Why pursue a Doctor of Business Administration at Nelson University?
- Grounded in ethical leadership and a biblical worldview
- Designed to fit the schedules of full-time working professionals
- Emphasis on real-world applied research addressing practical organizational challenges
- Cohort-based learning that fosters connection, accountability, and peer support
- Direct mentorship from faculty and doctoral chairs throughout the research process
- Residency experiences that strengthen community and support doctoral progress
- Integrates theory, practice, and Kingdom-minded purpose to prepare graduates for high-impact leadership
What You’ll Learn
This program develops advanced leadership, research, and strategic decision-making skills grounded in a biblical worldview.
Core Competencies
- Applied qualitative & quantitative research
- Strategic & financial modeling
- Organizational change design
- Ethical leadership & stewardship
- Advanced communication & collaboration
- Cultural intelligence in global business settings
Program Structure
Years 1–2: Coursework (36 credits in A/B format)
- Research methods
- Prospectus development
- Leadership and strategy courses
- Residency 1
Years 3–4: Doctoral Study Courses (Four 6-credit classes)
- Work with Chair & Committee
- Residency 2
- Complete doctoral research project
Sample Courses
- Applied Business Research
- Strategic Decision-Making & Kingdom Vision
- Corporate Governance, Ethics & Accountability
- Research Methods (Qualitative & Quantitative)
- Doctoral Prospectus Development
- Doctoral Study I–IV
“Nelson has a phenomenal business school and the professors within that program help students stay competitive in real world situations.”
– Mike Jones
Graduate Student
Admission Requirements & Candidate Readiness
Candidates may apply for either a Fall or Spring cohort start. Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (preferably in business, leadership, or a related field), although applicants from other disciplines may be considered based on professional experience.
Required materials include official transcripts, a current résumé or CV, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and vocational calling, and professional or academic letters of recommendation. Select applicants may also participate in an interview with program faculty.
In addition to meeting academic requirements, successful DBA candidates typically demonstrate the skills and readiness needed for doctoral-level work. These include the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, work independently, and engage in sustained research. Strong professional experience, ethical decision-making, leadership capacity, and the ability to collaborate with peers in a cohort setting will contribute significantly to a candidate’s success in the program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Nelson University is committed to providing a high-quality, Christ-centered doctoral education at an accessible cost for working professionals. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is a 60-credit hour degree priced at $600 per credit hour.
Students may be eligible for federal financial aid, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funding for doctoral-level study. Nelson’s Financial Aid Office is available to help candidates explore available options, create a sustainable plan, and understand the full cost of attendance.
For more details on available aid, payment plans, and next steps, please visit our Office of Financial Aid.
Careers and Outcomes
| Possible Careers |
|---|
| Executive leadership roles (CEO, COO, CFO, Senior Vice President) |
| Organizational development and change management positions |
| Management consulting for corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations |
| Academic careers in teaching, research, and higher education administration |
FAQS
A master’s degree in business or a related field (MBA, MOL, MPA, etc.) is strongly preferred. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on professional experience.
The program is designed to be completed in approximately four years. Students spend the first two years completing 36 credits of content, methodology, and prospectus courses, followed by 24 credits of doctoral research study courses during the final two years.
Courses follow an A/B model, meaning students take one course per 8-week session, or two courses per semester. This allows students to maintain progress at a steady pace while balancing work and personal commitments.
These are full-semester, 6-credit courses where candidates work directly with a Doctoral Chair and Committee to complete their applied research study. Students move through their writing in structured stages with individualized mentoring.
The DBA Study fosters a collaboration between the development of advanced research that synthesizes theoretical knowledge from a biblical worldview with crucial, real-world business problems in industry, leadership, ministry, or organizational settings. Candidates will have the ability to identify existing business problems within a theoretical framework for the research focus of their study. The topics can align with their professional interest contingent of approval from the doctoral committee.
There are two cohort residencies:
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Residency One takes place during the content courses.
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Residency Two occurs during the second applied research study course.
It is encouraged that participants plan to be attend residencies in person as they provide opportunities to connect with faculty, cohort peers, and receive face-to-face guidance on research development.
Yes. The DBA program equips leaders in faith-based, mission-driven organizations to catalyze team performance, optimize organizational systems, and drive strategic growth initiatives across both the non-profit and traditional commercial sectors.
Students will also explore how emerging technologies (including AI, automation, and advanced analytics) are shaping organizational strategy, decision-making, and ethical leadership in today’s business environment.