Program Overview
The Miami Herbert Business School (MHBS) Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) is an applied, practice-oriented doctoral program that trains experienced professionals to use academic rigor and analytical research tools to address real-world business challenges. This program caters to senior-level professionals, such as C-suite executives and senior managers, seeking a lifelong learning experience through a business doctoral degree. The program not only equips executives for roles in consulting and senior management, but also prepares them for applied teaching positions by educating them learn to use research methods to leverage their extensive professional experiences. MHBS’s EDBA program addresses the growing demand for executives with higher-level research and analytical skills to solve problems in increasingly complex business environments.
The MHBS EDBA is delivered through cohort classes that effectively integrate both in-person and online learning. It features a flexible format with in-person three-day weekend sessions (residencies) held three times per semester, allowing executives to balance their work responsibilities with their studies. Between residencies, executives interact with MHBS faculty through both synchronous and asynchronous online platforms. This program’s flexible format and dissertation requirements allow executives to solve real-world business problems while continuing their professional careers.
In contrast to most other DBA programs (see benchmarking below), MHBS’s 3-year EDBA program utilizes award-winning faculty at a designated “R1” Research Institution that is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The program also immerses executives in Miami’s dynamic and culturally diverse business community. Leveraging these competitive advantages, it delivers a pragmatic and relevant program of study to help executives advance their careers, enhance their skills and knowledge, and fulfill personal lifelong learning goals.
Admission Requirements
A research-intensive, practice-oriented doctoral degree targeted at working professionals with substantial experience who aspire to leverage academic rigor and analytical tools to solve real-world business problems.
It involves executives taking cohort classes while continuing their professional careers, flexible dissertation requirements, and a focus on applied research and solving real-world business problems. It is formatted effectively for distance learning and practice-based research that better serves the needs of working professionals and corporate executives.
Applicants should read the instructions carefully before filling out the forms and should keep copies of all materials submitted during the application process. By submitting the online application, the applicant certifies the information provided in the application is complete and accurate.
Requirements for Admission
- Completed application for admission submitted through BusinessCAS.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Official academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly to BusinessCAS.
- Academic transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be verified by an approved international credentialing evaluation service such as World Education Services to confirm degree equivalency and GPA calculation.
- A personal essay (750–1,000 words), clearly written and reflective of your genuine thoughts and intentions. This essay is a critical component of your application and should address the following:
- Motivations and Goals – Why are you pursuing the Executive DBA? How does the program align with your professional and personal aspirations?
- Research Interests – What topics or challenges are you passionate about exploring through your DBA research?
- Time Management – The program requires approximately 15–20 hours per week. How do you plan to balance this commitment with your current professional and personal responsibilities?
- A current resume outlining your professional and academic achievements.
- At least one letter of recommendation is required. Up to three may be submitted through the BusinessCAS portal by including recommender contacts within the Program Materials section of the application.
- Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL or IELTS score report – A valid score (less than 2 years old) is required as proof of English proficiency for international applicants who did not receive a degree in the United States or a foreign country where English is the primary language. The following minimum score is required for admission to a graduate business degree program.
- TOEFL - 94 or above
- IELTS - 7.0 or above
- DET - 125 or above
- If you do not yet have a TOEFL or IELTS score (international candidates only), you may complete and submit your application prior to taking the exam by indicating your approximate date within the Standardized Tests tab in the Academic History section. Select "Add Test Score" by the relevant test, then indicate that you have not yet taken the exam and add your estimated test date in the section provided.
We encourage candidates to upload unofficial transcripts and test scores with their BusinessCAS application in order to expedite the review of their file while official documents are processed.
QUESTIONS?
Connect with Miami Herbert Business School’s graduate enrollment advisors at (305) 284-2510 or by email at mba@miami.edu, or visit the Miami Herbert Business School website.
