Master of Science in Applied Finance
The Master of Science in Applied Finance (MSAF) at Pepperdine University is designed fo...
Doctor of Business Administration
Malibu, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
Pepperdine University's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced, research-oriented degree designed for seasoned professionals and executives who aspire to deepen their expertise in business theory and practice. The program bridges the gap between academic research and practical business applications, enabling graduates to contribute to both the academic community and the corporate world. With a focus on real-world problem-solving, the DBA program prepares students to become thought leaders and innovators in their respective industries.
Curriculum: The DBA program at Pepperdine features a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that blends advanced coursework in business theory, research methods, and strategic management. Students engage in in-depth studies of topics such as organizational behavior, financial analysis, global business strategies, and leadership development. The program’s structure includes a mix of classroom instruction, independent research, and practical application, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates the student’s ability to apply research to real-world business challenges.
Research Focus: The DBA program at Pepperdine places a strong emphasis on applied research. Students are encouraged to explore contemporary issues in business management, innovation, and global markets. The research component is designed to enable students to develop new insights and strategies that can be implemented in their organizations or shared with the broader business community. Topics of research may include emerging trends in digital transformation, sustainable business practices, and leadership in complex global environments.
Industry Engagement: Pepperdine’s DBA program offers numerous opportunities for industry engagement. Through partnerships with leading businesses, students are able to collaborate with executives and practitioners to tackle real-world business problems. These interactions provide valuable insights into current industry trends and challenges, while also offering networking opportunities that can enhance students’ careers. Guest speakers, workshops, and industry conferences further enrich the learning experience.
Global Perspective: Understanding the global business environment is a core element of the DBA program at Pepperdine. Students are exposed to international business practices and challenges, with coursework and research that examine global markets, cross-cultural leadership, and international trade. This global perspective ensures that graduates are equipped to lead and innovate in a diverse and interconnected world, making them valuable assets to multinational corporations and global organizations.
Location
Malibu, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 38552
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 100 or higher.
Pepperdine University offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are intended to ease the financial burden of studying abroad and recognize the achievements and potential of students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Pepperdine provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships are awarded based on the student's academic record, standardized test scores, and overall achievements.
Need-Based Scholarships: In addition to merit-based awards, Pepperdine offers need-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to students who require additional support to cover tuition and living expenses.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available for international students to support their studies at Pepperdine. These awards may be based on factors such as academic excellence, leadership skills, and contribution to the university community. Eligibility criteria and application procedures can vary, so it is essential for students to review the specific requirements for each scholarship.
External Scholarships: Pepperdine University encourages international students to apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, and international foundations. These scholarships can provide additional financial support and complement the university's financial aid offerings.
Graduates of Pepperdine University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program are equipped with advanced expertise in both academic research and practical business strategies, opening a wide range of career opportunities across industries. The DBA is designed for experienced professionals seeking to elevate their careers to executive leadership roles or pivot into academia, consulting, or thought leadership.
Executive Leadership Roles: DBA graduates often ascend to top-tier leadership positions such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Their ability to integrate research-backed strategies into organizational practices makes them highly valuable in leading corporations, managing change, and driving innovation.
Consulting: Many DBA holders leverage their expertise to become high-level consultants, offering businesses strategic advice on areas like operations, leadership development, digital transformation, and global market expansion. Their research skills make them proficient in addressing complex business problems and providing evidence-based solutions.
Academia and Research: The DBA prepares graduates for academic careers, including roles as business school faculty, researchers, or academic deans. Graduates often publish in prestigious journals, contribute to the development of business theory, and mentor future leaders in MBA and doctoral programs.
Corporate Strategy and Innovation: Graduates are sought after for positions in corporate strategy, where they can develop long-term plans, assess market trends, and lead innovation initiatives. Their research acumen allows them to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, positioning them to steer organizations toward sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership: With a deep understanding of business theory and strategy, DBA graduates are well-positioned to start their own ventures or scale existing businesses. Their knowledge of advanced management techniques helps them make informed decisions in running successful enterprises.
Nonprofit Leadership: Some DBA graduates take leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, applying their skills in strategy, operations, and leadership to drive mission-focused goals, improve efficiency, and achieve greater impact in the communities they serve.
