Skip to main content

General Program Information

What is a DBA?

A DBA is a doctoral degree designed for practice-oriented professionals with industry experience. It equips you with critical thinking and data analysis skills essential for business settings. Through rigorous research focused on defined business issues, you'll combine business acumen with scholarly methods to drive meaningful organizational change.

Is this program fully online, or are there in-person requirements?

To ensure you receive the highest quality hands-on training, the program uses a hybrid format. Theory and skills labs are completed on campus as scheduled (with a few courses online), while your clinical hours take place in local healthcare settings.

Do I need a background in healthcare to apply?

No! This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline. Whether your background is in business, education, or the sciences, our curriculum is structured to help you successfully transition into the nursing profession.

Why study for a Direct Entry MSN at Saint Leo University?

Choosing Saint Leo’s DEMSN program means joining an inspiring, values-driven learning community dedicated to empowering you as a healthcare leader. Our program delivers a rigorous education focused on cutting-edge technology, like AI and virtual nursing, combined with an ethically driven Culture of Health framework. You’ll benefit from individualized faculty mentorship, clinical placement support, and an accelerated 20-month pathway tailored specifically for career changers.

Is the MSW program accredited?

Yes, the MSW program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring you receive an education that meets the highest professional standards.

What makes Saint Leo's MSW program unique?

Our program offers a curriculum with multiple areas of focus, flexible full-time and part-time pathways, mission-driven education rooted in our Benedictine values, and specialized electives focused on military-connected communities, trauma-informed care, and social justice. The program coursework is online with field placement support and multiple start dates throughout the year to meet your needs.

What MSW program options does Saint Leo offer?

We offer two pathways: MSW – Advanced Standing for students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program (32 credits, 512 practicum hours), and MSW – Traditional for students with a bachelor's degree in any field (62 credits, 1,024 practicum hours).

What career opportunities are available with an Ed.D.?

Ed.D. graduates pursue careers in educational leadership (elementary principal, high school principal, school superintendent, special education director), higher education administration (college president, provost, academic dean, registrar), teaching and instruction (professor, assistant professor, adjunct professor), organizational development (learning and development director, training manager), and executive leadership (CEO, chief diversity officer, chief operating officer).

Why should I choose an Ed.D. over other doctoral programs?

The Ed.D. is best suited for leaders within and beyond the private sector who want to apply research to practice with an emphasis on leadership from a service perspective. Unlike a PhD, which focuses on research and theory, the Ed.D. is practitioner-based and prepares you to become a higher-level administrator. Compared to an MBA, the Ed.D. requires a master's degree, has less quantitative focus, and caters specifically to education, nonprofit, and related professionals.

What are the two Ed.D. program options?

We offer two options: School and Organizational Leadership for candidates seeking practitioners' skills as strong organizational leaders in schools and organizations, and a Higher Education Concentration for education professionals seeking to lead and innovate in postsecondary settings.

What is an Ed.D.?

The Ed.D. is framed around questions of equity, ethics, and social justice to bring about solutions to complex problems. It prepares leaders who can construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in their communities. You'll develop collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse communities, analyze problems of practice, and use multiple frames to develop meaningful solutions.

Is Saint Leo University accredited?

Yes, Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring you receive a high-quality education that is recognized and respected by employers nationwide.

What tracks are available in the DBA program?

We offer two distinct tracks: the Teaching Track for those interested in academic careers, and the Consulting Track for professionals pursuing consulting or organizational leadership roles.

What career paths are available to DBA graduates?

DBA graduates pursue diverse careers including executive and leadership roles, consulting and analysis positions, academia and training, specialized fields, and research and development. You can become a consultant, take on decision-making roles within your organization, or transition into teaching at the university level.

Why should I choose a DBA over other doctoral programs?

The DBA is best suited for professionals with an MBA or background in business and finance. It emphasizes management, finance, and bottom-line results with a practice-oriented approach. Unlike a PhD, which is research-focused, the DBA prepares you to apply your learning directly to real-world business challenges.

How long does it take to complete the DEMSN program?

You can complete the program in just 20 months (five semesters) of full-time study, allowing you to transition into your new nursing career efficiently.

Make an Impact Today

You don't have to explore Saint Leo alone. Talk with an Enrollment Advisor to compare programs, understand admissions requirements, and choose the path that best matches your goals.

  •  Program fit guidance
  •  Admissions checklist support
  •  Tuition & planning clarity
  •  A real conversation
Image
Kelly Byrne
Kelly Byrne
Image
Derek Reed
Derek Reed
Image
Mike Blaylock high resolution image
Mike Blaylock
Back to top