EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) empowers senior professionals with advanced research, strategic leadership, and applied analytics to solve complex challenges, drive innovation, and lead transformative change across global enterprises.
Next Start Date
Jan 27, 2025
Admissions Deadline
Jan 19, 2025
Program Code
FASASMDOBU01
Units
Min. 80.0 GSCH
Methods of Delivery
On-campus, Online
Modes of Study
¾-time
Academic Unit
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
American School of Management
Expected Length
On-Campus Teaching (Live Scheduled Sessions at ¾-Time Pace)
3.0 Years
Blended Online Learning (Live Scheduled Sessions with Self-Paced, Competency-Based Learning)
3.0 Years
Last Update
August 11, 2024
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EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) is a terminal professional doctorate designed to cultivate elite scholar-practitioners capable of solving complex organizational problems through applied research, strategic leadership, and evidence-based innovation. This program is purpose-built for experienced executives, senior consultants, and decision-makers who seek to bridge rigorous academic inquiry with transformative business practice across global industries.
Anchored in a multidisciplinary curriculum, the EDBA integrates advanced study in organization theory, strategic modeling, financial systems, executive economics, and data analytics. Candidates engage deeply with strategic thinking, intellectual capital management, and global business dynamics, while developing the acumen to lead systems transformation and long-range enterprise strategy. The program emphasizes the practical application of knowledge, enabling candidates to confront real-world challenges with frameworks grounded in executive intelligence, performance metrics, and innovation ecosystems.
The capstone component comprises a sequence of advanced research methodology modules and a three-phase doctoral dissertation, allowing candidates to conduct impactful, original research tailored to their professional domain. Under expert supervision, candidates design, test, and apply strategic solutions that deliver measurable outcomes at the organizational or sector-wide level.
Graduates emerge as thought leaders and research-driven executives prepared to assume influential roles such as CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, Global Consultant, Policy Advisor, or Director of Executive Education. The EDBA empowers professionals not only to elevate enterprise value but also to advance the discipline of business administration by integrating intellectual inquiry with actionable strategy.
Dual Awards
Executive DBA
Conferred by The American University of Science (AUS)
PhD in Management (by Research)
Conferred by INTI International University (INTI)
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) at The American University of Science (AUS) is a terminal professional doctorate designed for accomplished executives and strategic leaders seeking to generate applied research with real-world impact. In alignment with its mission to foster academic excellence and global leadership, AUS offers an optional dual-award pathway for eligible EDBA candidates in collaboration with INTI International University (INTI).
Through this pathway, qualified candidates may elect to pursue, alongside the AUS EDBA, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management (by Research) awarded by INTI. This is an optional academic distinction—not a requirement of the core EDBA program—and is available to candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic readiness and research alignment. The dual-award pathway offers expanded academic visibility, broader credential recognition, and enhanced research impact for scholar-practitioners operating at the highest levels of business and industry.
AUS retains full academic leadership of the program. The university oversees all phases of doctoral progression, including proposal defense, supervisory coordination, dissertation development, and the final viva voce. INTI participates as an academic collaborator and may serve as a co-panelist during key research evaluation stages, providing external validation in accordance with AUS’s internal quality assurance framework. The research thesis is developed as a single, integrated body of work that satisfies the academic expectations of both AUS and INTI.
Participation in the dual-award pathway is determined through a formal application process and is subject to AUS approval based on academic merit and research compatibility. Candidates admitted into this track follow a unified supervision model, coordinated by AUS, and are supported through structured engagement with both AUS faculty and INTI academic advisors.
This dual-award pathway exemplifies AUS’s commitment to academic innovation and global engagement, offering distinguished professionals an opportunity to deepen their intellectual contributions while maintaining the rigor and independence of the core EDBA program. The Executive Doctor of Business Administration at AUS remains a stand-alone, internationally recognized qualification, and the dual-award is presented as a value-added option for candidates seeking to extend their academic and professional impact through a second doctoral credential.
