Executive Doctor of Business Administration Program
Earn a Doctorate. Change the World.
Elevate your expertise and chart new grounds with a global community of practitioner-scholars in Pepperdine Graziadio’s Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) program.
Advance your leadership and experience competencies to conduct research and share your insights through thought leadership, publishing, and effective action.
Under the guidance of our expert faculty, leverage contemporary theories, advanced analytical methods, and your executive experience to develop new evidence-based insights for improving and shaping the future of business and the world.
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Quick FactsFormat: In-person |
Program Highlights
Top-Ranked
#4 World's Best Universities For Doctor of Business Administration (CEO World)
Award-Winning Malibu Campus
Study while enjoying on-campus housing on our top-rated Malibu campus overlooking scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean.
Accomplished Executive Cohort
Join a diverse cohort of successful executives from various backgrounds and industries. Exchange diverse ideas and perspectives through intimate, collaborative class sessions, fostering close bonds with peers and faculty mentors.
One-on-One Faculty Mentor
Our faculty mentors, esteemed global experts, offer personalized guidance to nurture your research. With vast industry experience and academic excellence, they ensure a top-tier doctoral education. Receive tailored support and feedback to strengthen your position as a Practitioner Scholar.
Values-Centered Education
The Executive DBA program blends academic excellence and Christian values, instilling sustainable business principles. Prepare to lead organizations with purpose and drive positive impact in business, society, and the world.
Experience-Driven
Our approach to doctoral-level business education focuses on equipping you to apply established theories and scientific research methods and leverage your executive experience to study real-world business and management problems and identify new insights that will transform business and management practice.
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about the Graziadio Business School.
Get in Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you as a student at Pepperdine Graziadio.
Attend an Event
Learn more about your program by signing up for a class visit, information session, webinar or graduate fair.
Start Your Application
Ready to start your journey to Pepperdine Graziadio? Begin your application today to take the next step towards your future.
Executive DBA Admission
Program Deadlines
Fall 2025: Priority Deadline
Fall 2025: Regular Deadline
Fall 2025: Final Deadline (International Students Only)
Fall 2025: Final Deadline (Domestic Students Only)
Networks You Can Explore
Fall 2023 Student Profile
Healthcare
Non-Profit
Consulting/Business Services
Financial Services/Insurance
Biotech/Pharma
Business Owners
Age Range
Female
Male
Average Years Work Experience
What Our Students Are Saying
Learn how DBA candidate, Ana M. Brant, uses her Executive Doctor of Business Administration program to create new knowledge she directly applies to her role as global director of guest experience and innovation for Dorchester Collection.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"The DBA program expanded my knowledge on both boards and diversity and has impacted my life both professionally and personally."
Dr. Sharita Batts | MBA '18, DBA '22
EVP, ESG & Safety of Ports America
""During the DBA program, I was exposed to methodologies and best practices that can be applied to academic and practitioner settings. Certainly, this has bolstered my credibility as a consultant"
Dr. Alfonso Berumen | DBA '20
Owner, Los Angeles Data Analytics, LLC
"Everybody has an interest in solving world problems, but those who are excited about creating thought leadership in the business world would find great benefit in pursuing a DBA"
Dr. Gil Keinan | MBA, '10, OBA '21
Founder and Principal, H I Obsequio
"The highlights of the DBA program are the sense of community and relationships created during the program, both as a cohort and as a researcher"
Dr. Ana Brant | DBA '22
Director, Global Guest Experience and Innovation, London based Dorchester Collection
Executive Student Experience
Values-Based, Personalized Learning
The Executives DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio offers an intimate cohort of top executives led by our renowned faculty who are personally committed to your academic and professional success. With ethical, sustainable business woven into the core of our teachings and an emphasis on experiential learning, you'll experience a truly unique, transformational graduate degree within a global community of purpose-driven leaders.
Dedicated Executive Mentor
Highly dedicated and accessible faculty mentors who are global experts in their fields will provide personalized advice and mentoring to develop your research.
Speak with Our Alumni
Alumni from the Executive DBA program are always happy to speak with prospective students.
Whether you have questions about schedule, their experience or how it benefited their
career, we’re happy to connect you with alumni of our program.
Please reach out directly to Pearl Quintana, Associate Director of Recruitment at
Pearl.Quintana@pepperdine.edu or by phone at 323.901.3109.
Veteran and Military Support
Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents.
As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.
Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program.
Center for Women in Leadership
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is deeply committed to empowering women in business, who comprise over 50% of our student body.
Through initiatives such as Pepperdine's Center for Women in Leadership, the Graziadio Women's Business Association, and customized mentorship programs, we strive to cultivate a nurturing environment for all our students.
Enroll in a Top Ranked Business School
Recognized in renowned business school rankings, including CEO Magazine's Global DBA Listing and the Executive DBA Council, the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is an AACSB-accredited, academically rigorous program designed specifically for accomplished executives who would like to deepen their professional knowledge through applied research. Experienced executives enrolled in the program immerse themselves in a learning community conducive to identifying research-based insights that address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities we face in business today.
Our DBA requires only six residential sessions over the first two years, with your third year dedicated to conducting your dissertation research study, and writing your doctoral dissertation in the format of a research monograph or two publishable articles.
Contact Us
Wan Song
Executive Advisor
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's Executive Doctor of Business Administration Program