Doctor of Business Administration in International Business
June 3, 2023 2026-10-05 5:51Doctor of Business Administration in International Business
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in International Business
Lead with confidence in global markets. Designed for experienced professionals with a master’s degree and at least five years of relevant work experience, this online doctorate, taught by Akio Morita School of Business faculty in live webcam seminars, builds the cross-cultural expertise and strategic insight to lead international organizations.
Why Choose the DBA in International Business
Four reasons experienced professionals choose Anaheim University for their doctorate.
Live Online Seminars
Two 90-minute live webcam seminars in every course, plus a daily discussion forum.
Learn From Experienced Faculty
Study with professors who hold doctoral degrees and bring wide experience in business, plus expert guest speakers.
A Global Classroom
Network with classmates from around the world in a culturally diverse learning environment.
Accelerated Courses
Six-week courses keep you moving, with a new term every six weeks.
Program Learning Outcomes
What you will be able to do by the time you complete the program.
Organizational Analysis
- Analyze organizations operating in a global, diverse and technological environment
- Analyze organizational structures to improve performance
Leadership
- Apply ethical and sustainable leadership to manage change and optimize performance
- Enhance leadership capacity in a variety of workplace settings
Research
- Conduct original research on leadership principles, theories and skills
- Design and construct a publishable research project
Professional Growth
- Devise and implement strategies for your own ongoing professional development
How You'll Learn
Each six-week course combines two live webcam seminars, a daily discussion forum, written assignments and a team project.
Your Dissertation
Your doctorate ends with research that explores an existing issue in your field.
01
STAGE 1
Coursework
9 foundation courses, 4 International Business courses and 2 electives, with the qualifying and comprehensive exams.
02
STAGE 2
Proposal
Writing the Doctoral Dissertation Proposal, where you shape your research question and design.
03
STAGE 3
Dissertation
Four dissertation terms to research, write and complete your dissertation.
Career Paths
Move into senior roles that lead organizations across borders, advise them and teach the next generation.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Lead Across Borders
Direct international strategy, operations and teams.
- International executive
- Regional or country director
- Global operations leader
CONSULTING
Advise on Global Growth
Help organizations enter and compete in new markets.
- International business consultant
- Market entry advisor
- Global strategy advisor
ACADEMIA
Teach and Research
Teach business and publish research in higher education.
- Business professor or lecturer
- Program director
- Business researcher
PUBLIC & NONPROFIT
Lead in Global Institutions
Apply international business expertise beyond the private sector.
- International development leader
- Trade policy advisor
- Government relations director
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from experienced academics and professionals who bring subject expertise, research, and real-world perspective into the classroom.
Robert Robertson, Ph.D.
Dean of the Akio Morita School of Business. Ph.D. in Management and Organization, Stirling University; MIT Sloan. A Fulbright Specialist who has lectured across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Carlos Aquino, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Sciences and Technology, University of São Paulo, and an M.S. from George Washington University.
Christopher Raymond, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in economics, University of California, Santa Barbara, followed by an international MBA.
John Wang, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Business Administration, Temple University, completed on a scholarship award.
Ready to Start Your DBA in International Business?
Speak with an advisor about your leadership goals and experience, or start your application today.
DBA in International Business Curriculum
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in International Business is comprised of 60 graduate credit hours beyond a completed MBA. The program consists of nine foundation courses in business administration and research, four courses in the International Business concentration, two elective courses, and a dissertation. Each course carries three credit hours, with the exception of the final dissertation writing course.
Students complete qualifying examinations during the foundation stage and a comprehensive examination before advancing to the dissertation phase. Coursework moves from the foundations of business administration, research methods and analytics into the international specialism — financial management, business law, ethics and a seminar in international business — before the program culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that makes a contribution to business practice.
Anaheim University’s Doctor of Business Administration is delivered fully online through the Akio Morita School of Business.
Each pre-dissertation course is six weeks long and carries three credit hours, and a new term begins every six weeks. Students take a qualifying exam after their first four foundation courses and a comprehensive exam after completing coursework. The 60 credit hours above are the nine foundation courses, the four concentration courses, two electives and the dissertation studies.
Coursework and Dissertation
Nine foundation courses, four courses in the International Business concentration, two electives drawn from the other concentrations, and a doctoral dissertation. Open any course to read its full description.
Foundation Courses
The nine foundation courses in business administration and research, each carrying three credit hours, taken by students in every DBA concentration. A qualifying exam follows the first four foundation courses.
International Business Concentration
The International Business concentration comprises four courses in international financial management, business ethics, international business law, and advanced international business study.
Elective Courses
Students choose one course in each of two of the other three concentrations — Management, Sustainable Management or Entrepreneurship. Elective offerings are subject to faculty availability and may vary by term, so students select from the electives available during their enrollment period.
Doctoral Dissertation Studies
The dissertation phase: a proposal writing course followed by the dissertation completion terms, in which students carry out an original piece of research and defend it before an oral committee.
Program Requirements
Key requirements students complete as they progress through the degree and to graduation.
2026 Term Calendar
Each term runs six weeks, with two 90-minute live online seminars per course. Enroll every time a course you need is offered, and stay enrolled in DBA 850 until your dissertation is complete.
