Executive DBA
Practitioner-Scholars Grow Into Thought Leaders at Saint Mary's
Saint Mary’s innovative Executive DBA program is designed for experienced business professionals and managers who want to help forge a more mindful and equitable world at both the social and economic level. With guidance from our expert faculty, practitioner-scholars deepen their understanding of theoretical and analytical concepts, learning to apply that knowledge to complex business scenarios.
As a Doctor of Business Administration, you’ll leave our program fully-equipped to excel as a thought leader - whether that means running a company, starting your own firm, or training the next generation of business professionals in the Bay Area and beyond.
At A Glance
Degree: Executive Doctorate of Business Administration
Accreditation: AACSB
STEM designation: Yes, eligible for OPT
Length & Structure: 3 years (36 months)
Modality: Cohort-based / Hybrid, online and in-person
Cost / tuition: $120,127 total program
Your Three Years
Year 1 - Coursework:. Build the theoretical and analytical foundation, with faculty guidance on applying it to complex business problems.
Year 2 - Dissertation proposal: Define your research question and defend your proposal.
Year 3 - Dissertation defense: Complete and defend original research that contributes to both scholarship and practice.
Deadlines & Starts
FALL
App Deadline: Domestic - August 1, 2026 | International - June 1, 2026
Start: August 31, 2026
Tales from Gaels
Learning to Lead—and to Teach
"The Executive DBA program provided me with a solid foundation in management theories while encouraging real-world application. By integrating academic knowledge with practical experience, I have learned to think more systematically and make informed decisions with greater confidence. This foundation has supported my transition into academia, where I apply these skills in both research and teaching."
- Dr. Christine Lee, Cal Poly Professor
AACSB Accredited Business School
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| Among the Top 6% of Business Schools WorldwideBeing among the top 6% of business schools worldwide reflects more than just academic excellence—it embodies Saint Mary’s deep commitment to its Lasallian roots. AACSB accreditation ensures that undergraduate and graduate Gaels receive a rigorous, globally recognized education grounded in ethical leadership, innovation, and service to others. This distinction aligns with our mission to prepare future business leaders who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate changemakers, dedicated to creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond. |
The Executive DBA is a three-year, 36-month program designed for working executives. Coursework is hybrid, combining online and in-person sessions on a flexible schedule, so you continue leading while you earn the degree. You complete coursework in year one, propose your dissertation in year two, and defend it in year three.
Both are doctoral degrees, but they aim at different goals. A PhD prepares you primarily for academic research and university teaching. A DBA is built for experienced professionals who want to apply rigorous research to real business problems, the practitioner-scholar model. Saint Mary's DBA graduates lead companies, launch firms, and teach, often while staying in industry.
A DBA positions you as a thought leader in business. Graduates run companies, start their own firms, consult, and teach at the university level. The degree signals the highest level of applied business expertise, backed by original research you conduct during the program and defend in your final year.
The second one is the most valuable of the three. "DBA vs PhD" is one of the most-searched queries in this entire category, and it's the question that decides whether a prospect considers the degree at all. Owning a clear answer is worth more than any other FAQ on this page.
