FAQs

Lean more about the different programs here.

The DBA is a full-time program designed for busy professionals who can continue to work while completing their degree. At a minimum, you will need the support of your employer to be able to attend classes one Friday, Saturday and Sunday approximately every other month. There is also additional pre- and post-course work that will require time in the evenings and on weekends.

We require that students attend all on-campus course days. Should you miss any requisite portion of a course, you may be required to withdraw from the course and take it again the next time it is offered. 

Course delivery will combine pre- and post-course work and intensive on-site instruction.

Generally each course will be set up seminar-style, with discussions facilitated by the professor. To get the most out of your classroom experience, students should come prepared for a high level of interaction with faculty and other students.

The DBA is a cohort program, which means that you will remain with the same individuals throughout the program. However, most of the work is completed individually.

In addition to the in-person class time, we recommend that you plan to spend approximately 20 hours reading (this includes both pre and post-course reading) and 10 hours on course assignments.

During the first two years, classes will be held on campus approximately once every other month over three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). If you would like to receive a schedule of classes, please contact us.

Beginning in the fall of the second year, the focus will be on the development of your Integrative paper, so no formal classes are scheduled. The third and fourth year of the program are structured for completing your research.

If you are an international student, please contact the University of Calgary’s International Student Services office prior to applying for the program to discuss your study options.

Students will complete eight courses, a written Field of Study examination, a Thesis proposal with an oral examination, and a Thesis with an oral defense.

Required Curriculum

It is expected that it will take students four years to complete the program.

The Haskayne DBA focuses on strategic management, allowing students to narrow their field of study through elective courses and research papers.

There is no international travel required for the program. The potential to take an elective course abroad is currently being explored.

The best way to prepare for the program is to attend the orientation. Over the course of two days you will learn about the structure of the program, student expectations, how to best read and prepare for your courses and much more. 

Across the program are opportunities to network with your classmates, other students, faculty and business leaders. These opportunities take a variety of forms from guest speakers to workshops and receptions.

The in-person portion of courses occur from Friday through Sunday.

A typical schedule for the Friday / Saturday is as follows:

• 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast and individual/group work time
• 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Class
• 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Morning break with refreshments
• 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class
• 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Class
• 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Afternoon break with refreshments
• 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. Class

The Sunday schedule is as follows:

• 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and individual/group work time
• 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Class
• 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Morning break with refreshments
• 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class
• 12:00 – Working Lunch
• 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Class

Courses typically have pre- and post-course weekend webinars and assessments.

No, computers are not provided by the program. Students will need to provide their own laptop computer for use in-class and for the blended learning component. There is some IT support available for students who need help setting up wireless internet, university printers and email accounts on their computers.

If you choose to use a company-provided laptop, please be aware that there can be issues with firewalls and other security settings applied by your organization. As well, there is limited support for Mac computers and some of the software programs used do not run well on Macs.

Some students may enter the program with a specific problem they want to explore, others will identify their area of interest while taking the courses and working with their supervisor and course instructors.

This is optional. For many students their employer or industry will be their area of interest while others may want to use this opportunity to explore other topics.

The quality of research and writing should be at the level of publication; however, even for experienced researchers there are no guarantees of publication.

For individuals currently working at a senior executive level or in academic roles, this program will provide them with the skills to expand their capacity for strategic management. For individuals who are considering a career shift, this degree will give them the knowledge and skills to move into consulting and knowledge dissemination roles. We anticipate that all graduates of the program will have the knowledge and skills to teach university classes and Executive Education courses.

Throughout the program there will be a number of options for improving on or building your teaching skills. We anticipate students who take advantage of these options will be prepared to teach at the university level. Information about these options will be available during orientation.

No. DBA candidates will have already earned a master’s degree or some related advanced degree, so no GMAT will be required.

Please contact our admissions team for more information on English proficiency requirements. Note: TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of completion.

If the only outstanding items are supporting documents (e.g., we are missing original transcripts but have copies), the admissions committee may choose to review your application file. However, if you are successful, your admission to the program will be conditional upon receiving all of the required documentation.

Please click here for a detailed breakdown and schedule.

The tuition for the DBA program includes the following:

• Instruction and course materials (e.g., textbooks, cases, etc.)
• Meals and parking on the main campus during scheduled classes
• Instructional Skills Workshops (optional)
• Haskayne Research seminars
• Haskayne guest speakers
• Online tutorials to facilitate preparation for courses
• Access to programs sponsored by the Haskayne Centres of Excellence
• Dedicated technical support and librarian support
• Access to University of Calgary recreation facilities
• Access to University of Calgary Library facilities

• If you do not have a laptop computer you will need to purchase one.
• You will also be required to pay general fees, which are set annually by the university.
• Accommodation if you live outside of Calgary
• Travel to and from Calgary
• Any costs for international courses

The government views this program as full-time for student loan and tax purposes. The program can provide a letter in support of your loan application if required. You will receive a tuition tax receipt (T222A) each year from the university.

The university has a Sponsored Student process. Please contact us for more information.

Yes. Please refer to the University of Calgary’s Tuition Support Program page for more information.

If you are an international student, please contact the University of Calgary’s International Student Services office prior to applying for the program to discuss your study options.

If English is not your first language you may be asked to write the TOEFL/IELTS. If you have previously studied at a post-secondary level in English or have worked for significant periods in an English speaking country, please contact our admissions team to confirm this requirement.

We accept TOEFL / IELTS scores within two years of the test date.

No. This program has the same tuition for domestic and international students.

If you are an international student, please contact the University of Calgary’s International Student Services office prior to applying for the program to discuss your study options.

If there are courses you have previously taken that could be used towards the degree, please contact us.

This may be possible, please contact us.

No. The DBA program is designed for senior-career professionals with at least 10 years of management experience or at least five years’ experience as a lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program.