Special Application Requirements

Applicants must possess at least one of the following:

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree from an accredited university, plus 5+ years of professional and/or managerial experience*
• Business relevant undergraduate business degree from an accredited university, plus 10+ years of professional and/or managerial experience* 

• CPA, CFA, or other relevant professional certification, plus 5+ years professional and/or managerial experience*

*If less than the minimum, please explain in a cover letter to your resume how other experiences and/or qualifications may compensate.

Due to residency requirements, international students may face difficulties in this program, but are welcome to apply. Please work directly with your enrollment specialist to discuss your situation and how Creighton can support you.

Application Materials
The DBA admissions committee will consider all the materials listed below in their decision for admittance. Applicants should submit:

• Current resume or CV.
• Provide official transcripts from each college or university from which you earned a degree, including undergraduate. Transcripts from non-degree earning institutions that reflect relevant coursework should also be submitted. Read more about sending transcripts here.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from professionals in academia or industry that can directly address your ability to think critically, ability to conduct research, propensity to lead and potential for completing advanced academic studies. These must be submitted by each recommender directly through Creighton’s Online Application System.
• Evidence of competency in statistics and quantitative reasoning is recommended. This could be fulfilled by providing one or more of the following: a written statement outlining applicant’s empirical background as highlighted by course transcripts and/or work experience, a written research paper, evidence of statistical tutorial completion, GRE scores, GMAT scores and/or other competency exam results.
• Two essays:

1. Statement of Interest (2-3 pages double-spaced):
   1. Address the following:
      1. Why do you want to pursue a DBA?
      2. How will a DBA help you achieve your career aspirations?
      3. What challenges do you anticipate in balancing work, personal commitments and approximately 20-30 hours of weekly DBA studies? What steps will you take to address these challenges to complete your degree within 3 years?
2. Statement of Research Interests (2-3 pages double-spaced): 
   1.  Address the following:
      1. What area of business is your intended focused area of research (e.g. Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Strategy, Business Analytics/Info Systems)?
      2. What topics within this focus area might be potential research avenues of interest? Although we recognize that your research question will change and evolve during the program, please describe current research questions that interest you and how you believe finding answers to your research questions will serve to benefit the greater good of individuals, firms and/or society.
      3. How will you leverage your work experience and knowledge in your research agenda?

The application review committee considers the following:

• Completeness of the application materials
• Background knowledge and experience in the applicant’s business area of focus
• Demonstrated leadership and track record of professional/academic/personal achievement and development
• Proficiency in communication skills 
• Compatibility of individual’s professional goals with the DBA program’s learning outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to balance time commitments
• Capacity for conducting applied research
• Community engagement/service a plus

Things to Know Before Applying

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition and DBA Program fee of this 3-year program covers tuition, and includes required textbooks and statistical software; hotel (max 2 nights per residency), meals during residencies and transportation between hotel and campus; access to library systems and licensed databases including WRDS; and more. Transportation to and from residencies is not included.

Beginning in summer 2020: Upon prior approval, active DBA students may be reimbursed up to $1,500 (max per student) for qualifying academic conference expenses when accepted to present their research.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more manageable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships.

Learn more about funding your education

Have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

DBA Withdrawal Refund Schedule