| Term | Dates | Courses offered |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | January 6 – February 16, 2026 | DBA 623Human Resource Management Science DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 2 | February 12 – March 30, 2026 | DBA 651Sustainable Accounting Management DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 3 | March 31 – May 11, 2026 | DBA 625Applied Research Methods – Qualitative & Quantitative DBA 627Business Analytics DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 4 | May 12 – June 22, 2026 | DBA 629Global Strategy & Innovation Management DBA 635Transforming Systems through Adaptive Leadership DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 5 | June 23 – August 3, 2026 | DBA 610International Financial Management (International Business specialization) DBA 611Sustainable Lifecycle Management DBA 850Dissertation EXAMComprehensive Exam, July 29 – August 4 |
| Term 6 | August 4 – September 14, 2026 | DBA 621Sustainable Project Management DBA 633Ethics in Business and Management (International Business specialization) DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 7 | September 15 – October 26, 2026 | DBA 640International Business Law and Practice (International Business specialization) DBA 820Writing the Doctoral Dissertation Proposal DBA 850Dissertation |
| Term 8NEXT | October 27 – December 7, 2026 | DBA 602Intellectual Property DBA 850Dissertation |
Plan Your Studies
A few rules that help you finish on time.
QUALIFYING EXAM
Pass at 80%
You need an average score of at least 80% on the qualifying exam to continue in the program.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
Before the Dissertation
You need 80% to advance to the dissertation. If not, you join a paid study term and retake it.
GRADES
Keep a 3.0 GPA
Below 3.0, you have two terms on academic probation to bring your GPA back up.
TIME LIMIT
Three to Five Years
Extensions need written approval. Extra terms are charged at standard tuition ($1,500 per course) plus the $200 records fee.
Ready to Start Your DBA in International Business?
Speak with an advisor or start your application today.
SAVE $15,000
ON DBA TUITION
Advance your leadership. Expand your impact. Earn your DBA online with a flexible, pay-as-you-learn system.
Program Cost Summary
| DBA Program | Standard | With 50% Tuition Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $30,000 ($1,500 × 20 courses) |
$15,000 ($750 × 20 courses) |
| Application Fee | $75 | $75 |
| Registration Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Records Fee | $4,000 ($200 per term × 20 terms) |
$4,000 ($200 per term × 20 terms) |
| Total Tuition & Required Fees | $34,175 | $19,175 |
| Estimated Textbooks | $1,290 | $1,290 |
| Estimated amount paid if no Research Reserve funds are used | $35,465 | $20,465 |
| Estimated Total Program Cost if $2,000 Research Reserve fund is used | $37,465 | $22,465* |
*See the Research Reserve Fund note and Important Cost Information below.
AFFORDABLE. FLEXIBLE. PAY AS YOU LEARN.
Students pay for one course at a time as they progress through the program.
/ 6-week term
Tuition Relief Rate
Doctor of International Business (DBA) Detailed Tuition & Fee Schedule
Full itemized fees for the program are listed below.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee non-refundable | $75 |
| Registration fee non-refundable | $100 |
| STRF fee (California residents only) non-refundable | $0 |
| Course fees | |
| Tuition — $500 per credit × 3 credits | $1,500 / course |
| Tuition — 20 courses | $30,000 |
| Records fee | $200 / term |
| Estimated textbook fees | $1,290 |
| Other fees | |
| Research reserve fund | $2,000 |
| Transfer credit fee optional | $75 / course |
| Original transcript | No cost |
| Each additional transcript copy optional | $25 |
| End-of-program fees | |
| Diploma | No cost |
| Replacement diploma optional | $200 |
| Replacement cover optional | $100 |
| Course completion letter optional | $35 |
| Total cost of program | $37,465 |
Research Reserve Fund
ABOUT THE $2,000 RESEARCH RESERVE FUND
The estimated total program cost includes a $2,000 research reserve fund available for approved journals, research materials, software, and other resources that may support the student’s doctoral research. Students are not required to spend the entire $2,000 and are responsible only for research expenses actually incurred.
With 50% Tuition Relief: estimated total program cost, including the full research reserve and textbooks = $22,465. The estimated amount paid, not including textbooks and if no Research Reserve funds are used = $19,175.
Important Cost Information
- Cost assumes completion within the standard program schedule, assuming completion in 20 terms on the first attempt.
Program Cost and Additional Enrollment: The estimated total program cost shown above assumes successful completion of all required courses on the first attempt and completion of all program requirements within the standard program schedule. Students who repeat a credit-bearing course will be required to pay additional tuition. Students who require enrollment beyond the standard program schedule to complete a thesis, dissertation, or other final academic requirement will be required to pay an Extension Fee and records fee for each additional term of enrollment. The Extension Fee applies when the student must remain enrolled to continue work toward completion but does not earn additional academic credits during the additional term. The Extension Fee is separate from tuition and is charged for the additional period of enrollment and continued academic supervision, advising, administrative support, and access to University resources necessary to complete the program. The Extension Fee for each additional term is equal to the amount of tuition that would otherwise have been charged for a standard term under the tuition rate in effect when the student originally entered the program, before application of any Tuition Relief, scholarship, or other discount, unless the University expressly approves a reduced Extension Fee in writing. Any Tuition Relief, scholarship, or other discount reflected in the estimated program cost applies only to the terms included in the standard program schedule and does not apply to repeated courses or additional thesis or dissertation terms. Accordingly, the estimated total program cost may increase if a student repeats a course or requires one or more additional terms beyond the standard program schedule to complete the program.
- Anaheim University makes certain provisions in order to provide access to library resources and library services for all students enrolled directly through Anaheim University. However, students enrolled in Anaheim University’s online graduate degree programs are required to have an additional reserve fund to be used for the purchase of journals and research – materials that will aid them in their studies by providing information specific to their unique areas of interest and research – and to provide access to software and other resources that may help them in the completion of their studies. The research reserve fund is $2,000 for doctoral students to be used over the duration of their program. Students are not required to spend the entire research fund – only that amount necessary in order to carry out their research.
