Aalto Executive DBA
Reaching for the Top
The Aalto Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a structured doctoral program in business administration for experienced professionals who want to build doctoral-level expertise in their field while continuing to work. The program holds the 'Triple Crown' of accreditations – AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS – the three most respected international accreditations.
The Aalto Executive DBA program has both real-world relevance and academic rigor, and focuses on relevance to the employer and the professional development of the candidate. Participants will develop in-depth, doctoral-level knowledge of the latest theories and methodologies in business research and act as thought leaders in organizational change. In addition to executive positions, DBA graduates typically work in various expert positions in corporations and the public sector. The DBA research project – finalized in a publicly defended DBA thesis – typically has strong linkages to business and managerial practice. DBA candidates can, for instance, conduct a sizable research project for their employer
Compared to some more scientifically oriented doctoral programs, the DBA studies and research place emphasis on the application of theories – the creation and testing of an entirely novel theory is not a necessity. In the Aalto Executive DBA, all managerially relevant topics are welcome.
The program’s certificate is granted by Aalto University School of Business.
By completing this program, you will be eligible for alumni status and become part of Aalto EE's global alumni community. The alumni community offers valuable benefits that support your professional development and networking:
- Invitations to exclusive alumni events and networking opportunities
- An alumni newsletter that brings together the most important news, events, and content
- The opportunity to participate in most of our programs at a special fee
Novel, innovative, and creative solutions to business problems and opportunities, as well as thought leadership for organizational change
Doctoral-level in-depth expertise on the latest theories and methodologies in business research
Flexible part-time study structure and a strongly applied nature of the doctoral thesis
Why DBA?
From Aalto Executive DBA graduates, employers can expect novel, innovative, and creative solutions to business problems and opportunities, as well as thought leadership for organizational change. Graduates will possess doctoral-level in-depth knowledge on the latest theories and methodologies in business research.
The requirements for coursework are essentially the same as for any DSc or PhD program at Aalto University School of Business. The main difference is the flexible part-time study structure of the Aalto Executive DBA and the strongly applied nature of the doctoral thesis.
Key Takeaways
- Researcher education in management studies (theoretical and methodological competence)
- Competence to design and implement a sizable research project with a practical orientation
- Competence in writing research papers and presenting them at international seminars and conferences
- Strengthening of critical thinking and development of expertise to lead demanding knowledge-based development initiatives in organizations
- Development of thought leadership for better leadership and organizational change
- A collegial network with professors, other researchers, and the DBA candidates
Explore Aalto Executive DBA Thesis'
Content and Schedule
Aalto Executive DBA candidates are required to complete doctoral study courses equivalent to 40 ECTS credits, consisting of compulsory courses on academic writing and research methods as well as courses that support the thesis’ topic.
Usually, a course consists of approximately 30 journal articles or research papers around a subject. Typically, there are no traditional lectures or exams. The primary instructor can be contacted online when preparing the reaction papers and essays around the readings. Moreover, the students discuss the readings related to their coursework and receive face-to-face feedback from instructors during the course.
The Aalto Executive DBA Thesis
Aalto Executive DBA candidates will produce a DBA thesis (200 ECTS credits) that has strong linkages to business and managerial practice. The thesis will deliver a high degree of both scholarship and independent thought. Supervision of thesis preparation is conducted by highly qualified professors at Aalto University.
The thesis is written in English and typically consists of 3–4 scholarly articles or conference papers and a summary. It is typically 100–150 pages in total. The completed thesis is defended at a public examination.
Timeframe
The Aalto Executive DBA program can be completed in four years. A maximum of six years of studies is allowed to complete the program.
Related Articles
Admission Requirements and Fee
Admission Requirements
- A recognized master’s degree in any discipline, awarded by a university or university of applied sciences; or a recognized MBA or Executive MBA; or a relevant study program abroad, which in the awarding country gives eligibility for doctoral studies
- A minimum of eight years of relevant work experience at a senior level
- Master's-level English skills
The application process includes:
- Submission of the required application documents, including an initial idea of the research topic
- Personal interview
Tuition Fee
- The tuition fee is € 32,000 per year (+ VAT) – charged for each year of DBA studies
- Fee for the first year is charged after the candidate has signed a binding confirmation form.
- Participation, travel, and accommodation costs related to attending seminars or international academic conferences are not included in the fee.
There is no fixed application deadline for the Aalto Executive DBA program; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Kindly contact the program team to apply for the Aalto Executive DBA program. You will receive the application instructions and application form from the program team.
Application Process
- Contacting the Aalto Executive DBA program team for the application criteria check and an interview date
- Submitting the application form, CV, diploma, and transcripts to the program team
- Participating in an interview with the Academic Director of the DBA program and/or the Program Director and receiving guidelines for completing the application
- Finalizing the application by submitting the remaining documents (motivation and recommendation letters) to the program team
- Assessment of the application by the Board of Studies, which will make the final decision regarding approval
- Receipt of a notification of possible acceptance