Doctor of Business Administration
Impact and grow the business world with evidence-based decision-making skills
Drive long-term business change
It's time to achieve the highest level you can in business. It's time to implement positive change on the performance of organizations and their employees. Begin your journey to a doctorate in business with our next cohort in January 2024. Connect with other motivated professionals where you will grow your skills and network together for the next three years.
Next cohort starts in January 2024. Application deadline is November 1, 2023.
Healthcare Admin, Organization Change & Performance, Financial & Economic Management, Sustainability
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The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is the highest accredited academic business degree at Concordia University. It is designed to address the current challenges facing organizations, leaders, and teams in today’s business environment. You will develop scholar-practitioner skills as you learn from industry experts skilled in blending applied learning with theory development. The coursework, research, and the dissertation process will equip you with the tools and knowledge to transform organizations and improve performance as an influential and trusted leader.
This three-year, 60-credit (minimum) Doctor of Business Administration program features four concentrations:
- Business Sustainability: Examine multiple methods to assess environmental risks and innovate sustainable solutions in order to implement strategies that generate value and increase competitiveness through sustainability.
- Financial and Economic Management: Study how the financial and economic theory impacts global and regional organizations. You'll have the opportunity to explore further either financial or economic principles allowing you to apply the concepts to organizational structure and productivity.
- Healthcare Administration: Study the administration of global health care systems and provide graduates with the opportunity to examine technology and analytics, legal and ethical considerations, and leadership topics encountered by top industry professionals.
- Organizational Performance and Change (OPC): Learn applied methods and theories that address organizational improvement by examining individual, team, and organizational analysis and enhancing decision-making techniques.
Regardless of your concentration, you will benefit from the quantitative and qualitative business concepts that will be addressed and taught. You will acquire evidence-based decision-making skills to prepare you for effective leadership in business, healthcare, non-profit, education, government, and other professional industries.
Download our DBA brochure here.
NEW - All But The Dissertation (ABD) option
Have you started your doctorate but life got in the way? Have you completed your DBA courses, but never finished your dissertation? Our program provides the opportunity for students who have completed all requirements for a doctorate at another institution except for their doctoral dissertation to earn their degree. Concordia University welcomes all applicants who have achieved this status in their graduate education. We will help you achieve your goal and set you up for success. Now is the perfect time to finish earning your doctorate. Let us help! Click here for more information.
The online courses follow an 8-week format during this three-year program. For your dissertation, you will be assigned a research faculty advisor that has expertise in your chosen dissertation topic. Also, our DBA coordinator will support you as you progress through your courses, projects, and more.
A key component to the DBA program is utilizing a cohort format. It helps optimize your learning as you work to earn your doctorate degree. As a DBA student you are required to attend two in-person residencies at our campus with your assigned cohort. Each residency takes place for three days and consists of courses, networking, and other business-related activities. You will participate in the first residency when you start the program, and the second residency takes place during your final year.
The next cohort will start in January 2024 with the in-person residency on January 25-27, 2024. Accepting applications until November 1, 2023. Apply today!
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Compose ethical business solutions to complex organizational problems.
- Formulate scholar-practitioner knowledge for organizational success.
- Design qualitative and quantitative research projects related to business.
- Evaluate organizational structure and design for productivity.
- Online
To be admitted into the DBA program, applicants must:
- Have a master’s degree with a focus in business or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit an application at cuw.edu/apply
- Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references.
- Letter of Intent (no more than two pages) providing evidence for consideration to be admitted to the DBA program. The Letter of Intent should focus on goals and ambition for pursuing a DBA, as well as reasons for choosing CUAA and one’s commitment to degree completion.
- How the applicants educational and personal experience influenced the decision to pursue a DBA.
- Career goals and how this degree will help achieve those goals.
- A research topic or interest area that the applicant plans to study.
- Participate in a video-conference interview.
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in one’s master’s coursework.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide English proficiency.
Apply Now
Admission to the DBA program is governed by policies and procedures developed by the School of Business and Concordia University of Ann Arbor. The University reserves the right to refuse admission or readmission to any prospective study or re-enrollment to any student. Any applicant who intentionally withholds pertinent information or falsifies information may be required to withdraw from Concordia University. The University and the School of Business reserves the right to make necessary changes to admission requirement without notice.
The DBA is a competitive admissions process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DBA program. Concordia University of Ann Arbor and the School of Business may request additional documentation to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admissions decision can be made.
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis through the calendar year.
Effective in the Fall 2022 semester, students who have taken equivalent doctoral-level courses can submit a DBA Transfer Credit Application to have up to 30 credits count toward DBA program requirements. Courses must be equivalent in scope and rigor to Concordia DBA courses.
Concordia MBA students who receive pre-approval to take up to 12 qualifying DBA credits (at the 8000-level or above) may count these credits toward the DBA program.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a transfer credit request to have the credit(s) applied to the DBA program. Students may be asked to submit a syllabus for coursework being considered for transfer, along with a rationale as to why the student believes the course(s) meets the DBA requirements. Eligibility of transfer credits will be assessed by the DBA Director and based on relevance to DBA studies.
To take your next step or for additional information, please contact our team at 877-289-1897 or Inquiry.Support@cuw.edu. We are here to help Monday - Saturday 8am-8pm cst.
Angela Belz
Ph.D., M.S.
Department Chair - Qualitative Programs, Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2174
Bio
Angela Belz teaches marketing, public relations, business communication and leadership administration. Her research focuses on how organizational systems and business principles can improve the conditions of under-served populations. She recently initiated and was approved to create a neuromarketing lab in the School of Business in order to enhance the scientific quantitative research into consumer decision making and human behavior.

