1 percent in the world with dual accreditation in both business and accounting from AACSB. The business school has existed for more than 110 years at UW-Whitewater.

Read more about the recent anniversary and the DBA program’s role in the success of the college.

Why earn a Doctor of Business Administration at UW-Whitewater?

Convenient scheduling

We understand that you’re a busy professional, so as a doctoral student, you’ll be asked to be on campus one weekend per month. Classes start at 3 p.m. on Fridays and end on Sunday evenings. These face-to-face classes are complemented by virtual interactions (e.g., online learning platform, WebEx, and Skype). It is mandatory for students to attend all face-to-face classes and to participate in virtual instruction.

Our Doctor of Business Administration is a 60-credit program that can be completed in three years.

Spring 2025 On-campus sessions

Session number Dates
Session 1 January 10, 11, and 12
Session 2 January 31, February 1 and 2
Session 3 February 28, March 1 and 2
Session 4 April 4, 5, and 6
Session 5 May 2, 3, and 4

 

Summer 2025 On-campus sessions

Session number Dates
Session 1 May 30, 31 and June 1
Session 2 June 27, 28, and 29
Session 3 July 25, 26, and 27

 

Fall 2025 On-campus sessions

Session number Dates
Session 1 August 22, 23, and 24
Session 2 September 12, 13, and 14
Session 3 October 3, 4, and 5
Session 4 October 31, November 1, and 2
Session 5 December 5, 6 and 7

 

Spring 2026 On-campus sessions

Session number Dates
Session 1 January 9, 10, and 11
Session 2 January 30, 31, and February 1
Session 3 February 27, 28, and March 1
Session 4 April 3, 4, and 5
Session 5 May 1, 2 and 3

 

Summer 2026 On-campus sessions

Session number Dates
Session 1 May 29, 30, and 31
Session 2 June 26, 27, and 28
Session 3 July 24, 25, and 26

A wide focus

While a Ph.D. focuses on theory and usually encourages students to become specialists in narrowly-focused areas, the DBA is integrative and practical. Students will learn the fundamentals of business research and statistics and take classes in all areas of business.

Classmates to lean on and learn from

Two people talk energetically in a classroom.

 

Our Doctor of Business Administration program is based on the cohort model, so you’ll take your classes with the same group of professionals for two years. This DBA peer group navigates the program together, sharing perspectives, networking opportunities, and support.

View our business student stories »

One-on-one guidance

When you’re admitted to the DBA program, we’ll match you with a faculty member based on mutual research interests and areas of expertise. This faculty advisor will act as a mentor, provide guidance, help with selection of the DBA dissertation topic and committee, and provide information about the successful completion of the dissertation. We’ll train you to become an independent researcher who can properly formulate and adequately address research questions.

What our Doctor of Business Administration students do

Icon of a stack of books.

Take content area courses in all business functions

Icon of a magnifying glass on a briefcase.

See how business functions interact and affect the workplace

Icon of a piece of paper.

Construct and defend a dissertation in the final year

Curriculum and degree requirements

View full DBA degree requirements and course schedule

The 60-credit, three-year curriculum focuses on the most up-to-date professional and academic knowledge regarding key business issues. You’ll learn about the latest tools and techniques that can help you solve the organizational problems posed directly by fellow students experiencing the issues in their workplaces.

The program's primary goal is to enable DBA students to become competent scholarly researchers and find effective solutions to advanced business problems. In contrast to solutions based on limited or no evidence, scholarly research encourages DBA students to review previously published work on the subject and to propose solutions based on an analysis of said work, along with data related to the topic.

  • Students will demonstrate expertise in a specific field through an understanding of managerial and organizational contexts.
  • Students will contribute to business knowledge and prepare for careers that apply research to practice.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical behavior.
  • Students will demonstrate advanced research skills leading to an original, substantive applied research project.

Students take classes with their cohort for two years. Coursework is focused on integrating business functions such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and information technology, and the fundamentals of business research and statistics.

During their third year, students apply their training to complete an original research project. The dissertation is a significant work that will address a substantial question and contribute to solving a problem or advancing a strategy that addresses an important interest. Successful completion involves research, writing, and formal defense.

The dissertation defense involves proposal defense and final defense phases. Candidates are expected to defend their proposal during the beginning of the third year – after they’ve completed all coursework – and to complete the final defense by the end of their third year.

Doctoral dissertations are conducted one-on-one with DBA faculty committee in various functional areas, resulting in publications and other achievements.

Financial considerations and location

At $1,527 per credit for the 2024-25 academic year, UW-Whitewater’s Doctor of Business Administration program is among the most cost-effective in the United States among AACSB-accredited institutions. (Rates are subject to change per academic year.)

