The first students to enroll in ADU’s recently accredited DBA program started with classes yesterday. This first group of students, who met the university’s academic requirements for doctorate studies, has secured their admission into this unique program due to the fact that they are elite group of suitably qualified individuals. The program is especially designed to cope with the developments in the sector of business administration in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, the ADU Chancellor, stressed the importance of the program which has a special study plan designed to include scientific courses and a doctor’s thesis mainly related to the sector of business administration and its continuous changes. This is a great challenge and all researchers will select a thesis topic which will focus on issues related to the field of business administration, aimed at solving specific issues while enhancing the future of this dynamic sector.
He explained that the objective of launching this program is to build a national foundation of specialized research capital, adopting the highest international standards by renowned international universities and research centers.
This forms part of the implementation of the university’s strategy to become a bridge between the civilizations of the east and the west - a center for exchanging knowledge, technology and applications that will reinforce the progress of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in all the different fields of study.
Dr. Jacob M. Chacko, Dean of the College of Business Administration, said that the doctorate program in Business Administration is designed to enhance and enrich the experience of experts and executives, to support the ability to develop their knowledge and a sound understanding of theories in addition to applying them and to help higher education centers, consultants and academics specialized in business administration. It is a part-time program consisting of 14 courses taught within 28 months followed by the doctor’s thesis in two phases ranging from 10 to 20 months. He was quoted to say: “The program aims at reinforcing the professional and executive practice as a rich program which prepares executive managers for high-profile leading positions in both private and governmental sectors. The DBA program is considered the highest and finest academic degree offered in business administration which qualifies graduates to be faculty members at universities all around the world.”
The DBA program consists of two back-to-back phases. The first phase consists of 43 hours of classes and preparation for suggested research. The second phase consists out of 24 hours dedicated to the writing of a dissertation. Admission requirements for first phase include a master degree in Business Administration or equivalent, a cumulative GPA 3.5 (3.00 to 3.49 can be accepted when a suitable GMAT score can be furnished), 3 professional letters of recommendation by an employer stating the qualities and proficiency of the student in his / her field, an TOEFL score of 550 or a 6 in the Academic IELTS, a certificate of experience for a minimum of 2 years in a regular or higher administrative position. Admission to second phase requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in the first phase and the acceptance of the research plan by the designated academic committee.
