School of Business
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Department of Business
Doctor of Business Administration
Advance your evidence-based decision-making skills to be more impactful in business.
Earn an online doctorate in business
It is time to achieve the highest level you can in business. It is time to drive positive transformations in organizational performance and employee success. Enhance your skills and expertise with research, courses, and a dissertation. Your educational journey will be enriched by peers who share your passion for learning and achieving more within your cohort.
Credits60
Cost Per Credit$925
Important Dates
Submit your application by November 1 for a January 2025 start.
Cohort Format
Experience greater learning, networking, and collaboration with other doctoral students.
Questions? We’re here to help
Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.
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Program Overview
In this doctoral program, you will identify and research the challenges organizations are facing in today's evolving business environment. There is a focus on developing applicable knowledge and skills that you can take back to your workplace and make an immediate difference. Your growth as a scholar-practitioner will change your mindset when encountering complex issues and new business opportunities. With the completion of a dissertation, you will gain the confidence and expertise to a be an impactful leader in business.
This three-year, 60-credit program features two concentrations:
- Financial and Economic Management: Study how the financial and economic theory impacts global and regional organizations. You'll have the opportunity to explore further either financial or economic principles allowing you to apply the concepts to organizational structure and productivity.
- Organizational Performance and Change (OPC): Learn applied methods and theories that address organizational improvement by examining individual, team, and organizational analysis and enhancing decision-making techniques.
Concordia University offers another doctoral degree with the more research-intensive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Discover the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and dive into high-level research.
DBA Student Discussion
Listen to current students explain their reasons for pursuing a DBA and why they chose to earn their doctorate at Concordia University.
NEW - All But The Dissertation (ABD) option
Have you started your doctorate but life got in the way? Have you completed your DBA courses, but never finished your dissertation? Our program provides the opportunity for students who have completed all requirements for a doctorate at another institution except for their doctoral dissertation to earn their degree. Concordia University welcomes all applicants who have achieved this status in their graduate education. We will help you achieve your goal and set you up for success.
What to Expect
Be a part of a doctoral program that is focused on your goals, your learning needs, and your overall well-being. At Concordia, we understand that you have commitments outside of school that will need to take priority at times. This flexible approach will provide an easier pathway to earning your DBA.
- 60-credit program
- 8-week online sessions
- Cohort format
- 3-year expected completion
- Complete and defend your dissertation
- Attend two in-person residencies at our Wisconsin campus when you start the program and when you begin your final year of the program
- January and July start dates
Hear from our students
-
The DBA is a practical doctorate. It is a practical endeavor. You get to choose what you want to study. You get to choose what makes a difference to you.
Christopher Duncan / Current DBA Student, Business Administration -
This doctoral program is making a difference in your life, and you’re instantly making a difference in your team, and your organization.
Matthew Harwell / Current DBA Student, Organizational Change and Performance
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
Graduate Application Steps
Entrance requirements
- Must have a master's degree with a focus in this doctoral program or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in one's master's coursework. (A lower GPA will be considered on an individual basis.)
- Provide proof of English proficiency if English is a second language.
- No GMAT or GRE is required.
Admissions process for graduate school
- Application form available at
- Select the Graduate option
- Submit official transcripts from graduate or equivalent coursework
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references
- Submit an example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other related work
- Participate in a video-conference interview
Accepted into the program
- An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number.
- An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details and you will need to submit your tuition deposit.
- Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you with access to Blackboard, your Concordia email account, and your student portal.
Please note:
- Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet qualifications, please complete an application Uncommon Scholarship
Admission to the DBA program is governed by policies and procedures developed by the Batterman School of Business and Concordia University of Wisconsin. The University reserves the right to refuse admission or re-admission to any prospective study or re-enrollment to any student. Any applicant who intentionally withholds pertinent information or falsifies information may be required to withdraw from Concordia University. The University and the Batterman School of Business reserve the right to make necessary changes to admission requirement without notice.
The DBA is a competitive admissions process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DBA program. Concordia University of Wisconsin and the Batterman School of Business may request additional documentation to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admissions decision can be made.
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis through the calendar year.
Credit Transfer
Effective in the Fall 2022 semester, students who have taken equivalent doctoral-level courses at a different university can submit a DBA Transfer Credit Application to have up to 30 credits count towards Concordia's DBA program requirements. Courses must be equivalent in scope and rigor to Concordia's DBA courses.
