What’s a DBA, and do you need to do it?

The current business environment – driven by rapid technological advancements – demands agile, skilled and future-ready leadership. Findings from the ‘Heidrick & Struggles India CEO and Board Survey 2024’ reveal that three out of five Indian companies are gearing up for a Board refresh or new director appointments within 12-18 months.

However, 50% companies have cited the challenge of finding the right talent.

That’s where a course such as the DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) steps in. Edtech major upGrad has launched a DBA to train CXOs in Digital Leadership (with San Francisco’s Golden Gate University).

It has been designed in collaboration with Pramath Raj Sinha (founding dean of ISB Hyderabad and Ashoka University, and co-founder & chairman of upGrad Harappa).

We talked to Dr Sinha, and Mayank Kumar (co-founder & MD of upGrad), to understand why C-suite professionals need to upskill themselves with a DBA.

What’s DBA all about?

It’s a 36-month programme that aims to empower executives with essential technology, innovation, decision-making and leadership skills, for driving enhanced business outcomes.

What’s the difference between a DBA and a PhD?

A PhD is usually done on a campus (as universities don’t encourage remote learning). A PhD is also the pathway for academic jobs. A DBA, on the other hand, is designed to be done remotely because it’s made for working professionals.

What defines your DBA?

In the first year, the student (usually someone with 5-10 years of working experience) will attend 250 hours of live, online classes on the weekend, plus some assignments (totalling about 10 hours per week). At the start of the second year, the student will choose a field that she wants to master, and will be assigned a mentor/guide. Years 2 and 3 will be self-study, and post that a research paper or a dissertation.

Who will be the mentors?

We have a bunch of faculties who will be available as a mentor. It depends on your area of study. We also have mentors from the world of business.

Is it to be finished in three years?

The ideal timeline is 36 months. Some bright people can do it faster, and some might take more than 36 months.

Why do a DBA when an MBA with extensive work experience can be equally smart or ready for leadership role?

That’s not entirely correct. An MBA with a work experience may not give you in-depth knowledge on all aspects of running a business. A DBA goes really deep into your topic of study, and makes you an expert in your area of study.

Is there demand for DBAs?

There is a high demand for specialists. We’ve seen that people switch jobs fast, get promotions and good salary, but their knowledge doesn’t improve commensurately for obvious reasons. A DBA aims to fill that gap.

Do you only offer it with the Golden Gate University?

No, there are many universities that offer the DBA. The DBA with the Golden Gate University is in Digital Leadership, and one on Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI. Other DBAs are with Rushford Business School, and ESGCI Paris.

How much do they cost?

Fees vary.

The DBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI at Golden Gate costs $30,000; the DBA at Rushford costs Rs 8.12 lakh (Rs 18,868 per month); the DBA at ESGCI costs Rs 8.14 lakh (Rs 18,671 per month); the DBA in Digital Leadership at Golden Gate costs $35,000; and the DBA at Golden Gate with 1:1 thesis supervision costs $44,000.