- Home
- DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
- DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) advances decision-making and leadership skills, provides an in-depth application of theory and research, and facilitates methods to solve industry problems. Program components offer opportunities for students to explore investigative skills and perform data analysis. Graduates are prepared to contribute new knowledge to a specific segment of industry.
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’s online Doctor of Business Administration provides an in-depth application of theory and research, facilitates methods to solve industry problems and matures students’ decision-making and leadership skills within a business setting. Through an exploration of investigative skills and data analysis, graduates will be prepared to contribute new knowledge to a specific segment of the business administration industry.
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:
- Construct recommendations to resolve business problems.
- Apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary issues in leadership and business.
- Analyze research results to support business decision-making processes.
- Design ethical and original research that contributes to the professional body of knowledge.
Ready to Get Started?

Curriculum
Doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation and defend their research before a committee and University representatives, which may take place at a distance through audio/visual means. No degree shall be awarded without majority of committee approval. Information regarding this capstone doctoral requirement is published in the Dissertation Handbook.
Major Requirements | Total Required Semester Hours: 48
Description
Analysis of how sociology can be used to study sport in society. Focuses on sports and sport-related behaviors as they occur in social and cultural contexts and uses concepts, theories, and research as tools that enable students to examine sports as a part of culture.
Objectives
- Describe the sociology of sports and reasons it should be studied.
- Relate modern social theories to better management and decision-making in sports.
- Evaluate the impact sociology of sports has on decision-making in high school and college sports.
- Describe how organized sports programs affect the socialization of children.
- Discuss principles and concepts of deviance and violence in sports.
- Assess societal issues that result from gender, race, and ethnic diversity in sports.
- Discuss commercialization of sports such as the role of money and power.
- Explain the global impact of sports.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Sports in society: Issues and controversies (Rev: 11th ed.)
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (2015)
Author: Coakley, J. J.
ISBN: 978-0-07-802252-4
Price: $162.18
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Examines the theoretical and practical implications of marketing in the sports industry by presenting a framework to help explain and organize the strategic marketing process. Offers a growing appreciation on the globalization of sports and an understanding of the ethical issues emerging in sports and their impact on sport marketing decisions.
Objectives
- Provide a framework or conceptual model of the strategic marketing process that can be applied to the sports industry.
- Evaluate the growing emphasis on the globalization of sport.
- Analyze current research in the area of sport marketing and interpret the results.
- Explain the ethical issues that are emerging in sports and their impact in sport marketing decisions.
- Offer a balanced treatment of all aspects of sports marketing at all levels by listing up-to-date treatments.
- Explain the concepts and theories unique to sports marketing and discuss basic principles in the context of sports.
- Interpret comprehensive coverage of the functions of sports marketing.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Sports marketing: A strategic perspective (Rev: 4th ed.)
Publisher: Prentice Hall (2009)
Author: Shank, M. D.
ISBN: 978-0-13-228535-3
Price: $125.26
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Reviews the theory and practice of fundraising in sport-related fields and provides specific, helpful ideas for conducting fundraising activities in sports business. Combines fundraising theory and practical advice so learners can organize and develop fundraising plans.
Objectives
- Explain the fundraising process, to include the importance of fundraising.
- Explain the nature and principle of sport business.
- Identify different types of fundraising methods.
- Develop practical fundraising plans in sport programs and/or events.
- Discuss varied methods for implementing potential fundraising plans.
- Create a fundraising plan that includes how to induce potential sponsors.
- Recognize publicity and promotional tactics.
- Discuss personnel management in the operation of fundraising projects.
- Examine key legal issues that include, but are not limited to, liability concerns, risk management, and insurance matters.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Fundraising for sport and athletics
Publisher: Fitness Information Technology (2012)
Author: Leonard, R.
ISBN: 978-1-935412-33-5
Price: $74.10
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
A study of the principles of efficient management and leadership concepts as applicable to the sport industry. Focuses on principles and techniques of management relating to programs, facilities, special events, and personnel. Topics include key personnel issues in sport management situations; ethics, law, and governance in sport management; the role of the marketing process in sport administration; and economics, accounting, and budgeting.
Objectives
- Analyze the field of sport management.
- Examine sport management and governance.
- Explain the importance of ethics in sport sociology for sport managers.
- Classify issues in the sport business industry, to include social, cultural, legal, and economic.
- Explain the process of consumer decision-making in sport management.
- Describe organizational behavior in the context of the sport industry.
- Discuss career opportunities in the sport industry.
- Analyze the efficient management and leadership strategies used in labor-management relations to resolve disputes involving professional sports teams.
