Doctor of Business Administration
Program Regulations

Program Structure

DBA students begin their program with two orientations: one online and one on site. Onsite orientations coincide with research workshops for second and third year DBA students.

In years one and two, students complete six online courses plus two onsite research workshops. Following this coursework, in year three, each student prepares a dissertation research proposal (under supervision) followed by an oral candidacy exam. Upon successfully passing the oral candidacy exam, a student becomes a 'doctoral candidate' and commences work on the final dissertation. The doctoral candidate must conduct original research, write a dissertation and participate in an oral dissertation defense that is approved by a supervisory committee before being awarded the doctorate degree. 

Course Descriptions and Schedules

Program Requirements

Time Commitment

Students will normally complete the DBA program in four to five years, but may have up to seven years to complete all requirements.

Active Status and Continuation

To maintain active status, a DBA student must successfully complete at least one course in his/her program of study within a 12-month period, or be enrolled in DDBA 806 or 899 and be actively pursuing research toward the doctoral degree. A student who does not maintain active status will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program, and will be required to pay the tuition portion for courses completed and in which they are currently registered. They may also be assessed a Program Discontinuation fee.

DBA students who do not maintain "active status" may speak to their supervisor to gain permission to have their program extended, with the final decision to come from the DBA Program Director or his/her designate.

Program Deferrals

DBA students who have commenced the program can defer upcoming courses should they find themselves experiencing changed circumstances in either their personal or professional lives. Course deferrals must be requested at least 21 days prior to the start date of their next course. Deferring courses will delay program completion. All course deferrals or withdrawals must be approved by the DBA Program Director or his/her designate.

Program Withdrawal

DBA students who choose to withdraw from their program of study, without record of registration, must do so within thirty (30) calendar days of the commencement of the program. A withdrawal occurring in this time will not be recorded on the DBA student’s transcript.

A student who withdraws from his/her program of study after the thirty calendar day period from the start of the program will:

1. have this withdrawal recorded on his/her transcript;
2. pay the tuition portion for courses completed and currently registered in; and
3. may be required to pay a program discontinuation fee. Any program fees paid will be non-refundable.

Re-Enrolment in the Program

Re-enrolment to the DBA program can occur within three years of student departure, subject to review and approval by the DBA Admissions Committee, and payment of all applicable fees. Fees will be assessed at current rates. Re-enrolled candidates will be required to pay any fee increases that occur between the time of re-enrolment and last registration. Credit for courses previously completed will be re-evaluated and applied to the program requirements, where appropriate. Additional extensions and alternatives may be granted by the DBA Program Director or his/her designate only in exceptional circumstances and on payment of the appropriate fee.

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration, students must meet all of the requirements as set out in the Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines. A minimum grade of B- (2.7) is required for all courses. Students must also complete and submit an Application for Graduation form, and meet all other regulations.

In addition, students must have paid any fees owed to the University and have returned all library resources.