Apply to UF DBA
The UF DBA program looks forward to reviewing your application. Program eligibility and the application process is detailed below. We review each application holistically, and consider all applicants based on individual experiences and skills.
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Candidate Qualifications
The DBA program strives for a small, select group of experienced executives (upper-middle management to C-suite positions), or academics seeking a terminal degree, who are committed to pursuing a formal, rigorous program as practitioner-scholars. Admission consideration is limited to applicants who (a) have conferred a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or its international equivalent prior to the submission of an application (b) have courses in business-related disciplines at either the undergraduate or (preferably) the master’s level, and (c) have a minimum (preferably) of 10 years of experience in a managerial capacity. We encourage candidates who will advance the college’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
How to Apply
The University of Florida DBA Program utilizes a rolling admissions process and applications are considered and evaluated as they are received. However, applications are not reviewed until they are complete. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply for the fall term program start as early as possible.
Step 1: Pre-Apply with UF DBA Form
Complete the pre-application form before you fill out the UF Professional Application, so that we may begin the admissions review process.
Step 2: UF Professional Application
Complete a UF Professional Application and remit the professional application fee online. Once you create your account, you can return to complete the application or manage your account from this UF Admissions page.
Submit unofficial or official transcript(s) with your professional application.
- Unofficial transcript(s) are accepted for application review and program admission decision.
- Official transcript(s) will be required before the end of your first term, if admission to the DBA program is offered.
- University of Florida alumnus: Official UF transcript(s) will be secured internally.
Applicants who receive an offer of admission should arrange to have official transcripts, from each postsecondary institution attended, provided to the UF Office of Admissions one of two ways:
- Electronic transcripts via FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.
- Mailed in sealed, signed envelope which you forward, unopened from your institution or mailed directly by your institution to:
- UF Office of Admissions
PO Box 114000
201 Criser Hall
Gainesville, Florida 32611-4000, U.S.A.
- UF Office of Admissions
All applicants: GRE/GMAT is not required for DBA admission consideration.
International applicants: You are required to submit one of the following – TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – minimum score: 80 internet-based
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – minimum score: 6
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) – minimum score: 77
- International applicants who took the GRE must also have scored a verbal section score of:
- 140 or higher if test taken after August 1, 2011
- 320 or higher if test taken before August 1, 2011
Step 3: Submit Supplemental Materials
Our Director of DBA Academic Support Services will send you a request with a submission link for DBA Supplemental Materials once UF Admissions has notified us that the online application is complete and has been referred for review.
Statement of Purpose Essay
Write your Academic Statement of Purpose. Use the essay as an opportunity to highlight what you think we cannot assess from the other application materials. Please emphasize:
- Why do you want to obtain your Doctorate in Business? What are your goals?
- Explain how the University of Florida DBA Program will help you achieve your goals.
- Explain your area or areas of research interest. Although your research interests might change after you begin the program, please consider:
- Why you have chosen this/these particular research topics?
- What is the depth of your interest in the research topics?
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The résumé/CV helps us get a complete picture of each applicant.
Transcripts
Unofficial or official transcript(s) may be included in your supplemental materials submission.
- Unofficial transcript(s) are accepted for application review and program admission decision.
Official transcript(s) will be required before the end of your first term, if admission to the DBA program is offered. - University of Florida alumnus: Official UF transcript(s) will be secured internally.
Two Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of two recommendations are required. The parameters below should assist in securing appropriate LORs.
- The LOR should be 1-2 pages long with 5-6 paragraphs.
- Referees should start the LOR by introducing themselves and the applicant.
- Referees should discuss how long they have known the applicant and in what capacity—professionally, academically, or personally.
- Professor/Instructor
Note: Academic references are highly desired, although we recognize for those with an MS/MBA conferred some time ago, it may be difficult/unfeasible to secure an LOR from a previous professor, instructor or academic administrator. - Director supervisor
- Other supervisor
- Advisor/mentor
- Colleague/peer
- Direct report
- Indirect report
- Client/Customer
- Business Partner/Investor
- Vendor
- Other
- Professor/Instructor
- The next paragraphs should highlight skills or qualities of the applicant, using examples as evidence, and emphasizing analytical abilities, subject knowledge, time management skills, dedication, responsibility, research abilities, etc.
- The conclusion will sum up the qualities of the applicant, while ending with a solid recommendation to the university for accepting the application.