- Summarize the influence of marketing on sport management.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Contemporary sport management (Rev: 5th ed.)
Publisher: Human Kinetics (2014)
Author: Pedersen, P. M., & Thibault, L. (Eds.)
ISBN: 978-1-4504-6965-4
Price: $116.48
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
A comprehensive look at the skills necessary to successfully manage an emergency incident. Using nationally accepted standards, students analyze and apply the strategic considerations necessary to be successful on the fire ground. In addition, students gain valuable knowledge of the NIMS (National Incident Management System) as well as how to employ the Incident Command System (ICS) on the fire ground.
Objectives
- Identify the fundamentals of emergency incident systems such as Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
- Discuss the responsibilities of emergency response personnel.
- Analyze the functions of command.
- Assess organizational health during a large-scale event to ensure appropriate personnel assignments.
- Compare cue-based and classical decision-making models.
- Describe how incident management is impacted by fire behavior.
- Summarize strategies for successful incident management on the scene of an emergency incident.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Firefighting strategies and tactics (Rev: 3rd ed.)
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning (2015)
Author: Angle, J. S., Gala, M. F., Jr., Harlow, T. D., Lombardo, W. B., & Maciuba, C. M.
ISBN: 9781284036435
Price: $97.12
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Provides a solid background of the key factors that influence international trade and the manner in which economic policy affects both trade flow and the nature of economic activity. Relationships between trade and growth, effects of labor and capital movements between countries, and the key factors that influence relative costs between countries are also examined.
Objectives
- Examine why countries trade.
- Discuss how trade affects production and consumption.
- Define important terms in international trade.
- Describe the major theories and models used in international trade.
- Analyze how importation of goods will raise consumption and lower production in the importing country.
- Examine the recent trends in international trade.
- Compare balanced economic growth and biased economic growth.
- Distinguish the effects of trade, industry and other import restrictions.
- Examine how firm-specific advantages can overcome inherent disadvantages of international trade.
- Discuss international trade policies and agreements.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
International trade (Rev: 4th ed.)
Publisher: Worth (2017)
Author: Feenstra, R. C., & Taylor, A. M.
ISBN: 9781319061739
Price: $197.87
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Summarize a strategic approach to human resource management.
- Explain managing work flows and the role of job analysis.
- Assess equal opportunity and the legal environment.
- Explain the benefits of effectively managing diversity.
- Generalize the HR functions of recruiting and selecting employees.
- Assess career development.
- Explain the importance of effectively managing compensation.
- Recommend the key objectives of rewarding performance.
- Explain why organizations design and administer benefits for employees.
- Assess the importance of developing effective employee relations.
- Discriminate between the implications of employees’ rights and effectively managing discipline to organizational success.
- Discuss working with organized labor.
- Assess the importance of workplace safety and health.
- Explain the challenges in managing international HRM.
- Explain managing employee separations, downsizing, and Outplacement.
- Compare and discriminate the purposes of appraising and managing employee performance.
- Explain the importance of training to organizational success.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Managing human resources (Rev: 6th ed.)
Publisher: Prentice Hall (2010)
Author: Gomez-Mejia, L. R., Balkin, D.B., & Cardy, R. L.
ISBN: 9780136093527
Price: $151.45
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Critique theories to effectively manage the mission and goals in public organizations.
- Evaluate issues of diversity, equality, and equity in public service organizations.
- Differentiate functions of domestic and international public organizations in various democracies around the world.
- Evaluate challenges of crafting public policies in a participatory government.
- Assess public administration scholarship through transparent and collaborative governance.
- Discuss real-world problems facing public service organizations using e-government, e-commerce, and elearning tools.
- Relate major challenges facing the field of public administration and public managers to career development.
- Formulate solutions to real-world problems in public administration through integrated knowledge and comprehension of ethics, public policies, technology, and human and data resources.
PreRequisites
- PUA 5303
- PUA 5306
- PUA 5304
- PUA 5301
- PUA 5307
- PUA 5302
- PUA 5305
Textbook(s)
The future of public administration around the world: The Minnowbrook perspective
Publisher: Georgetown University Press (2010)
Author: O’Leary, R., Van Slyke, D. M., & Kim, S. (Eds.).
ISBN: 978-1-58-901711-5
Price: $78.29
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a broad conceptual understanding of research methods.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in the area of experimental design and analysis.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethical concerns in research.
- Distinguish between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches to research.
- Design a business research methodology.
- Apply critical thinking to business problems and opportunities.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (Rev: 4th ed.)
Publisher: Sage (2014)
Author: Creswell, J. W.
ISBN: 978-1452226101
Price: $67.60
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Explain what marketing research is, as well as its purpose and uses.
