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Program Overview
The Fairfield Dolan Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (Executive DBA) program is ideal for working professionals looking to gain knowledge in sophisticated research methodologies and cutting-edge business issues to lead corporate business practices (e.g., consulting, finance, marketing, business intelligence, employee learning & development), professionals such as consultants, coaches, and executives who want to distinguish themselves in their respective fields, and business professionals who are interested in securing a full-time teaching position in business schools.
The three-year, part-time hybrid program offers a flexible schedule with synchronous classes that meet online on weekends and two, in-person weekends that take place at the beginning and at the end of the semester.
Professionals can pursue the Executive DBA degree in key business areas, such as Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, Management, and Economics and will benefit from instruction of Fairfield Dolan faculty who are both national scholars and highly regarded in their fields. Coursework integrates the theory and practice of business within the context of current business issues and focuses on the practical application of advanced business analytics and research methods. Through the Dolan Career Development Center, candidates can take advantage of professional development opportunities and gain access to Dolan’s strong alumni network.
Ranked in the top 25 for Best Graduate Business Specialty Programs by U.S. News & World Report, Fairfield Dolan aims to develop principled business leaders for a better world and is now accepting applications for the first cohort that will start during the summer 2023 term.
The Fairfield Dolan Experience
Contact Us

Leanne De Los Santos
Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs
203-254-4000
x3219

Mousumi Bhattacharya
Dolan Rankings

#19

#18

#19

#21
Requirements & Curriculum
Becoming a Practitioner Researcher |
Understanding the Firm: Theories and Practices |
Quantitative Research Methods I |
Professional Development: DBA and Careers |
Contemporary Topics in Business |
Qualitative Research Methods I |
Research Seminar I: Literature Review - Understanding Theory in the Discipline |
Quantitative Research Methods II |
Research Seminar II: Literature Summary |
Professional Development: University Teaching-Based on Ignatian Pedagogy |
Qualitative Research Methods II |
Research Seminar III: Hypothesis & Theory Development |
Research Seminar IV: Exploring Methodologies |
Research Seminar V: Methodology for Testing Hypotheses |
Dissertation Proposal Defense |
Professional Development: Knowledge Dissemination |
Research Seminar VI: Empirical Testing & Results |
Dissertation Defense |
Dolan Admission
Applicants must have an MBA or business-focused master’s degree with more than ten years of post-baccalaureate work experience and at least three years of managerial experience. A $2,000 non-refundable deposit is required following acceptance.
Latest Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (Executive DBA) Program News

Charles F. Dolan School of Business
Learn more about what our faculty and students are doing, as well as stay up-to-date on our rankings and accolades, programs, and more.
More About the Executive DBA Program
The Fairfield Dolan Experience
Career & Professional Development
Today's graduate student must be prepared with skills to last a lifetime of job searches and career shifts. Dolan’s close partnerships with nationally recognized companies and successful alumni will open the door to top notch learning opportunities and lifelong connections. Whether students are looking to start their career, advance their career within their current organization, or pivot to another career, Dolan will provide graduate business analytics students with the necessary skills and resources needed to succeed.
Professional Co-Op Programs with The Hartford and Synchrony
Fairfield Dolan has partnered with both The Hartford and Synchrony, two Fortune 500 companies, for Co-Op programs for graduate students, particularly those interested in business analytics fields. These opportunities immerse Fairfield graduate students in a real-life work environment, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the employees of the companies on projects. The Programs offer flexible in-person and/or remote positions ranging from 20 to 40 hours per week, 3 to 6 month engagements.
Benefits of these paid Co-Operative Opportunities
- Gain practical work experience in areas that complement student strengths, interests and coursework
- Actively learn and thrive as a responsible team member in the “real world”
- Establish contacts in the workplace for networking and potential employment opportunities
- Develop the marketable skills necessary for success in the workplace
Engaged Alumni Network
Alumni play a significant role in the mentoring and advocacy of current students by helping our students gain industry or company insight through informational interviews, mentorship, and more.
Executive Series and Leadership Opportunities
Complementing Fairfield Dolan’s traditional pedagogical mission is a series of diverse and distinctive events designed to enrich graduate student coursework including the Dolan Lecture, Dean’s Executive Forums, Fairfield StartUp Showcase, and Professional Development Series Events.
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Future-Ready Facility
Fairfield Dolan’s 80,500 square foot, $40 million facility gives Fairfield business students every advantage they need to make them future ready.
Dolan Report
We invite you to view the Dolan Update, a year in review of Charles F. Dolan School of Business News.
Faculty & Administration
Fairfield University’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business boasts experienced faculty who teach students the fundamentals, ethics, and new developments in business on a local and global scale.