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Doctor of Business AdministrationLiberty UniversitySchool of BusinessProgram Handbook2020-20211971 University BoulevardLynchburg, VA 24515-2269434-582-2000Liberty University is accredited by theCommission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schoolsto award associate, bachelor, master, specialist, and doctoral degrees.Contact the Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Liberty University.29 July 2020
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookPrefaceThis document describes the policies and procedures used to regulate the Doctor of BusinessAdministration program. The University reserves the right to make necessary changes withoutfurther notice. The regulations, courses, personnel, and costs listed herein are subject to changeafter publication of this bulletin through established procedures. In such cases, the Universitywill attempt to communicate these changes to all students, faculty, and staff through writtenmeans. It is IMPORTANT that each student familiarize himself with the regulations set forth inthis Catalog and assumes his proper responsibilities concerning them.School of Business Online DeanDr. Anita SatterleeDBA Program DirectorDr. Edward Moore, Director of Doctoral ProgramsDBA Program CommitteeDr. Edward Moore, Faculty, Director of Doctoral ProgramsDr. Nicole Lowes, Faculty, Research MethodologistDr. Alexander Averin, Faculty, Online ChairLiberty University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,age, disability or status as a veteran or disabled veteran. The school maintains its Christiancharacter, but does not discriminate on the basis of religion, except to the extent that applicablelaw respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objective.29 July 2020Page i
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookContentsPreface. iContents. iiLiberty University Statement of Mission and Purpose . 1Liberty University Statement on Worldview . 1DBA Program Purpose. 2DBA Program Mission. 2DBA Program Vision . 2DBA Program Learning Outcomes. 3Program Focus and Differentiation. 3DBA Admission Requirements . 3Admission Review & Notification . 5International Students. 5Transfer Credits . 5Financial Policies . 5Graduation Requirements. 6Applied Doctoral Research Project . 6Time Limits for Degree Completion. 6Enrollment and Breaks in Enrollment . 7DBA Program of Study and Course Descriptions . 7Progression Through the Program . 7DBA Courses Titles and Descriptions . 10DBA Cognates . 12Suggested Course Sequence . 1329 July 2020Page ii
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookLiberty University Statement of Mission and PurposeMaintaining the vision of the founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University develops Christcentered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.Through its residential and online programs, the University educates men and women who willmake important contributions to their workplaces and communities, follow their chosenvocations as callings to glorify God, and fulfill the Great Commission.Liberty University will:1. Emphasize excellence in teaching and learning.2. Foster university-level competencies in communication, critical thinking, informationliteracy, and mathematics in all undergraduate programs.3. Ensure competency in scholarship, research, and professional communication in allgraduate programs.4. Promote the synthesis of academic knowledge and Christian worldview in order thatthere might be a maturing of spiritual, intellectual, social and physical value-drivenbehavior.5. Enable students to engage in a major field of study in career-focused disciplines built ona solid foundation in the liberal arts.6. Promote an understanding of the Western tradition and the diverse elements of Americancultural history, especially the importance of the individual in maintaining democraticand free market processes.7. Contribute to a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and of internationalevents.8. Encourage a commitment to the Christian life, one of personal integrity, sensitivity to theneeds of others, social responsibility and active communication of the Christian faith,and, as it is lived out, a life that leads people to Jesus Christ as the Lord of the universeand their own personal Savior.Liberty University Statement on WorldviewLiberty University embraces a worldview that is both historically Christian and biblical, and thatunderlies the very concept and origins of the university. We hold that God exists and is thesource of all things, all truth, all knowledge, all value, and all wisdom. We hold that God hascreated an orderly universe according to His design and purpose and for His glory, and that Hehas created human beings in His image. God is actively at work in the world and history,governing them according to His ultimate purpose. From these foundational principles, it followsthat truth exists and that there is a standard of right and wrong. We hold that all of creation isfallen as a result of human sin. Finally, we hold that God has revealed Himself and His ways inthe natural created order, in history, in the Bible, and supremely in Jesus Christ. God in love andthrough the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ is redeeming humans and the entire created order.29 July 2020Page 1 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookAt Liberty University, students receive an education that integrates this Christian and biblicalworldview. Students trained with this worldview perspective will be equipped with a rationalframework for understanding and interpreting reality, for comprehending the meaning of life andthe value of humans and things, for making decisions and engaging in meaningful action, forstudying the various academic disciplines, and for understanding the interconnectedness of allknowledge.DBA Program PurposeStudents pursuing the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) will gain knowledge skills inthe discipline of business administration in specific cognate areas that can be applied in currentand future leadership roles.DBA Program MissionTo provide an opportunity for qualified students to attain academic, professional, and practicalcompetence within the Biblical Worldview to prepare them for opportunities, and correspondingadditional responsibilities, beyond the master’s degree level. The DBA program emphasizespractical and real-world applications in both the course work and the research projectrequirements.DBA Program VisionThe DBA program intends to produce graduates with intellectual and professional characteristicsdeemed valuable by organizational leadership. These characteristics include the ability to:1. defend arguments based on theories, concepts and empirical evidence in mattersrelating to research methodology and research design as well as those relating to thebusiness disciplinary domain in which the research is located [relates to PLO 1,2,&3];2. demonstrate the capacity for reflective and analytical business thinking [relates toPLO 1,3];3. draw together relevant concepts and theories from different business disciplines inorder to gain a better understanding of the organizational context in which particularproblems or opportunities arise [relates to PLO 1,3];4. analyze problems and issues arising in business and management contexts, utilizingrelevant theories, concepts, and empirical findings [relates to PLO 1,2,3];5. identify and analyze questions and issues in business [relates to PLO 2]; and6. design, implement, and successfully conclude empirical research projects [relates toPLO 1, 2, & 3].7. Each of the above will be considered in light of biblical principles, and be integratedwithin the Biblical Worldview [relates to PLO4]29 July 2020Page 2 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookDBA Program Learning Outcomes1. Evaluate current theoretical and applied research in business administration.2. Recommend qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to perform effective businessresearch.3. Recommend solutions for the improvement of business and organizational practice based uponresearch, knowledge of the literature, and best practices.4. Integrate a Christian Worldview into business functions.Program Focus and DifferentiationDoctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs focus on research and the practicalapplication of theory and knowledge to specific business problems. While they also preparegraduates for academic careers, a DBA program, with its focus on the application of theory andknowledge in business settings, is more geared towards business professionals.PhD programs in business focus on conducting academic research, such as the development ofnew theory and knowledge in business and other related business fields. While they also preparegraduates for high level business careers, a Business PhD program, with its focus on academicresearch and the development of theory and knowledge, is more geared towards academicprofessionals.Both the DBA and Ph.D. are considered terminal degrees in Business and have the following incommon: Rigorous courses of studySignificant emphasis on researchDevelopment of a research conceptDevelopment and presentation of a major doctoral research projectDBA programs are considered professional doctorates. Professional doctoral degrees aredesigned for working professionals although individuals may pursue the education profession.Many professional doctoral candidates have significant real world experience and / or arecurrently working in their professional fields. For this reason, the research in DBA programstends to be very business problem focused. The research approach for professional doctoralprograms is the “engaged scholarship” model that focuses on topics at the intersection of theoryand contemporary business issues.DBA Admission RequirementsApplicants to all graduate programs are required to have access to the Internet, e-mail service,and proficiency with word processing software.Applicants to graduate programs at Liberty University are assessed according to aptitude forgraduate level work. