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Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership

Built for hospitality professionals ready to operate at the highest level of organizational leadership. You’ll develop advanced expertise in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and executive decision-making while continuing to work; most coursework is completed online, with a set number of on-site sessions each semester. The program includes an Executive Certificate in Hospitality Technology, giving you a dual qualification that positions you for senior and doctoral-level roles in the industry.

Minimum Duration: 3 years | Locations: Irvine (Orange County), Miami, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Orlando, Dallas
Delivery Format: Hybrid Learning

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Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership
Hospitality Academy Accredited
Hospitality Academy Accredited

Benefits of this program

Internship Opportunities

Internship Opportunities

Build hands-on experience through internships with leading hospitality brands, strengthening your skills and enhancing long-term career prospects.

Personalized Guidance

Personalized Guidance

Benefit from tailored coaching, CV refinement, internship support, and access to exclusive job opportunities guided by our expert team.

Extended Stay

Extended Stay

Extend your stay and continue developing your career in the USA with dedicated support, transforming education into practical hospitality experience.

Alumni Network

Alumni Network

Become part of a global hospitality network and gain access to career fairs, guest talks, webinars, campus events, and more.

Financial Aid Options

Financial Aid Options

Explore flexible funding solutions designed to support your education while enabling steady professional and career development.

Post-Graduation Assistance

Post-Graduation Assistance

Receive ongoing support after graduation, including job search assistance and career guidance to help you grow your professional path in the USA.

Requirements for this program

  • Educational Background: Master’s degree in any field
  • GPA Score: Minimum 2.5 or higher
  • English Proficiency: Proven advanced English proficiency

Student timeline


This program offers a clear and structured pathway for international students aiming to reach executive and doctoral-level roles in the United States. Over 36 months, you’ll build advanced leadership and business capabilities through the DBA combined with professional training, followed by 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to consolidate your experience in the industry.

F-1 Visa

36 Months

Studies + Internship

While studying, our CPT programs offer students the opportunity to participate in paid practical experience at a luxury hospitality property. Students can work full-time or part-time throughout the full duration of their studies.

12 Months

OPT

After graduation, students have the opportunity to extend one year of full-time work through Optional Practical Training.

Green Card

Work

After completing OPT, graduates may apply for permanent residency through employer sponsorship with a full-time job offer.

FAQ

Hospitality professionals with a Master’s degree who want to move into senior leadership, executive management, consulting, or academic roles within the industry.

The majority of coursework is completed online, with a required number of on-site sessions each semester. This structure allows students to continue working professionally throughout the program.

From the beginning of the program. CPT authorization allows students to work full-time or part-time at a hospitality property throughout the full duration of their studies.

It is an additional qualification completed alongside the DBA, covering areas including AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital strategy applied to hospitality. Students complete one course per semester with Hospitality Academy.

Senior management, operations director, general manager, hospitality consultant, and executive leadership roles within hotels, international chains, and hospitality organizations.