Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Unicollege – Westcliff University Programs
Unicollege and Westcliff University partner to deliver graduate-level academic programs, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees, within an international learning environment. Unicollege, a degree-granting higher education institution based in Italy, manages international outreach, student orientation, academic advising, and enrollment support, while Westcliff University, a WASC-accredited university in the United States, provides all academic delivery, instruction, assessment, and supervision from program start through graduation. Programs are offered fully online and are designed to accommodate international learners across disciplines and academic levels, while also offering exclusive partner-granted scholarships for Unicollege applicants, dedicated international cohorts with schedules aligned to European time zones, and personalized one-to-one academic and administrative assistance throughout the program. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a U.S.-accredited degree from Westcliff University, recognized internationally.
DBA Program Description
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for candidates who, having already completed a Masters program, are looking to further develop their practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles that govern global business. Our DBA program emphasizes advanced decision-making and leadership skills as well as in-depth knowledge of theory and applied research. Students have the opportunity to explore challenges facing business today, including corporate social responsibility, globalization, and managing change. In keeping with our commitment to working adult professionals, we have one of the few doctoral programs in Southern California that allows students to complete their doctoral studies in a hybrid or online format. The performance outcomes which are required for the completion of the program include class participation, response to discussion questions, writing research papers, group assignments, case study analyses, quizzes, Comprehensive Learning Assessments, and a Doctoral Dissertation.
Program Structure
- 3 years full-time (the duration may be shorter depending on the number of credits recognized from prior academic studies and/or validated professional experience).
- Candidates may apply for credit recognition (up to 50% of the total credit requirement) based on prior academic studies or relevant professional experience.
- Fully online, designed for international and multi-time-zone participation
- Typically one live taught class per week
- Weekly readings, applied assignments, and assessments
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master-level degree from a regionally, nationally, or internationally accredited institution (including NACES-recognized credentials)
- English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
Enrollments are open all year round with starting windows every 2 months.
Tuition and Scholarships
Applicants applying through Unicollege may access exclusive partner-granted scholarships of up to 75% of the total program cost, awarded based on academic merit, prior academic achievements, and professional experience.
Enrollment
Applying through Unicollege provides access to dedicated guidance, enhanced scholarship opportunities, and personalized admissions support.
For applications or further information, please contact: phd@unicollege.eu
Required Courses
Year I – 21 Credit Hours
- DOC 700 – Doctoral Common Foundation – 3 credit hours
- LDR 700 – Leadership and Creative Solutions Implementation – 3 credit hours
- MGT 700 – Corporate Strategy – 3 credit hours
- FIN 700 – Research in Entrepreneurial Finance – 3 credit hours
- MKT 700 – Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior – 3 credit hours
- DOC 705 – Quantitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 710 – Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
Year II – 18 Credit Hours
- Concentration Course I – 3 credit hours
- Concentration Course II – 3 credit hours
- ECO 700 – Business in a Global Economy – 3 credit hours
- ORG 700 – Doctoral Seminar in Sustainable Organizations – 3 credit hours
- DOC 715 – Prospectus – 3 credit hours
DOC 720 – Literature Review – 3 credit hours
Year III – 18 Credit Hours
- Concentration Course III – 3 credit hours
- Concentration Course IV – 3 credit hours
- DIS 900 – Doctoral Dissertation Course I – 3 credit hours
- DIS 901 – Doctoral Dissertation Course II – 3 credit hours
- DIS 902 – Doctoral Dissertation Course III – 3 credit hours
- DIS 903 – Doctoral Dissertation Course IV – 3 credit hours
Capstone Course – 12 Credit Hours
In addition to the core curriculum, students may choose to complete a concentration by taking four (4) courses totaling 12 credit hours in a selected specialization area. Concentration options can be discussed during Unicollege’s one-to-one orientation sessions or explored directly on the dedicated program pages on the Westcliff University website.