MBA + DBA in Business & Data Analytics - GGU
The MBA + DBA dual degree from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, is a 36-month online pathway for professionals aiming for senior leadership. Learners first build managerial capability through a core MBA spanning finance, marketing, analytics, operations and strategy, then progress to a research-driven Doctor of Business Administration that sharpens evidence-based decision-making. With 90 credits, live interactive sessions, Harvard Business Publishing simulations, case studies and five concentration options, graduates gain the strategic, analytical and research skills needed for executive, consulting and academic roles.
₹ 12,00,000
Overview
The Master + Doctor of Business Administration (MBA+DBA) from Golden Gate University is an integrated 36-month programme delivered online for working professionals who want to move into senior executive leadership. It combines the practical managerial toolkit of an MBA with the strategic, research-led depth of a DBA, so learners can both run organisations effectively and contribute new thinking to industry practice. Golden Gate University, established in 1901 in downtown San Francisco, is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, is a member of AACSB International, and its degrees are recognised by World Education Services. The programme carries 90 credits and is taught through live, interactive sessions, case studies, projects and Harvard Business Publishing simulations. The MBA stage covers business fundamentals, leadership, marketing, analytics, corporate finance, information technology, operations and supply chain, business context and strategy, with specialisations in international financial management, AI for business problem solving, digital marketing and new media, and strategic leadership. The DBA stage lets learners choose a concentration in Finance, Business and Data Analytics, Marketing, Leadership and Strategy, or a General track. Graduates receive both an MBA and a DBA degree from Golden Gate University, gain GGU alumni status, and can opt for an on-campus immersion in San Francisco.
Why Business Administration (DBA / DBM)?
This programme is built for professionals who want practitioner credibility and doctoral-level research capability without pursuing two separate degrees. By sequencing the MBA and DBA in a single 36-month pathway, learners save around 10 months compared with taking the degrees one after the other and benefit from the cost efficiency of one streamlined programme. Golden Gate University brings more than 120 years of academic heritage, WASC accreditation, AACSB membership and WES recognition, along with rankings such as the top online college in California by OnlineU and SR Education and a place in the top 10 percent of US schools by College Factual. More than 80 percent of its faculty are scholar-practitioners, and San Francisco-based instructors bring over 12 years of industry experience in finance, technology and consulting, together with personalised mentoring. Learners connect virtually with the Silicon Valley business ecosystem, apply their learning through case studies, projects and Harvard Business Publishing simulations, and can tailor their path through MBA specialisations and DBA concentrations. The outcome is a dual credential that supports moves into senior executive, consulting, entrepreneurial and academic roles, backed by a global alumni network of over 70,000 members.
What does this course have to offer?
Key Highlights
Dual MBA and DBA degrees from Golden Gate University, San Francisco
WASC accredited, AACSB International member and WES recognised
90 credits completed in 36 months
Live and interactive online sessions designed for working professionals
Case studies, projects and Harvard Business Publishing simulations
Choice of four MBA specialisations and five DBA concentrations
Optional on-campus immersion in San Francisco
English subtitles for recorded content
GGU alumni status with a network of 70,000+ alumni
Saves around 10 months compared with pursuing the two degrees separately
Who is this programme for?
Experienced professionals aiming for senior executive leadership roles
Managers who want to combine practical business skills with research-driven decision-making
Consultants seeking deeper analytical and strategic credibility
Entrepreneurs looking to build and scale ventures with a strong business foundation
Professionals interested in academic, research or public sector leadership careers
Minimum Eligibility
A valid Bachelor's degree
Completed online application with education and work experience details
Statement of Purpose submitted with the application
Shortlisting by the admissions committee after profile review
Payment of the seat block amount after receiving the offer letter
Not sure whether you qualify for this programme?
Admission Overview
Admission to the Golden Gate University MBA + DBA programme is handled completely online. The minimum eligibility is a valid Bachelor's degree. Applicants complete an application with details of their education and work experience and submit a Statement of Purpose. The admissions panel reviews the Statement of Purpose, work experience and educational background to assess fit for the programme, and shortlisted candidates receive an offer letter. Candidates then confirm their seat by paying a block amount, with the balance paid subsequently. Academically, the programme carries 90 credits over 36 months. Learners begin with core MBA courses of 3 units each covering business fundamentals, management and leadership, marketing, business analytics, corporate finance, information technology, operations and supply chain, the context of business, strategic analysis and teamwork, and may select an MBA specialisation. They then progress into the DBA, where each concentration carries 9 credits over 6 months, and learning is delivered through live sessions, case studies, projects and business simulations.
Selection process
How to apply?
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured as a two-stage journey that moves from managerial practice to research-led leadership. The MBA stage builds a broad foundation across economics and business finance, management and leadership theory, marketing management, business analytics, corporate finance, the management of information technology, operations and supply chain management, the legal, social and ethical context of business, strategic analysis and design, and high-performing teamwork. Learners can tailor the MBA through specialisations in International Financial Management, Application of AI in Solving Business Problems, Digital Marketing and New Media, or Strategic Leadership. The DBA stage deepens expertise through one of five concentrations: Finance, Business and Data Analytics, Marketing, Leadership and Strategy, or a General track that combines courses from the other four. Throughout, learning is applied through projects, case studies and Harvard Business Publishing simulations so that research and strategy skills translate directly into real business challenges.
