DBA in Generative

AI
3 years | World-class faculty | Global immersions
in San Francisco, Singapore & India

SAN FRANCISCO
Contents
Welcome to the DBA in Generative AI 02

About Golden Gate University 04

About upGrad 06

Program Highlights 07

World-class Faculty 09

Board of Studies 11

Learning Path 12

Curriculum 13

Global Immersion 16

Admission Process 22
Welcome to the
DBA in Generative AI

This is a first-of-its-kind 3-year doctoral the confidence and the skill set to help
programme designed for business leaders their organization take a leadership
who want to dive deep into the intricacies position in applying Generative AI for
of Gen AI and thrive in the ongoing business growth.
technological revolution. Imagine leaders
emerging with not just the know-how to They then will be encouraged and
implement AI but also the strategic vision guided to choose a thesis topic related
to set up the right AI strategy, align to the problems and opportunities
structures, and address ethical offered by Generative AI to the
considerations. organization/business/cause they want
to transform. Thesis workshops
This course is meant for industry leaders, conducted by experienced faculty allow
CXOs, and high-achieving entrepreneurs students to systematically explore,
who want to be at the forefront of the critically analyze and robustly develop a
technological revolution that is rapidly scholarly investigation and thesis.
reshaping industries. Businesses that can
effectively leverage the technology are
The three week-long global immersion
likely to gain a significant competitive
sessions, woven seamlessly into the
advantage in the future.
program, enable learners to network,
interact with thought leaders, and
Participants start with application-based exchange ideas amongst their peer
coursework comprising technical, business, group.
and research tracks that provide them with

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 This DBA has one of the most
ambitious outcomes defined.

We train participants to assume

leadership roles in industry
unlike traditional DBAs whose
goal is a B School faculty position
for its graduates.

We support all participants to

either publish a book,
research paper or file a patent
based on their interest.

Upon successful completion,

participants become eligible for
adjunct faculty positions* so that
they can share their experience
with future cohorts of leaders.

*The Learner profile will be shared with the university for being considered for recruitment as an adjunct faculty. Confirmation of
appointment is the university’s decision & we do not guarantee any appointment
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About Golden Gate
University
Located in the heart of San Francisco's GGU also has teaching locations in Silicon
financial and high-tech district, Golden Valley and Seattle. With nearly 70,000
Gate University (GGU) is a prestigious, alumni, GGU was ranked #1 in the United
private nonprofit university dedicated to States for working professionals for four
empowering working adults. With a consecutive years by Washington
strong reputation for excellence, GGU Monthly.
offers nationally renowned undergraduate
and graduate degrees as well as
comprehensive certificate programs.
Founded in 1901, GGU is a leader in online Accreditations
education and has been enabling and Associations
individuals to achieve their professional
aspirations. With a primary campus in San
Francisco,

“Generative AI models are changing the way we think about

machine intelligence, creativity and the world around us in
general. At GGU, the faculty and researchers are
working on pushing the boundaries of this exciting
technology responsibly. We developed this experiential,
application-based DBA program with the goal to provide the
right tools and skillsets to business leaders who want to
harness the true potential of this technology.“

Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad | Professor of Practice, GGU

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Empowering Minds
in the Epicenter of Innovation,
San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO

05
About
Online education is a fundamental empowering business leaders to stay
disruption that will have a far-reaching ahead of the disruptive innovation curve
impact. upGrad was founded taking this that this new technology is expected to
into consideration. upGrad is an online spawn. The globally renowned faculty
education platform to help individuals comes with an average of 15+ years of
develop their professional potential in experience. This course is designed for
the most engaging learning industry leaders, CXOs, and high-
environment. Since it’s inception, upGrad achieving entrepreneurs who already
has delivered programs by collaborating have a sound understanding of their
with universities across the world respective domains but want to become
including LJMU, IIIT Bangalore, and thought leaders in how generative AI will
Deakin Business School, Duke CE, among impact and transform their fields. We are
others. And it doesn’t end there. looking for only 30 outstanding
individuals who have the ambition and
perseverance to become a change-
maker leveraging the power of
upGrad, in collaboration with Golden
Generative AI.
Gate University, San Francisco, U.S.A. is
excited to offer a first-of-its-kind, Doctor
of Business Administration in
Generative AI aimed at

Ronnie Screwvala
Chairman & Co-Founder, upGrad

Generative AI is going to have a profound impact

on the workplaces of tomorrow. It will create
opportunities and threats for business leaders
across industries. I am very excited to announce
the launch of this unique DBA program curated by
Golden Gate University and upGrad to enable
cutting-edge research on this new technology and
how it impacts businesses varying from law to
finance to medicine and others.