Other cost considerations include:

  • Travel to and from Whitewater to attend weekend courses (once per month)
  • Accommodations/lodging
  • Meals
  • Other incidentals

Learn more about the cost of attendance »

UW-Whitewater is conveniently located within a two-hour drive of Chicago (2 hours), Milwaukee (1 hour), and Madison (1 hour). There are many non-stop flights to Chicago from most major U.S. cities. Whitewater is a low-cost city with several reasonable accommodation and food options.

Learn more about the Whitewater area »

Patrice Achu earned his third and final degree from UW-Whitewater – a Doctor of Business Administration – in 2023. He began his journey at the university as an accounting major in 2006 after earning a Visa to come to the United States from his native Cameroon. Achu’s Warhawk journey concluded at the 2023 December commencement ceremony, where he addressed his fellow graduates as the student speaker.

Read Patrice's story

 

What our graduates do

Icon of a graduation cap sitting on a dollar sign.

Earn promotions from their employers into leadership positions

Icon of a person pointing at a whiteboard with a chart.

Get hired as consultants and analysts

Icon of a piece of paper.

Write articles that appear in scholarly publications

Careers: What can you do with a Doctor of Business Administration?

UW-Whitewater DBA alumni and members of more recent cohorts excel in both academia and the industry. Our doctoral graduates are prepared to perform at a higher level in their organizations, to conduct applied research, or to transition to academic careers.

Here are some of the places where our recent graduates were hired or promoted:

  • Bellarmine University
  • Blockchain Advisory Institute
  • Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
  • Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
  • Kerry Group
  • Indiana University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
  • University of South Dakota
  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
  • Lakeland University

And, here are some of their titles:

  • Chief operating officer
  • Controller
  • Associate director
  • Executive director
  • President
  • Professor

Here are some of the journals and scholarly works where our graduates are published:

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Applied Economics
  • Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing
  • Journal of Marketing for Higher Education
  • Journal of Business Research
  • Journal of Finance Issues
  • Journal of Consumer Behaviour
  • Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction and Complaining Behavior
  • Journal of Commodity Markets
  • Journal of Consumer Affairs
  • International Small Business Journal
  • Journal of Marketing Education
  • Harvard Business Review
  • California Management Review (University of California, Berkeley)
  • Journal of Accounting and Finance
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research
  • Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing
  • Personality and Individual Differences
  • The Executive Leadership Council: A Research Journal for Black Professionals
  • Research in Individual Business and Finance
  • International Journal of Social Psychiatry
  • International Journal of Business Communication

And, here are some of the organizations our graduates have received awards from:

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
  • The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business
  • North Central College
  • Milwaukee Business Journal
  • Children’s Wisconsin
  • Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany
  • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • Marketing Management Association
  • American Funeral Director magazine
  • Baylor University

Our Doctor of Business Administration faculty

Our DBA faculty are engaged with extensive, current, and ongoing research portfolios. These service-oriented faculty members work beyond the boundaries of the classroom to help their students succeed.

Dr. D'Arcy Becker
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison - Accounting and Psychology
262-472-5463 | beckerda@uww.edu

Dr. Avishek Bhandari
Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University - Accounting
262-472-2197 | bhandara@uww.edu

Dr. Abbie Daly
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison - Accounting
262-472-6949 | dalya@uww.edu

Dr. Paul Nylen
J.D., Marquette University - Law
Master of Accountancy, University of Iowa - Accounting and Tax
262-472-5453 | nylenp@uww.edu

Dr. Hamid Vakilzadeh
Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University - Business Administration/Accounting
262-472-5463 | vakilzas@uww.edu

Dr. Robert Yu
Ph.D., Oklahoma State University - Accounting
262-472-6965 | yut@uww.edu

Dr. Yamin Ahmad
Ph.D., Georgetown University - Economics
262-472-5576 | ahmady@uww.edu

Dr. Russell Kashian
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Economics
262-472-5584 | kashianr@uww.edu

Dr. Nancy Tao
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University - Economics
262-472-5447 | taor@uww.edu

Dr. Matthew Winden
Ph.D., Ohio State University - Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics
262-472-5579 | windenm@uww.edu

Dr. Zaifeng Steve Fan
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Finance
262-472-6943 | fanz@uww.edu

Dr. Mohammad Jafarinejad
Ph.D., The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - Finance, General
262-472-1845 | jafarinm@uww.edu

Dr. Rashiqa Kamal
Ph.D., University of Nebraska - Finance
262-472-5446 | kamalr@uww.edu