SAMPLE ACADEMIC PLANNING
YEAR 1
Semester 1
1A: Core Course I – 5.0 GSCH
1B: Core Course II – 5.0 GSCH
1C: Core Course III – 5.0 GSCH
Semester 2
2A: Core Course IV – 5.0 GSCH
2B: Advanced Course I – 5.0 GSCH
2C: Advanced Course II – 5.0 GSCH
Summer Session
Advanced Course III – 5.0 GSCH
Advanced Course IV – 5.0 GSCH
YEAR 2
Semester 3
Research Methodology
Advanced Research Techniques in Management
Semester 4
Doctoral Dissertation I – 10.0 GSCH
Summer Session
Doctoral Dissertation I – 10.0 GSCH
YEAR 3
Semester 5
Doctoral Dissertation II – 10.0 GSCH
Semester 6
Doctoral Dissertation II – 10.0 GSCH
Summer Session
Doctoral Dissertation II – 10.0 GSCH
YEAR 4
Semester 7
Doctoral Dissertation III – 10.0 GSCH
Semester 8
Doctoral Dissertation III – 10.0 GSCH
Summer Session
Doctoral Dissertation III – 10.0 GSCH
PROGRAM TOTAL: 80.0 GSCH
Core Courses: 20.0 GSCH
Advanced Courses: 20.0 GSCH
Research: 40.0 GSCH
Graduates of the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) are prepared to lead at the highest levels of organizational, governmental, and academic institutions. Equipped with advanced applied research capabilities, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership acumen, they are positioned to drive innovation, shape policy, and redefine enterprise performance across global industries. The EDBA’s emphasis on real-world impact and evidence-based decision-making ensures that graduates are not only thought leaders but also actionable strategists capable of solving complex business challenges.
1. C-Suite and Executive Leadership Roles
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Provide visionary leadership, drive enterprise-wide strategy, and oversee corporate governance at the highest organizational level.
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – Lead long-term corporate strategy, transformation agendas, and enterprise risk management initiatives.
Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) – Champion organizational innovation and align disruptive technologies with strategic objectives.
Managing Director / Executive Director – Direct overall operations and strategic performance across divisions, subsidiaries, or multinational entities.
2. Global Advisory and Consulting Leadership
Senior Management Consultant – Advise executive clients on organizational transformation, corporate restructuring, and global market expansion.
Strategic Advisor to Boards and C-Suites – Provide evidence-based insights on growth strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Partner or Principal, Consulting Firm – Lead multi-sector engagements and manage consulting portfolios in global firms or boutique advisory practices.
3. Public Sector, International Development, and Policy Roles
Government Affairs Executive / Public Enterprise Leader – Direct strategic policy design, innovation implementation, and inter-agency collaboration.
Program Director, Multilateral or Development Organizations – Lead policy-based, data-driven business reform initiatives in global institutions.
Chief Policy Strategist – Develop national or international policies in business regulation, public-private partnerships, or sustainability strategy.
4. Academic, Research, and Institutional Leadership
Professor of Practice / Adjunct Faculty in Business Schools – Teach executive-level programs, mentor emerging leaders, and bridge academic theory with business application.
Dean or Director of Executive Education – Oversee curriculum innovation, strategic partnerships, and program delivery for high-level business learners.
Applied Research Director – Lead impact-focused research centers addressing critical business, policy, and economic challenges.
5. Entrepreneurial and Innovation Leadership
Founder / CEO of a High-Growth Venture – Apply research expertise and executive experience to build ventures with scalable and sustainable business models.
Corporate Venture Lead / Innovation Accelerator Head – Manage intrapreneurial initiatives within large enterprises or innovation ecosystems.
Executive-in-Residence – Guide innovation strategy and leadership development at incubators, accelerators, and business institutions.
Graduates of the EDBA program possess the rare blend of academic depth and executive pragmatism, enabling them to lead across sectors, influence global strategy, and drive organizational transformation with authority and impact. Whether in boardrooms, policy forums, or academic institutions, they emerge as scholar-practitioners and strategic architects of enterprise and societal advancement.
2024-2025 TUITION POLICY
For the 2024-2025 academic year, The American University of Science (AUS) has set a tuition fee of $1,000 per graduate semester credit hour (GSCH). This policy underscores AUS’s commitment to equitable access to education by maintaining a uniform tuition rate, regardless of the student’s state of residency. As a private institution, AUS prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that all students benefit from high-quality academic opportunities at consistent costs.
FLAT-RATE TUITION
Currently, certain programs are offered at a flat-rate tuition, covering the total cost of the program. This structure simplifies financial planning for students while maintaining the university’s mission to deliver exceptional education without compromising affordability. AUS ensures transparency and flexibility in its tuition policies, fostering trust and confidence among its diverse student body.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The 2024-2025 indicative graduate-level fees and expenses:
Application Fee: $100.00
Matriculation Fee: $500.00 (Currently waived)
University Premium Fee: $5,000.00 (Currently waived)
Document Fee: $2,500.00 (Currently waived)
Graduation Fee: $2,500.00 (Currently waived)
Program Withdrawal Fee: $1,000.00 (Currently waived)
Course Late Registration Fee: $1000.00 (Currently waived)
Late Payment Fee: $100.00
SCHOLARSHIP
Students have the opportunity to access a diverse array of scholarships, including those covering up to 100% of tuition costs. These scholarships are automatically considered upon the submission of the application.
