Business Administration (Doctoral)

The Doctor of Business Administration Degree provides experienced business professionals and future members of academia with the skills to apply business/management theories, methods, and research to dynamically improve the organizations and communities they serve. The program emphasizes the development of new knowledge through both theory and applied research for application in the global environment. The Doctor of Business Administration degree program promotes advanced decision-making and leadership skills, lifelong learning, ethical and informed decision-making, effective communication, sustainability, and the use of information technologies in the global business management environment.

Doctoral students specialize in one of three areas. These include: Marketing, Global Management, and Global Business.

Keiser University states the goals of this program as follows.

• Apply and evaluate effective business theories to improve the organization through the use of literature as it applies to practice and ethical business decisions
• Contribute to the body of knowledge as part of the research community by applying appropriate research methods
• Demonstrate professional communication skills appropriate for publications
• Contribute to the body of knowledge as part of the research community by demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills based on the student’s concentration

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

Keiser University publishes this program as 60.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 44 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. The rates below are the university’s published Graduate Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Flagship (Residential) campus, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to review and modification.

This program is charged at the Flagship campus rate for doctoral degrees.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, one-time, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, one-time, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, all graduate degrees, for comprehensive programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Grants are not available at the graduate level, but federal student loans and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Doctor of Business Administration program are prepared to pursue advanced careers in higher education, senior business leadership, consulting, and research. This terminal degree supports professionals who want to contribute to the academic discipline of business administration, lead complex organizations, and apply advanced research methods to solve real-world business challenges across industries and sectors.

Career Pathways in Business Administration

• University or corporate business leadership
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Operating Officer
• Senior management consultant
• Global business management
• Marketing director
• HR Management
• Corporate governance specialist
• International business executive
• Entrepreneurship educator or business school dean

Keiser University’s Doctor of Business Administration program attracts experienced business professionals and aspiring academics ready to advance through doctoral-level scholarship. With a fully online format, flexible 8-week terms, and a rigorous curriculum spanning management, marketing, and global business. The program fits the schedule of working professionals while delivering the advanced business education and research training that top-tier careers demand. Whether your goal is a faculty position, a senior leadership role, or the ability to drive meaningful change through original research, Keiser provides the education and support to get there.