Dr. Pascal Letourneau
Ph.D., HEC Montreal - Finance
262-472-3209 | letournp@uww.edu

Dr. Arjan Premti
Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University - Finance
262-472-5462 | premtia@uww.edu

Dr. Garrett Smith
Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University - Finance
262-472-5460 | smithgc@uww.edu

Dr. Bakhtear Talukdar
Ph.D., Florida International University - Finance
262-472-7036 | talukdam@uww.edu

Dr. Paul Ambrose
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale - Management Information Systems / Business Administration
262-472-4816 | ambrosep@uww.edu

Dr. Andrew Ciganek
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Management Information Systems
262-472-6946 | ciganeka@uww.edu

Dr. Alana Platt
Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology - Management Information Systems
262-472-1258 | platta@uww.edu

Dr. Balaji Sankaranarayanan
Ph.D., Indiana University-Bloomington - Information Systems
262-472-5467 | sankarab@uww.edu

Dr. Soroush Aslani
Ph.D., Northwestern University - Management and Organizations
262-472-3207 | aslanima@uww.edu

Dr. Ruth Hansen
Ph.D., Indiana University - Philanthropic Studies
262-472-1645 | hansenru@uww.edu

Dr. Uma Kedharnath
Ph.D., Colorado State University - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
262-472-5478 | kedharnu@uww.edu

Dr. K. Praveen Parboteeah
Ph.D., Washington State University - Management
262-472-3971 | parbotek@uww.edu

Dr. Aditya Simha
Ph.D., Washington State University - Management
262-472-3964 | simhaa@uww.edu

Dr. Jeff Vanevenhoven
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Management
262-472-5465 | vanevenj@uww.edu

Dr. Andy Yu
Ph.D., Texas Tech University - Management
262-472-7035 | yua@uww.edu

Dr. Rimi Zakaria
Ph.D., Florida International University - Strategic and International Management
262-472-6953 | zakariar@uww.edu

Dr. Victor Barger
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison - Marketing
262-472-4958 | bargerv@uww.edu

Dr. Pavan Chennamaneni
Ph.D., University of Central Florida - Marketing
262-472-5473 | chennamp@uww.edu

Dr. Andy Dahl
DBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - Marketing
262-472-6950 | dahlaj18@uww.edu

Dr. Maxwell Hsu
Ph.D., Louisiana Tech University - Marketing, Quantitative Analysis
262-472-5471 | hsum@uww.edu

Dr. Dennis Kopf
Ph.D., New Mexico State University - Marketing
262-472-6948 | kopfd@uww.edu

Dr. Jimmy Peltier
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison - Marketing and Professional Selling
262-472-5474 | peltierj@uww.edu

Dr. Anto J. Verghese
Ph.D., Texas A&M University - Operations and Supply Chain Management
262-472-3994 | verghesa@uww.edu

Dr. K. Praveen Parboteeah
Ph.D., Washington State University - Management
262-472-3971 | parbotek@uww.edu

Contact us

Want to learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration program?

Contact us at dba@uww.edu or reach out to program coordinator K. Praveen Parboteeah at 262-472-3971 or parbotek@uww.edu.

Application and admission

Application to the Doctor of Business Administration program at UW-Whitewater involves a rigorous four-phase process, which has been designed to determine whether applicants have the skills and commitment necessary to succeed in our program. The DBA program committee strives to identify candidates who have the highest likelihood of succeeding in the program. Admission decisions for each phase are made only after receipt of the documents required.

*Please note, due to the program structure and residence requirements, international students cannot be issued a student visa to enroll in the DBA program.

Apply

Admission deadlines and decisions

Up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admissions website.

Rolling admissions decisions are made annually starting November 1; however, decisions can only be made after receipt of all documents required in Phase 2 (see “Steps to starting your DBA journey” below). The Admissions Committee reviews all documents to identify candidates who will have a high likelihood of succeeding in the program. If you are admitted, you will be invited by email to proceed to Phase 3.

Because the class size is limited, you are encouraged to apply early. Not all successful candidates will be selected. Some may be asked to reconsider the program in a subsequent year.

Qualifications for admission

  • Master's degree in a business or related discipline
    • Eligible for admissions with no additional requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a business or related discipline, but Master's in a non-business discipline
    • Eligible for admissions with a minimum of three years of professional experience*
  • Both Bachelor's and Master's in a non-business discipline
    • Eligible for admissions with a minimum of three years of professional experience* and required to complete the college’s Certificate in Business Foundations before they enroll. Students may also complete the Certificate in Business Foundations while concurrently enrolled in the DBA.

