Crestmont University DBA Review: Accelerate Executive Leadership

For experienced professionals weighing the value of a doctoral degree, the data is hard to ignore. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctorate holders earn a median of roughly $120,000 per year—about 23% more than master’s degree holders and 46% more than those with a bachelor’s degree. But beyond the salary premium, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can open doors to senior leadership, consulting, and academic roles that require evidence-based decision-making. Crestmont University, formerly California Intercontinental University, offers an online DBA program tailored specifically for working executives who want to translate decades of experience into high-level impact without stepping away from their careers.

Crestmont University has built its DBA around the realities of busy professionals. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing students to log in from anywhere in the world and complete assignments on their own schedules. With four concentrations, a clear path to completion in about 2.5 years, and a total tuition that is transparently published, Crestmont positions itself as a practical choice for leaders who want the credential—and the capability—to move into C-suite roles, board memberships, or influential consulting practices.

What is the Crestmont University DBA?

The Doctor of Business Administration at Crestmont University is an applied doctorate, distinct from a traditional PhD. While a PhD typically emphasizes theoretical research and academic careers, the DBA focuses on solving real organizational problems using rigorous research methods. Candidates study topics like global business, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and information systems, then apply their learning directly to challenges in their own industries.

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The curriculum includes 30 credits of business core courses covering advanced business theory, research methodology, and strategic leadership. Courses such as Global Economy, Business Research Methodology, and Mastering Leadership equip students with the frameworks needed to make high-stakes decisions. The program culminates in applied research that candidates can connect to actual projects within their organizations, making the learning immediately relevant and actionable.

Crestmont’s DBA is also built for a global audience. Students come from across the United States and more than 40 countries, creating a diverse network of accomplished executives. The asynchronous format means there are no required log-in times, so a student can participate whether they are traveling for work, managing family obligations, or stationed overseas.

What stands out

Flexibility without compromise

The 100% online, asynchronous design is a standout feature. Working professionals can study during early mornings, late nights, or weekends without missing a beat at their jobs. As one graduate noted, the format made it possible to continue the program through major life changes, including marriage and starting a family.

Concentrations aligned to leadership paths

Students can choose from four career-focused concentrations: Global Business and Leadership; Entrepreneurship and Business Management; Healthcare Management and Leadership; and Information Systems and Enterprise Resource Management. These align with high-demand roles in management, consulting, and executive leadership, ensuring coursework is tailored to career goals.

Applied research with real-world impact

Unlike theory-heavy doctoral programs, the Crestmont DBA emphasizes applied research. Candidates investigate actual business problems and develop solutions they can implement immediately. This approach helps graduates demonstrate measurable outcomes to employers and clients.

Streamlined transfer credits and financial aid

The university offers a streamlined transfer-credit evaluation, which can help students save time and money. Qualified students may also use federal student loans through the FAFSA, making the program more accessible for those who need financial support.

Who it’s for

The Crestmont DBA is designed for experienced professionals who already have significant managerial or executive experience but want to formalize their knowledge into a doctoral credential. It is ideal for those seeking senior leadership roles, such as C-suite positions, or those who want to transition into consulting, academia, or board service. Because the program is asynchronous, it also suits people with unpredictable schedules, including military veterans, expatriates, and entrepreneurs.

That said, the DBA is not for someone looking for a purely theoretical academic experience or an easy credential. Students should be prepared to engage with rigorous research methods and produce an applied dissertation. The program rewards self-discipline and a clear sense of purpose, as evidenced by graduates who have leveraged it into roles as university faculty, CEOs, and digital transformation leaders.

Pricing and availability

Crestmont University publishes transparent pricing for its DBA program. The total program tuition is $36,675, with an application fee of $45 (non-refundable after seven days). The program can be completed in approximately 2.5 years, and students pay per course, with each course costing around $1,779, including digital resources. Additional fees may apply for graduation and exams, but the base tuition makes it a competitive option compared to many residential doctoral programs.

The university also offers federal student loan eligibility to qualifying students through the FAFSA. Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak with an executive enrollment advisor, who can provide a personalized cost estimate based on transfer credits and a student’s specific circumstances.

What makes it worth considering

For experienced executives, the return on investment from a DBA can be substantial. Doctoral degree holders enjoy significantly higher median earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with master’s or bachelor’s degrees. But the financial benefit is only part of the story. The confidence and credibility that come with earning a doctorate can position graduates for leadership roles they might not otherwise access.

Crestmont also emphasizes evidence-based learning and research-driven instruction. Graduates frequently cite the program’s breadth and rigor as key factors in their career advancement. One graduate explained that the DBA provided a broad experience applicable across multiple industries, preparing him for roles in higher education or the C-suite. Another praised the program for strengthening her ability to connect research, strategy, and measurable business outcomes.

The university’s online format is another strong point. With no required log-in times and a global student body, Crestmont accommodates professionals who need to balance education with active careers and family responsibilities. The institution’s commitment to flexibility is a recurring theme in graduate testimonials, making it a credible choice for busy leaders.

Verdict

Crestmont University’s online DBA program is a compelling option for experienced professionals who want to advance into executive leadership without pausing their careers. With flexible asynchronous learning, applied research focus, four relevant concentrations, and a transparent price tag, it offers both accessibility and rigor. The program is best suited to motivated individuals who can thrive in a self-directed online environment and who see the doctorate as a way to amplify their existing expertise. For those ready to take the next step, Crestmont provides a well-structured path to earning the credential that reflects executive mastery.