Doctorate of Business Administration (D.B.A.) in Florida

Earn your D.B.A. in a blended executive format with on-campus residencies at NLU's Tampa campus, applying advanced research to real business challenges while you keep working. Built for working executives across Florida.

  • 60 Semester Hours
  • IACBE Accredited
  • Blended: Online Plus Tampa Residencies
  • Built for Working Professionals

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Our stunning Tampa Florida Campus is conveniently located on West Hillsborough Ave. just west of Tampa Airport

Map showing the campus location
Map showing the campus location

Why Choose NLU for the D.B.A.?

Blended Format
Online courses plus one 3-day Tampa residency per term

Earn your doctorate without leaving your career.

Your Work Is the Curriculum
Employment is part of the program

Your real business challenges become your coursework.

Applied Research
A 12-credit doctoral research sequence

Solve real organizational problems, not just theory.

$105,350
Median, top executives (BLS, May 2024)

Chief executives earn a median of $206,420.

Two Career Paths
Executive leadership or college teaching

A doctorate that opens the C-suite and the classroom.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
60 SH
Core, research, concentration, and doctoral research
What format?
Blended
Online plus Tampa residencies
What accreditation?
IACBE
Recognized business accreditation
What salary?
$105,350
Median, top executives (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Generate strategy that sustains long-term success
  • Lead stakeholders ethically and effectively
  • Make evidence-based decisions in global environments
  • Design and conduct original applied research
  • Lead organizational development and change
  • Qualify for executive roles or university teaching

Full Course List

Strategy
Building and evaluating winning strategy.
Global
Leading in a global, cross-cultural economy.
Innovation
Driving innovation and new ventures.
Research Methods
The methods behind doctoral inquiry.
Decisions
Using evidence to make executive decisions.
Organizations
Leading people, teams, and change.
Management
Advanced management and team leadership.
Doctoral Research
Original applied research in your focus area.

Next start: August 24, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A master's degree in business or a related field, with a 3.0 GPA
  • At least three years of managerial or professional experience
  • Current employment (integral to the program)
  • A professional goal statement and two letters of recommendation
  • Online application at nl.edu with a resume and transcripts
Request Info
Online Plus Tampa Residencies

Online coursework plus one 3-day on-campus experience per term, no need to relocate or leave your job.

Your Career Is the Classroom

Employment is required, so the program integrates your real-world business challenges into every course.

Lead or Teach

A doctorate that prepares you for the C-suite, consulting, entrepreneurship, or college-level teaching.

Where Will Your Doctorate Take You?

$105,350
Median, top executives (BLS, May 2024)
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Management Consultant
Vice President
Entrepreneur or Owner
University Faculty

The D.B.A. prepares graduates for the highest levels of business leadership and decision-making, C-suite executive roles, senior consulting engagements, entrepreneurial ventures, and faculty positions. The combination of business strategy and applied research distinguishes D.B.A. graduates from MBA holders in executive selection and academic hiring.

Top executives earn a median salary of $105,350, and chief executives a median of $206,420 (BLS, May 2024), with about 331,000 openings a year across the category. The applied doctoral research prepares you to lead evidence-based change.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to explain the blended format and Tampa residencies.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor confirms your master's degree and professional experience and walks you through the residency schedule.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no fee, a resume, a goal statement, transcripts, and two recommendations. Next start: August 24, 2026.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path to a business doctorate.

Take the First Step
  • 60 Semester Hours
  • IACBE Accredited
  • Blended: Online Plus Tampa Residencies
  • Built for Working Professionals

*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives (incl. Chief Executives SOC 11-1011 and General and Operations Managers SOC 11-1021), May 2024.

**Format, credits, and curriculum: SmartCatalog, National Louis University Doctor of Business Administration (nl.smartcatalogiq.com); GSBL is IACBE-accredited.