Curriculum Requirements
The program requires a total of 60 credit hours. Executives will take eight core courses, six EDBA research courses, and dissertation-related courses to develop their personalized research agendas under a faculty mentor’s guidance. Executives will receive the requisite hands-on experience with substantial methodological exposure (e.g., qualitative and quantitative). Hence, executives interested in any discipline (Accounting, Business Law, Business Technology, HealthCare Management, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Management Science) or topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Globalization, Healthcare, or Sustainability, have the opportunity to work with faculty experts in these areas as they pursue their dissertation related research.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| BUS 771 | Theory and Foundations of Scholarly Research (Theory and Foundations of Scholarly Research (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 772 | Creating Impactful Business Knowledge (Creating Impactful Business Knowledge (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 773 | Generating Business Insights Using Qualitative Analysis (Generating Business Insights using Qualitative Analysis (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 774 | Generating Business Insights Using Quantitative Analysis 1 (Generating Business Insights using Quantitative Analysis 1 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 775 | Introduction to Foundational Business Theories | 3 |
| BUS 776 | Generating Business Insights Using Quantitative Analysis 2 (Generating Business Insights using Quantitative Analysis 2 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 777 | Decision Making and Creative Thinking (Decision Making and Creative Thinking (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 778 | Thinking Strategically in the Global Marketplace (Thinking Strategically in the Global Marketplace) | 3 |
| EDBA Research Courses | ||
| BUS 811 | Research Symposium (Research Symposium (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 812 | Research Laboratory (Research Laboratory (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 813 | Guided Research Experience 1 (Guided Research Experience 1 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 816 | Guided Research Experience 2 ( Guided Research Experience 2 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 814 | Research Apprenticeship 1 (Research Apprenticeship 1 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| BUS 815 | Research Apprenticeship 2 (Research Apprenticeship 2 (NEW COURSE)) | 3 |
| Dissertation Research | 18 | |
| Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research (Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research) | ||
| Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research (Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research) | ||
| Research in Residence (Research in Residence) | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| BUS 811 | Research Symposium | 3 |
| BUS 771 | Theory and Foundations of Scholarly Research | 3 |
| BUS 772 | Creating Impactful Business Knowledge | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| BUS 812 | Research Laboratory | 3 |
| BUS 773 | Generating Business Insights Using Qualitative Analysis | 3 |
| BUS 774 | Generating Business Insights Using Quantitative Analysis 1 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| BUS 813 | Guided Research Experience 1 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| BUS 814 | Research Apprenticeship 1 | 3 |
| BUS 775 | Introduction to Foundational Business Theories | 3 |
| BUS 776 | Generating Business Insights Using Quantitative Analysis 2 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| BUS 815 | Research Apprenticeship 2 | 3 |
| BUS 777 | Decision Making and Creative Thinking | 3 |
| BUS 778 | Thinking Strategically in the Global Marketplace | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| BUS 816 | Guided Research Experience 2 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| BUS 830 | Pre-Candidacy Dissertation Research | 9 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| BUS 840 | Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research (Post-Candidacy Dissertation Research) | 9 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Program Mission and Goals
MHBS EDBA program’s mission is to equip executives with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex business challenges and to advance “best” business practices through research, leadership, and innovation. MHBS EDBA program goals are:
1. Advanced Knowledge in Business Theory and Practice: Executives enrolling in the program bring a wealth of experience in their respective areas of expertise. Throughout the program, they will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their chosen fields by applying relevant theories to formulate important research questions, analyze data, and uncover timely insights.
2. Develop Advanced Research Skills: Executives will develop advanced research skills, including the ability to apply qualitative and quantitative methods and data analysis, and the ability to conduct independent, impactful research that furthers business knowledge and practices.
3. Applied Business Projects: Executives will engage in applied research projects that address real-world business problems, provide practical solutions, and contribute to the field of business.
4. Dissertation: Executives will complete a dissertation based on their chosen research topic, which will demonstrate their ability to conduct original research and contribute new knowledge to their chosen field.
5. Professional Development: The MHBS EDBA program will facilitate professional development, networking opportunities, and collaboration with business leaders and scholars.
6. Career Opportunities: The MHBS EDBA program will prepare executives for teaching and senior administrative positions in academia as well as for corporate roles that require leadership through research, innovation, and change.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to think strategically and make data-driven decisions using research tools that can improve organizational performance and competitiveness.
- Students will be able to apply academic theories to solve important real-world business challenges and to perform applied research.
- Students will be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, present their research to broad audiences, and work collaboratively with diverse teams that include faculty and executive peers.
- Students will be able to evaluate complex business problems and develop innovative solutions to important and timely challenges.
