Executive Doctor of Business Administration - EDBA
Overview
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) degree program at the University of North Alabama is a professional degree program for leaders seeking to go beyond the master’s level and differentiate themselves by developing applied research skills for solving complex organizational problems and developing innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices. These qualities make the program an ideal fit for experienced leaders who may be changing roles or positions within an organization, moving into a consulting career, or wishing to transition to an academic position. As a doctoral program, the degree requires a dissertation and the requisite statistical and methodological skills necessary to complete such a project. However, the coursework and research are applied in nature with an intentional focus on how to leverage analytical tools and methods to solve real-world problems, address contemporary issues, and navigate disruptive trends that may not have existed even five years ago.
This non-resident, cohort-based program employs an online learning platform and requires a limited number of weekend on-campus visits over a three-year period where students will engage with each other and with professors in an executive classroom format. The program requires 54 post-master’s credit hours and students are expected to complete their coursework in the first two years and their dissertation in year three.
Admission
Applicants should have previously earned an MBA or master’s degree in a related field from an accredited academic institution. Because of this requirement, no GMAT will be required for admission into the program.
Applicants should possess at least 7 years of substantive work experience. Experience that includes high levels of responsibility, expertise, and leadership is preferred. This experience should be highlighted in the application materials.
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
- Completed application
- Application fee of $50
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in academia or industry who can comment on accomplishments and contributions, leadership, and other potential success factors.
- One essay outlining goals and motivations for pursuing an EDBA. Expected length 2-3 pages.
Interviews will be required prior to candidates being formally accepted into the program.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDBA 800 | Discovering Applied Research | 3 |
| EDBA 805 | Project Management for Applied Research | 1 |
| EDBA 810 | Exploring Statistical Relationships in Business | 3 |
| EDBA 811 | Engaging with Applied Statistics Lab | 1 |
| EDBA 815 | Prediction and Planning for Business Futures | 1 |
| EDBA 820 | Organizational Problem Solving; Design and Measurement | 3 |
| EDBA 825 | Innovation System Solutions | 1 |
| EDBA 830 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 835 | Designing Technology for User Experience | 1 |
| EDBA 840 | Advanced Qualitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 845 | Emerging Methodologies for Organizations | 1 |
| EDBA 855 | Integrating GIS to Optimize Business Performance | 1 |
| EDBA 861 | Becoming Data Smart | 3 |
| EDBA 862 | Creative and Innovative Thinking | 3 |
| EDBA 863 | Emerging Issues in Business | 3 |
| EDBA 864 | Exploring Trends in the Global Economy | 1 |
| EDBA 865 | Applied Decision Making and Optimization | 2 |
| EDBA 866 | Applications of Disruptive Technology | 3 |
| EDBA 900 | Developing Applied Research Skills | 2 |
| EDBA 901 | Dissertation Design | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 54 | |
Course Transfer/Waiver
Due to the cohort nature of the program, course waivers, transfers, or substitutions are not allowed in this EDBA program.
Attendance
Residency weekends are scheduled on a monthly basis during each academic term, and attendance is mandatory. These residency weekends are the primary instructional time, with online learning being utilized between the residency weekend sessions. Residency weekends are announced many months in advance so students can plan and prioritize their time appropriately.
Grading
All EDBA students are expected to maintain a high quality of academic performance in their courses, which includes appropriate standards of conduct and academic honesty. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 at all times. Students are subject to dismissal from the program if they receive a ‘C’ or lower in any course or violate academic honesty standards.
Withdrawal
Due to the cohort design of the program, students who wish to withdraw from a course may be required to withdraw from all courses in that academic term. Students should consult with the EDBA Coordinator before considering any course withdrawals.
Incomplete
An ‘Incomplete’ in a course is granted only under extenuating circumstances.
Interrupted Program Progress
The structure of the program curriculum requires that participants move together in a cohort. If a student is delayed in completing a part of the curriculum, this will typically require the student to sit out for a year and join the next cohort. There are two ways that this can be accomplished--both of which require approval which is granted by the program director on a case-by-case basis.
