Online DBA Degree in Rural Business

Program Overview

The University of West Alabama's online Doctor of Business Administration in Rural Business prepares students to become experts in rural business through innovative coursework that can be completed in as little as three years. The program offers two specialization tracks, Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Rural and Transformational Leadership, and is ideal for professionals and educators who wish to contribute to the growth and development of rural areas. The 100% online delivery includes personalized support from enrollment counselors and success coaches, making it a flexible and accessible option for busy working professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The University of West Alabama's 100% online Doctor of Business Administration in Rural Business is the first program of its kind in the nation, focusing on innovative solutions to global rural business challenges.
It offers flexible coursework and can be completed in as little as three years.
• Objectives: The program aims to advance students' careers as experts in rural business through in-depth study of critical issues and strategies for success.
Students will gain entrepreneurial skills and transformational leadership knowledge, becoming subject matter experts who can contribute as independent scholars, practitioners of rural business, and agents of change in the field.
• Description: The program covers advanced business topics like entrepreneurial finance, legal issues, qualitative and quantitative research, statistical analysis, and more.
Students will create an applied dissertation based on rural business needs. The program is taught by expert, industry-connected faculty.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program includes core courses, two specialization tracks, and an applied dissertation.
• Structure:
• Core Courses:
21 credit hours covering topics like:
• Orientation to Doctoral Studies (RB 700)
• Challenges in Rural Business Management (RD 701)
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Common Business Structures (RB 702)
• Advanced Topics in Rural Entrepreneurial Finance (RB 703)
• Social and Organizational Issues in Rural Business (RB 704)
• Advanced Qualitative Research (RB 705)
• Advanced Quantitative Research (RD 706)
• Statistical Analysis: Research Methods and Design (RB 707)
• Specialization Tracks:
27 credit hours each, allowing students to focus on their academic interests and professional goals:
• Rural Entrepreneurship and Innovation Track:
Designed for business professionals or educators interested in creating solutions and new ideas for rural entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Design Thinking and Innovation (RB 708)
• Understanding Rural Development and Rural Sourcing (RB 709)
• Seminar in Rural Communities (RB 710)
• Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (RB 711)
• Civic and Community Networks and Leadership (RB 712)
• Social Entrepreneurship and Social Franchising (EI 720)
• Strategic Planning for Economic Development (EI 730)
• Resource Management in Rural Business (EI 740)
• Rural Business Startup: Applied-Based Course (EI 750)
• Selected Topics in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EI 798)
• Rural and Transformational Leadership Track:
Designed to develop effective rural leadership capable of addressing multifaceted issues in rural areas. Ideal for professionals considering higher education as a career or part-time employment.
• Design Thinking and Innovation (RB 708)
• Understanding Rural Development and Rural Sourcing (RB 709)
• Seminar in Rural Communities (RB 710)
• Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (RB 711)
• Civic and Community Networks and Leadership (RB 712)
• Human Resource Management (RL 720)
• Strategic Management in Rural Communities (RL 730)
• Transformational Leadership and Governance (RL 740)
• Seminar in Transformational and Rural Leadership (RL 750)
• Selected Topics in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (RL 798)
• Applied Dissertation:
12-18 credit hours, culminating in a dissertation based on rural business needs.
• Applied Dissertation I – Prospectus (DISS 701)
• Applied Dissertation II- Proposal Development (DISS 702)
• Applied Dissertation III – Proposal (DISS 703)
• Applied Dissertation IV – Applied Dissertation (DISS 704)
• Applied Dissertation V- Continuing Dissertation (DISS 705)
• Course Schedule: The program offers two terms each year with the following deadlines: Fall 1 – apply by June 1 and Spring 1 – apply by October 1.
• Course Length: Each course is 8 weeks long.
• Faculty: The program is taught by expert, industry-connected faculty.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Rural business consultant
• Economic developer
• Rural business educator
• Chief executive
• Opportunities: The program prepares students for leadership roles in rural businesses and communities.
• Outcomes: Graduates will be equipped to address rural business challenges and contribute to the growth and development of rural areas.

Other:

• Time Limit: Students are expected to complete and defend the dissertation within seven years of initial enrollment into the online DBA program.
• Program Completion Requirements:
• Completion of Orientation to Doctoral Studies (RB 700)
• Satisfactory completion of all required coursework (no grade below B)
• Successful completion of an applied dissertation
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher
• Completed application for degree and satisfaction of all UWA financial obligations
• Pass a comprehensive exam
• Program Features:
• Two 27-credit tracks for specialization
• Flexible coursework
• 100% online delivery
• Personalized support from enrollment counselors and success coaches