The total indicative flat-rate tuition is currently under review. Please check back later for updated information.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
Admission to doctoral programs at The American University of Science (AUS) reflects a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, advanced research, and professional leadership. Eligibility is determined through a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of academic achievements, research experience, and professional qualifications. These standards ensure that candidates are prepared to engage with the intellectual challenges and scholarly rigor required at the doctoral level.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Completion of an Accredited Undergraduate Program: Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited undergraduate program comprising at least 120 semester credits or an equivalent qualification recognized by AUS. This requirement establishes the foundational academic skills necessary for advanced doctoral study.
Completion of an Accredited Graduate Program: Candidates must have completed an accredited graduate program encompassing a minimum of 30 semester credits or an equivalent qualification recognized by AUS. This criterion ensures that applicants possess the advanced knowledge and analytical skills essential for contributing to doctoral-level research and scholarship.
Grade Point Average (GPA): A cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.3 scale, or an equivalent standard recognized by AUS, is required. This benchmark underscores AUS’s commitment to academic rigor and ensures candidates are well-prepared for the intellectual demands of doctoral education.
Language Proficiency
Non-native speaking candidates must provide evidence of English proficiency at a minimum level of B2, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Research Experience
Research experience is a valuable asset, particularly in research-intensive doctoral programs. Applicants should demonstrate:
Proficiency in developing research questions, conducting data analysis, and disseminating findings.
Contributions to academic or professional research projects.
Certain programs may require several years of experience in senior research roles, as this background demonstrates the ability to produce original scholarship and contribute meaningfully to the field. Such experience highlights a candidate’s readiness to excel in the independent, rigorous research environment of doctoral study.
Professional Experience
For professional doctoral programs, applicants may need substantial experience in relevant fields. Leadership roles, strategic decision-making, or advanced problem-solving align closely with the objectives of many doctoral programs.
Programs may evaluate:
The candidate’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.
Contributions to innovation and thought leadership within the field.
Several years of experience at a defined level of seniority may be required, depending on the program’s focus and objectives. This experience underscores the candidate’s potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice effectively.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Admission to programs with specific standards at The American University of Science (AUS) is based on a commitment to academic excellence and professional readiness. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for an unconditional offer of admission, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in their chosen field.
Eligibility Requirements
Route 1: Combined
Academic Requirement: Applicants must hold an undergraduate and graduate degree in a non-relevant subject area or an equivalent credential as recognized by AUS.
Experience Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate a mandatory minimum of five years of full-time work experience, including at least two years of full-time professional management or executive experience (or the part-time equivalent) acquired post-degree. This experience must illustrate:
Significant exposure to business processes and management responsibilities.
A profound understanding of strategic leadership and operational excellence.
This route caters to professionals with diverse academic backgrounds who possess extensive practical experience in management and leadership roles.
Route 2: Academic
Academic Requirement: Applicants must hold an undergraduate and graduate degree in a relevant subject area or an equivalent credential as recognized by AUS.
Experience Preference: Candidates must demonstrate a mandatory minimum of three years of full-time work experience, including at least one years of full-time professional management or executive experience (or the part-time equivalent) acquired post-degree. This experience must illustrate:
Significant exposure to business processes and management responsibilities.
Advanced competencies in strategic and operational management.
This route is tailored for candidates with strong academic foundations in relevant fields, complemented by substantial professional experience.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Proficiency in the English language is a fundamental requirement for admission to programs at The American University of Science (AUS). Applicants must demonstrate their language capabilities through one or more of the following rigorously defined criteria. These standards ensure that all candidates possess the linguistic competence necessary to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
Eligibility Requirements
Nationality-Based Qualification
Applicants must be nationals of a country where English is recognized as an official or primary language, as acknowledged by AUS. This ensures that candidates possess innate linguistic fluency suitable for academic engagement.
Education-Based Qualification
For Undergraduate Admission: Applicants must have successfully completed a high school diploma or its equivalent in a country where English is designated as an official or primary language, with English serving as the medium of instruction throughout their educational curriculum.
For Graduate Admission: Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or its equivalent in a country where English is designated as an official or primary language, with English as the medium of instruction for the entire duration of the academic program.
Professional Experience-Based Qualification
Applicants must provide evidence of full-time professional employment for a minimum of two consecutive years within the last decade in a country where English is designated as an official or primary language. This experience must be substantiated by official employment records and professional references attesting to the use of English as the primary working language.
Proficiency Assessment Criteria
CEFR Certification: Applicants must achieve a minimum proficiency level in English as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proficiency must be verified through recognized English language assessments such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English examinations.
EPASS Certification: Applicants must achieve a minimum proficiency level in English as defined by CEFR standards, verified through the EPASS assessment. Successful candidates will also be awarded a Certificate of English Language Proficiency (CELP) from AUS, signifying their language competency.
