Doctorate in Business Administration

Discover our program

Audencia offers the DBA program to meet the lifestyle needs of executives who want to combine their practical expertise with the highest level of management education.

It's a 3-year, part-time program delivered in a hybrid format with online and face-to-face classes held at Audencia's Nantes campuses. Our experienced DBA faculty delivers online classes and seminars or on weekends at the Audencia campus.

The courses offered allow participants to develop their management research skills and engage with cutting-edge research topics and issues in various areas of management.

Participants develop advanced management research skills through the courses offered during the first part of the program, which enables them to pursue dissertation research under the supervision of Audencia's faculty.

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40
Average Age of Participants
17
Average Work Experience
10
Countries

A Word from the Program Director

"The major difference between the DBA and the PhD lies in their degree structure and goals. The DBA is designed to develop researching professionals, focusing on achieving more applied outcomes. In contrast, the PhD primarily aims to develop academic researchers. Consequently, the DBA, as a professional doctorate for managers, has different objectives than the PhD, and its dissertation should be evaluated accordingly.

At Audencia Business School, our Doctorate in Business Administration is tailored for experienced professionals seeking to bridge cutting-edge academic research with real-world business challenges. As a triple-accredited, internationally recognized institution, Audencia offers a global learning environment supported by an outstanding international faculty and strong corporate and academic partnerships.

Whether you’re aiming to deepen your expertise, influence business practice, or contribute meaningfully to your industry, the Audencia DBA provides the academic rigor, flexibility, and support to help you achieve your goals.

We invite ambitious professionals to join us in this transformative journey—where research meets impact."

Ji-Yong LEE
DBA Program Director, Audencia Business School

Summary
  • Rhythm:
    Part-time
  • Entry level:
    5 ans d'expérience
  • Total duration:
    3 years
  • Degree:
    DBA -
  • Language(s):
    English
  • Format:
    Blended
  • Campus:
    Audencia Atlantic Campus - Nantes, Paris Campus - Paris
  • Training schedule:
    12 week-ends
  • Number of places:
    20
  • Start Date:
    2026-01-19

Program Benefits

  • One of the standout features of our DBA program is the rich diversity of its participants. Each cohort brings together professionals from across the globe, representing a wide range of industries and business sectors. This diverse mix of backgrounds and perspectives creates an enriching environment where ideas are shared, experiences are exchanged, and learning is enhanced.
  • Our students hold a variety of leadership roles, from C-suite executives to senior managers, which means that every class becomes an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning. With proven expertise in their respective fields, each participant contributes unique insights that challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries.
  • This vibrant exchange of knowledge helps foster a collaborative learning environment where global perspectives meet, allowing students to gain practical, real-world insights that are directly applicable to their careers. Whether through case studies, group projects, or seminar discussions, the interactions within our DBA community play a crucial role in shaping innovative and forward-thinking business leaders.

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Doctorate in Business Administration

Target Skills

  • Advanced Research and Methodology: DBA students acquire advanced research skills, including mastery of data collection methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the ability to conduct high-level academic research.
  • Management and Leadership Expertise: The program aims to develop a deep understanding of organizational management, including organizational theory, strategic management, operations management, and change management.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: DBA students are trained to critically analyze complex business problems and formulate innovative and effective solutions, considering long-term implications for the company.
  • Advanced Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both in writing and orally, is essential for professionals with a DBA. This includes writing research articles, presenting research work at academic conferences, and communicating with diverse audiences, including other researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers.
  • Human Resource Management Knowledge: Skills in human resource management are essential for understanding team and individual dynamics within organizations, as well as for promoting effective and ethical leadership.
  • In-depth Understanding of the Global Business Context: DBA students develop a deep understanding of the global economy, international business practices, as well as issues and opportunities related to the globalization of businesses.
  • Strategic Thinking and Innovation: DBA graduates are trained to adopt a strategic approach to business management, identifying innovation and growth opportunities, and developing tailored strategies to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: DBA students are made aware of the complex ethical issues faced by contemporary businesses, as well as the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Pedagogical methods

Our 3-year, part-time DBA program combines the flexibility of online learning with the richness of in-person sessions at Audencia’s Nantes campuses. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program allows you to balance your professional commitments while advancing your academic qualifications.

The curriculum is led by experienced DBA faculty, offering dynamic online classes, interactive seminars, and weekend workshops. These in-person sessions foster collaboration and networking, ensuring you get both the flexibility and the depth needed to excel.

With a focus on practical application and cutting-edge research, this approach ensures that you develop the skills and insights needed to lead and innovate in the business world.

Assessment Terms

Thesis

Doctorate in Business Administration

Admission criteria

Eligibility requirements for the Doctorate in Business Administration program:

  • MBA or Master's degree
  • 5 years work experience, including managerial responsibilities.
  • Minimum age 25
  • Proficiency in English

Exceptionally, some candidates with 3-4 years of work experience may be accepted.

Admission period

3 months

Admission terms

Applications for the Spring 2026 intake will be accepted until the program is full. 

To apply, please visit apply.audencia.com

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

  • CV and Motivation Letter in English
  • Researh Proposal of minimum 3 pages
  • Copies of university transcripts
  • Graduate Degree Diploma
  • English language test results less than 2 years old (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
  • Copy of identification (passport or ID card)


Note that the minimum age of the applicant should be 25 years old, with a work experience of 5+ years.

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Doctorate in Business Administration
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Accessibility for the Disabled

In line with its three founding values - Innovation, Collaboration and Responsibility - Audencia's social policy places the fight against all forms of discrimination related to age, gender, origin, disability or any other personal characteristic at the heart of its policy and encourages the integration of learners regardless of these attributes.

In particular, Audencia is committed to meeting accessibility standards for people with disabilities in all our locations and to offering specially adapted training courses. For more information, please see our Disability Policy.

Contact us, in complete confidentiality, so that together we can find a personalized solution: disability@audencia.com