PROGRAM DETAILS
3 Yearsto complete your degree
Onlinecareer-focused curriculum
7-weekcourse length
Lock-stepdissertation 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 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. |
| Critical Topics of Hospitality Leaders | This advanced doctoral concentration course will allow scholastic examination of comprehensive trends and issues affecting and related to hospitality. These topics may include financial, accounting, legal and reputation management, human resources, research and development, and national and global impacts of hospitality and tourism. |
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.