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, national orethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran. The school maintains its29 July 2020Page 3 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookChristian character, but does not discriminate on the basis of religion except to the extent thatapplicable law respects its right to act in furtherance of its religious objectives.Admission to Liberty University’s graduate programs is governed by policies and proceduresdeveloped by the Graduate Senate and Graduate Administrative Council. Admission to graduateprograms does not constitute Degree Candidacy status in a specific graduate program. TheUniversity reserves the right to refuse admission or readmission to any prospective student or reenrollment to any student. Any applicant who intentionally withholds pertinent information orwho falsifies information may be required to withdraw from Liberty University. The regulationslisted herein are subject to change after the publication of this Handbook. The Universityreserves the right to make necessary changes to admission requirements without notice.Our Doctoral degree in Business Administration (DBA) has a competitive admissions process.Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Officeof Graduate Admissions, when conducting admission reviews, may request additionaldocumentation to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admissions decision can be made.If you have further questions about admissions requirements for this program, please contact theSchool of Business: [email protected] Apply online or call an Admissions Counselor at (800) 424-9596 to apply over the phone.2. A non-refundable, non-transferable 50 application fee will be posted on the currentapplication upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and militaryspouses – documentation verifying military status is required).3. In addition to any admission requirements established by the Graduate school; DBAAdmission Requirements include:a. All DBA cognates require a master’s degree in business or a business-related field, with atleast 30 semester hours of graduate business credit.b. The DBA, Accounting specifically requires either a Master of Science in Accounting(MSA) or MBA with an accounting concentration, with at least 30 semester hours ofgraduate business credit.c. The DBA, Information Systems specifically requires either a Master of Science inInformation Systems (MSIS), a Master of Science in Management Information Systems(MSMIS), or an MBA with an Information Systems concentration, with at least 30semester hours of graduate business credit.d. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above is required for entrance into the program from any ofthe acceptable degrees above.e. TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper –based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).29 July 2020Page 4 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookAdmission Review & NotificationOnce all application materials are received for admissions, the candidate’s application packagewill be reviewed and an acceptance decision made. Once the application review process iscomplete, applicants will be notified via email of an admission decision.International StudentsApplicants for whom English is a second language must provide evidence of Englishproficiency. The DBA is not offered as a residential program and therefore students may not beeligible for a student visa.Transfer CreditsOnly courses from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department ofEducation are eligible for transfer credit. These include regional accrediting bodies such as theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and other accrediting bodies such as theAssociation for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), the Transnational Association of ChristianColleges and Schools (TRACS), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Coursesfrom University–approved institutions that meet regional or national accreditation equivalencywill be accepted for transfer credit based on the transfer credit policy.Applicants must request official transcripts be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissionsfrom the registrar(s) of previously attended schools.With approval, up to fifteen (15) semester hours of credits can be transferred into the DBAprogram. Transfer of coursework may be granted for the DBA Program if the followingrequirements are met: (a) courses must be comparable in content and level of coursework to thecorresponding DBA or cognate courses; (b) courses must carry a grade of at least a B; and (c)coursework must have been completed within the five years prior to the student’s date ofadmission. The following courses cannot be transferred into the DBA: BUSI 701, 885, 887, 888,889, 890. (Transfer credits will normally relate to the selected DBA cognate).It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply transcripts along with a request to have thecredit applied to the degree program. Students may be asked to submit the syllabus for anycoursework being considered for transfer along with a rationale of why the student believes thatthe course meets the program’s requirements.Financial PoliciesStudent Financial Services ces/) can helpwith information on Tuition & Fees as well as Financial Aid.29 July 2020Page 5 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookGraduation RequirementsIn addition to other regulations governing graduation, as stated in the Liberty University catalog,DBA students must meet the following requirements:1. A minimum of 45 semester hours of DBA coursework must be taken through Liberty.2. