Executive Doctoral Degrees
Spears Business offers both DBA & EPhD
For working professionals
At Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business, our Executive Doctoral Programs empower accomplished professionals to push boundaries, think boldly and create a lasting impact.
As one of the few universities offering both a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Ph.D. in Business Administration for executives, you can choose the path that fits your goals - and join a community of leaders who embody the Cowboy spirit of innovation, integrity and perseverance. Both programs are built around a strong cohort model, with weekend residencies that bring professionals together to collaborate, learn and grow as a community.
Here, you won’t just earn a doctorate - you’ll advance knowledge, inspire others and lead with purpose as a proud member of the Cowboy family.
Flexible education
That works for you
Both programs delivered in hybrid format, combining the best of in-person engagement and online flexibility
Nine weekend residencies per year complemented by synchronous online learning
60 credit hours over three years - two years of coursework followed by one year for dissertation completion
AACSB accredited
Find the right fit
Doctor of Business Administration
Applied research to address real-world business problems, blending academic rigor with executive-level decision making.
Our students are: Business leaders aiming to elevate their strategic impact and decision-making capabilities to maximize their influence within their companies and industry.
Career Path:
- Senior leadership and executive roles in business and consulting
- Applied scholarship and advisory positions across industries
- Thought leadership within corporate, government and nonprofit organizations
- Strategic decision-making grounded in evidence-based research
- Teaching and mentoring in executive education or adjunct faculty roles
EPh.D. in Business Administration
Research-intensive doctoral training designed to develop original scholarship and foster academic leadership.
Our students are: Experienced professionals, university administrators and adjunct faculty seeking to transition into full-time academia, research roles or thought leadership.
Career Path:
- Administrative or clinical teaching roles in higher education
- Research faculty and scholarly publishing
- Scholarly contributions that advance academic theory and practice
- Collaborative research partnerships with universities, government or industry
- Think tank and policy research positions
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Residency and Events Schedule 2026-27
Spring 2026 Dates Residency Jan. 29-31 Residency 1 March 5-7 Residency 2 April 23-25 Residency 3 Summer 2026 Dates Residency May 29-30 Residency 1 June 26-27 Residency 2 July 17-18 Residency 3 Fall 2026 Dates Residency Aug. 13-15 Welcome & Orientation for new cohorts Sept. 3-5 Residency 1 Oct. 15-17 Residency 2 & Research Workshop Nov. 19-21 Residency 3 Dec. 11 Commencement for graduating cohorts Spring 2027 Dates Residency Jan. 21-23 Residency 1 Feb. 25-27 Residency 2 & Research Workshop April 1-3 Residency 3 Summer 2027 Dates Residency May 14-15 Residency 1 June 18-19 Residency 2 July 23-24 Residency 3 Fall 2027 Dates Residency Aug. 12-14 Welcome & Orientation for new cohorts TBD Residency 1 TBD Residency 2 TBD Residency 3 Dec. 10 Commencement for graduating cohorts - DBA Current Cohorts
- EPh.D. Current Cohorts