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Program Highlights
Highly balanced coursework in
technology, business management, and research methods

World-renowned faculty with

80+ years of collective teaching experience, 15+ patents,
5 AI and ML products patented, and 125+ published
papers in top research journals

3 week-long Global immersions in

San Francisco, Singapore (tentative), and
Mumbai/Bangalore

Opportunity to
become an adjunct faculty member of GGU

Achieve one of the three outcomes:

• Publishing in top research journals
• Writing and publishing a book based on your thesis findings
• Patenting a product, service idea

Add a Dr. in front of your name

Dr.
with a doctorate awarded by GGU

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 17

A Faculty that practices

what it teaches
Learn from only the best
and the brightest

Worked with Philips, Siemens,

80+
DRDO, Vodafone, IBM previously
and consulted with fortune 500
years of companies.
collective
experience
Scholars of elite institutions across
the globe - IISC, IIT, Carnegie Mellon,

15+ Johns Hopkins, University of Texas,

University of Colorado, Columbia
successful University, University of London
patents

Featured in “The Top 10 Data

Scientists” in India (2015)

125+
papers authored in
top research
journals Featured in "Ten Most Prominent
Analytics Academicians" in India (2014)

Prolific entrepreneurs
- sharing real-life Cross-functional expertise - IOT,
lessons from AI/ML, Blockchain, Trading, Business
experience

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World-class Faculty
We have gathered a cross-disciplinary team of faculty who are researchers,
consultants, authors, and experienced practitioners. They stand at the
forefront of their disciplines and are often tapped by top executives for
consultative advice. They’re dedicated to creating the most rewarding
learning experiences and will be readily accessible for informal
conversations throughout the program.

Dr. Dakshinamurthy V Kolluru

• B.E. from NIT Trichy, India and M.S. and Ph.D. from
Carnegie Mellon University, USA
• 20+ years of experience
• Areas of Expertise: ML, Optimization, Artificial
Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Text Mining,
Mathematical Algorithms, Pattern Extraction

Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad

• Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, USA | M.S
from the University of Texas at Arlington, USA
• 20+ years of experience
• Areas of Expertise: IOT, Systems Architecture,
Network Security, Machine Learning, IT Strategy

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Dr. Sreerama K. Murthy
• Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, USA | M.Tech.
from IIT Madras, India
• 20+ years of experience
• Areas of Expertise: Machine Learning, AI-driven
Digital Transformation, Intelligent Data
Infrastructure, Fintech, Healthcare & Media Analytics

Dr. Anand Jayaraman

Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh,
USA | B.Tech. from IIT Bombay, India
• 20+ years of experience
Areas of Expertise: Data Analytics, Machine
• Learning, Retail Forecasting, Quantitative Model
• Building, Time Series Analysis, Derivatives Trading,
Futures Trading

Dr. Praphul Chandra

• Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Science, India | PG
Diploma from University of London, U.K.| M.S. from
Columbia University, USA
• 20+ years of experience
• Areas of Expertise: Blockchain Technologies, Data
Analytics, Machine Learning, Systems, Algorithms
& Game Theory

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Board of Advisors
The Board of Advisors assumes a pivotal role in enhancing the DBA
program's quality and relevance to the ever-evolving business landscape.
This esteemed body meticulously scrutinizes the curriculum, ensuring
that it not only reflects the latest advancements in the field but also
remains attuned to the changing dynamics of the business environment.
The Board of Advisors serves as a steadfast guiding force, fostering a
program of the utmost quality, and ultimately providing DBA candidates
with an enriched educational experience.