- Assess the marketing research industry.
- Explain marketing research design.
- Discuss the use of secondary data and online information databases.
- Assume the use of standardized information sources.
- Determine the use of survey data collection methods.
- Explain how to do measurement in marketing research.
- Design a research questionnaire.
- Conclude how to select a sample and determine sample size.
- Recommend methods to collect data in the field and explain nonresponse error and questionnaire screening.
- Explain basic data analysis with descriptive statistics.
- Simplify a sample’s findings to its population and testing hypotheses about percent and means.
- Interpret how to test for differences between two groups or among more than two groups.
- Analyze associations among variables.
- Explain regression analysis in marketing research.
- Interpret the marketing research reporting and how to prepare and present it.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Basic marketing research (Rev: 3rd ed.)
Publisher: Prentice Hall (2012)
Author: Burns, A. C., & Bush, R. F.
ISBN: 9780135078228
Price: $162.18
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Synthesize traditional capital budgeting concepts with valuing capabilities theory.
- Compare and contrast financial strategies used in risk management.
- Examine and apply solutions to the classical agency problem and to control its abuse by management.
- Differentiate valuation methods used to value securities and business.
- Critique different theories about the markets in which firms and investors operate.
- Distinguish between different capital structure strategies firms and payout theories firms use in strategic planning.
- Critique financial strategies and financial innovations related to raising capital through financial markets.
- Demonstrate proficiency finding knowledge through original research leading to the creation of new strategies and financial innovations.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Corporate finance: Linking theory to what companies do (Rev: 3rd ed.)
Publisher: South-Western (2010)
Author: Graham R. J., Smart, S. B., & Megginson W. L.
ISBN: 9780324782912
Price: $227.83
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Assess the impact of organizational design strategy on the success or failure of a business.
- Argue how to attain market equilibrium through pricing strategy using the law of supply and demand.
- Discriminate among various market structures including competitive markets, monopolistically competitive markets, and oligopolistically competitive markets.
- Consider the relationship between decision rights assignment within the firm and productivity.
- Explain the concepts of risk aversion and risk neutrality.
- Discuss agency problems involving the separation of ownership and control of the corporation.
- Formulate an economic theory of government regulation including deadweight losses, wealth transfers, and costs.
- Critique ethical questions that arise in modern businesses including how they can affect the value of the firm.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Managerial economics (Rev: 8th ed.)
Publisher: Wiley (2015)
Author: Samuelson, W. F., & Marks, S. G.
ISBN: 978-1-118-80894-8
Price: $194.45
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Interpret the various types and causes of conflict.
- Examine the characteristics of negotiation.
- Appraise the impact of framing in negotiating and resolving conflict.
- Develop strategies for distributive and integrative negotiations.
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various dispute resolution techniques.
- Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of various communication styles related to negotiating and resolving conflicts.
- Assess the challenges that may arise when engaging in international negotiations.
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of engaging in multiparty and team negotiations.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Negotiation and dispute resolution
Publisher: Prentice Hall (2013)
Author: DeMarr, B. J., & de Janasz, S. C.
ISBN: 978-0-13-157753-4
Price: $100.62
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Explain the various approaches to analyzing global strategy.
- Identify the most popular definitions of strategy and the circumstances when each is appropriate.
- Interpret the dimensions of international management.
- Explain the function of leaders in today’s organization.
- Distinguish between multinational and global strategy.
- Compare the benefits and drawbacks of global strategy.
- Explain the basis of competition.
- Distinguish between the bargaining power of suppliers and the bargaining power of buyers.
- Distinguish between planning strategy and crafting strategy.
- Explain the cultural context of strategy.
- Distinguish between the formal planning approach to change and the power-behavior approach.
- Assess why the process of change must be compatible with the particular organization undergoing change.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
International business: Competing in the global marketplace (Rev: 10th ed.)
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (2014)
Author: Hill, C. W. L.
ISBN: 978-0-07-8112775
Price: $179.08
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Distinguish between the market and nonmarket environment of business by explaining the four Is of the nonmarket environment.
- Critique nonmarket issues affecting successful business strategies including the role of the news media.
- Ascertain the effects of private nonmarket action on business and compare the two foundations of nonmarket and political action.
- Summarize the three broad classes of political strategy, and compare their cost.
- Assess the effectiveness and propriety of grassroots lobbying strategies by political action committees that represent business.
- Explain approaches to environmental and product safety protections taken in the United States.
- Analyze the influence of government political activities of different countries on international trade policies and economic incentives.
- Portray how business utilitarianism and ethical values apply to corporate social responsibility.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Business and society: A strategic approach to social responsibility & ethics (Rev: 5th ed.)
