I decided to pursue my doctoral degree at the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU) because I wanted to strengthen my business acumen, management skills, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. FIU’s Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree program is widely respected and acknowledged and designed to challenge the practical knowledge an experienced professional has acquired through their career in business, management, or leadership.

Shortly after earning my Master of Science in Management Studies, I remember discussing with a couple of my friends… “and what now? Should we pursue the DBA, the final degree?”

Two of us applied and started the program in the Fall of 2020. We soon grew concerned about COVID-19, which became a considerable challenge. FIU provided the necessary tools to facilitate remote learning, and we attended the program remotely our entire first year. The program itself offers the flexibility I was looking for since there is only one in-person residency per month, and Zoom classes are held in the evenings. The schedule is ideal and convenient for professionals like me who still hold a full-time job.

The outstanding educators and award-winning professors who teach the different courses have made my experience unique. They are extraordinary, knowledgeable, and accomplished professionals. Additionally, this program has also allowed me to pursue research in leadership, which is also my ongoing passion. I have also learned that a DBA opens the door for different career paths such as C-level executive positions, academia, economics, etc., and will expand my employability. I knew this program would foster more empowerment for me as a woman and a professional. Representation is vital, and my goal is to inspire more women and young professionals to follow my same path.

My advice to those who want to earn the highest degree is to not wait any longer and apply for it. In 3 years, you will have completed one of the most significant accomplishments of your life.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to pursue my dream at FIU, a top 50 Public Research University and #1 in Florida. I am also thankful for continuing my education in the middle of a pandemic that has impacted so many people. Lastly, I am grateful to have my family, classmates, and faculty's unconditional support at FIU.

Earn your DBA – the ultimate business degree – at FIU Downtown on Brickell in Miami, an epicenter of international business. The FIU DBA program is a rigorous educational opportunity provided by leading academic researchers within the field of business administration. This program is offered as a track under the Ph.D. degree and is designed for working senior-level professionals who desire to achieve a doctoral degree in business while continuing their work responsibilities and careers.

Through applied business theory and research, the DBA program prepares students to develop evidence-based solutions to address complex global business challenges and expand their business knowledge beyond the areas covered by an MBA or graduate degree.

The three-year, 72-credit DBA program covers all aspects of applied business research, including strategic planning, financial management, innovation, entrepreneurship, and quantitative research. Students also reap the benefits of studying in the multicultural, diverse city of Miami, long known as the Gateway to Latin America and home to more than 1,400 multinational companies.

To learn more about the DBA program, check out the program overview video below, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or apply today!