Leave of Absence - If you have no Incompletes or deficient grades, and have no outstanding bills from the university, you can take a year off from the program. Students on leave of absence are not to have contact with anyone affiliated with the program except the Director of Graduate Business Programs during that period. No course enrollments are required during this period.
Withdrawal and Readmission - Under this option, the participant withdraws from the program and then subsequently seeks readmission. While this is a more drastic option, it may be the only option available to participants with Incompletes, deficient grades (i.e., C or below), unpaid tuition, or who are engaged in a billing dispute with the university. Readmission cannot be guaranteed; however, the program will consider former participants whose program transcripts show adequate progress being made or those for whom a repeat and recompute would allow matriculation.
Academic Conference Requirement
To prepare students for the dissertation process and possible careers in academia, EDBA students are required to submit a research project or paper to an academic conference and attend at least one academic conference prior to graduation. Students are not required to have a conference acceptance/presentation.
Dissertation
Completing a dissertation is the defining qualification for conveying the doctoral degree, as it is evidence of the ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation requires the integration of various skills developed throughout the program including: 1) high level expertise and content knowledge 2) statistical and methodological skills, 3) problem solving competencies and 4) effective scientific writing. The subject of the dissertation must be approved by the student's dissertation committee.
The EDBA 902 course is designated for the dissertation, and students will be registered for 12 hours of this course over three academic terms. If a student does not finish the dissertation and graduate by the end of the 3rd year of the program, the student will need to register for an additional 3 hours of EDBA 902 for each academic term following until the student completes the dissertation.
Information regarding the dissertation process and requirements will be provided.
Doctoral Candidacy
Once students successfully complete EDBA 901 and have no incompletes on the transcript, they can be assigned a dissertation committee and enroll in dissertation credits (i.e., EDBA 902). However, if a student receives an incomplete in EDBA 901 or any other EDBA course, they must resolve the incomplete before being assigned to a committee or enrolling in EDBA 902. This may require withdrawing from the program and re-enrolling during a later semester in which the missing course is taught.
Students who are enrolled in EDBA 902 must defend their dissertation proposal and have the transmittal letter signed by the dissertation committee and the program director in order to move to doctoral candidacy.
Time Limit
It is anticipated that most students will complete the requirements within the intended three years of study. All requirements for the EDBA degree, including the dissertation, must be completed within five years from the semester of entry into the EDBA program.
3 Year Plan of Study
Students in the EDBA program complete the required coursework with their cohort by following the 3 year plan as shown in the catalog and provided by the EDBA Coordinator. Students will be registered for these courses as shown. This schedule is subject to amendment by the Director of Graduate Business Programs.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1st Term | Hours | |
| Spring | ||
| EDBA 800 | Discovering Applied Research | 3 |
| EDBA 805 | Project Management for Applied Research | 1 |
| EDBA 810 | Exploring Statistical Relationships in Business | 3 |
| EDBA 811 | Engaging with Applied Statistics Lab | 1 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| EDBA 815 | Prediction and Planning for Business Futures | 1 |
| EDBA 820 | Organizational Problem Solving; Design and Measurement | 3 |
| EDBA 825 | Innovation System Solutions | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDBA 830 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 840 | Advanced Qualitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDBA 900 | Developing Applied Research Skills | 2 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Year Two | ||
| 1st Term | ||
| Spring | ||
| EDBA 835 | Designing Technology for User Experience | 1 |
| EDBA 845 | Emerging Methodologies for Organizations | 1 |
| EDBA 861 | Becoming Data Smart | 3 |
| EDBA 863 | Emerging Issues in Business | 3 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| EDBA 855 | Integrating GIS to Optimize Business Performance | 1 |
| EDBA 862 | Creative and Innovative Thinking | 3 |
| EDBA 864 | Exploring Trends in the Global Economy | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDBA 865 | Applied Decision Making and Optimization | 2 |
| EDBA 901 | Dissertation Design | 3 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Year Three | ||
| 1st Term | ||
| Spring | ||
| EDBA 866 | Applications of Disruptive Technology | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| 2nd Term | ||
| Summer | ||
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| 3rd Term | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDBA 902 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 54 | |