Education
- Ph D - Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, Cardinal Stritch University (2018)
- MS - Student Personnel Administration, Concordia University Wisconsin (2007)
- BA - Business Administration , Ottawa University (2004)
Research Interests
- Social media and consumer behavior
- Social media and mental health
Teaching Interests
- Marketing Research/Neuromarketing
- Public Relations
Gerard I. Bolling
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (347) 257-7599
Bio
Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Leadership and Theology at Concordia University Texas, and also as an LCMS Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis. His professorship is fully online, and teaching remote students is a major a passion of his. Dr. Bolling is a proud CUW EdD LICI 2020 program graduate. He has been married to his lovely wife, Lorenda, for six years and they have two young children.

Education
- EDD - Leadership, Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI), Concordia University Wisconsin (2020)
- M Div - Pastoral Theology, Concordia Seminary (2016)
Research Interests
- Leadership
- Urban Ministry
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Teaching Interests
- Leadership
- Business/Nonprofit leadership
- Theology/Religion
David Borst
BS, MBA, EDD
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 828-9298
Bio
Dr. David Borst is the Executive Director and COO of the Family Business Leadership Partners (FBLP). Prior to joining FBLP as the director, Dr. Borst served 18 years at Concordia University Wisconsin, the last six as dean of the School of Business. Dr. Borst left CUW fulltime in 2014 to run multiple businesses under his label of borstthebrand.com. He is a regular columnist in Biztimes magazine , and is the Director of the Raabe Honors Academy.

Education
- EDD - Higher Education, Argosy (2003)
- MBA - Business Ethics, Marquette (1987)
Research Interests
- Economics
Teaching Interests
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
Kenneth E. Harris
Ph.D; MBA; BA; BS
Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy
Phone: (262) 243-4365
Bio
Kenneth Harris, Jr., Ph.D. is Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy; Chief Strategist of Talented Strategies; retired Police Lieutenant; President - Launch MKE; President - 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee; Board member - Red Cross.

Education
- Ph D - Leadership Studies, Marian University (2009)
- MBA - Finance, Concordia University Wisconsin (2002)
- BA - Criminal Justice Management, Concordia University Wisconsin (2000)
- BS - Mass Communication, Illinois State University (1984)
- Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University (2019)
Research Interests
- African American Law Enforcement Officers
- Self-Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership
Laura E. Hurtienne
Ed.D. Transformational Leadership
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2093
Bio
Dr. Laura Hurtienne is an educator and researcher. She earned her Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University Portland and is an alumna of Concordia University Wisconsin, where she earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. As a professor, she teaches and writes doctoral and undergraduate courses in leadership, change, diversity and inclusion, and innovation. Dr. Hurtienne also supports doctoral students as a dissertation advisor. She is fully engaged in the fields of change management, employee engagement, and organizational development. Dr. Hurtienne has experience owning her own healthcare business and has consulted with businesses and organizations during critical times of transformation.

Education
- EDD - Transformational Leadership , Concordia University Portland (2017)
- MS - Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (2012)
- BA - Music, University of Wisconsin Parkside (1999)
Presentations
- Hurtienne, L. (2022). Preliminary Findings of the Theory of Educational Change.. Other. Academy of Human Resource Development Conference. Moved from in person to online.
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Change
Teaching Interests
- Leadership and change
- Leadership and engagment
Matthew Hurtienne
Ph.D.
Dean - Batterman School of Business, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2024

Education
- Ph D - Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University (2015)
- MS - Organizational Leadership, Norwich University (2009)
- BS - Management, Southern Illinois University (2007)
- Instructional Design Mastery Series , Online Learning Consortium (2016)
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Effectivness
Teaching Interests
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational, Performance, and Change
Oleg Ivanets
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Quantitative Business, Assistant Professor
Office: Student Services - CUAA SS134
Bio
I have 7 years of industry experience in private equity followed by 8 years of university teaching experience. My research interests are macroeconomics and monetary policy; financial stability; long-term investments and sustainable development.

