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by CPTDog updated on Sep 24, 2026 11:31:53 AM
Ottawa University offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) designed for experienced professionals who want to develop advanced skills in business strategy, applied research, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making. The current DBA curriculum requires 56 credit hours and combines doctoral-level business coursework with an applied research project.
For international students, Ottawa University's DBA may also be an option for students whose academic program and employment meet the requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is not automatic: the employment must be an integral part of the curriculum, and an eligible F-1 student must receive authorization from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) before beginning employment.
Ottawa first introduced the DBA in the 2022–23 academic year. The program is structured for working professionals and includes scheduled in-person DBA weekend sessions during the academic year.
What F-1 Students Should Know Before Choosing a DBA
A doctoral program represents a higher academic level than a master's degree, but students should choose the Ottawa University DBA because it supports their academic and professional goals rather than solely for CPT eligibility.
CPT authorization depends on the student's curriculum, employment, and DSO approval. For graduate students, CPT may be authorized during the first semester when practical training is required by the program.
OPT eligibility also requires careful planning. F-1 students may generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at each higher educational level. However, a student who completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT becomes ineligible for OPT at that educational level. Part-time CPT does not have the same effect on OPT eligibility.
Students should also expect a significant academic commitment. Ottawa University's DBA admission materials describe an anticipated workload of approximately 20 hours per week and allow up to three and a half years for completion. Graduation requires completion of the required credits and successful defense of the doctoral research project/dissertation.
Ottawa University DBA Program Overview
Ottawa University's Doctor of Business Administration is an application-based doctoral program focused on business strategy, empirical research and evidence-based decision-making. The curriculum includes coursework in organizational development, quantitative and qualitative research, financial value generation, human capital management, competitive strategy, technology-driven organizational challenges and applied research. The current degree requires 56 credit hours.
| Item | Updated information |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Business Administration |
| Credits | 56 credits |
| Academic level | Doctoral |
| Typical completion window | Up to 3½ years |
| Admission GPA | Minimum 3.0 master's GPA |
| GMAT/GRE | Not required, although strong scores may be considered |
| Research requirement | Applied Research Project + successful defense |
| Onsite format | DBA weekend sessions |
| Published tuition | $5,525/semester; $16,575/year for the Kansas ground DBA* |
Ottawa University's current 2026–27 catalog page displays DBA tuition of $5,525 per semester/$16,575 per year, although the tuition table itself is labeled Fiscal Year 2025–2026. Students should confirm current charges with the university before enrolling.
Upcoming Ottawa University Intakes
Upcoming Ottawa University enrollment dates currently listed by Day1CPT include October 19, 2026, January 11, 2027, and March 8, 2027. Intake availability may vary by program, so DBA applicants should confirm their specific start date before applying.
Ottawa University DBA Onsite Requirements
Ottawa University's 2026–27 academic calendar schedules two DBA weekend sessions during each Fall, Spring and Summer semester, for a total of six scheduled DBA weekend sessions across the academic year. Students should confirm the exact attendance requirements and campus assigned to their cohort before enrolling.
The official calendar shows DBA weekends on:
- September 11–13, 2026
- October 30–November 1, 2026
- January 22–24, 2027
- March 19–21, 2027
- May 14–16, 2027
- July 9–11, 2027
Accreditation
Ottawa University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ottawa University's current catalog separately notes that the DBA has not yet received program-specific ACBSP accreditation. Institutional accreditation, program accreditation and F-1/CPT eligibility are separate issues and should not be presented as the same type of approval.
How CPT Works for Ottawa University DBA Students
CPT is employment authorization for practical training that is an integral part of an F-1 student's curriculum. At the graduate level, a DSO may authorize CPT during the first semester when the academic program requires immediate participation in practical training.
CPT is not automatically granted simply because a student enrolls at Ottawa University. The employment must satisfy the applicable academic and immigration requirements, and the student must receive CPT authorization on an updated Form I-20 before beginning the employment.
Choosing the Right Day 1 CPT Program
Can You Get OPT After an Ottawa University DBA?
F-1 students may generally qualify for up to 12 months of OPT at each higher educational level, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements. A student who previously used OPT at the master's level may therefore potentially qualify for OPT at the doctoral level.
However, students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the doctoral level become ineligible for OPT at that educational level. Part-time CPT does not eliminate OPT eligibility under this rule.