Doctor of Business Administration

Orientation to the Doctorate in Business Administration

Students entering the program are required to attend a 4-day residency at the beginning of the program. This residency will focus on doctoral expectations, program design, and community building. Successful completion of this course is required for continued enrollment in the program. Pass/Fail. (1 unit)

Foundations of Organization and Management

This course examines classical and contemporary organizational theories as a foundation for academic thought within the program. Students will explore the historical development of organizational theory and develop frameworks of academic reasoning and strategic approaches within organizations and management. Students will apply organizational and management theory to current business practices. Topic areas may include organizational structure, culture, decision-making, power, and change. (3 units)

Ethics in Organizations and Management

In this course, students will learn to identify, analyze, and apply biblical principles to solve ethical issues experienced by organizations and management. Topics covered may include the legal and ethical environment of business, leadership, marketing ethics, labor practices, consumer protection, and use of information technology. Prerequisite: BUS710. (3 units)

Management of Organizations

Utilizing a Christian worldview, this course examines management in the modern business environment through the utilization of past and current management theories, concepts, and practices. Topics may include planning and decision making, organizational strategy, managing individuals and a diverse workforce, motivation, leadership, managing communication and information, and problem solving from a global perspective. Prerequisite: BUS720. (3 units)

Financial Analysis for Decision Making

This course provides both a framework for and the tools necessary to analyze, evaluate, and interpret financial information. Content explored will impart an increased knowledge and understanding of the role of an ethical financial decision maker by examining the dichotomy between the objectives and incentives of the preparers and users of financial statements. Students will analyze financial information to assess the firm's financial and business strategy and determine how those choices reflect the underlying economics of the firm. Prerequisite: BUS725. (3 units)

Applying Economic Theory to Business

This course offers theoretical and applied approaches to economic problems in business. Students will develop the decision making skills and knowledge required to make efficient managerial decisions given different environments and situations, while applying micro and macroeconomic theory. Prerequisite: BUS730. (3 units)

International Business in Global Markets

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge required to analyze theories of business and develop decision making strategies within the global environment. A special emphasis is given to the phenomena of globalization of markets and its implication for firms within a Christian worldview. The course also examines the cultural, social, legal, political, financial, and geographic dimensions of the global marketplace. Prerequisite: BUS740. (3 units)

Research Methodologies

This course introduces doctoral students to the use and interpretation of descriptive statistics as well as common statistical concepts and techniques found in research. This course will prepare students to apply these techniques in the Research Methods courses. Prerequisite: BUS750. Pass/Fail (1 unit)

Quantitative Research Methods

This course examines quantitative methods and designs. Areas of focus for the course include measurement collection, data sampling, research design, and analysis methods for testing research questions. Various statistical methodologies are assessed and applied to business research using statistical software. Prerequisite: BUS750. (3 units)

Strategic Marketing

This course examines key topics influencing the development of marketing strategy within the corporate arena. Students will analyze current literature in the field relating to contemporary marketing theories and may include segmentation, influential marketing trends, and the integration of social media influencing the design and deployment of effective strategies. Prerequisite: BUS760. (3 units)

Qualitative Research Methods

This course examines the theoretical foundations of qualitative research methods and techniques applied within business disciplines. Students will be exposed to a wide array of research methods, design, measurement, analysis, and interpretation techniques that are crucial in descriptive research. Students will learn how to analyze human behavior, perceptions, and reactions as well as the meanings people give to their experiences. Prerequisite: BUS765. (3 units)

Topics in Human Resource Management

This course examines topics such as pertinent laws, labor management, employee relations, conflict management, and the role of human resources in organizational performance from a Christian world-view. Strategic methodologies and responsibilities will be applied based on physical location, industry-type, organizational structure, and employee responsibilities. Prerequisite: BUS770. (3 units)

Comprehensive Experience

The Comprehensive Experience will test the student's knowledge of the methodological and theoretical foundations in business. Students will identify and answer research questions by integrating and synthesizing knowledge from a broad range of content areas covered in the first two years of study. The emphasis of this course is to demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the field of study ensuring that all students advancing to candidacy have internalized the central knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical skills necessary to be effective practitioners, leaders, executives, scholars, and professors. Prerequisite: BUS775. (3 units)

Comprehensive Experience Defense

Students will defend their Comprehensive Experience papers to assess their preparation and scholarship leading to dissertation development. Evidence of scholarly application of theory, structure, and design is required for the defense experience. Students will demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge within the discipline. The successful completion of the Comprehensive Experience and the associated Comprehensive Experience Defense is a requirement of all doctoral students desiring to advance to candidacy. Prerequisite: Permission of Comprehensive Experience Chair. Pass/Fail. (1 unit)

Dissertation Proposal

This course requires students to examine, apply, and design research. Students will compare appropriate theoretical models, research designs, participants, procedures, data analysis techniques, assumptions, and limitations in preparation for a doctoral proposal. Students will review literature and design a research question to develop research methods that appropriately address the problem being examined. A potential prospectus will be the deliverable for this course. Prerequisite: BUS781. (3 units)

Dissertation Research and Design

Students will be guided through the research process after completing the dissertation proposal. This will include the development and completion of the dissertation. Students will work with their dissertation advisors both individually and in small groups. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: BUS796. (3 units)

Dissertation Defense Preparation

Students will prepare for the presentation for their dissertation defense. Preparation will include a formal written presentation using electronic media accompanied by a verbal presentation highlighting the major points of the research study. Students will engage in active collaboration with their peers and committee chair in final preparation of the defense materials and presentation. Prerequisite: Permission of Dissertation Chair. Pass/Fail. (1 unit)

Dissertation Defense

This is the culminating experience where students will defend their dissertation in a public oral examination open to all members of the University community including faculty, students, and invited guests. Questioning of the candidate will be directed by the student's dissertation committee based upon both the dissertation and the presentation. The defense is concerned primarily with the dissertation research and its interpretation which includes, but is not limited to: the presentation of research, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Additionally, the committee may explore the student?s knowledge of areas relevant to the core of the dissertation problem. Prerequisite: Permission of Dissertation Chair. Pass/Fail. (1 unit)