Concordia MBA students who receive pre-approval to take up to 12 qualifying DBA credits (at the 8000-level or above) may count these credits toward the DBA program.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a transfer credit request to have the credit(s) applied to the DBA program. Students may be asked to submit a syllabus for coursework being considered for transfer, along with a rationale as to why the student believes the course(s) meets the DBA requirements. Eligibility of transfer credits will be assessed by the DBA Director and based on relevance to DBA studies.
International Students
- International students should contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@cuw.edu for additional information on eligibility and application requirements. For more details, please visit our International Admissions website page.
Contact Us
Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.
Angela Belz
Ph.D., M.S.
Department Chair - Qualitative Programs, Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2174
Bio
Angela Belz teaches marketing, public relations, business communication and leadership administration. Her research focuses on how organizational systems and business principles can improve the conditions of under-served populations. She recently initiated and was approved to create a neuromarketing lab in the School of Business in order to enhance the scientific quantitative research into consumer decision making and human behavior.
Education
- Ph D - Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, Cardinal Stritch University (2018)
- MS - Student Personnel Administration, ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2007)
- BA - Business Administration , Ottawa University (2004)
Research Interests
- Social media and consumer behavior
- Social media and mental health
Teaching Interests
- Marketing Research/Neuromarketing
- Public Relations
Gerard Isaac Bolling
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (347) 257-7599
Bio
Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Leadership and Theology at Concordia University Texas, and also as an LCMS Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis. His professorship is fully online, and teaching remote students is a major a passion of his. Dr. Bolling is a proud ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ EdD LICI 2020 program graduate. He has been married to his lovely wife, Lorenda, for six years and they have two young children.
Education
- EDD - Leadership, Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI), ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2020)
- M Div - Pastoral Theology, Concordia Seminary (2016)
Research Interests
- Leadership
- Urban Ministry
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Teaching Interests
- Leadership
- Business/Nonprofit leadership
- Theology/Religion
David Borst
BS, MBA, EDD
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 828-9298
Bio
Dr. David Borst is the Executive Director and COO of the Family Business Leadership Partners (FBLP). Prior to joining FBLP as the director, Dr. Borst served 18 years at ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ, the last six as dean of the School of Business. Dr. Borst left ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ fulltime in 2014 to run multiple businesses under his label of borstthebrand.com. He is a regular columnist in Biztimes magazine , and is the Director of the Raabe Honors Academy.
Education
- EDD - Higher Education, Argosy (2003)
- MBA - Business Ethics, Marquette (1987)
Research Interests
- Economics
Teaching Interests
- Economics
- Finance
- Marketing
Julie Dilling
PhD, MBA, CPA
Adjunct Professor
Bio
My industry experience includes five years as an accountant in service and manufacturing. This work experience is followed by 13 years at an international public accounting firm where my career began in tax and transitioned to senior manager of a consulting division specializing in accounting software implementations. Teaching is my passion. I strive to be a mentor that promotes a growth mindset to support students in their educational endeavors.
Education
- Ph D - Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology, Grand Canyon University (2019)
- MBA - University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (1995)
Contributions
- Dilling, J. (2020). Comparing teaching and social presence in traditional and online community college learning environments. (vol. 44 (10-12), pp. 854-869). Community College Journal of Research and Practice.
Presentations
- Dillling, J., Varga, M. & Mandernach, B., (1970). Quality peer review to create best practices for online learning. Oral Presentation. Proceeding of the 2017 Annual Business Occupations Systems Symposium – 2017. Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA.
- Dilling, J. & Harmsen, A. (1970). Quality peer review to create best practices for online learning. Oral Presentation. Proceeding of the 2017 Higher Learning Commission Conference. 2017, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Dilling, J. & Hurtienne, M. (1970). Student success: Elements that promote persistence through development. Oral Presentation. Proceeding of the Annual Flexible Learning Conference – 2016. Madison, WI, USA.
- Dilling, J. & Hurtienne, M. (1970). Persistence of nontraditional students in online education. Oral Presentation. Proceedings of Canvas - 2014 Conference. Park City, UT, USA.
Gene Gloeckner
Ph.D, MS, BS
Adjunct Professor
Bio
I've been a professor of research design and statistics for several decades. I have been the advisor for over 65 doctoral students. Those students are my second most proud accomplishments, behind my three children. I have written dozens of articles, textbooks, and chapters. I love snow skiing. I also enjoy water skiing, running, yoga, meditation, and family time. I look forward to learning more about you.
