The DBA@USM is a doctoral programme designed especially for those who wish to pursue a career in Business Administration while seeking to be leaders in their own right within the business they are involved in. This is the reason why, unlike the PhD programme, the DBA is carefully designed to fill the scholar’s journey with key elements that can make an impact on their careers and on the stakeholders they deal with. The main goal of the DBA programme is to produce business leaders with holistic perspectives bearing these leadership attributes:

The first part of the journey involves scholars sharpening their understanding of relevant business fundamentals and building advanced knowledge of core business disciplines. For this to happen, scholars will undertake six seminar papers to enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical strategic decisions. The second part of the journey introduces both Research Methodology and Consultation and Training (CAT) courses that will further hone scholars’ ability to generate and disseminate new knowledge. CAT is one of the capstone subjects. The last leg of the journey involves scholars venturing into another capstone course, i.e. Dissertation.

Overall, the DBA journey would provide scholars with experiences that leave them with the 3R’s mark – Relevant, Respected, Referred to.

Applicants should possess the following:

1. A Master’s degree in Management or Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a recognised university by the USM’s Senate or an equivalent qualification.
2. A minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00 or equivalent.
3. Degree awarded by local private Institutions of higher learning including those awarded under any collaborative/franchising schemes with local or foreign partners must be accredited by the Malaysian
4. Qualifications Agency (MQA)
5. A minimum of 5 years relevant working experience

6. English Language Requirements (Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum score of 60 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 8.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum of Band 6 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 59 for PTE; or
• A minimum score for Cambridge English: Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional/Online) min 250 /Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/Linguaskill Online min. score 169; or
• A minimum score of 109 for ELS; or
• A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

Program Educational Outcomes for DBA Program:

PEO 1: Advancement in their professional career.

PEO 2: A trustworthy, respectable, and effective leader.

PEO 3: A reputation as a decision maker for creative, innovative and sustainable business solutions.

DBA Program Learning Outcomes:

LO 1: Develop knowledge on the specific disciplines.
LO 2: Develop critical, innovative thinking, and problem solving in scientific research.
LO 3: Develop effective and persuasive communication.
LO 4: Develop ethical and responsible leadership skills.
LO 5: Develop effective teamwork.
LO 6: Develop awareness of business sustainability.