Doctorate
DBA
The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a 180 ECTS credits doctoral program designed to equip business students, managers, practitioners, and leaders with high-level knowledge, research, and analytical skills so that they can apply these personal and professional attributes to solve the most complex business problems. In contrast to programs at the master level, the DBA program focuses on the application of theory to real-world business challenges. Students are expected to go through a transformative learning process that enhances their research skills, so they view business situations differently with an emphasis on applying research methods and finding solutions that lead to organizational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability.
This is a flexible though rigorous program that can be completed 100% online. Students define the pace at which they complete the program. Based on the pathway that the student chooses (Coursework vs Research), the duration of the program will vary significantly. Most students are expected to achieve the qualification within 3 years of joining the program. However, the research pathway can lead to the qualification in less than 3 years.
The Rushford DBA in Financial Management program focuses on applied research so that executives, managers, and practitioners can start applying what they learn in the program in their organizations in real-time. We focus on ensuring that our students develop a very high level of expertise in all areas of financial management. The coursework will also focus on the enhancement of research skills, writing skills, presentation skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and change management skills.
Upon completing the program, students should be able to:
The Rushford DBA program can be completed either through a coursework-based pathway or a research-based pathway. More information is available on these pathways in the curriculum section of this program page.
Rushford offers Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) and thus a formal master’s degree is not mandatory for entering this program. However, a prior bachelor’s degree is mandatory for entry into this program.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Award:
All doctoral candidates are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award instead of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) award. Only one title can be awarded to the doctoral candidate. This selection is required to be confirmed before or immediately after all the requirements for graduation are completed. Those students who had received an exemption for any prior academic qualification through the Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) are only eligible to receive the DBA award.
Students can complete the DBA program through two different pathways.
Mixed Mode
The DBA in Financial Management mixed-mode pathway focuses on coursework completion and gaining a high level of knowledge and applied research skills before moving to the dissertation phase of the program. This pathway is particularly suited to graduates, junior to mid-level managers with less than 5 years of experience in business and management.
Research Mode
This DBA in Financial Management through research pathway is well suited for candidates who have significant management and business experience, usually over 5 years. A doctoral mentor will be assigned early in the program to work with the student towards the preparation of the dissertation.
Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in Business and Management
Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over 5 years of managerial and/or business experience
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over 8 years of managerial and/or business experience
English Language Proficiency:
Our programs are conducted in English language. As such, you must demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in English language by submitting a Medium of Instruction (MoI) Letter from your previous college or university, that states that the medium of instruction for your degree was English.
If the above letter is not available then you can submit one of the following test score results:
IELTS Overall: 5.5
TOEFL (iBT: 58+; PBT: 490+; CBT: 167+)
TOEIC Overall: 555+
PTE Overall: 50+
Duolingo Overall: 90+
English Proficiency Waivers:
The English proficiency test is not required for the following candidates:
– Native English Speakers, OR;
– Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. High School Diploma or IB), OR;
– Applicants having completed their undergraduate or graduate studies in English, OR;
– 2 years of work experience in an organization where English is the primary language of communication.
Please select your nationality below to see the fees applicable to you:
This calculation assumes that the student completes the program in 3 years. However, if the student completes the program earlier, the entire remaining fees will be payable at the time time of completing the program. For students who take more than 3 years to complete the program, the fees payable will be as per the agreed instalment plan offered.
The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a fantastic opportunity for students and professionals to compete for high-level roles in a variety of organizations.
A DBA qualification certainly helps students and professionals to demonstrate the commitment and expertise to assume such roles. After completing this program, the student either accelerate their growth in their current organizations or transform their career to move to new business and industry domains as well as into the area of teaching at universities or business schools. This program provides the critical training and research skills required by aspiring managers and executives to handle challenging business situations and thus demonstrate the capability to assume roles with the highest level of responsibility and accountability.
At Rushford, we work with each student to understand their professional goals and aspirations and offer the right mix of mentorship, guidance, and skill-building that increases their chances to achieve their goals. Our mentorship program as well as the availability of a myriad of tools and resources help students to gain confidence in facing real-world business challenges as well as apply a high level of research and analytical thinking to solve business problems.
To apply for this program kindly follow the application process as described in the following link:
Various courses are accompanied by simulations in which you are given a situation that you must resolve based on what you learnt in the program and your experience. There are usually no right or wrong answers in simulations. They are to make you understand how a situation may unfold in the real world and prepare you to make the right decisions.
We understand the importance of networking in building a successful career. That's why we offer a range of networking events to help our students connect with industry professionals and build the relationships that can lead to new opportunities.