Education
- Ph D - Technology Education, Research Design, The Ohio State University (1983)
- MS - Industrial Sciences, Colorado State University (1977)
Research Interests
- Learning and Teaching
- Higher Education
- Organization Performance and Change
Teaching Interests
- Quantitative Research Design
- Mixed Methods Research Design
- Statistics
Kenneth E. Harris
Ph.D; MBA; BA; BS
Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy
Phone: (262) 243-4365
Bio
Kenneth Harris, Jr., Ph.D. is Department Chair - Justice and Public Policy; Chief Strategist of Talented Strategies; retired Police Lieutenant; President - Launch MKE; President - 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee; Commissioner - City of Milwaukee Civic and Safety Commission.
Education
- Ph D - Leadership Studies, Marian University (2009)
- MBA - Finance, ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2002)
- BA - Management of Criminal Justice, ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2000)
- BS - Mass Communication, Illinois State University (1984)
- Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University (2019)
Research Interests
- African American Law Enforcement Officers
- Self-Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership
Erik W. Hollander
Ed.D., MBA
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 732-7297
Bio
Erik brings wide ranging career experience with over 10 years in Medical Oncology (including Leadership roles), and over 10 years in Higher Education (including full and part time faculty). Erik has traveled the world and presented research in Europe. He currently works as a consultant.
Education
- EDD - Organizational Change and Leadership, University of Southern California (2020)
- MBA - Healthcare Administration, ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2011)
Research Interests
- Organizational Performance
- Healthcare
- Student Success
Teaching Interests
- Organizational Change
- Healthcare
- Management
Laura E. Hurtienne
Ed.D. Transformational Leadership
Director - DBA Program, Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2093
Bio
Dr. Laura Hurtienne is an educator and researcher. She earned her Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership from Concordia University Portland and is an alumna of ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ, where she earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. As a professor, she teaches and writes doctoral and undergraduate courses in leadership, change, research, and innovation. Dr. Hurtienne also supports doctoral students as a dissertation advisor. She is fully engaged in the fields of equity leadership, change management, employee engagement, and organizational development. Dr. Hurtienne has experience owning her own healthcare business and has consulted with businesses and organizations during critical times of transformation.
Education
- EDD - Transformational Leadership , Concordia University Portland (2017)
- MS - Education, ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ (2012)
- BA - Music, University of Wisconsin Parkside (1999)
Contributions
- Hurtienne, L. & Hurtienne, M. (2024). An introduction to equity leadership: Meeting individual employee needs across organizations. In Dr. Thomas Garavan (Ed.), (5/6 ed., vol. 48, pp. 609-624). European Journal of Training and Development.
Presentations
- Hurtienne, L. (2022). Preliminary Findings of the Theory of Educational Change.. Other. Academy of Human Resource Development Conference. Moved from in person to online.
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Change
Teaching Interests
- Leadership and change
- Leadership and engagment
Matthew Hurtienne
Ph.D.
Dean - Batterman School of Business, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2024
Education
- Ph D - Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University (2015)
- MS - Organizational Leadership, Norwich University (2009)
- BS - Management, Southern Illinois University (2007)
- Instructional Design Mastery Series , Online Learning Consortium (2016)
Contributions
- Hurtienne, L. & Hurtienne, M. (2024). An introduction to equity leadership: Meeting individual employee needs across organizations. In Dr. Thomas Garavan (Ed.), (5/6 ed., vol. 48, pp. 609-624). European Journal of Training and Development.
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Effectivness
Teaching Interests
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational, Performance, and Change
Jarod Husmann
Ph.D., PT, FACHE
Adjunct Professor
Education
- Ph D - Business Management, Capella University (2020)
- MS - Healthcare Administration, Capella University (2006)
Research Interests
- Organizational Readiness for Change
- Operations & Process Improvement
Teaching Interests
- Healthcare Management & Administration
- Organizational Change Management
- General Business Management
Oleg Ivanets
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Quantitative Business, Assistant Professor
Office: Student Services - CUAA SS134
Bio
I have 7 years of industry experience in private equity followed by 8 years of university teaching experience. My research interests are macroeconomics and monetary policy; financial stability; long-term investments and sustainable development.
