A business doctorate is the terminal degree in business administration, ideal if you want to strengthen your skills or pursue a specialty career. A doctor of business administration (DBA) can prepare you for more advanced leadership roles than a generalist MBA would.
The average business doctorate takes between three and five years to earn, though online programs may offer accelerated completion options. Read further to learn about our top DBA programs.
Doctorate in Business Administration Program Highlights
DBAs are relatively rare, with only 5,000 individuals earning a DBA compared to 250,000 earning MBAs, in 2021.
Most DBA candidates are senior professionals with at least seven years of experience.
College administrators project business programs to grow 15% over the next five years.
Source: Harvard Business Review; Best Colleges
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Programs
Why Earn a Doctorate in Business Administration?
Career Advantage: MBAs are popular, but DBAs are rare, which means holding a terminal business degree offers a competitive edge.
Leadership Focus: A business doctorate prepares you for management roles at the highest levels of business and commerce that may be unattainable with a lower degree.
Higher Earning Potential: Graduates with a business doctorate may earn higher salaries due to their distinctive qualifications and extensive experience.
Benefits of Earning a DBA Online
93% of graduates expect their online degree to have a high return on investment (ROI).
More than 80% of students view online learning as better than or equal to in-person classes.
Nearly 100% of prospective and current students and graduates would recommend online learning.
Source: Best Colleges
Curious what courses you'll take online? Check out our DBA program guide
How to Choose the Right DBA Program for You
Choosing the right business doctorate requires the following key factors and considerations, including but not limited to cost, application requirements, and career outcomes.
Doctorate in Business Administration Tuition and Costs
Online DBA
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020): $10,308
Avg. Net Price (2019-2020): $9,621
Online Ph.D. in Business
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020): $18,494
Avg. Net Price (2019-2020): $17,323
Source: NCES PowerStats
Earning a business doctorate typically costs between $10,000 and $18,500, but financial aid can help offset the cost of tuition and other fees. Generally, pursuing a terminal degree such as a DBA or Ph.D. in business is more expensive than earning an MBA since those programs take longer to complete. However, doctoral students tend to receive more funding and can graduate with little to no debt.
Doctoral programs often offer financial aid through tuition waivers, stipends, and insurance coverage. Seventy-one percent of Ph.D. candidates receive some form of grant aid compared to 38% of master's degree students. Additionally, online business doctoral programs may offer additional savings through benefits like set tuition rates, flexible enrollment options, or accelerated programs.
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Doctorate in Business Administration Admission Requirements
MBA or relevant master's degree (some programs may accept a bachelor's degree)
7-10 years of relevant professional experience
Transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation
Application fee (typically $50-$150)
GMAT or GRE scores (may be optional)
What Can You Do With a DBA?
Earning a business doctorate can prepare you for some of the highest-paying jobs in management, research, and academia. For example, this terminal business administration degree can help you build the high-level leadership skills you need to become a logistics manager or CEO. You may also qualify for other high-paying and fast-growing top executive and management roles.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | DBA graduates may become postsecondary educators in subjects like business, finance, or economics. |
| Logisticians | $80,880 | Logisticicians need high-level business skills including negotiation, problem-solving, and supply chain management. |
| Economist | $115,440 | Graduates with a doctorate are eligible for positions as economists or business researchers for government and nonprofit agencies. |
| Chief Executive Officer | $105,350 | CEOs can rely on their advanced DBA skills to lead global corporations, complex businesses, or niche nonprofit agencies. |
Learn More About Business Administration Jobs
Is a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Worth It?
Earning a business doctorate can lead to enhanced career opportunities for adult online learners with executive management experience. While many aspiring professionals opt for an MBA, mid-career professionals can achieve leadership roles and may earn more with a DBA.
In Best Colleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report, nearly 50% of business graduates reported that their online classes included opportunities to build professional networks, while at least 50% stated that their online classes included assignments that they could relate to future jobs and use to explore career options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning a Doctorate in Business Administration
Since MBAs are more common among business professionals, a DBA may help give you a competitive edge in your particular field or industry. DBAs can offer unique networking and career opportunities to experienced and mid-level business professionals.
