Next Application Date
June 15 for Fall Term
Credits
72
Pacing
Part-Time
Format
Hybrid
Type of Program
Doctoral
Advance Your Expertise in Doctor of Business Administration
Tackle today’s most complex business challenges through evidence-based insight and applied research. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business empowers experienced leaders to advance into strategic leadership, consulting, public-sector impact, or research-oriented academic roles.
Learn directly from distinguished faculty while engaging in coursework that connects research with real-time decision-making at work.
Program highlights:
- 72 credit hours, of which 27 credits come from a qualifying master’s degree 45 credits completed over three years across six terms
- One start date per year, with applications open annually between September and June
- Includes a one-week Colloquium after the first and second years focusing on workshops dedicated to helping students with research in preparation for the Practicum Research Project (PRP)
- Dedicated faculty advising for the PRP
- AACSB-accredited through Pitt Business: Fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier global accreditor for business schools. This signals the highest standard of excellence in business education.
Eligibility
The program is for experienced professionals pursuing executive-level leadership, consulting, public-sector impact, or research-oriented academic careers. We consider students with at least eight years of professional experience and who currently work in a middle-to-top management position. Students must enter the program with a qualifying master's degree of 27 credits or more.
On-Campus
Experience
Students participate in a one-week on-campus Colloquium after the first and second years.
Accreditation
The DBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Important Application Dates
The Doctor of Business Administration has one application cycle per year. You can start the program in the fall of each year.
Application deadline
June 15
Class start
Fall Term
What to Expect in Your Classes
This program offers doctoral-level coursework plus a Practicum Research Project, totaling 72 credit hours (45 completed in program; 27+ from a qualifying master's). All coursework is delivered in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to study from anywhere. Classes run for 7 to 14 weeks, allowing you to complete the program in approximately three years across six terms. Students will study part-time, with two terms per year (fall and spring).
- Credit Hours 45
- Format Hybrid
- Class Lengths 7-14 weeks
- Time to Completion 3 years
- Pace Options Part-Time
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Plan Your Education With Confidence in Cost
The Doctor of Business Administration current tuition rates are listed for in-state and out-of-state students. To support students in financing their education, the University of Pittsburgh offers a range of financial aid options and payment plans, making it easier to manage tuition costs while completing your studies.
2026-27 tuition rates are pending approval by the Board of Trustees, expected in July 2026.
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