Education
- Ph D - Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2018)
- MS - Economic cybernetics, Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (2006)
Presentations
- Ivanets, O. (2022). A road to hell is paved with good intentions: an empirical investigation of the macroeconomic impact of mortgage loans using VAR. Case of Australia.. Oral Presentation. 97th WEAI (Western Economic Association International) Conference. Portland, Oregon.
Research Interests
- Financial stability
- Sustainable development
Teaching Interests
- Finance
- Economics
Jennifer Knowles
Ph.D, M.S.
Assistant Professor
Bio
Assistant Professor Faculty in the School of Business who teaches primarily in the Doctor of Business Administration program.
Education
- Ph D - Organizational Learning, Performance and Change, Colorado State University (2017)
- MS - Human Resources and Organizational Development, Eastern Michigan University (2003)
- BS - English, University of Michigan (2000)
Contributions
- Knowles, J. & Mainiero, L. (2021). "Authentic Talent Development in Women Leaders Who Opted Out: Discovering Authenticity, Balance, and Challenge through the Kaleidoscope Career Model. " In Special Issue Editors: Dr. Justin Irving and Dr. Christopher Howard, of the Special Issue: Servant Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (Ed.), no. (2 ed., vol. 11). Basel: Administrative Sciences.
Research Interests
- Authenticity, Balance and Challenge
- Women in the Workforce
Teaching Interests
- Organizational Performance and Change
- Social Entrepreneurship
Daniel Sem
PhD, JD, MBA
Associate Vice President - Academics for Research and Innovation, Research Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2778
Education
- JD - Intellectual Property; Corporate Law, Marquette University (2015)
- Ph D - Biochemistry, UW-Madison (1990)
- MBA - Marquette University (2013)
- BS - Biochemistry, UW-MIlwaukee (1986)
Contributions
- Sem, D. & Beck, J. Academic Freedom in Private Religious Universities.
- Usai, R., Kaluka, D., Cai, S., Sem, D. & Kincaid, J. (2023). Solution phase refinement of active site structure using 2D NMR and judiciously 13C-labeled cytochrome P450. (vol. 241, pp. 9). Elsevier.
- Wetzel, E., Marks, K., Gleason, A., Brown-Ford, S., Reid, T., Chaundhury, S., Lindeman, S., Sem, D. & Donaldson, W. (2022). Discovery of two novel (4-hydroxyphenyl) substituted polycyclic carbocycles as potent and selective estrogen receptor beta agonists. (vol. 73, pp. 5). Elsevier.
- Sem, D. (2021). Chronic oral administration of a novel estrogen receptor beta agonist enhances memory and alleviates drug-induced vasodilation in young ovariectomized mice. (vol. 130, pp. 10498). Hormones and Behavior.
- Sem, D. (2020). Synthesis and evaluation of 17a-trazolyl and 9a-cyano derivatives of estradiol. . (vol. 28, pp. 115670). Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry.
Research Interests
- Drug design and development
- Intellectual property
Teaching Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
J. Michelle Sullivan
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Dr. J. Michelle Sullivan has a healthcare background of more than 20+ years that involves working on a variety of projects as an employee, vendor, and contractor in both "for profit" and "not-for-profit" health systems and medical centers. Combining her knowledge of healthcare specialties with information technology resulted in many successful implementations and adaptations of workflows to computer applications, processes, and hospital policies.
Education
- Ph D - Organization Learning, Performance and Change (OLPC), Colorado State University (2020)
- MA - Computer Resource Management and Information Systems, Webster University (1996)
Research Interests
- Tolerance of Ambiguity in Health Care
- Systems and Processes in Health Care
- Building Trust in Health Care
Teaching Interests
- Hospital Administration
- Electronic Health Record and Associated Information Systems
- Business Intelligence and Data Analysis
Wayne Roger Wendling
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 581-0487
Bio
Applied economics has been the focus of Wayne Wendling during has 40-year career in which he has directed applied economics and analytics research teams for major health associations, insurance companies and foundations. He has authored over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings and books, and has served on industry, public policy and university advisory research committees. Wayne Wendling is also the holder of a patent.
Education
- Ph D - Economics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1977)
- BA - Economics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1971)
Contributions
- Wendling, W. (1976). Optimum Pricing Strategies for Sports Events. (vol. Management Science in Sports). North-Holland Publishing Company.
- Wendling, W. (1979). A Comparison of Probit, Logit, Discriminant Analysis and OLS. Proceedings of the American Statistical Association.