*If you do not have a minimum of three years of professional experience, please explain how your other experience or qualifications (e.g., industry experience, consulting experience, or teaching experience) compensate for an absence of professional experience.

Military applicants

UW-Whitewater and the College of Business and Economics consistently rank highly on Best for Vets and Military-Friendly lists. In 2024, the university earned national distinction for its support of military and veteran students. Our doctorate program can help you transition the knowledge, skills, and experience you acquired in the military into a civilian career.

UW-Whitewater's Veteran Benefits Coordinator can provide specific details on veteran benefits to finance your degree program. Veterans, active duty service members, and U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard members with at least 90 days of qualifying active duty service, excluding training time, are also eligible for waiver of the $56 application fee through Graduate Financial Assistance by submitting a certification form signed by our Veteran Benefits Coordinator.

See UW-Whitewater Veteran Resources for additional information.

Steps to starting your DBA journey

We strongly encourage you to attend an information session (either online or face-to-face) before applying to the program. The information session will provide you with extensive detail on the program and what it will take to succeed. These sessions also provide you with the ability to meet and interact with program faculty and leadership. They are designed to enable you to make an informed decision about joining the DBA program.

View available sessions

To apply:

  • Complete and submit an online application on the UW-Whitewater Graduate School application portal, where you will register as a new user or login to complete your application. Please review the instructions in the application portal before completing your application.
  • Pay the nonrefundable UW-Whitewater graduate program application fee. Military personnel who have been on active duty within the past three years may apply for an application fee waiver »
  • Have official academic transcripts sent directly to UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies (see below).
  • Please upload the required materials in your application portal while completing the application. Materials include:
    • A resume documenting your professional experience
    • All academic transcripts from your previous institutions, which should be e-mailed to gradtranscript@uww.edu.
    • A cover letter/statement of interest addressing the following questions:
      • Why do you want to pursue a DBA at this time?
      • What do you see as the most significant qualities or experiences that you would bring to the DBA program?
      • What are your career aspirations after you receive the doctorate degree?
      • What obstacles/challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to complete your degree within a reasonable timeframe (i.e., three years), and what is your plan to address these obstacles/challenges?
      • What concrete steps will you take to restructure your responsibilities to be able to tackle weekend classes and 30 hours of studies weekly?
      • What general and specific areas of business are you interested in studying in the DBA program? (E.g., accounting, management, finance, information technology, human resources, supply chain management or marketing)
    • The names and contact details of two references (professionals in academia or industry) who can speak to the following:
      • Your personal and professional accomplishments and how you achieved them.
      • How you have contributed to enhancing the competitive position of the organization and development of colleagues.
      • Your demonstrated leadership and your potential for advanced academic work.
      • If you have been an academic staff member, your personal and professional contribution to your university and/or department.

If you have any questions, contact us at DBA@uww.edu.

You will be invited by email to attend a mandatory one-day research interest workshop, which will take place on a Saturday in May on the UW-Whitewater campus. This is an important opportunity for you to meet other prospective students, learn more about the opportunity and challenges of doctoral-level research, and begin preparation for your doctoral program. Faculty members will discuss the various aspects of doctoral research, and you will be provided with textbooks and other review materials. You will be expected to review those materials prior to starting class in late August.

Once an offer is made to you, candidates have 30 days to accept and pay a $500 non-refundable deposit. After admittance, new students will attend a Friday evening reception and orientation in September when classes begin. If you stay in the program, the $500 will go toward covering your tuition during the spring semester.

Our cohorts

  • Ed Garza
  • Shyree Sanan
  • Kristin Annoye
  • Kaleb Pozanc
  • John Weidl
  • Nicholas Reising
  • Danae Oldenburg
  • Brittany Brown (Ross)
  • Betzabeth (Betza) Tillung (Lovick)
  • Diance Lor
  • Mohyuddin (Javad) Ahmad
  • Jennine Fox
  • Grace Gonzalez
  • Elton Johnson
  • Deborah McGrath
  • Oluwaseun (Sarah) Okusanya
  • Haley Pappajohn
  • Abdoul Savadogo
  • Jennifer Stephens
  • Benjamin Trnka
  • Danny Xiong
  • Alexandra Zertuche
  • Lovina Akowuah
  • Zahed Alam
  • Joseph Albright
  • Jesse Dolney
  • Rachel Funk-Johnson
  • Adarsh Muralidharan
  • Dennis Oates
  • Carmen Strmsek
  • Laura Smith
  • Dean Vance
  • Sam Sok
  • Zach Zabel

Explore related programs at UW-Whitewater

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Graduate Business Foundations Certificate

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