Walsh College DBA in AI & Machine Learning (2025 Review): Who Is It For?
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are transforming how businesses operate, make decisions, innovate, and create value. Organizations now need leaders who can understand AI strategically, lead digital transformation, and translate technology into business outcomes.
The Walsh College Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in AI & Machine Learning is designed specifically for mid-to-senior professionals who want to step into executive leadership, consulting, advisory, or digital transformation roles.
This guide explains what the program offers, who it’s best suited for, the research journey, fees, leadership outcomes, and whether the program is the right fit for your career path.
About Walsh College
Walsh College is a U.S.-based institution offering business and executive education programs. Its DBA programs are known for:
- Practical, applied learning
- Executive leadership focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Integration of business strategy and emerging technologies
Unlike an academic PhD, this DBA focuses on real-world application, strategic leadership, and organizational impact.
What Makes the Walsh AI & ML DBA Unique?
This is not a technical programming-heavy AI degree.
It is a leadership and strategy-focused doctorate for professionals who want to:
- Lead AI-driven transformation inside organizations
- Understand AI from a strategic, business, and operational lens
- Become recognized as subject-matter leaders
- Build credibility for consulting or advisory roles
- Earn the Doctor (Dr.) title while continuing full-time work
Who Is This Program Best Suited For?
Ideal Candidates
| Profile | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Senior Managers & Directors | Need to lead transformation, not just manage operations |
| VP / CXO Track Leaders | Helps develop digital leadership authority |
| Product & Technology Leaders | Strengthens strategy + innovation capability |
| Data & Analytics Leads | Moves role from technical execution → strategic leadership |
| Consultants & Advisors | Enhances expertise and client trust |
| Founders / Entrepreneurs | Helps build scalable, tech-driven business models |
Not Ideal For:
- Fresh graduates or early-career professionals
- Those looking for a short certification
- Those unwilling to engage in reflective research
Program Structure & Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Doctor of Business Administration |
| Mode | 100% Online |
| Duration | ~3 Years (flexible pacing) |
| Expected Weekly Time | ~6–10 hours |
| Dissertation | Yes (applied business research) |
The program is designed to fit alongside full-time work.
| Attribute | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Applied AI Learning | You learn how to use AI strategically, not how to code it |
| Fully Online | No relocation; manageable with full-time work |
| Executive Leadership Focus | Prepares you for VP/CXO/Advisory roles |
| Dissertation Based on Your Industry | Research has real business impact |
Curriculum Breakdown
A. AI & Data Strategy
- Enterprise AI adoption frameworks
- Ethical and responsible automation
- Decision intelligence and predictive models
B. Machine Learning in Business Context
- How ML models drive operational efficiency
- Designing AI-enabled workflows
- Evaluating AI initiatives for ROI and scale
C. Leadership & Change Transformation
- Transforming teams for AI-powered environments
- Governance and digital ethics
- Leading innovation cultures
D. Applied Research (Dissertation)
Your dissertation solves a real strategic business problem, such as:
- Scaling data-driven decision culture in large enterprises
- Building ethical governance frameworks for AI rollouts
- AI-enabled workforce productivity models
- Market and customer behavior intelligence systems
Your dissertation becomes part of your professional identity and thought-leadership positioning.
| Format | Duration | Approx. Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Fee | ~3 Years | ₹6,50,000 – ₹8,74,000 |
EMI and financing support is typically available.
This pricing makes Walsh one of the most cost-effective US-based DBA options, especially for an AI-specialized track.
Career Outcomes & Leadership Pathways
Corporate Leadership Progression
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Senior Manager | Director / Head of Digital Strategy |
| Director | VP / Chief Data Officer / Chief Innovation Officer |
| VP Level | Board Advisor / Transformation Leader |
Consulting & Independent Practice
- Enterprise AI Strategy Consulting
- Digital Transformation Advisory
- Leadership Coaching & Organizational Change Consulting
Academic & Thought Leadership
- Visiting Faculty in business schools
- Corporate keynote speaker
- Published author / researcher
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Strong strategic & AI leadership focus | Requires consistent writing & research commitment |
| Designed for working professionals | Best for those with experience, not beginners |
| Applied dissertation creates real business impact | ROI depends on how actively you leverage the degree |
| Enhances authority & executive positioning | Not a purely technical / data science degree |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Walsh DBA recognized in India?
Yes — it is recognized in corporate, consulting, and leadership environments.
For government teaching roles in India (UGC track), a PhD may be required.
2. Can I use the “Dr.” title after completion?
Yes — this is a doctoral-level program, and the Doctor title is granted upon completion.
3. Do I need a technical background?
No. The program is strategy and leadership-focused, not coding-heavy.
4. Is the program fully online?
Yes — the entire program can be completed online while working.
5. How much weekly time is required?
Around 6–10 hours per week, depending on pace.
6. What roles can I pursue after graduation?
- VP / Director of Digital Transformation
- Chief Data / Innovation / Strategy Officer
- Independent digital transformation consultant
- Visiting faculty and corporate trainer
7. What support is provided during the dissertation?
You work with a research mentor who supports topic selection, analysis, writing, and defense.
Is This DBA Worth It?
Worth It If You Want To:
✅ Lead AI-enabled business transformation
✅ Grow into VP / CXO / Advisory roles
✅ Build authority in digital leadership
✅ Transition into consulting or thought-leadership
Not Worth It If You Want:
❌ Technical coding or ML engineering skills
❌ Fast-track salary boost with no role shift
❌ Minimal effort learning
Conclusion
The Walsh College DBA in AI & Machine Learning is designed for professionals who aim to lead the future of business transformation, not just work in it.
If your next career step requires authority, influence, strategic clarity, and the Doctor identity — this program aligns strongly with that direction.
Need Help Deciding if This Program Fits You?
We help you determine:
✅ Best-fit specialization
✅ Whether DBA aligns with your next career move
✅ EMI and scholarship support
✅ Research topic direction
Book a Free 1:1 Counseling Call with RiseUpp
No obligation — just clarity.
Meet the Author
Hari Rastogi
I hope you found this blog insightful! I’m Hari Rastogi, an IIM Trichy alumnus and the Co-founder & CEO of RiseUpp—a platform dedicated to helping students and professionals find the best online courses to achieve their career goals. Sharing knowledge and empowering others is my passion.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or follow the RiseUpp blog page for more blogs like this one. Let’s RiseUpp together!
