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Developing a Professional Doctor of Business Administration Program

UNO’s first Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program will expand doctoral degree output, meet industry demand for clinical professors, and support the university’s path toward R1 status.

View from an open classroom door showing students seated at tables and listening to a presenter at the front of the room.

A classroom setting with students attending a lecture or seminar focused on professional development.

🎯 Project Focus

UNO’s College of Business Administration (CBA) is developing a hybrid Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. This interdisciplinary, practice-focused degree will prepare mid-career professionals to become clinical business professors or applied researchers in government and industry.

💡 Why It Matters

Doctoral degrees are a key metric in achieving Carnegie R1 status, a goal outlined in UNO’s long-term strategic vision. The DBA will:

  • Expand doctoral production in an area not currently served by NU system offerings
  • Fill a growing national demand for clinical faculty
  • Provide a new career path for professionals in military, government, or consulting roles
  • Flexibility to meet the needs of nontraditional learners, balancing work and education.

🚀 Key Initiatives

  • Interdisciplinary Focus: Concentrations will span business, public administration, cybersecurity, and more.
  • Target Audience: Military officers, government professionals, and private-sector executives.
  • Academic + Practical: Combines scholarly rigor with real-world application—ideal for clinical faculty roles or industry leadership.
  • Strategic Partnerships: NCITE, Office of Military and Veteran Services, and the College of Public Affairs are among early collaborators.

🌎 The big picture

This initiative aligns with UNO’s Strategic Framework:

  • Expands access to doctoral-level education for working professionals
  • Emphasizes applied research and real-world problem solving
  • Prepares the next generation of educators and organizational leaders

⚡ What’s next
Curriculum development and faculty recruitment begin this summer. CBA will begin targeted outreach and marketing in 2025, with national recruitment focused on veterans, executives, and professionals seeking academic careers.