LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Doctor of Business Administration
Leadership
Stand out as an innovator and leader with an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Leadership from Capella. You’ll learn business theory and practice from experienced scholar-practitioners as you gain hands-on experience in motivating others. This program features a doctoral research project to help you develop solutions to real-world problems within your organization. Advance your leadership abilities to address the local, national, and global business challenges of today.
Classes start May 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online
- 8 Core courses
- 4 Specialized courses
- 12 max transfer credits
- 1 Capstone
- 2 Residencies
- ACBSP accredited
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule; you meet the deadlines
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$750 per credit, $4,850 quarterly tuition max, 70 coursework credits, credits vary in capstone phase, 12 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$750 Per quarter credit
70 coursework credits; capstone is additional
Coursework
What is coursework?$750
Capstone
$3,000 Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Capstone
What is capstone?$3,000
Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Complete capstone in 3 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $750/credit 12 quarters |
$46,166.00 |
| Capstone: $3,000/quarter 3 quarters |
$9,000.00 |
| Subtotal | $55,166.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship* | $37,316.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 15 quarters |
$57,316.00 |
Complete capstone in 4 quartersComplete each capstone milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $750/credit 12 quarters |
$46,166.00 |
| Capstone: $3,000/quarter 4 quarters |
$12,000.00 |
| Subtotal | $58,166.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship* | $40,316.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 16 quarters |
$60,316.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
*Cost of each residency is included in the $4,850 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, lodging, meals, and other expenses are not included.
Our DBA in Leadership curriculum includes leadership, research, strategy, technology, and ethics, plus coursework to help you develop skills in critical, creative, reflective, and statistical thinking.
| BMGT8610 |
Leadership Theory and Practice in a Global Environment
Learners in this course evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis using a multi-disciplinary lens. Learners also develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices, enabling them to assure the viability of their organizations in a dynamic global business environment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMGT8612 |
Leadership as Personal Practice
Learners in this course focus on analyzing scholarly literature and emerging research trends in relational leadership. The course also emphasizes theories and models of leadership, which support a shift from hierarchical leadership to inclusive and collaborative leadership. Finally, learners assess personal barriers and facilitators to inclusionary leadership and apply theories and models to personal practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8614 |
Leading the Organizational System
In this course, learners explore leadership practice in complex and dynamic environments. Learners use systems thinking and organizational theory to analyze leadership practice within the framework of organizational systems and evaluate the role of systems thinking in organizations to develop innovation in complex environments. Finally, learners apply these concepts to leadership practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8616 |
Leading Dynamic Systems with Multi-Dimensional Thinking
Learners in this course synthesize multiple ways of thinking to support effective leadership decision making. By integrating critical, creative, reflective, systems, and statistical thinking, learners develop leadership qualities that allow them to apply their insights to current models and perspectives in order to envision a future with improved organizational patterns and outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This degree can help prepare you to take a leadership role in your field. The DBA in Leadership draws on professional standards to help you advance your career. On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Evaluate historical and theoretical bases for leadership
- Develop perspectives for organizational possibilities in an active global environment
- Develop a leadership style that emphasizes connections with others in the organization and the broader community
- Study the influence of functional and living systems on organizational transformation
- See how creative, reflective, statistical, critical, and system thinking impact decision-making
- Merge scholarly information and emerging trends into the practice of leadership
- Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical-thinking skills
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with a DBA in Leadership.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time business faculty
- Full-time business faculty
- Dean or associate dean of a business program
- Research director
- Business researcher
- Consultant
- Leadership development manager/director
- Executive-level management
- Chief executive officer
- Chief learning officer
- Talent development manager/director
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Non-governmental organization
- Community college
- Consulting firm
- Corporation
- Health care organization
- Nonprofit organization
- Public and private education
- Manufacturing
- Insurance firm
- Small business
- Government—local, state, federal
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Meet your faculty
Our distinguished faculty members are scholar practitioners, active in their professions, who bring real-world experience to the courseroom. Each faculty member has completed specialized training in our distinctive outcome-based approach to education.
Ken Sherman, DBA
Core Faculty
Jason Sheedy, PhD
Core Faculty
Charlene Dunfee, PhD
Core Faculty
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
DBA as a Springboard for Future Success
Doctor of Business Administration program participants help advance their careers with terminal degrees.
How is a DBA different from a PhD in Business Management?
A DBA is a practitioner-based degree that utilizes existing knowledge to develop hands-on, practical solutions to problems in the workplace.
DBA program guide
Get details on the Doctor of Business Administration program at Capella University, learning formats, financing options, and more, all in one place.