Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA at Excelia Business School is designed for experienced professionals who wish to structure a rigorous research approach rooted in real organisational challenges. Over three years, you develop an applied doctoral thesis under the supervision of a Senior Professor, while continuing your professional activity.

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Why choose Excelia's DBA?

A rare international recognition

Excelia Business School holds EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA accreditations. This triple accreditation, awarded to only a limited number of schools worldwide, reflects the highest academic standards and enhances the international value of the degree.

A flexible format for busy professionals

Choose between a fully online or hybrid format (online + face-to-face sessions in Paris). Progress is structured through quarterly workshops that support learning and encourage peer interaction.

High-level academic supervision

You benefit from the support of international research-active faculty and personalised supervision. The goal is to develop a rigorous, relevant and professionally valuable research project.
Premium research resources: access to over 100,000 academic publications, journal articles and case studies to support your literature review and analysis.

High-value career outcomes

The DBA strengthens your expert profile and can support progression towards executive roles, consulting, change management, or teaching positions such as Professor of Practice.

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Key programme facts

• Degree: Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
• Duration: 3 years
• Language: English
• Location: Paris (occasional sessions) / Online
• Format: 100% online or hybrid
• Pace: Live online classes; compulsory quarterly workshops in Years 2 and 3
• Supervision: Senior Professor
• Resources: Academic library (100,000+ titles)
• Assessment: Viva voce thesis defence (internal & external jury)
• Tuition fees: €29,000 (see “Participants” tab for details)

3-year programme structure

Year 1 – Courses and research certificate

You complete a Certificate in Research in Business and Management, covering research methods and key management theories.

Modules includes

Les enseignements  

• Conducting Research in Management for DBA (15h)
• Research Design (15h)
• Theoretical Perspectives in Strategy and Supply Chain (15h)
• Innovation for Sustainable Growth (15h)
• Leading Change and Organisational Transformation (15h)
• Financial and Extra-financial Performance (15h)
• Qualitative Research Methods (15h)
• Quantitative Research Methods (15h)

Year 2 – Research proposal & thesis development

You submit your research proposal and select your supervisor. Quarterly workshops (30h) support progress reviews.

Modules includes

• Submission of a research proposal and selection of a supervisor
• Thesis development under supervision
• Quarterly Workshops: 30 h Research progress presentations (mandatory)

Year 3 – Finalisation & defence

You complete your thesis and defend it in a Viva Voce examination before an internal and external jury.

Modules includes

• Thesis development under supervision
• Quarterly Workshops: 30 h Research progress presentations (mandatory)
• DBA Thesis Defense Viva Voce

Teaching methods

The programme combines academic rigour with practical relevance:

• Live online classes for interaction with faculty and peers
• Hybrid attendance options on the Paris campus
• Research methods and data analysis workshops
• Individual supervision and regular progress reviews
• Thematic conferences by internationally recognised researchers
• Access to leading academic databases

FAQ

DBA or PhD in Management – what’s the difference?

The DBA focuses on applied research for practical organisational impact, while a PhD is usually more academically oriented.

How long does the DBA take?

Three years: one year of coursework, followed by two years dedicated to the thesis.

Can I study while working?

Yes. The flexible online/hybrid format allows you to balance professional and academic commitments.

Entry requirements?

A Master’s degree (or equivalent), significant professional experience, and a strong research proposal.

Career prospects?

Consulting, executive leadership, organisational transformation, and teaching in Business Schools.

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