Babson College expands access to its renowned entrepreneurial training with the launch of its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, a transformational initiative designed to equip career professionals with academic research skills and tools needed to address today’s complex business challenges while fostering innovative solutions.
“Babson wants to help the world become more entrepreneurial. Period,” said Sébastien Fixsonthe founding academic director of the DBA program. “This program is another step toward that mission, equipping experienced professionals with the tools needed to drive innovation and address the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The 33-month program, scheduled to begin in fall 2025, provides an unprecedented opportunity for seasoned leaders, typically with 10 to 20 years of experience, to take their careers to the next level with a focus on research applied. They will be able to identify relevant business challenges, design and execute practical research solutions and effectively communicate these solutions to others. The DBA has been approved by the State of Massachusetts and is awaiting full accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Babson’s DBA, currently accepting applications, will also feature the College’s renowned faculty entrepreneurial leadership skills as well as excellence in teaching.
“Students interested in Babson’s DBA are intellectually curious, highly skilled leaders who are interested in learning more in the company of like-minded peers,” Fixson said. “Graduates will be able to apply what they have learned directly to their jobs, whether they remain in their current position, start new businesses, or transition into academia.” »
Babson President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD applauded the new DBA program, saying it leverages the College’s unique strengths.
“The creation of Babson’s Doctor of Business Administration program underscores our commitment to advancing entrepreneurship education at all levels of professional experience,” Spinelli said. “At Babson, we believe that teaching and learning is lifelong. The development of our DBA program will provide industry experts and innovative thought leaders with access to Babson’s proven entrepreneurial thinking and action framework.
Research-driven impact
A key focus of the program is its emphasis on scientific research, which equips students with the skills to explore and solve pressing business problems through a strong academic perspective.
“The DBA program is designed for accomplished professionals who are always curious and eager to tackle long-standing organizational challenges they have struggled with for years,” explained Fixson, also the Marla M. Capozzi MBA Professor. 96 in Design Thinking, Innovation. and entrepreneurship.
Graduates will be prepared for a number of varied career paths, whether they remain in their current roles and implement significant changes or explore new projects. Fixson shared an example from a similar program: a healthcare executive who developed innovative organizational structures to drive internal innovation, transforming his company’s performance.
The senior leader oversaw an organization of 10,000 people and was looking for ways to make the company more inventive despite its existing systems and culture.
“These are the kind of motivated professionals we want to support with our program,” Fixson noted. “They are accomplished individuals, driven by intellectual curiosity and seeking to increase their impact in their professional lives. »
Excellence in Teaching and Experiential Learning
Babson’s DBA is also distinguished by its emphasis on teaching excellence and entrepreneurial leadership.
Andrew C. Corbett, Paul T. Babson Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies, highlighted the program’s alignment with Babson’s entrepreneurial mission.
“We live in a creativity economy; we are truly in the age of entrepreneurship and Babson is perfectly positioned to offer a doctoral program that trains thought leaders in entrepreneurial leadership,” Corbett said.
As students hone their ability to translate academic knowledge into real-world strategies, they will also learn innovative teaching methods.
Beth Wynstraassociate professor of English and faculty member in the DBA program, said he is excited about the program’s emphasis on educational innovation. “Babson DBA students will have the opportunity to develop teaching strategies adapted to diverse contexts, honing their skills as adaptable and effective educators,” Wynstra said.
“This focus on facilitating learning not only sets our DBA program apart, but also highlights its unique and distinctly Babson-centered approach,” Wynstra added.
“Our DBA program will train students not only to research, but also to help others learn, whether in the classroom or in a lecture hall,” Fixson said.
Babson Networking and Cohort
Another defining feature of the DBA program is its emphasis on peer learning and networking.
Students will join a dynamic cohort of intellectually curious and ambitious leaders, fostering an environment of mutual growth and collaboration.
“Our DBA students will likely be seasoned professionals eager to learn alongside like-minded peers,” Fixson noted. “The cohort effect is a central and exciting element of the program. »
Graduates will also have access to Babson’s extensive alumni network, providing connections and resources to enhance their career journey. “Every graduate will join the Babson family and benefit from the strong network we have built over the years,” Fixson said.
Shaping the future of business
As Babson prepares to welcome its first cohort in fall 2025, the DBA program underscores the institution’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial leaders capable of driving innovation in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
“It’s about applying academic rigor to real-world problems and creating measurable impact,” Fixson said.
“Given the skills of our DBA education team, their research and insights can help leaders add something transformative to their already impressive accomplishments.”
Published in Community, Entrepreneurial leadership
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