Business Administration (Doctorate)

Hood College's Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) welcomes experienced professionals from diverse industries who are ready to advance their leadership, expand their expertise, and apply research to real-world organizational challenges.

Applicants with an MBA or another qualifying business-related graduate degree are eligible for consideration.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the following requirements:

1. Initial Eligibility Review

• Submit a current resume to gofurther@hood.edu. The DBA Program Director will review your professional experience and academic background and may invite you to an initial conversation about your goals and program eligibility.

  2. Online Application

  Complete the online graduate application.

• Academic Qualifications and Official Transcripts

  Hold an MBA or another qualifying business-related graduate degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and completion of at least one statistics course.

  Official electronic transcripts should be sent directly from the issuing institution through Parchment or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu.

  3. Professional Experience

  Submit a current resume demonstrating a minimum of eight years of progressive professional experience, including leadership responsibilities.

  4. Letters of Recommendation

  Submit two letters of recommendation:

  • One from an employer or supervisor addressing your professional experience and leadership abilities.
  • One from an individual who can speak to your leadership potential and professional qualifications.

  5. Personal Statement

  Submit a 400–500-word essay explaining your interest in pursuing a DBA, your professional aspirations, and how the program aligns with your goals.

  6. Leadership Essay

  Submit a 500–750-word essay responding to one of the following prompts:

  • What role does leadership play in addressing the challenges facing organizations in the twenty-first century?
  • Leadership is often described as the "art of influence." What lessons have you learned from a leader you admire?
  • How does your leadership style compare with that of a leader you admire and respect?
  • How does sustainable leadership, including economic, social, and environmental responsibility, align with your leadership philosophy?

  7. Additional Admission Documentation

  Submit one of the following, as applicable:

  • Standardized test scores (SLLA, GRE, GMAT, or MAT).

  • Evidence of graduate-level culminating research experience, such as a capstone project, thesis, fieldwork, or action research project.

    International applicants must also provide evidence of English language proficiency and a course-by-course credential evaluation from a NACES- or AICE-member organization, as applicable. Visit the International Graduate Admission Requirements page for details.

Admission Interview

Following an initial review of completed applications, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the doctoral review committee. This conversation provides an opportunity to discuss professional experience, leadership aspirations, and readiness for doctoral-level study.

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 8 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

The Doctoral Program in Business Administration (DBA) is a cohort-based  program with hybrid scheduling that provides flexibility for busy professionals. Coursework for the multidisciplinary program is completed in three years.

Students progress through 60 credits of coursework over a period of three years that include 27 credits of core leadership courses, 9 credits of research methods courses, 12 elective credits from the Delaplaine School of Business. Finally, 12 credits of dissertation research courses provide the structural support to ensure candidates complete their dissertations and earn their doctorate. Faculty continue to provide necessary one-on-one support for two semesters beyond the third year.  If candidates need even more time to complete their dissertation work, additional support is provided with 1-credit courses every semester until they complete their dissertations.

Classes are offered on Saturdays in a flexible, hybrid format, with in-person classes on some Saturdays.

Saturday-Only Format
All courses are held on Saturdays, allowing working professionals to balance academic and career demands while maintaining consistency and structure throughout the program.

Cohort-Based Community
Students join a supportive cohort of peers from diverse industries, forming strong professional relationships and a sense of shared purpose that extends beyond graduation.

Faculty Mentorship
Faculty members offer individualized support at every stage—from coursework to dissertation—resulting in a high completion rate and a deeply personalized doctoral journey.

Leadership-Focused Impact
Students are encouraged to pursue research topics with relevance to organizational, community, or societal transformation, preparing them to lead at the highest levels.

Community Integration
The program fosters connections within the Hood College ecosystem, the greater Frederick business community, and professional organizations, enhancing post-graduation opportunities.

Photo Gallery

• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2022
• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2021
• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2020

Graduates of the DBA program will be able to:

• Conduct applied research that advances knowledge and improves organizational performance

• Integrate leadership, ethics, and strategy in solving complex business problems

• Demonstrate mastery of business theory and apply it in executive decision-making

• Communicate as thought leaders, consultants, and academic contributors

• Transition into senior leadership, adjunct teaching roles, or independent consulting

• Earn the title “Dr.”, which brings professional recognition and opens doors in diverse sectors 

  Graduates of Hood’s DBA program are prepared to excel in roles such as:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)

• Organizational Development Consultant

• Adjunct or Full-Time Business Faculty

• Leadership Coach or Executive Trainer

• Business Author or Speaker

• Entrepreneurial and Nonprofit Leader

  The DBA enhances your credentials, expands your influence, and positions you as a trusted authority in the business world.