- *Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF): The Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is administered by the California BPPE and applies only to California residents. The STRF fee is currently zero ($0) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges. The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
- The above itemizes all of the fees and charges for which the student is responsible. The refund policy may be found in the Policies & Procedures section.
- Tuition may be paid on a course-by-course basis. Students must pay the required tuition fee prior to commencing their next course. The student is not required to pay this tuition fee until the student wishes to register for his or her next course.
- Students interested in inquiring about non-interest-bearing monthly payment plan options should e-mail [email protected]
- Students may make payment by check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover), money order, or bank transfer (the student is responsible for any transaction fees imposed by the institution).
- Please e-mail [email protected] for information on how to make payments.
READY TO EARN YOUR DBA?
DBA in International Business Admission Requirements
Admission to the DBA in International Business is designed for experienced professionals ready for advanced doctoral study in business. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in business administration, a functional area of business, non-profit management, public administration, a JD, or another degree relating to managerial functions, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance examination is required.
Review the admission requirements, application materials, English proficiency standards, transfer credit policy, and enrollment restrictions below. When you’re ready to apply, you can complete Anaheim University’s online application and submit the required supporting documents.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application materials | |
| Application form | Required |
| Application fee non-refundable | $75 |
| One recent color photograph | Digital is okay |
| Government-issued photo ID | Scanned copy required |
| Résumé | Documenting at least 5 years of work or teaching experience in a relevant area of business |
| Academic requirements | |
| Earned master’s degree | In business administration, a functional area of business, non-profit management, public administration, a JD, or another degree relating to managerial functions |
| Minimum grade point average | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) |
| Official transcripts | Sealed, from the awarding institution |
| Prerequisite coursework | Transcripts documenting at least one course each in accounting, finance, and economics |
| English proficiency — non-native English speakers (one of) | |
| TOEFL | 550 PBT / 213 CBT / 80 iBT |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEIC | 800 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Other qualifying options | See the full list below |
| Other | |
| Entrance examination | None required |
| Transfer credit optional | Up to 9 units (3 graduate classes); $75 per course reviewed |
| Prior experiential credit | Not accepted |
English Proficiency Requirements
The language of instruction at Anaheim University is exclusively English, and English language services are not provided. Non-native English speakers must provide original documentation of college-level proficiency by meeting one of the following minimum scores:
Proficiency may also be shown by a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction; a transcript showing 30 semester hours taught in English with a “B” average, or a “B” or higher in an English composition class. Other accepted qualifications include BULATS Level 3 (60, accepted only for Cultura Inglesa in Brazil); ACT COMPASS ESL Placement Level 3; Eiken Pre-1; a CEFR B2 level assessed through recognized ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge; Duolingo English Test 105; Michigan MET 55, ECCE 650/LP, or ECPE 650/LP; or the College Board Accuplacer ESL series.
Transcripts not in English: if your institution does not routinely issue transcripts in English, original-language records must be submitted with official English translations issued by the university or a professional translation service (Accredited Language Services, Berlitz, Liaison Linguistics, Josef Silny & Associates, American Evaluation & Translation Services, or Education Evaluators International). Translations must be exact and complete versions of the original records.
Transfer Credit
Anaheim University will accept up to three graduate semester classes (9 units) awarded by another institution toward the DBA. You must demonstrate the equivalency of each transfer course through relevant documents (syllabus, catalog, course outline) and a petition directed to the Dean; no course with a grade lower than “B” will be considered. There is a fee of $75 per course reviewed, and the overall program cost is adjusted for approved credit. All petitions must be submitted with your initial application. Credits awarded as part of another completed degree are not accepted, and Anaheim University does not extend experiential credit to any student.
Enrollment Restrictions by State
Anaheim University currently does not accept students who reside in the following U.S. states and territories. If you reside in one of these locations, please contact Student Services at 714-772-3330 before applying.
How to Apply
- 1Submit your applicationComplete the Anaheim University admissions application. You may apply online or download the PDF application and submit it by email.
- 2Submit your supporting documentsProvide the required DBA application materials listed above, including a recent passport-size color photograph, government-issued photo ID, a résumé documenting at least five years of business experience, official master’s degree transcripts, transcripts documenting a course each in accounting, finance and economics, and English-proficiency documentation if required. Documents may be uploaded with the online application or emailed to [email protected]. Scanned copies may be accepted to expedite processing while required originals are being sent.
- 3Pay the application feePay the application fee. Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order, or bank wire transfer. For payment instructions or assistance, contact [email protected].
- 4Send required original documentsAny required original application documents that are not submitted online should be sent by registered mail to:
Anaheim University
Office of Admissions, Room 110
1240 S. State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806-5150
USA - 5Application reviewOnce your application materials are received, Anaheim University will review your application. A receipt for the application fee will be provided, and if your application is incomplete, the University will contact you with instructions regarding any outstanding materials.
- 6Complete your enrollmentIf your application is approved, you will receive an acceptance notification and Enrollment Agreement. Complete and return the required enrollment documentation and follow the University’s instructions for payment, registration, and beginning your program.

