You already know your industry. This is where you learn to prove what it should do next. Salem University’s DBA STEM – Business Analytics and AI Strategy is built for experienced professionals who want to turn analytics and emerging AI capabilities into disciplined business strategy, measurable improvement and responsible organizational change.
The program builds executive-level capability in applied research, strategic leadership, business analytics, responsible AI strategy and data-supported decision-making. You’ll learn to diagnose the messy problems no one has framed yet, judge which emerging technologies are worth your organization’s money and translate research into recommendations leaders can act on — with impact you can measure.
Why Choose Salem’s DBA STEM – Business Analytics and AI Strategy
- Analytics and AI are the point, not a few electives. The curriculum is built around data-driven decision-making, predictive analysis, AI and machine learning for business, and organizational transformation.
- You finish with an Applied Doctoral Project, not a traditional dissertation. Take on a real organizational challenge and walk away with data-supported recommendations someone can actually implement.
- Finish in as few as 64 weeks. The 51-credit curriculum is built around working professionals, with core courses taken one at a time so you’re never juggling three at once.
- Learn fully online without learning alone. Three virtual residencies support your research development, collaboration and progress toward the Applied Doctoral Project — with no travel required and no additional residency cost.
- Earn a STEM-designated doctoral degree. The program is officially classified as STEM, with focused preparation in business analytics and AI strategy.
- Start without the usual hurdles. No GRE or GMAT is required, there is no application fee and up to nine eligible credits may transfer.
Program at a Glance
| Total Credits | Courses | Designed Completion Time | Virtual Residencies | Program Delivery | Designated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online DBA STEM | 51 | 17 | 64 weeks | 3 | 100% Online | STEM |
What You’ll Learn
- Evidence-based strategic decision-making
- Applied business research and problem framing
- Business analytics for organizational problem-solving
- Responsible AI strategy and business value
- Strategic leadership and evidence-based change
- Impact measurement and executive communication
The Applied Doctoral Project
Your culminating project doesn’t wait until coursework ends — you build it from the beginning, one stage at a time. You’ll identify a practice-based business problem, synthesize the research, select an applied methodology, conduct and analyze your own research, design and evaluate an intervention, and then present your findings and recommendations before a committee.
Project sequence: Topic Development → Proposal → Research & Design → Implementation & Evaluation → Presentation & Defense
Career Applications
Graduates point this degree in a lot of directions. It can support experienced professionals pursuing advancement in executive leadership, management or analytics consulting, business analysis, organizational transformation, entrepreneurship and business education.
The program is especially relevant for:
- Analytics, AI, and digital transformation leaders
- Senior functional and operating leaders
- Consultants and transformation executives
- Executives leading evidence-based change
- Practitioner-scholars and future business educators
Program Format
The structure moves you briskly through focused coursework, then hands your capstone research the extra time that deeper analysis and application genuinely require.
- Core and non-capstone courses are delivered in four-week terms.
- Capstone project courses are delivered in eight-week terms.
- Students complete 17 courses, three virtual residencies and one comprehensive examination.
- Start terms are offered in January, May and September.
Featured Courses
- Data Management & Visualization
- Business Statistics & Predictive Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Business
- Analytical Case Study Methods
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in business administration or a relevant field, with official transcript
- Minimum 2.5 GPA; 3.0 GPA preferred
- Five or more years of documented professional experience
- Current resume
- Photo ID
- No standardized testing required
- No application fee
Tuition
$625 per credit | $31,875 total tuition for 51 credits
Virtual residencies are included at no additional cost — no travel, no surprise line item. A DBA research fee may apply to designated research courses, and financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Accreditation
Salem University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1963 — more than six decades. HLC notification for this program was received March 11, 2026.
Take the Next Step
Ready to lead change you can prove? Salem University’s online DBA STEM – Business Analytics and AI Strategy is a practice-focused doctoral degree centered on business analytics, responsible AI strategy and applied research. Request information or begin your application — start terms are offered in January, May and September.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy?
A Doctor of Business Administration in Business Analytics and AI Strategy is a practice-focused doctoral degree for experienced professionals who want to use applied research, analytics and artificial intelligence on complex organizational challenges — not to theorize about them. Salem University’s program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, responsible AI strategy, business analytics, strategic leadership and measurable organizational improvement.
Is Salem University’s DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy a STEM degree?
Yes. Salem University’s DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy is a STEM-designated doctoral program classified under CIP code 30.7102.
International students should consult Salem University’s International Student Admissions team to understand how the STEM designation may apply to their circumstances.
Is the DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy offered online?
Yes — fully online. Students also take part in three virtual doctoral residencies, which are included in the program and require no travel.
How long does the online DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy take to complete?
The 51-credit program is designed to be completed in as few as 64 weeks, covering 17 courses, three virtual residencies, a comprehensive examination and an Applied Doctoral Project.
Completion time may vary based on transfer credit, satisfactory academic progress, course availability and individual circumstances.
Does the DBA require a dissertation?
No. Students complete an Applied Doctoral Project rather than a traditional academic dissertation.
The project asks students to identify a real-world business problem, review the relevant research, select an applied methodology, analyze the evidence, design or evaluate an intervention, and present implementable recommendations backed by data.
What will I learn in the Business Analytics and AI Strategy DBA?
The program develops advanced skills in:
- Applied business research and problem framing
- Business analytics and predictive analysis
- Data management and visualization
- Responsible AI strategy and governance
- Evidence-based strategic decision-making
- Organizational development and change
- Program and project evaluation
- Impact measurement
- Executive-level written and oral communication
The focus is on using analytics and AI to guide business strategy and organizational improvement — not on training you to be a programmer or a data scientist.
Does the program include artificial intelligence coursework?
Yes. The curriculum includes Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business, alongside courses in data management, visualization, business statistics, predictive analysis, ethics, strategy and organizational change.
The AI coursework centers on the strategic, ethical, managerial and organizational use of AI. No prior programming expertise is required.
Do I need a technical or data science background to enroll?
No. You won’t be asked to write code. The program is designed for experienced business practitioners and organizational leaders already working in data-driven or complex environments.
That said, this is doctoral-level work: expect research methods, statistics, analytics, evidence evaluation and applied problem-solving.
What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD in business?
A DBA is generally built for experienced professionals who want to apply research to real organizational and business problems. A PhD typically leans toward academic theory development and preparation for research-intensive academic careers.
Salem’s DBA culminates in an Applied Doctoral Project focused on practical organizational problem-solving rather than a traditional dissertation.
What are the admission requirements for the online DBA?
Applicants must provide:
- A master’s degree in business administration or a relevant discipline
- An official graduate transcript
- A minimum 2.5 graduate GPA, with a 3.0 preferred
- Documentation of at least five years of professional experience
- A current resume
- A photo ID
No GRE or GMAT is required, and Salem University does not charge an application fee for this program.
How much does the DBA in Business Analytics and AI Strategy cost?
Tuition is $625 per credit. The 51-credit program has total base tuition of $31,875.
Additional fees may apply, including designated doctoral research fees, so it’s worth requesting a complete tuition-and-fee estimate from Salem University before you enroll.
Is financial aid available for the online DBA?
Yes. The program is eligible for federal financial aid for students who qualify. Financial aid eligibility and award amounts depend on each student’s individual circumstances.
