The University of Miami Patti & Allan Herbert Business School is redefining the future of business education with the launch of its groundbreaking Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) and the newly enhanced Professional MBA. As part of its bold strategic vision, the school is accelerating its ascent to become a Top 20 business school by 2029, setting a new standard of excellence in global business leadership.
The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) is tailored for C-suite executives, senior managers, and consultants who are driven by a passion for lifelong learning and innovation. This transformative program empowers leaders to harness cutting-edge research and apply it strategically to solve complex business challenges, driving meaningful impact in their organizations and industries. The program is structured to be completed in three years, with new cohorts beginning each Fall. Over the course of the first two years, students meet three times per semester for immersive, three-day weekends. In the third year, students dedicate their time entirely to their dissertation.
Unlike traditional Ph.D. programs, which focus on academic research with an emphasis on theoretical contributions, the EDBA is designed for business leaders seeking applied research skills to drive innovation and transformation within their organizations. The program combines in-person residencies in Miami and other key business hubs with online offerings, providing the flexibility that working professionals need to balance their education with their careers.
The faculty-led curriculum ensures that students gain deep insights into business strategy, digital innovation, organizational leadership, and industry transformation. The program culminates in a dissertation focused on real-world business problems, allowing students to apply their learning to challenges that are directly relevant to their industries.
Through this program, students engage with world-class research faculty and global business leaders, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research while developing practical solutions to contemporary challenges. Participants will build a powerful network of peers and industry leaders, enhancing their ability to drive meaningful change. “This program will provide senior executives with the tools to leverage academic research for business impact,” says Dean Paul A. Pavlou. “It’s a transformative experience that will prepare them to shape the future of their industries.”
The Professional MBA has been enhanced to provide career-focused professionals with direct access to industry leaders, innovative businesses, and Miami’s dynamic economy. The program aligns with the city’s growing industries — financial innovation, real estate, AI, healthcare, and international business — allowing students to apply their learning in high-demand fields.
Designed for mid-career professionals, the Professional MBA is structured for those looking to elevate their leadership skills while continuing to work full time. Ideal candidates have an undergraduate degree in any field and more than three years of work experience.
A key highlight of the revamped Professional MBA is its new location in Miami’s thriving Brickell/Downtown area, placing students in proximity to leading corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. This prime location provides unparalleled access to major financial institutions, global corporations, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fuels networking, mentorship, and hands-on industry engagement.
In addition to the Professional MBA, courses are offered from certificate and degree programs in several areas of finance including real estate, wealth management and quantitative finance. With increased flexibility and access to a robust business network, students gain practical experience and career-enhancing connections that position them for long-term success.
The launch of these programs is part of a larger transformation at Miami Herbert, reinforcing its vision to become a hub for innovative business education and leadership development. This strategic initiative, known as the Miami Herbert Moonshot Project, reflects the school’s ambitious commitment to excellence — because it is not just aiming high, it is reaching for the moon. By expanding experiential learning, executive education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Moonshot Project is helping business professionals unlock their full potential in an evolving global landscape. “Our programs are more than just academic offerings,” Pavlou emphasizes. “They are designed to equip students with the expertise, network, and strategic mindset to thrive in today’s business world. With our strategic focus and the momentum of Miami’s growth as a business hub, Miami Herbert is building an unparalleled ecosystem for future business leaders.”
As Miami Herbert continues to innovate, it remains committed to providing an education that meets the demands of today’s professionals while shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s new initiatives are designed to deliver long-term career impact, ensuring that Miami Herbert remains at the forefront of business education for years to come. This is a new era for Miami Herbert — one defined by bold ambition, industry integration, and a steadfast commitment to excellence; Herbert.Miami.edu.