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program.3. Successfully complete and present the Applied Doctoral Research Project in BUSI890.4. Submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of thefinal course (BUSI 890).Applied Doctoral Research ProjectFollowing completion of all doctoral coursework and the concept paper course (BUSI 885),students must successfully complete an Applied Doctoral Research Project (ADRP) in partialfulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Business Administration. Thesecourses are BUSI 887, 888, 889, & 890.The ADRP is a comprehensive research project involving a current business problem found inthe literature. The focus of the ADRP is on research relevant to candidate’s cognate, examiningthe scholarly theories and concepts related to it, and then gathering and analyzing data to presentrelevant conclusions related to that topic. Part of the deliverable of the ADRP is a set ofrecommendations to inform and advance business practice, present informed solutions fordecision makers to consider, and report findings of a completed study for executiveconsideration. The four courses must be taken over sequential semesters.The ADRP is expected to exhibit scholarship, reflect mastery of technique, and make adistinctive contribution to the field of business in which the candidate has specialized. A researchchair is responsible for the general supervision and progression of the ADRP. A presentation ofthe research is required for final approval in BUSI 890. The research chair will guide the studentthrough various stages of research. The research chair and the DBA program director willdetermine when the research project is ready to be presented.Time Limits for Degree CompletionThe time limit for completing the degree from the date of admission to the DBA program isseven years. Only in unusual circumstances may the student be granted an extension.Granting of an extension of time will usually result in additional requirements. Any student whodoes not complete coursework within the permissible time limit, for any reason includingdiscontinued enrollment, must reapply for admission. A student may reapply only once, and willbe subject to the current standards and curriculum. The School of Business DBA Committee willdetermine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning29 July 2020Page 6 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program Handbookwith the date of readmission, the student’s time limit for degree completion is determined by thenumber of hours remaining.Enrollment and Breaks in EnrollmentAll DBA students are required to maintain enrollment in the DBA program. (1) Until studentsbegin the research project phase, they are required to be enrolled in at least one course in eachacademic year (From Fall to Summer); (2) Once doctoral candidates enter the research projectphase, they are required to be enrolled in each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) untilgraduation.A student facing certain unforeseen circumstance may contact his or her professor to determine ifassignment extensions are possible (as noted in the course syllabi or, if warranted, an incompletein order to allow time to complete coursework). An incomplete cannot be granted for any of thedoctoral research project courses.In the event a student is facing such things as an extended illness or hospitalization, relocationdue to one’s job, military obligations, or the death of an immediate family member, a break inenrollment will be considered and if warranted, granted by the DBA Program Director. TheDirector and the student will determine the length of the absence and develop a plan to return tothe program (if applicable). The length of the break in enrollment will not count toward thestudent’s seven year completion requirement.DBA Program of Study and Course DescriptionsInformation regarding coursework and a degree completion plan can be found at the School ofBusiness at: ba/Progression Through the Program1. Student Responsibility for Contents of HandbookUpon admission to the DBA program, students are required to read the Doctor of BusinessAdministration Program Handbook. Students are required to read the handbook each year forupdates and revisions. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and abide by theProgram Handbook policies and guidelines.2. Course PoliciesAll policies and procedures as stated in the current Liberty University Graduate Catalogapply unless otherwise stated in this handbook.a. GradingThe DBA uses the standard grading scale for doctoral programs, which is a 6 point scale.Students must earn a minimum grade of “B-” in all doctoral-level courses.29 July 2020Page 7 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookA 960 - 1000 -- A- 940 - 959 -- B 920 - 939 -- B 900 - 919 -- B- 880 - 899C 860 - 879 -- C 840 - 859 -- C- 820 - 839 -- D 800 - 819 -- D 780 - 799D- 760 - 779 -- F 759 and belowb. Grade of B minus:Student receiving a grade of “B minus” in a course will be permitted to remain in theprogram, unless their GPA drops below 3.0. Grades below a “B minus” will not counttowards graduation.c. Cumulative GPA below 3.0If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 they will be placed on AcademicProbation during the first semester