"Producers of Knowledge" – KUBS-DBA Admissions Information Session Successfully Held 

On October 17, the Korea University Business School (KUBS) hosted an admissions information session for the 2025 Doctor of Business Administration (KUBS-DBA) program at the Young Il Ahn Hall of the LG-POSCO Hall. The event, led by Associate Dean for MBA Programs Gangseog Ryu, featured a detailed presentation and welcomed attendees who had pre-registered to learn more about the KUBS-DBA program.

The KUBS-DBA program is a doctoral degree designed to develop Korean-style business theories based on practical and professional experiences. It distinguishes itself from traditional academic Ph.D. and MBA programs. While MBA programs emphasize acquiring and applying management knowledge for practical use, KUBS-DBA focuses on creating new knowledge derived from real-world experience and practice. In essence, the program positions itself as a "producer of knowledge," transforming professional experience into academic and practical insights. 

Although the KUBS-DBA and traditional Ph.D. programs both emphasize knowledge creation, their objectives and approaches differ. Ph.D. programs focus on establishing universal, generalized, and abstract theories, typically presented in the form of academic papers. In contrast, the KUBS-DBA program prioritizes the development of specific, practical theories that can be applied in real-world settings. Research outputs include not only academic papers but also practical papers, business case studies, and professional books. 

To design the KUBS-DBA program, KUBS leveraged its extensive expertise to develop an optimal curriculum. The program fosters innovative and valuable knowledge based on practical experience, enabling learners to realize their research through dissertations, case studies, and seminar presentations. 

The three-year program follows a structured, step-by-step approach to knowledge development. Year 1 focuses on building foundational capabilities for independent and creative research while exploring potential research topics. Year 2 involves studying advanced and specialized subjects tailored to individual interests, refining research topics further. Year 3 is dedicated to writing and presenting the doctoral dissertation. 

Graduates of the KUBS-DBA program, who earn the Doctor of Business Administration degree, have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths. By balancing their studies with professional work, they can apply their specialized knowledge within their organizations and in broader professional contexts. Potential career options include roles as business consultants, researchers, freelance professional lecturers, and academic positions such as full-time, industry-focused, adjunct, or visiting professors, empowering graduates to mentor and guide the next generation of professionals. 

As part of the 2025 admissions process, document screening results were announced on November 22, with interviews scheduled for November 30. Final admission results will be released on December 13.