Doctor of Business Administration Hospitality Leadership

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DBA Hospitality Start Date

January 5, 2026

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JWU Online > Online Academic Programs > Doctoral > Doctor of Business Administration – Hospitality Leadership

PROGRAM DETAILS

3 Years

to complete your degree

Online

career-focused curriculum

7-week

course length

Lock-step

dissertation model

Program Overview

The ever-evolving hospitality industry continues to seek senior leaders with the ability to adapt to industry changes, tackle complex business problems, and innovate new ideas to meet customer expectations. At Johnson & Wales University, we are known for our industry-responsive degree programs that adapt curricula to address issues that employers face. Keeping in line with this tradition, JWU is proud to announce our new online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Hospitality Leadership concentration.

Beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, this doctoral degree program is designed to address critical issues within the hospitality industry by teaching students advanced concepts in business analysis, executive communication, applied research, and technology. The program also delves into business practices found within the hospitality sector, including talent acquisition, sustainability, and real estate mergers and acquisitions.

Graduates of the DBA Hospitality Leadership concentration will gain the skills needed to excel at the executive level, as well as preparing those that aim to gain faculty positions in higher education.

If you’re looking to reach the plateau in your hospitality career, let Johnson & Wales’ DBA Hospitality Leadership program give you the tools to reach your destination.

This program is offered in collaboration with JWU’s College of Hospitality & Business.

What You'll Learn

Design, conduct and present applied research that addresses practical business problems.
Employ advanced communication skills to share complex information, organizational vision, and actionable guidelines within business environments.
Apply contemporary business leadership theories, knowledge of core business functions and evidenced-based practice to address issues faced by senior leadership.

Tuition & Fees

At Johnson & Wales University, we believe a high-quality education should help you reach for your career goals, so we are constantly working to provide competitively-priced college tuition.

DBA Hospitality Leadership Curriculum

Your coursework for this online doctor of business administration degree covers advanced business concepts with a high-level hospitality focus — from executive decision-making to business analytics to crisis strategy and much more. Those enrolled in the DBA Hospitality Leadership track will take the following courses:

Hospitality Concentration Course Title	Course Description
Advanced People Management and Strategic Growth in Hospitality	This doctoral level course will focus on the unique aspects of the industry specifically relating to people management and growth. Key topics will include but are not limited to historical and current trends of hiring and shortages, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate controls.
Executive Business Strategies and Innovation in the Hospitality Industry	In this intermediate doctoral level course, examinations into the ever-changing aspects of technology and sustainability, including shortfalls and cybersecurity. Additionally, crisis planning, and management of events will be investigated.
Strategic Issues and Integrated Leadership in Hospitality	This advanced concentration course examines the most pressing and complex challenges shaping the global hospitality industry today. Designed as a culminating experience, the course integrates contemporary business theory, practitioner insights, and applied research to explore strategic issues across financial management, legal and ethical frameworks, reputation and crisis management, human capital strategy, and global market dynamics. Through the lens of integrated leadership, students will evaluate real-world scenarios, synthesize knowledge from previous coursework, and develop actionable, future-focused strategies. Emphasizing the practitioner-scholar model, this course prepares students to lead with clarity, innovation, and resilience in an evolving hospitality landscape.

For the most up-to-date and complete course listing information, as well as full course descriptions, visit our catalog.

To view the full Doctor of Business Administration curriculum, visit the Courses tab on the DBA home page.

If you have additional questions about the program, contact Kyleen Nixon, Admissions Associate.

FAQs: DBA Hospitality Leadership

What kinds of real-world hospitality and executive experience do faculty in the DBA program bring?

The faculty for this DBA Hospitality Leadership program brings a mix of real-world leadership, hospitality industry experience, and academic credentials. Many hold terminal degrees and have worked in senior or executive roles within hotels, resorts, event operations, and other hospitality-focused businesses. They are equipped to guide through applied research and evidence-based practice that helps solve challenges faced by senior leadership.

What is the typical cohort size and peer profile in the online DBA?

Cohorts are usually 15 to 25 students, to ensure that each student can engage in discussions and get 1:1 attention from faculty. Students tend to be mid- to senior-level professionals with significant leadership or management experience. They often bring expertise from a variety of industries, such as hospitality, business operations, nonprofit, consulting, and education. These students are ready to advance into executive-level roles.

How is student progression through the dissertation structured, and what support systems are in place?

This online DBA uses a structured, step-by-step approach to the dissertation requirement. This begins in the third year with proposal development and progresses through data collection, analysis, and final defense. Each student is supported by a dedicated dissertation committee, who provide ongoing feedback and guidance. Regular checkpoints, writing resources, and access to scholarly support tools ensure students stay on track. The cohort model and opportunities to observe peer defenses enhance the experience, helping students navigate the dissertation process with faculty and peer support.

Will completing this DBA qualify me for academic roles as well as executive-level hospitality leadership?

Yes. The DBA Hospitality leadership prepares students for both academic and executive careers. Graduates are qualified to teach, lead academic programs, or conduct research in higher education. They also gain advanced leadership, strategic, and research skills needed to excel in executive roles within the hospitality industry and other industries.