the GPA is below 3.0. Students will have onesemester to obtain a GPA of 3.0 or above. If their GPA remains lower than 3.0 a secondsemester, regardless of course grades, the student will be dismissed from the programfor not maintaining an overall 3.0 GPA.d. Course Repeat PolicyDBA Core Courses: The course repeat policy allows students to repeat two DBA corecourses (BUSI 700 - 830) for a total of 6 hours if they earn a failing grade or withdraw.DBA Concept Paper Course: The course repeat policy allows students to repeat BUSI885 one time if they fail to pass or withdraw.ADRP Courses: This course repeat policy allows students to repeat each ADRP course(BUSI 887, 888, 889, & 890) one time for a total of four courses if they receive a gradeof NP or withdraw.e. Research ChairThe research chair is an essential advisor who has the expertise to guide the studentthrough the ADRP process. The chair will take on varying roles during the process,depending on the student, the topic, the research approach, or other factors. Chairs willserve students through 3 separate roles of a mentor: 29 July 2020Advisor- The research chair is the principal advisor who works with the candidatethroughout the ADRP process.Coordinator- The chair will provide the candidate with requirements, conditionsand timelines for the ADRP documents and the ADRP process.Director- The chair will lead the candidate through each part of the ADRP andwill work with the candidate in the selection of the methods, direction of theanalysis and the ultimate outcome of the research.Page 8 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookRegardless of the specific role, the chair is expected to regularly review candidateprogress and serve as a mentor, working with the student to move the ADRP processforward. The chair will carefully review the ADRP proposal and chapters and providedetailed written comments to the candidate, be available to discuss these comments,and review any revisions prior to determining that the candidate is ready to moveforward in the coursework or to present their research.In the event a candidate believes a chair is not meeting the above requirements, anappeal for a new chair may be submitted to [email protected] The student mustinclude specific information as to how the chair has not met the above requirements.f. Grievance PolicyGrade Grievances: Students must contact the course professor regarding resolution ofgrievance related to grades. If the issue is not resolved at this point, students maysubmit a formal grade appeal through graduate student advising. Please refer to thegrade appeal process in the current Liberty University Graduate Catalog. If thesituation falls within the parameters set forth in the process, a grade appeal can besubmitted.Other Grievances: Graduate students must first make a serious effort to resolve thematter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. The next step in theprocess is to appeal to LU Online Student Advocate Office by following the complaintprocedure as outlined on the website.3. BlackboardAll courses will use the Blackboard Course Management platform. Safe Assign software isalso utilized by the university to verify the originality of written work. Students needingassistance with Blackboard or Safe Assign can find support at the Technology EducationCenter.4. Academic MisconductAcademic misconduct is strictly prohibited. See The Graduate Catalog for specificdefinitions, penalties, and processes for reporting.5. Disability StatementStudents with a documented disability may contact the Liberty University Online Office ofDisability Academic Support (LU ODAS) at commodation-support/ to make arrangements for academic accommodations.29 July 2020Page 9 of 13
Liberty University School of BusinessDBA Program HandbookDBA Courses Titles and DescriptionsNote: The table below does not include the four cognate courses.BUSI 701 Current Topics inBusinessAdministrationBUSI 710 Foundations of AppliedResearch MethodsBUSI 730 Strategic Allocation ofFinancial ResourcesBUSI 735 Understanding theOrganizationBUSI 740 Managing the SupplyChainBUSI 745 Marketing forCompetitive AdvantageThis course covers current trends in critical areas of businessadministration from an executive perspective.Prerequisite - NoneAn overview of the assumptions, theories and processes ofqualitative and quantitative contemporary applied businessresearch methods, with an emphasis on blending them toinvestigate practice-anchored research problems.Prerequisite - Co-Requisite BUSI 701The advanced study of accounting and financial decision makingtechniques and models that are useful in the translation ofstrategic and operational goals related to resource allocation intospecific budgetary expectations of revenue, expenses, capitalexpenditures, and needs for external funding, including analysisof the effects of contingencies that might cause financialoutcomes to vary from budgeted expectations.Prerequisite - BUSI 701This course provides a comprehensive overview of the modernorganization from a systems perspective. Topics include the importanceof organizations, organizations as systems, the
Liberty University School of Business DBA Program Handbook 29 July 2020 Page i . in history, in the Bible, and supremely in Jesus Christ. . least 30 sem