There are 11 semesters in this course
The core MBA begins with Fundamentals of Business (BUS 202), which introduces market dynamics, macroeconomic principles and financial tools such as capital budgeting and the time value of money. Management and Leadership (LEAD 300) develops analytical and decision-making skills and examines how organisational context shapes managerial action, while Marketing Management (MKT 300) covers positioning, pricing, distribution, communications, customer behaviour and marketing research across for-profit, nonprofit, internet and global contexts. Foundations of Business Analytics (MSBA 300) introduces data strategy, analytics tools, the CRISP-DM methodology and the Internet of Things, and Corporate Finance (FI 300) explores financial analysis, risk and return, capital investment decisions and valuation models. Information Technology (MBA 323) addresses technology governance, productivity, emerging trends, security, privacy and ethics, while Operations and Supply Chain Management (OP 300) looks at how operations support core competencies and strategic objectives. Context of Business (MGT 345) examines the international, legal, political, social, environmental and cultural responsibilities of firms, Strategic Analysis and Design (MBA 311) has learners analyse business environments and formulate strategy, and Teamwork in Organizations (LEAD 303) builds skills to design and lead high-performing teams. Each of these courses carries 3 units. In the DBA stage, learners complete a 9-credit, 6-month concentration. Finance includes Corporate Finance and Financial Theory and Its Applications; Business and Data Analytics includes Managing Data as an Asset and Operational Performance Management; Marketing includes Marketing Management and Consumer Behavior; Leadership and Strategy includes Leadership Research, Theory and Application and Leading Complex Change; and the General track lets learners pick any three courses across the four concentrations.
Fundamentals of Business
Management and Leadership
Marketing Management
Foundations of Business Analytics
Corporate Finance
Information Technology
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Context of Business
Strategic Analysis and Design
Teamwork in Organizations
Business & Data Analytics
6 Months to complete
Programme Length
The programme runs for 36 months in total, with the MBA completed first followed by the DBA. Each DBA concentration spans 9 credits over 6 months, and the integrated structure saves around 10 months compared with pursuing an MBA and a DBA separately. Live online delivery allows learners to continue working while they study.
Whom you will learn from?
Learn from top industry experts who bring real-world experience and deep knowledge to every lesson. The instructors are dedicated to help you achieve your goals with practical insights and hands-on guidance.
Prof. Geoffrey Ngene
Tuition Fee
The total programme fee for the Golden Gate University MBA + DBA is INR 12,00,000, with no tax applicable on the course fee. The optional on-campus immersion in San Francisco carries a separate immersion fee, and learners who choose it are responsible for visa, travel and related expenses. To make the investment manageable, learners can pay as they learn through an annual instalment plan, use a 12-month no-cost EMI option, or pay upfront to receive an additional fee waiver. A seat is reserved by paying a block amount of INR 25,000 after receiving the offer letter, and the remaining fee is paid subsequently within the timeline set by the programme. Because both degrees are delivered through one streamlined 36-month programme, learners also gain a cost advantage over funding an MBA and a DBA as separate qualifications. A refund can be requested within the window stated in the offer letter, subject to approval by the Academic Committee, and no refund applies once the programme has started.
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financing options
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About the University
Golden Gate University (GGU), established in 1901, is a private university located in San Francisco, California. It specializes in professional education and caters to working adults through its schools of law, business, taxation, technology, accounting, and undergraduate studies. GGU offers 4 undergraduate degrees and 18 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees. Known for its emphasis on hands-on learning and experiential education, GGU prepares students to succeed in dynamic industries such as law, finance, technology, and business management. The university fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and lifelong learning while leveraging its urban location to provide students with access to Silicon Valley and Fortune 500 companies. With over 68,000 alumni worldwide, GGU is committed to delivering affordable and accessible education.
#2285
Other Ranking globally
#627
Other Ranking in North America
#573
Other Ranking in United States
Affiliation & Recognition
#2285
Other Ranking globally
#627
Other Ranking in North America
#573
Other Ranking in United States
Affiliation & Recognition
Career services
Golden Gate University offers robust career services aimed at empowering students and alumni to achieve their professional goals. The Career Center provides personalized career consulting sessions that include resume reviews, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview preparation workshops, and job search strategies. Students benefit from networking events with industry leaders, career fairs, and access to job postings through GGU Careers. The Career Center also facilitates internships across various industries such as law, taxation, accounting, business management, and technology. GGU collaborates with leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley to connect students with impactful career opportunities. Its partnership with upGrad further extends career coaching services globally. Alumni continue to benefit from career resources even after graduation through mentorship programs and professional growth workshops. Additionally, GGU’s Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service provides specialized support for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
300+
Number of Corporate Partnerships
Top Recruiters
₹ 12,00,000
Frequently asked Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.