This hybrid program is anticipated to launch in Fall 2026.
(63 credits)
Program Description
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at New England College is a three-year, 63-credit doctoral program designed for experienced professionals, executives, and administrators who seek to enhance their leadership skills, apply advanced research to address real-world challenges, and develop new knowledge to drive their organizations forward. The program is available in a hybrid and online format.
The DBA program’s core requirements begin with foundational and research courses designed to build the essential knowledge and skills necessary for advanced doctoral studies. These courses cover key concepts in research methods, strategic analysis, leadership theory, and organizational practice. The program combines core doctoral management courses with a choice of specialization in Healthcare Management, Organizational Leadership, or Technology and Artificial Intelligence Strategies.
Students choose between an academic track, which includes an applied dissertation, or a professional track focused on a strategic project addressing a real-world industry problem. The applied dissertation or strategic project demonstrates advanced analytical, research, and leadership skills, preparing professionals for highlevel roles and fostering organizational change and development. Students take their first track course in their second term, with guidance integrated throughout the program. Accessible faculty members, who are scholar-practitioners with substantial professional experience, mentor students as they examine, analyze, and resolve issues impacting business today and in the future.
Students complete two three-credit courses and a practical training course every 15 weeks. For the hybrid DBA, this includes a mandatory three-day residency for the term-specific hybrid course, during which students engage in hands-on activities like research simulations and workshops focused on dissertation and strategic project milestones. For the online DBA, residencies are conducted in a synchronous virtual format. Students participate in practical training as part of their hands-on learning throughout the program. Practical training is a one-credit course taken each term to develop professional and practice-related skills through various work and learning experiences. For the hybrid DBA, students enroll in a 1-credit work placement course in a supervised work setting to fulfill their practical training requirement. For the online DBA, students complete a 1-credit practicum course involving a supervised research project to fulfill their practical training.
As students progress through the program, they can earn three stackable certificates: an Executive Leadership Certificate, a Specialization Certificate, and an Executive Certificate in Applied Doctoral Research. Students earn a DBA and three doctoral certificates, creating a customized academic experience that broadens career advancement opportunities.
International students enrolled in the hybrid DBA program can access Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for an eligible required work placement.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Investigate and synthesize advanced business knowledge to create evidence-based solutions for complex organizational challenges.
2. Evaluate and apply rigorous research methodologies to generate valid, data-driven insights for actionable decision-making.
3. Construct governance frameworks and ethical decision-making models that foster accountable and responsible leadership.
4. Integrate theory and practice across organizational systems to drive innovation and improve long-term performance.
5. Defend applied solutions within a chosen specialization that advance professional practice and contribute to applied scholarship in the field.
6. Design and deliver advanced written, oral, and digital communications that persuasively convey strategic insights, research findings, and policy recommendations to diverse professional and academic audiences.
Residency-Based Hybrid Delivery
The program follows a three-term structure each academic year, with mandatory three-day residencies during every term. Residencies extend the hybrid course designated each term and fulfill the required seat hours for that course. Students must attend all residencies to stay enrolled. Between residencies, students will complete coursework online. Instructors will hold regular virtual office hours and will be available to assist students as needed throughout the term.
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