Publisher: Chicago Business Press (2016)
Author: Ferrell, O. C., Thorne, D., & Ferrell, L.
ISBN: 978-0-9833324-4-2
Price: $128.40
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize empirical studies in order to write research papers.
- Interpret the nature of relevant costs and budgeting.
- Discuss management accounting.
- Discuss basic building blocks and organizational architecture.
- Evaluate basic concepts such as cost behaviors and transfer pricing.
- Explain the theory of cost allocation and put it into practice.
- Interpret the absorption systems.
- Examine standard costs systems including direct labor and materials cost variances, and marketing variances.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Accounting for decision making and control (Rev: 8th ed.)
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (2014)
Author: Zimmerman, J. L.
ISBN: 978-0-07-802574-7
Price: $250.90
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
Outcomes
- Synthesize research information to support an argument.
- Compose an APA-formatted paper.
- Construct written work with a clear command of standard, academic English.
- Discriminate between peer-reviewed research and popular press.
PreRequisites
Textbook(s)
Integrated Learning Resource
Publisher: (No information available)
Author: (No information available)
ISBN: (No information available)
Price: (No information available)
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Theoretical-Based Study | Total Required Semester Hours: 13
Description
A comprehensive look at the skills necessary to successfully manage an emergency incident. Using nationally accepted standards, students analyze and apply the strategic considerations necessary to be successful on the fire ground. In addition, students gain valuable knowledge of the NIMS (National Incident Management System) as well as how to employ the Incident Command System (ICS) on the fire ground.
Objectives
- Identify the fundamentals of emergency incident systems such as Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
- Discuss the responsibilities of emergency response personnel.
- Analyze the functions of command.
- Assess organizational health during a large-scale event to ensure appropriate personnel assignments.
- Compare cue-based and classical decision-making models.
- Describe how incident management is impacted by fire behavior.
- Summarize strategies for successful incident management on the scene of an emergency incident.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Firefighting strategies and tactics (Rev: 3rd ed.)
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning (2015)
Author: Angle, J. S., Gala, M. F., Jr., Harlow, T. D., Lombardo, W. B., & Maciuba, C. M.
ISBN: 9781284036435
Price: $97.12
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
A study of the growing and increasingly intricate problems of controlling and processing the refuse created by urban society. Includes discussion of issues concerning regulations and legislation with major emphasis on solid waste engineering principles.
Objectives
- Assess the fundamental science and engineering principles of solid waste management.
- Evaluate the evolution of technologies related to solid waste management.
- Assess the political environment as it relates to solid waste and solid waste management.
- Summarize laws and standards related to solid waste management.
- Describe best practices of solid waste management in an urban society.
- Relate leadership and management principles to effective solid waste management.
- Examine the impact of solid waste on human populations.
- Solve solid waste related problems through collaborative methods of problem solving.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Solid waste engineering: A global perspective (Rev: 3rd ed.)
Publisher: Cengage Learning (2017)
Author: Worrell, W. A., Vesilind, P. A., & Ludwig, C.
ISBN: 9781305635203
Price: $174.41
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
An in-depth study of advanced pollution prevention practices with the preparation of a pollution prevention management plan. Emphasizes methodologies that achieve environmental compliance through less expensive pollution control methods.
Objectives
- Describe federal laws related to pollution prevention.
- Conduct life cycle analyses.
- Explain pollution prevention audits.
- Evaluate economics of pollution prevention strategies.
- Examine impact of corporate philosophy on pollution prevention.
- Describe pollution prevention strategies for various industries.
- Identify best available technologies for various industries.
- Evaluate the impact of pollution prevention on ecosystems and biological communities.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Materials and the environment: Eco-informed material choice (Rev: 2nd ed.)
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann (2013)
Author: Ashby, M. F.
ISBN: 978-0-12-385971-6
Price: $72.75
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]
Description
An in-depth study of advanced air quality control science and management practices. Addresses health effects, environmental impacts, monitoring, modeling, and treatment.
Objectives
- Describe methods for monitoring air pollution.
- Critique air pollutant modeling equations and/or software.
- Assess health effects of air pollution.
- Examine causes of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Evaluate health risks of air pollution exposure.
- Estimate the impact of air pollution on the environment.
- Evaluate air pollution control technologies.
PreRequisites
None
Textbook(s)
Air quality (Rev: 5th ed.)
Publisher: CRC Press (2015)
Author: Godish, T., Davis, W. T., & Fu, J. S.
ISBN: 978-1-4665-8444-0
Price: $133.12
* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact the AU Bookstore at [email protected]