Anthony Scriffignano
• He worked for Dunn and Bradstreet for more than
2o years and is a world-class inventor.
• He just got his 98th patent!

Dr. Lloyd Colgrove

• He worked for Dow Chemicals for 30 years and
brings in tremendous knowledge of analytics in
manufacturing settings.

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Learning Path
Your DBA Journey
• 7 foundational courses
Year 1
• Case-based projects
Build your
base

IMMERSION 1
• Thesis Development
Year 2
Workshops every 2 weeks
Begin your
• Special panel sessions for
research
one-on-one guidance
• Thesis Topic Defense

IMMERSION 2
• Thesis Development
Year 3 Workshops every 2 weeks
Earn your • Special panel sessions for
Doctorate one-on-one guidance
• Final Dissertation Defense

IMMERSION 3

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Detailed Curriculum
Year 1: Foundational Phase (28 Credits)

Course 1: This course provides a broad introduction to

Foundations of Machine Statistics and Probability in Decision
Learning and AI Modeling, machine learning and its types
and Data Visualization arts. It covers
supervised learning, unsupervised learning,
learning theory (bias/variance tradeoffs). The
course will also discuss about different
applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Machine Learning (ML). It covers the
storytelling ability using Data Visualization.
This course will also discuss about building
machine learning applications with statistics
and Visualization for finding better insights.

Course 2: This course will introduce students to

Deep Learning & its advanced techniques in AI and ML to deal
variants with images, text using auto encoders, CNNs,
RNNs, GANs, Seq2Seq models, transformers,
and other state of the art techniques.

Concentration
Courses

Course 3: In this course students will understand the

Generative AI Using paradigm shift from training a model in-
Pre-Trained Models house vs. using pre-trained models on public
data, how to distinguish between the two
and how to decide where to focus their
attention based on their business
requirements. This course can contain some
hands-on building components and playing
with existing tools. Conceptual
understanding of Large Language Models
(LLMs,) such as GPT and others, image
generators followed by other techniques
such as LangChain, AgentGPT and
enterprise-variants of GPT like tools.
Additionally any latest models will be
included. A research proposal will be part of
the final outcome

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 Course 4: In this course, students will understand the
AI Project Design and paradigm shift from training a model in-
Execution house vs. using pre-trained models on public
data, how to distinguish between the two
and how to decide where to focus their
attention based on their business
requirements. This course can contain some
hands-on building components and playing
with existing tools. Conceptual
understanding of Large Language Models
(LLMs,) such as GPT and others, image
generators

Course 5: These are important business topics like

Responsible AI ethics, explainability that make AI either an
opportunity or threat. The course will deal
with the ethical and social concerns
surrounding AI, and how to develop and use
AI systems in a way that is fair, transparent,
accountable, and beneficial to society. Also
this will deal with the future of work,
workforce and workplace and how AI should
be used responsibly. A research component
will be part of this course.

Course 6: This course introduces advanced research and

Doctoral Research ethical techniques to doctoral level writing and
Methods and Analysis action research. It will include both
quantitative analysis such as survey design;
experimental design; statistical analysis of
survey and experimental data, regression and
time series analysis, and qualitative analysis
such as qualitative research techniques as
open-ended interviewing, focus groups and
the case study approach and combine this
Foundation
Courses with student’s development of writing and
research skills that meet the doctoral
program’s writing style standards

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 Course 7: The Doctoral Seminar in Applied AI Innovation
Applied Innovation is an advanced interdisciplinary course
designed for doctoral-level students seeking to
push the boundaries of AI innovation. This
course will provide an immersive and
research-oriented experience, enabling
students to explore cutting-edge AI
techniques and methodologies to drive
innovation across diverse domains. We will
cover AI Fundamentals and Innovation
Landscape, Ethical AI and Practical
Implementation and Applied Innovation and
Capstone Project Specific emphasis will be
given to AI based innovation, patenting and
product development.

Years 2 And 3: Dissertation Phase (28 Credits)

Once you have developed a firm understanding of the theoretical concepts, you will
now start working on earning your doctorate over the next 2 years.

Dissertation Topic Proposal

This course allows students to develop a doctoral dissertation research topic, including
a comprehensive proposal that outlines the topic's significance, context, literature
review, data, and methodology.

