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A Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Mary sets you apart in the competitive world of business, industry, and finance.

Our efficient, focused program is  designed for busy, working professionals like you who want to apply practical strategies and lasting principles to real-world business challenges.

Coursework within our accredited DBA program is directly relevant to the work you do every day. We equip you with in-demand skills to solve problems and drive success in your organization. 

We're not like other DBA programs. For our students, we offer the option of completing a research project as a replacement to the traditional doctoral thesis. Mary's DBA isn't only for future academics and professors; it's for working, career-focused professionals like you.

A DBA from the University of Mary enhances your ability to lead and also positions you for career advancement, giving you the tools to take on greater responsibilities and drive organizational growth. At the same time, our program immerses you in the rich intellectual tradition of Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine social thought, preparing you to lead with integrity and become a champion for our society's common good.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.

After you're admitted to the university and the program, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$21,944
The average increase in annual income for employees with a doctorate compared to those with a master's degree.

Program Length

As little as 36 months

Formats

  • Online with two one-week on-campus institutes in the summer.

Tuition per Credit

 $790

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Business leaders and executives seeking a terminal degree
  • Professionals interested in setting themselves apart from master's prepared peers
  • Individuals interested in mastering advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Leaders dedicated to the integration of ethics into complex and challenging business environments
  • Industry professionals seeking mastery of quantitative business skills

Career Paths

  • Company Vice President or President
  • C-Suite Executive
  • Entrepreneur
  • Business Strategist
  • Executive Business Consultant
  • University Faculty

What You’ll Learn

In our DBA program, you will gain advanced knowledge focused on practical and successful business practices. With Mary, you will:

  • Develop skills in complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and inspired decision-making.
  • Evaluate the global business environment to propose actionable solutions.
  • Craft innovative and practical business strategies.
  • Apply quantitative operational and financial methodologies to solve real-world challenges.
  • Design and implement a research project that directly impacts your organization.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

The following are examples of courses that will be offered for this program. For more information regarding the full list of courses, you can click on the program information link above.

Vocation of a Business Leader

Examine the challenges and the opportunities the business environment presents in socio-economic, technology, finance, marketing, communications, and organizational culture and pursue options that counter the contemporary profit maximization model with a formational vade-mecum (handbook for leadership consultation). 

Practical Research

This course emphasizes applied research processes, addressing problem identification, communication of findings, and various research methodologies. Distinctions between primary and secondary research and exploratory, causal-comparative, and correlational methods will be explored. The curriculum also covers research design elements: questionnaire creation, measurement scales, sampling, power analysis, data collection, analysis, and report synthesis.

Strategies for Building Organization

This course focuses on using information to shape and strengthen organizational strategies, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness, as well as growth. We'll explore organizational development research and its application to enhance organizational performance, emphasizing the need for advanced strategies that unite individuals in the pursuit of truth.

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.



The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

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