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In today’s competitive and complex world of business, executives and entrepreneurs face challenges that cannot be solved by experience alone. Success increasingly depends on the ability to conduct advanced academic research, transform insights into practice, and navigate global change. The Global Doctorate of Business Administration (GDBA) at Rennes School of Business has been designed for professionals who want to take their expertise to the highest level.
As a triple-crown accredited graduate school of business, Rennes SB belongs to the elite 1% of business schools worldwide. This distinction guarantees both the academic credibility and international recognition of your degree. The GDBA is more than a doctoral program—it is a transformative journey that combines rigorous management theory, cutting-edge applied research, and immersive international business experiences.
The programme is structured to deliver both intellectual growth and tangible professional outcomes. Key objectives include:
Degree : Doctorate
Start date : April 17th 2026
Campus : Rennes
Duration : 3 years
Format : Online
Teaching language : English
Fees : 35 000 €
Any questions about this programmme?
Contact your admissions Advisor.
Mikael Le Roux
Head of Executive Education degree programmes
Unlike traditional doctoral studies, the GDBA is tailored for professionals who wish to pursue a doctoral degree while continuing to advance their career. This professional doctorate provides the unique opportunity to link theory with practice, enabling candidates to produce a doctoral dissertation that addresses real-world challenges. Delivered entirely in English, the programme integrates online learning with face-to-face residencies in global hubs. Its design reflects the demands of today’s executives: flexibility, international networking, and direct applicability to complex business and management contexts. The strength of the GDBA lies in its dual commitment to academic excellence and professional relevance. Participants are trained not only to contribute to academic knowledge but also to influence industry practices. By the end of the programme, graduates are well positioned to publish their research, contribute to business education, and take on leadership roles in multinational organizations.
The GDBA is distinctive because it combines international credibility, research excellence, and professional relevance.
Rennes School of Business holds the prestigious triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA). This places the school among the top accredited business schools globally, assuring that the doctoral degree program meets the highest international standards. For candidates, this translates into a qualification that is globally portable and highly respected.
The programme’s global residencies—in Rennes, Paris, and Dubai (United Arab United), —offer participants a chance to experience different business education ecosystems. These immersive sessions allow for in-depth networking with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. They also provide opportunities to analyze global business challenges firsthand, making the GDBA truly international in scope.
Unlike purely theoretical doctorates, the GDBA emphasizes applied research. Candidates address real issues faced by organizations, from digital transformation to leadership and innovation. This approach ensures that research outcomes have both academic value and practical impact. The balance between academic knowledge and professional application is what makes the GDBA a professional doctorate.
The programme is designed to be followed part time, over three years (maximum four). Flexible online DBA programs components allow participants to continue their career while progressing toward their doctoral degree. This flexibility makes the GDBA compatible with demanding professional schedules, ensuring participants can integrate their studies into real-world contexts.
The diversity of the cohort is a unique strength. Participants come from a wide range of industries and nationalities, creating a multicultural environment where ideas flow freely. This cross-cultural exchange enriches learning and fosters global business perspectives.
The GDBA is a structured doctoral program combining an academic track and a research track:
Academic Foundations and Global Residency Number 1.
Research Development and Global Residency Number 2.
Doctoral Dissertation
Brochure
One of the defining features of the GDBA is its commitment to applied research. While other advanced programmes may emphasize only professional training, the doctoral program ensures that every participant conducts original studies that contribute to both theory and practice. Each candidate undertakes an individual studie, which culminates in the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. This intensive process gives participants the confidence and credibility of becoming a doctor in the field of business administration.
The ability to bridge management theory with real-world practice is a hallmark of the GDBA. Research projects often explore leadership challenges, organizational transformation, or strategic decision-making in global contexts. By the end of the programme, participants are not only experienced executives but also recognized scholars contributing new insights to the global body of business education.
Applicants must meet one of the following: • A master’s degree (including MBA programs or Executive MBA) with at least five years of management experience. • A bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of managerial experience.
English proficiency is expected, demonstrated by TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent. Exceptions apply for native speakers or candidates with prior studies in English.
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Graduates of the Doctorate in Business Administration enter diverse career paths with DBA qualifications:
The benefits of a DBA program extend beyond personal growth—it enhances credibility, global visibility, and the ability to produce lasting change. Holding a doctoral degree in business and management gives graduates the recognition to act as both academic contributors and industry leaders, bridging the gap between doctoral degrees and real-world impact.
Dr. Emerson Luis Galina
Global Chief Operating Officer Benteler Group
Dr. Rodrigo Navarro
Senior Consultant
What are the benefits of a DBA?
The benefits of a DBA program include the ability to advance your career, gain cutting-edge business insights, and pursue career paths with DBA in consulting, leadership, or academia.
What is the difference between DBA and PhD?
The difference between DBA and PhD lies in focus: the PhD emphasizes theory and original contribution to academia, while the DBA emphasizes applied research and direct impact on industry.
What is the structure of a DBA program?
The duration of DBA program is typically three years, combining coursework, residencies, and a doctoral dissertation.
What are the top DBA programs?
Top DBA programs are offered by accredited business schools with international reputations. Rennes SB’s Global DBA programs stand out for their global residencies, research excellence, and strong alumni network.
What is the duration of a DBA?
The GDBA lasts three years part-time, with a maximum duration of four years for added flexibility.
What topics are covered in a DBA?
Key topics include research methodology, organizational behavior, strategy, data, digital transformation, and specialized modules in business and management.
How to apply for a DBA?
Applicants must meet the DBA admission requirements, prepare a research proposal, and follow the application process involving submission, interview, and confirmation.
For over 30 years, the Executive Education division of Rennes School of Business has been supporting the development of skills for business leaders and managers, both in France and internationally. We focus on building critical competencies and adaptability to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Our programmes are designed to meet the current needs of organisations and are delivered by recognised experts and world-renowned researchers.
Do you have a question or are you unsure about your eligibility for the admissions process? Contact your advisor:
