The Same Silicon Valley Doctorate Earned Entirely Online
The Golden Gate University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), delivered through UpGrad, is the same doctoral degree awarded by GGU in San Francisco. The 27-month programme combines advanced business research, strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making and AI-focused business practices for experienced professionals.
Designed for senior executives, business leaders, consultants, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals, the programme provides a flexible 100% online learning experience that allows you to continue your career while developing doctoral-level research and leadership expertise. An optional on-campus immersion at GGU's San Francisco campus also provides opportunities to connect with faculty and global peers in Silicon Valley.
With WASC-accredited doctoral education and a curriculum spanning quantitative and qualitative research, corporate finance, AI, marketing, consumer behaviour, leadership and strategic management, the programme is designed to strengthen your ability to solve complex business challenges and lead organisational transformation.
Admission Process, Eligibility & Fees
A simple four-step process gets you from application to your reserved seat.
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Complete Application
Submit your online application with your academic and professional background.
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Application Review
The admissions committee reviews your profile against programme eligibility.
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Receive the Offer Letter
Qualified applicants receive a formal offer letter confirming their place.
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Reserve Your Seat
Pay the application fee to secure your seat in the upcoming cohort.
Eligibility
- A master's degree, or equivalent
- A bachelor's degree with 5+ years of work experience
Programme Fees
Designed for Senior Leaders and Strategy Professionals
The GGU DBA is built for experienced professionals who want to pair years of leadership experience with rigorous, research-backed decision-making capability.
Senior Leaders & Executives
CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Directors, VPs, and Business Heads driving organisational strategy.
Experienced Professionals
10+ years of expertise across business, finance, consulting, technology, HR, marketing, supply chain, or entrepreneurship.
Managers & Strategy Professionals
Leaders looking to build analytical and research-backed decision-making skills.
Academics & Trainers
Aspiring academics, corporate trainers, and teaching professionals building doctoral credentials.
Consultants & Entrepreneurs
Independent practitioners who want research-driven frameworks for client and venture strategy.
Globally Ambitious Professionals
Leaders who want to network with global peers and faculty through Silicon Valley immersion.
Key Benefits & Outcomes
A globally accredited doctorate built to accelerate careers and boardroom readiness.
Globally Accredited
A WASC-accredited US degree, recognised internationally by employers and academic institutions alike.
Career Acceleration
Prepares graduates for senior roles like Strategy Director, Senior Management Consultant, and Business Unit Head.
Research-Driven Leadership
Develops skills for AI-led, data-driven decision-making and organisational transformation.
Boardroom Readiness
An optional add-on PwC Directorship Certificate builds governance, ethics, finance, and risk expertise.
15 Core Subject Areas
Beginning with a foundation course in research methodology, the curriculum spans doctoral writing, finance, data and AI, marketing, and strategic leadership.
Backed by GGU Faculty and Global Accreditation
The programme features faculty from both Golden Gate University and industry, and is recognised across four accrediting bodies.
Learn Alongside Mid‑to‑Senior Leaders
The programme attracts experienced professionals from across industries and functions.
Nisha Agarwal
Former VP – ANZ, experienced in Credit Risk & Regulatory Implementation.
Nunna Veerabhadra Rao
Former Director and CEO in the construction industry.
Gaurav Bhatli
Former GM and Head of HR, currently CEO of a learning solutions company.
Runav Desai
Senior Executive (Analytics) with an MBA in Marketing.
Shruti Chugh
Associate Project Director, experienced in IT Delivery & Program Management.
Have questions? Learner support is available 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 7 PM, through upGrad. Check the official upGrad or startyourphd.com pages for current start dates and the latest fee structure.
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