Robert Robertson, Ph.D.
Dean, Akio Morita School of Business Dr. Robert Robertson holds a Ph.D. in Management and Organization (Stirling University, Scotland); Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan…

Andrew E. Honeycutt, DBA
President, Anaheim University Professor Dr. Andrew E. Honeycutt, President of Anaheim University, is the recipient of a Harvard University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree…

Carlos Aquino, Ph.D.
Professor Holding a George Washington University MS in Structural Engineering and a University of Sao Paolo Ph.D. in Sciences and Technology, Dr. Carlos Tasso Eira…

Vince Carter, Ph.D.
Professor Dr. E. Vince Carter is a Professor at the Anaheim University Akio Morita School of Business and Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute. Vince’s teaching approach…

Mariah Jeffery, Ph.D., CSCP
Professor Dr. Mariah Jeffery holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida, and…

Tamara Myatt, Ph.D.
Professor Holding a Ph.D. and Masters in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, Tamara Myatt has spent more than a decade transforming the…

Chris Raymond, Ph.D.
Professor Dr. Christopher Raymond earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later completed an international MBA from École National…

Kwok Shum, Ph.D.
Director, Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute Professor After earning a Stanford University Master of Science in Engineering degree, Dr. Kwok Shum received his Ph.D. in Management…

Stavros Sindakis, Ph.D.
Professor With both a Ph.D. and MBA in Strategy, Enterprise & Innovation from the University of Portsmouth, Dr. Stavros Sindakis has made significant contributions to…

Barbara Son, Ph.D.
Professor Holding a Ph.D. in Urban Business Economics from Portland State University, and a Masters in Urban Affairs with a concentration in Technology, Business, Economics…

John Wang, Ph.D.
Professor Dr. John Wang received a scholarship award to complete his Ph.D. in Business Administration at Temple University in 1990, after earning his M.S. in…

William Hartley Ph.D.
President Emeritus Professor Dr. Hartley’s background is a combination of education, private sector work, teaching and consulting. Holding a bachelor’s degree, three master’s degrees, and…

Caryn Callahan, Ph.D.
Senior Professor Emeritus Holding a Harvard University Ph.D. in East Asian Languages in Civilizations with a specialization in Japan and an MBA specializing in Finance-Accounting…