A doctor of business administration (DBA) puts emerging business research to the test with real-world applications — and the terminal degree can help you stand out from the competition.
Far fewer people earn DBAs compared to the popular master of business administration (MBA) degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Postsecondary institutions conferred less than 5,000 doctoral degrees in business during the 2021-2022 academic year compared to more than 200,000 business master's degrees.
A DBA can lead to leadership and high-level analyst roles or academic, research-oriented positions in education.
Read on to find out more about a doctorate in business administration and learn about some of the schools that offer this terminal degree.
Featured Online DBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Business Administration Program?
Whereas a Ph.D. in business administration usually serves aspiring researchers or academics, the DBA is a high-level professional degree. Current or aspiring executives pursue DBA degrees for career specialization and advancement. DBA degrees typically work best for ambitious people interested in leadership roles.
About 60 credits total, the DBA curriculum includes core courses on multivariate statistics, econometrics, and research methods. DBAs often require 3-5 years of full-time enrollment to finish, although applicants with transferable master's degree credits may finish more quickly. DBA students benefit from advanced skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication.
Most programs expect enrollees to specialize their course of study through a curriculum concentration. Common DBA curriculum specialization options include finance, management, and marketing. Some schools also offer concentrations such as information systems or supply chain management.
Online doctorate in business administration enrollees complete internships and capstone projects in their specialization area. Online learners can do their internships at approved local sites — often their current workplace. DBA capstone projects may be connected to the internship. Dissertation-based DBA programs may focus on more abstract research topics.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online DBA Program?
Econometrics
A common core course in DBA programs, econometrics teaches statistical methods and applications useful in understanding economic systems. This very technical mathematics course requires prior statistics coursework.Contemporary Issues in Management
This elective course may appear as part of a DBA concentration in management. Enrollees learn management history and theory and discuss current challenges in the field. Topics include rapidly-changing technologies, multigenerational workforces, and management ethics.Global Marketing
DBA students specializing in marketing may take this elective. Global marketing courses increase cultural awareness and teach participants how to apply marketing principles and practices to international business.Foundations of Information Systems
Usually part of an information systems concentration, this course explores ways to use hardware and software in organizational problem-solving. Students explore topics such as systems thinking, strategic and operational business processes, and information technology outsourcing.Research Methods
This staple core course prepares enrollees to successfully tackle coursework and capstone research projects. The course familiarizes enrollees with management-related social science research methods, including experiments, surveys, and qualitative interviews. Participants learn how to conduct empirical research and publish their work in scholarly journals.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree?
Career Outlook
Online DBAs meet or exceed degree requirements for various high-paying and rapidly growing careers in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The advanced research and analytical skills of DBA graduates prove useful in jobs such as economist, management analyst, and market research analyst.
All of these careers are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting high demand for their skill sets.
Economists earn very high median annual salaries of $115,730, according to the BLS. Financial managers top the salary scale with a median annual salary of more than $156,100. The BLS projects a 17% growth in financial manager jobs from 2023 to 2033.
Learn more about the many business administration, business management, and business intelligence careers available to online DBA graduates.
Career Paths
Market Research Analyst
Like economists, market research analysts often use statistical techniques and software to analyze market conditions. These professionals help businesses determine the best products or services to sell, at what price, to which audience. Market research analysts gather and examine consumer data and forecast trends. Some analysts hold the Certified Market Research Analyst credential.
Median Annual Salary: $74,680
Management Analyst
Sometimes referred to as management consultants, these analysts examine organizations' functioning and make recommendations for increasing revenues and/or reducing costs. Some management analysts specialize in particular fields or industries. Possible professional certifications include Chartered Human Resources Analyst or Certified in Planning and Inventory Management.
Median Annual Salary: $99,140
Top Executive
Experienced professionals can use their DBA degrees to enhance their candidacy for top executive positions. These high-level administrators establish organizational goals and create major strategies and policies that support those goals. Top executives collaborate with other administrators in making important decisions.
Median Annual Salary: $206,680
Economist
These research-oriented professionals gather data and perform high-order analysis of economic phenomena. Economists may conduct this analysis to evaluate economic issues, understand and predict market trends, and make recommendations to executives. Some Ph.D.-level economists research and teach at universities.
Median Annual Salary: $115,730
Financial Managers
These managers oversee organizational finances, collaborating with other managers to create and achieve long-term financial goals. These professionals often produce and present financial statements and reports. Other duties include supervising financial staff, ensuring legal compliance, and advising top executives.
Median Annual Salary: $156,100
How Do I Choose an Online DBA Program?
Cost
The total cost of a doctoral degree averages $133,340 in the United States. Online degrees often cost less than on-campus equivalents. Private university tuition typically costs nearly three times more than public in-state tuition.
To calculate the true cost of an online program, learners also must consider living expenses and non-tuition educational expenses. Distance learners typically save money on living expenses but do pay for books and graduation fees.
Program Format
Many online programs allow asynchronous attendance to accommodate working students. Asynchronous online programs allow participants to watch recorded sessions and contribute to discussion at any time of day.
Online doctorate in business administration programs also may offer self-pacing options that allow learners to accelerate their degree or complete it on a more part-time basis. This flexibility makes a difference for busy students.
Location
Many online graduate programs require periodic visits to campus, often at the beginning or end of each semester or the program as a whole. Consider these requirements carefully when you decide where to apply, since this kind of travel gets expensive.
Some online doctorate in business administration students choose schools in their state or area so that they can take advantage of local networking and internship opportunities.
Accreditation
Good universities maintain institutional accreditation through regional accrediting agencies approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation matters, since regionally accredited schools do not accept transfer of credits from nationally accredited schools. Furthermore, only students at regionally accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid.
High-quality online doctorate in business administration programs usually also boast programmatic accreditation by organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Student Support
Most online doctorate in business administration schools provide student support such as academic advising, career services, and networking opportunities. Some programs even offer mentorship programs. Compare online student service offerings as you choose prospective schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online DBA Programs
A number of prestigious, well-known universities offer accredited online doctoral degrees. Employers have increasingly seen the value in online degrees since the COVID-19 pandemic moved many learning and employment opportunities online.