Dissertation Proposal Defense

This course involves students presenting the first three chapters of their doctoral
dissertation proposal, covering the introduction, literature review, and research
design/methodology. It emphasizes clear expectations, contextual significance, a
thorough literature review, and a well-defined research approach.

Dissertation Completion and Approval by Committee

This course enables students to complete a doctoral dissertation research project that
contributes to their field. After proposal approval, students conduct scholarly research,
guided by their mentor, culminating in a well-written dissertation that includes a
research question, literature review, methodology, limitations, and conclusions.

Key Milestones
Dissertation Topic Defense - By The End Of Year 2
Final Dissertation Defense - By The End Of Year 3

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Global Leadership
Immersions
Singapore

Mumbai

San Francisco
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We believe in creating an ecosystem your experience by incorporating

that fosters the exchange of ideas and engaging panel discussions with other

culture. Each year of the DBA will industry leaders, one-on-one sessions

culminate in a week-long immersion, at with faculty to guide you in selecting a

which time you will travel to the relevant thesis outcome, and interactive

specified location and meet in person activities to promote peer camaraderie.

with your faculty and peers. The

immersion is designed to maximize

Each of the immersions will take place in a distinct

global center of influence and innovation:*

1. Mumbai/Bangalore (Immersion 1),

2. Singapore (Tentative) (Immersion 2),
3. and San Francisco (Immersion 3).

San Francisco

Mumbai
Singapore

*It is the sole responsibility of the learner to secure a valid visa for each immersion. The cost of travel from the 17
participant base location to the immersion venue are not covered under the program fee.
 A tentative schedule of the immersion

1 1. Introduction
Day 2. Panel discussion with
local industry leaders

Presentations by learners
on pre-chosen topics
2
Day

3 1. Presentations by learners
(contd. From D2)
Day
2. Common session on how to
select a thesis outcome

One-on-one guidance
session on thesis
4
Day
outcomes - To patent or
publish

5 Interactive community-
Day building activities

Please note:
1. This is only an indicative itinerary. The actual number of days of each immersion will
be confirmed closer to the immersion date
2. Lodging and 3 meals a day are covered in the 5-day immersion
3. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights and arranging the
necessary visas. You will be informed well in advance of the schedule so that you
can plan accordingly. All related costs are to be borne by the participants
4. In case of VISA rejection, there will be no refund of the program fee

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Elevate Your
DBA Journey
Leadership in the age of Gen AI extends beyond successful
implementations; it manifests in entrepreneurial endeavors. In
our quest to deliver transformative outcomes, we will go the
extra mile in providing assistance with one of the below:

Writing and publication of e-book

Faculty will assist you in organizing your idea, providing
insightful feedback and testimonials and guiding you through
the process of digital publishing on platforms like Amazon

Publication in a recognized research journal

Faculty will guide you in refining your work, amplifying its
reach, selecting the right publications, and showcasing your
scholarly contributions to a wider audience

Patenting a product/service idea

Faculty will provide guidance in conducting a patent search
to establish that the invention is novel and non-obvious. They
will also provide technical expertise in drafting your patent
application. Additionally, the faculty will facilitate connection
with a patent attorney for the filing of the patent.

Important note:
Our goal is to empower you to leave a lasting legacy in your field of
expertise. However, we do not guarantee the final publication of the e-
book or the research journal, or the issuance of the patent. Any additional
costs such as publication fee, listing fee, platform fee, lawyer fee,
consultation fee, patent filing fee, etc. are to be borne by the participant.

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Enrollment Details
Program Start Date Duration
Please visit our 36 months
website for more
details

Program Fees Eligibility

Please visit our website Valid Bachelor’s degree
for more details with minimum 10 years of
experience. Candidates
Disclaimer : Flight tickets + visa with less than 10 years of
charges for the global immersions experience but exceptional
are not included in the Program fees profiles and outstanding
leadership background
may also apply.

Application Process

1 - Fill 2 - Submit 3 - Panel will

an application an SOP review application

4 - Application 5 - Pay block 6 - Receive

approved amount admission

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