Sami Attaoui
TOP 50
Financial Times Executive MBA Global Ranking 2024
DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) Applied research in management for senior executives and experienced professionals
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Ranking
TOP 50
Financial Times Executive MBA Global Ranking 2024
DBA: a professional doctorate in management for executives and experts
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at NEOMA Business School is an executive doctorate designed for senior leaders, experienced managers, consultants and entrepreneurs seeking to address complex organisational challenges through applied research.
This DBA programme is tailored for working professionals who want to step back from day-to-day operations, strengthen their strategic thinking and develop advanced expertise grounded in rigorous management research.
At what stage in your career?
The DBA is designed for experienced professionals at a pivotal stage in their career, looking to elevate their leadership, deepen their strategic perspective and extend their influence.
It is particularly suited to those preparing for executive roles, portfolio careers, consulting, board-level responsibilities or academic involvement.
What you gain from the DBA
NEOMA’s DBA equips you with advanced research skills and a robust understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
You develop recognised expertise on a strategic topic while building a structured doctoral thesis, from defining your research focus to delivering impactful insights for organisations.
Key benefits of the DBA programme
With NEOMA’s DBA, you will:
- sharpen your strategic decision-making and leadership capabilities
- strengthen your credibility as a senior executive, expert or consultant
- transform your professional experience into recognised thought leadership
- generate actionable insights for organisations and industries
- expand your professional impact at both organisational and personal levels
Distinct Features of the DBA
NEOMA’s Executive DBA combines academic excellence, applied research and a flexible format designed for professionals.
Delivered part-time over three years, the programme blends online learning, residential sessions and dedicated academic supervision, with a strong emphasis on real-world business impact
A structured 3-year Executive DBA journey
Year 1: Foundations of management research
The first year of the DBA programme provides the essential foundations of management research. You develop a strong understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, structure your research approach and define the direction of your doctoral project.
An intermediate qualification is awarded: Executive MSc in Management Research.
Year 2: Specialisation and applied research
In the second year, you deepen your expertise in a chosen area of specialisation and apply advanced research methods to a real-world business or management challenge.
You begin to shape a meaningful contribution to organisations, aligned with your professional experience and strategic focus.
Year 3: Doctoral thesis
The final year of the Executive DBA is dedicated to the completion of your doctoral thesis, under the supervision of a faculty member.
The programme culminates in a thesis defence and the award of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
A flexible, international DBA learning experience
The NEOMA’s DBA programme combines interactive workshops, live online sessions and residential periods, offering a flexible format for senior executives.
It also provides an international academic perspective through collaborations with leading global partner institutions.
Entry requirements
- A Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent qualification
- A minimum of 7 years’ professional experience
- English proficiency at B2 level (CEFR): test required
- Accepted tests: TOEIC or TOEFL (taken within the last 2 years)
- Exemptions: native English speakers and/or professionals who have been working in English for more than 5 years
We also offer the option to take an online English test aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Admissions process
Admission to the Executive DBA programme takes place in three steps:
Complete your application with the required academic and professional information for the evaluation of your profile.
Outline your professional goals, motivations and the key research areas you wish to explore as part of the DBA.
This discussion assesses the alignment between your background, your project and the programme’s expectations.
Funding your Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
- Programme fee: €45,000 (net of tax)
- Application fee: €100
- Intakes: June 2026
- Early bird*: Up to €5,000*
- Scholarships*: Excellence & Impact*, Women in Leadership*
*Some scholarships may be combined. Please contact Yann Lorant for further information.
Dedicated support to fund and succeed in your DBA
Contact Yann to benefit from personalised guidance on both funding options and how to align your DBA with your professional goals and career development.
Email : yann.lorant@neoma-bs.fr
Phone. : +33(0)6 99 05 52 03
The Global Executive MBA is eligible for CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) funding for professionals working or who have worked in France.
The Global EMBA is a degree-awarding programme: Global Executive Master of Business Administration, registered as a Level 7 certification under the title “Cadre Dirigeant” (Senior Executive) in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP), registration number RNCP 37645.
Registration date: 31 May 2023 – NEOMA.
Contact
Our dedicated point of contact for personalised advice and support.
Practical information
Programme format:
Online format with residential weeks and learning sessions organised with partner schools
Programme duration:
3 years, part-time
Location:
Campus : Paris, Shanghai
Language of instruction:
English
Next intake date:
June 2026
Entry requirements:
- Master’s degree or MBA
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience
- English level: B2 (CEFR)