The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program empowers experienced leaders to tackle today’s most complex business challenges through evidence-based insight and applied research. Learn directly from distinguished faculty while engaging in coursework that connects research with real-time decision-making at work. This program is ideal for professionals seeking to advance into strategic leadership roles, consulting, or public-sector impact, and for those interested in teaching in research-oriented academic settings.

Why choose the Pitt Business Executive DBA program?

• The University of Pittsburgh is an R1 research institution—the top tier of the Carnegie classification—and an AAU member, the top 71 universities across the country.
• Pitt Business is AACSB accredited—only 5 percent of business schools reach this top accreditation status for business schools.
• The program engages research-active, tenure track faculty, with several being chaired professors and most having national and international recognition.
• Learning from researchers who are at the cutting edge of their fields gives our students insights into critical thinking and analytical skills to apply in their professions and impact their industries.The program is oriented towards research across disciplines rather than focus in a singular area because real-life problems are most often interdisciplinary.

Designed for: Professionals with eight-plus years of experience interested in developing exceptional analytics and leadership skills

Program length: Three years, part-time

Format: Hyflex, attend class in person, online or a combination of both; Synchronous instruction

Graduation requirements: 45 credits (plus transfer of 27 credits from a qualifying master’s program)

Transformative Integrated Learning 

Emphasizing interdisciplinary hands-on experience, our MBA programs take an experience-based teaching approach to help you develop marketable skills such as presentation, research, teamwork, and decision making. During the program of study, you have ample opportunities to apply the theories learned in the classroom to hands-on projects through case competitions, consulting field projects, and management capstone.

Learn more about our unique learning experiences and the Center for Integrated Learning.

Powerful Alumni Network & the Pitt Business Brand

Being in our MBA programs, you can meet like-minded peers from around the world and develop friendships that can last a lifetime. After graduation, you will join a powerful and welcoming alumni community where you can expand your professional network, seek career assistance, and give back to future students. 

What’s more, the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business brand is well-known across the globe. Your MBA degree is a valuable asset that can set you apart from the competition in the job market. 

Meet Steven Renfro

How will the Katz Executive DBA help you achieve your career goals? 

I view this program as a potential accelerant to reach my career goals sooner than later. A doctorate in business will separate me from the pack when applying for an executive leadership position.

Why did you choose the Katz EDBA program? 

Because I am familiar with the rigor of an MBA from Katz, I am confident the EDBA program will be no walk in the park and will arm me with the knowledge and skills needed to solve super complex problems.