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.
Strategy and Innovation
Doctor of Business Administration
Ready to design and execute strategies that stand up in today’s business world? Within the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Strategy and Innovation specialization, you’ll do just that. Design projects and learn how visionary leaders use strategic and innovative methods to transform their organizational landscapes.
You’ll examine how company leaders increase their organization’s agility, opportunities and competitive advantages, and study current topics, including strategic digital transformation, and managing innovation, design and creativity. You’ll also analyze scholarly and practitioner literature and emerging trends in the fields of strategy and innovation.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 8 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- Capstone
- 24 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $45,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore strategy and innovation courses
- This program requires a total of 45 program points in FlexPath or a total of 90 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete eight core courses, five specialization courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
DB8400
Your DBA Journey
6 quarter credits
In this first course, learners analyze the components of a business problem. Learners use critical thinking models and practices, including the role of assumptions, to identify business problem scenarios. Learners practice professional- and business-writing, acquire library skills, network with peers and doctoral support services, and learn new technological and reflective tools for further development and independent thought. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
6 quarter credits
DB8405
Effective Organizational Leadership
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course investigate business problems in information systems, management, and marketing experienced by leaders. Learners examine models and theories found in current scholarly and practitioner literature. Additionally, learners analyze project-based problem solving.
6 quarter credits
DB8410
Addressing Problems in Human Resources and Compliance
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze project-based concepts in human resources, business law, business ethics, and re-skilling of talent pools in the global environment. Learners examine business ethical compliance using value- and rule-based argumentation. Learners evaluate secondary data sources to perform due diligence when creating objective, fact-based, unbiased analyses.
6 quarter credits
DB8415
Strategic Decision Making
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners identify strategic decision-making models and theories to assist in solving business financial problems. Learners apply economic and managerial accounting data and management theories to business strategy decisions. Learners cultivate skills using decision and visualization tools, logic frameworks, and intuitive knowledge. Additionally, learners gain an understanding of gap analysis within the project perspective.
6 quarter credits
DB8420
Teaching Business in Higher Education
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop a personal teaching philosophy regarding teaching practices, methods, models, and strategies within the fields of business and supply chain management. Learners create instructional plans and measurable assessments for higher business education within adult-learning frameworks. Additionally, learners write portions of business courses and assess curriculum.
6 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This program will help prepare candidates to assess the information needs for effective strategy and innovation and identify, access, and collaborate on the appropriate sources for that information. On successful completion of this degree and specialization, you will be able to:
- Communicate effectively as scholar-practitioners in the field of general management, for multiple audiences and purposes through digital, oral and written formats.
- Lead and execute projects within the field of general management, using structured research processes, qualitative and quantitative techniques, theories, frameworks and models, to discern evidence-based solutions to current or forward-looking business problems.
- Engage in reflective practice that demonstrates growth in personal and professional thought, behavior and action by modeling personal accountability, decisiveness and self-management when providing general management decisions in the workplace.
- Demonstrate scholar-practitioner knowledge and expertise in general management, grounded in current theory, research and best practices.
How much does the DBA in Strategy and Innovation cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $3,400 per 12-week billing session
- $175 resource kit
- 45 total program points
- 12 max transfer points
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per 12-week billing session
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per 12-week billing session
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$45,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$45,000
Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
GuidedPath
A 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
$785 per credit, $4,850 quarterly tuition max, 90 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits*
*A maximum of 24 transfer credits are allowed, of which only 6 can be master's level credit.
Tuition breakdown
GuidedPath pricing
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Quarterly Tuition Cap
Quarterly Cap
$4,850* Per Quarter
- Pay no more than $4,850 in quarterly tuition in GuidedPath*
- Can help make your degree more affordable
*Books, supplies, and other fees apply
Quarterly Cap
What is the quarterly tuition cap?$4,850*
Per Quarter
- Pay no more than $4,850 in quarterly tuition in GuidedPath*
- Can help make your degree more affordable
*Books, supplies, and other fees apply
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$45,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$45,000
Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Know your maximum tuition cost, no matter what happens.
Earning a degree is a great investment in yourself. And as with any investment, you want to know what you’ll pay upfront. But when it comes to education, calculating a clear number can be complicated.
- How long it takes you to complete your degree
- The number of existing college credits you can transfer
- Potential discounts and financial aid
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
To help clear up tuition confusion, we've created Capella Tuition Cap to give you a maximum tuition amount that you know you’ll never exceed.
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. 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
Estimated cost of completion |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $785/credit 14 quarters |
$63,882.25 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,882.25 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,882.25 |
| Est. tuition subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$45,000.00 |
| Resource kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0
|
$0 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$47,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through July 7, 2025.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella 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.
What are the DBA admission requirements?
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.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Business program guide
Get the details on every business program offered at Capella University – including learning formats, financing options, and more, all in one place.
5 ways a doctoral degree may strengthen your career
Discover how earning your degree can help develop your professional skills.
What can you do with a DBA in Strategy and Innovation degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy and Innovation.
Related job titles to explore*
- Business operations manager
- Director of regulatory affairs
- Executive director
- Innovation manager
- Marketing manager
- Product manager
- Program manager
- Regional account executive
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Commercial banking
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- Executive offices
- Wholesale trade agents and brokers
*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.