- Wendling, W. (1980). Health Manpower Programs to Affect Physician Location. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law.
- Wendling, W. (1980). Nonprofit Firms and the Economic Theory of Regulation. Quarterly Review of Economics and Business.
- Wendling, W. (1984). The Plant Closure Policy Dilemma: Labor, Law and Bargaining. Kalamazoo: The Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Research Interests
- Corporate Objectives and Market Performance
- Risk Management and Capital Allocation
- Economic Cycles and Quality of Care in Health Care Facilities
Teaching Interests
- Microeconomics - Market Structure
- Risk Management
- Econometrics
Martin Zummersch
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (920) 400-0563
Bio
For the last 20 years, Dr. Zummersch has been involved in the development of new product development strategies, the creation of successful product portfolios, and the development and launch of large product platforms in the industrial and consumer goods industries in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Dr. Zummersch is member of the Project Management Institute PMI, and the American Society for Quality ASQ.
Education
- DBA - Business Administration, Case Western Reserve University (2008)
- MBA - Operations Management, Case Western Reserve University (1999)
Research Interests
- Group Decision Making
- Organizational Frontlines
- Design Thinking
Teaching Interests
- Project Management
- Operations Research
- Statistics
All But The Dissertation
How does it work?
- As an incoming student, you can transfer up to 30 credits into the DBA program.
- In addition, 30 credits will be needed to graduate - 24 credits through research courses to help you write your dissertation and 6 topical credits.
- Collaborate with other DBA students in one three-day residency in either January or July of the year you begin.
- Your faculty advisor will guide you through seven dissertation courses so you make consistent progress from day one.
- Average length of completion is 1.5 year.
- Upon dissertation completion, you will graduate with a Doctorate in Business Administration.
To be admitted into the DBA program, applicants must:
- Have a master’s degree with a focus in business or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Submit an application at
- Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Seven year maximum for transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. Credits aged between 8 and 12 years can be accepted as an exception, with director approval.
- Must have completed all required doctoral program coursework and/or achieved candidacy at another institution
- Cannot be academically dismissed from the previous doctoral program
- Previous doctoral programs must academically align with a degree program and specialization offered by Concordia
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references
- Submit a personal statement (no more than 3 pages)
- Discuss events that lead to the ABD status
- Explain how the ²Ê°ÔÍõÁùФ Doctorate of Business Administration ABD pathway can help you meet your goals.
- A research topic or interest area that the applicant plans to study
- Participate in a video-conference interview
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior doctoral program.Exception with director approval
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide English proficiency
Informational Webinars
Our latest webinar features valuable insights from two current DBA students. Their discussion touches on the dissertation, the benefits of a cohort, our program's flexiblity, and how to manage a doctoral with work and life.
Previously recorded webinars:
Doctorate of Business Blogs
Concordia celebrates its inaugural DBA graduates
Celebrating short-term wins: A catalyst for long-term success at work
How these Army veterans are rising in the ranks with a DBA from Concordia
Creating a positive remote organization
Concordia announces new business school appointments
Equity Leadership: Impact on Employee Engagement
Developing Leaders in a VUCA World from an Online Master's through Doctorate
Cracking the Talent Management Code
Student Spotlight: James Trazile
DBA Student Story: Jennifer Kowal
Getting your DBA at Concordia University: Our Uncommon Approach
Student Spotlight: Kayla Gritzmacher
Demand is Surging for Business Sustainability Professionals
What is a DBA Residency?
Creating a Healing Organization
Facutly Spotlight: Dr. Dana Sendziol
Improving HR's Organizational Performance
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jenny Kehl
Five Contemporary OPC Trends in the Workplace
Uncommon Business Part 1: Business Sustainability at Concordia University
Uncommon Business Part 2: Transforming Business Sustainability through Impactful Education
DBA Students and Residency
Doctoral Dissertations
We are excited to share the dissertation titles successfully defended by our inaugural graduates of the DBA program at Concordia University.
Doctoral Student: Joseph Smith, Director of Weights and Measures, State of Wisconsin
Dissertation Title: Perceptions of State Government Employees on Diversity and the Citizen Outcomes from Diversity in Government
Doctoral Student: Kayla Gritzmacher, Director of Clinical Services, Compassus
Dissertation Title: Effects of Nurse Burnout on Patient Fall Rates in Long Term Care