Education
- Ph D - Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2018)
- MS - Economic cybernetics, Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (2006)
Presentations
- Ivanets, O. (2022). A road to hell is paved with good intentions: an empirical investigation of the macroeconomic impact of mortgage loans using VAR. Case of Australia.. Oral Presentation. 97th WEAI (Western Economic Association International) Conference. Portland, Oregon.
Research Interests
- Financial stability
- Sustainable development
Teaching Interests
- Finance
- Economics
Jenny Kehl
Ph.D.
Professor

Education
- Ph D - University of Colorado at Boulder (2003)
- MA - University of Colorado at Boulder (1999)
Jennifer Knowles
Ph.D, M.S.
Assistant Professor
Bio
Assistant Professor Faculty in the School of Business who teaches primarily in the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Education
- Ph D - Organizational Learning, Performance and Change, Colorado State University (2017)
- MS - Human Resources and Organizational Development, Eastern Michigan University (2003)
- BS - English, University of Michigan (2000)
Contributions
- Knowles, J. & Mainiero, L. (2021). "Authentic Talent Development in Women Leaders Who Opted Out: Discovering Authenticity, Balance, and Challenge through the Kaleidoscope Career Model." In Special Issue Editors: Dr. Justin Irving and Dr. Christopher Howard, of the Special Issue: Servant Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (Ed.), no. (2 ed.,vol. 11). Basel: Administrative Sciences. https://doi.org/1...
Research Interests
- Authenticity, Balance and Challenge
- Women in the Workforce
Teaching Interests
- Organizational Performance and Change
- Social Entrepreneurship
Daniel Sem
PhD, JD, MBA
Associate Vice President - Academics for Research and Innovation, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2778

Education
- JD - Intellectual Property; Corporate Law, Marquette University (2015)
- Ph D - Biochemistry, UW-Madison (1990)
- MBA - Marquette University (2013)
- BS - Biochemistry, UW-MIlwaukee (1986)
Contributions
- Usai, R., Kaluka, D., Cai, S., Sem, D. & Kincaid, J., (2023). Solution phase refinement of active site structure using 2D NMR and judiciously 13C-labeled cytochrome P450. (vol. 241,pp. 9). Elsevier. https://www.scien...
- Wetzel, E., Marks, K., Gleason, A., Brown-Ford, S., Reid, T., Chaundhury, S., Lindeman, S., Sem, D. & Donaldson, W., (2022). Discovery of two novel (4-hydroxyphenyl) substituted polycyclic carbocycles as potent and selective estrogen receptor beta agonists. (vol. 73,pp. 5). Elsevier.
- Sem, D. (2021). Chronic oral administration of a novel estrogen receptor beta agonist enhances memory and alleviates drug-induced vasodilation in young ovariectomized mice. (vol. 130,pp. 10498). Hormones and Behavior.
- Sem, D. (2020). Synthesis and evaluation of 17a-trazolyl and 9a-cyano derivatives of estradiol. . (vol. 28,pp. 115670). Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry.
- Sem, D. (2019). Discovery and Characterization of Xanthene Inhibitors of DUSP5 as Potential Photodynamic Therapeutics. (375 ed.,pp. 114-131). Journal of Photochemistry.
Research Interests
- Drug design and development
- Intellectual property
Teaching Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
Martin Zummersch
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (920) 400-0563
Bio
For the last 20 years, Dr. Zummersch has been involved in the development of new product development strategies, the creation of successful product portfolios, and the development and launch of large product platforms in the industrial and consumer goods industries in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Dr. Zummersch is member of the Project Management Institute PMI, and the American Society for Quality ASQ.

Education
- DBA - Business Administration, Case Western Reserve University (2008)
- MBA - Operations Management, Case Western Reserve University (1999)
Research Interests
- Group Decision Making
- Organizational Frontlines
- Design Thinking
Teaching Interests
- Project Management
- Operations Research
- Statistics
How does it work?
- As an incoming student, you can transfer up to 30 credits into the DBA program
- In addition, 30 credits will be needed to graduate - 24 credits through research courses to help you write your dissertation and 6 topical credits
- Collaborate with other DBA students in one three-day residency in either January or July of the year you begin.
- Your faculty advisor will guide you through seven dissertation courses so you make consistent progress from day one
- Average length of completion is 1.5 year
- Upon dissertation completion, you will graduate with a Doctorate in Business Administration
To be admitted into the DBA program, applicants must:
- Have a master’s degree with a focus in business or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit an application at cuaa.edu/apply
- Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Seven year maximum for transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. Credits aged between 8 and 12 years can be accepted as an exception, with director approval
- Must have completed all required doctoral program coursework and/or achieved candidacy at another institution
- Cannot be academically dismissed from the previous doctoral program
- Previous doctoral programs must academically align with a degree program and specialization offered by Concordia
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references
- Submit a personal statement (no more than 3 pages)
- Discuss events that lead to the ABD status
- Explain how the CUW Doctorate of Business Administration ABD pathway can help you meet your goals
- A research topic or interest area that the applicant plans to study
- Participate in a video-conference interview
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior doctoral program.Exception with director approval
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide English proficiency
Our webinars help you learn more about the program from DBA faculty and Concordia's admission team. You will get an in-depth overview of program details, the dissertation process, and the support you can expect enrollment until graduation. You'll also learn more about the admission and application process.
Previously recorded webinars:
- New DBA concentration in Business Sustainability
- The DBA experience from a current student's perspective
- What is a DBA and why Concordia?
- In-depth look at the three concentrations
- How to successfully complete your dissertation - includes cohort 1 student feedback
- DBA overview
- Overview of the three DBA concentrations
- The doctorate experience- What to expect
- How to complete your dissertation successfully