DBA Doctorate Business Administration
391
Online DBA Doctorate Business Administration
478
Campus DBA Doctorate Business Administration
493
DBA Doctorate Business Administration
Best Doctorate Business Administration (DBA) Programs in Each State
100 Best DBA Doctorate Business Administration Table
| Rank | University | ROI | In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Dallas | 243.00% | $45,000 | $123,163 | TX | Yes |
| 2 | Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis | 124.00% | $29,573 | $136,352 | IN | Yes |
| 3 | Harvard University | 17.00% | $149,820 | $175,000 | MA | No |
| 4 | University of Washington | 97.00% | $76,890 | $151,322 | WA | No |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 114.00% | $55,575 | $118,983 | WI | Yes |
| 6 | Northwestern University | 8.00% | $162,030 | $175,000 | IL | No |
| 7 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 33.00% | $100,218 | $133,517 | NC | Yes |
| 8 | Michigan State University | 246.00% | $34,564 | $119,539 | MI | Yes |
| 9 | The University of Georgia | 294.00% | $30,606 | $120,510 | GA | Yes |
| 10 | University of South Carolina | 269.00% | $26,485 | $97,819 | SC | No |
| 11 | University of Massachusetts Boston | 537.00% | $19,499 | $124,277 | MA | Yes |
| 12 | University of Virginia-McIntire | 4.00% | $151,200 | $157,090 | VA | No |
| 13 | The University of Texas at Austin | 20.00% | $120,432 | $144,564 | TX | No |
| 14 | University of Southern California | -3.00% | $154,339 | $150,314 | CA | Yes |
| 15 | The University of Iowa | 381.00% | $23,453 | $112,820 | IA | No |
| 16 | Stanford University | 10.00% | $165,591 | $182,272 | CA | No |
| 17 | New York University | 1.00% | $160,130 | $161,475 | NY | No |
| 18 | University of Maryland | 22.00% | $98,865 | $121,103 | MD | Yes |
| 19 | University of California, Los Angeles | 3.00% | $142,142 | $146,727 | CA | No |
| 20 | The University of Chicago | -1.00% | $167,393 | $165,887 | IL | No |
| 21 | University of Florida | 343.00% | $26,473 | $117,197 | FL | Yes |
| 22 | Carnegie Mellon University | - | $147,456 | $148,067 | PA | Yes |
| 23 | Yale University | -1.00% | $153,540 | $152,744 | CT | No |
| 24 | University of Minnesota | 36.00% | $89,402 | $121,882 | MN | Yes |
| 25 | The Pennsylvania State University | 87.00% | $61,236 | $114,483 | PA | Yes |
| 26 | University of Illinois at Chicago | 179.00% | $60,264 | $167,977 | IL | Yes |
| 27 | The George Washington University | 3.00% | $113,090 | $115,951 | DC | No |
| 28 | Boston University | -3.00% | $124,248 | $120,884 | MA | Yes |
| 29 | Fordham University | 28.00% | $99,497 | $127,511 | NY | Yes |
| 30 | Texas A&M University | 86.00% | $62,000 | $115,585 | TX | No |
| 31 | University of Notre Dame | 8.00% | $123,500 | $133,018 | IN | No |
| 32 | Rice University | 2.00% | $139,081 | $142,212 | TX | Yes |
| 33 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | 49.00% | $66,576 | $99,501 | NJ | Yes |
| 34 | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 161.00% | $38,875 | $101,400 | TN | Yes |
| 35 | Washington University in St. Louis | -12.00% | $134,020 | $117,687 | MO | Yes |
| 36 | Arizona State University | 106.00% | $60,393 | $124,664 | AZ | Yes |
| 37 | University of Utah | 77.00% | $65,700 | $116,348 | UT | Yes |
| 38 | University of California, Irvine | 26.00% | $97,342 | $122,899 | CA | No |
| 39 | University of Rochester | 23.00% | $108,038 | $132,671 | NY | Yes |
| 40 | Baruch College-The City University of New York | 218.00% | $37,338 | $118,633 | NY | Yes |
| 41 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 231.00% | $33,622 | $111,227 | MA | Yes |
| 42 | Temple University | 60.00% | $60,000 | $95,989 | PA | Yes |
| 43 | University of Cincinnati | 263.00% | $23,996 | $87,013 | OH | Yes |
| 44 | Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Newark/New Brunswick | 95.00% | $58,442 | $113,800 | NJ | Yes |
| 45 | Lehigh University | 39.00% | $68,900 | $95,699 | PA | No |
| 46 | Georgia State University | 156.00% | $36,522 | $93,600 | GA | Yes |
| 47 | The Ohio State University | 1.00% | $106,123 | $106,779 | OH | Yes |
| 48 | University of California, San Diego | -2.00% | $106,246 | $103,969 | CA | No |
| 49 | Brandeis University | -9.00% | $120,223 | $109,000 | MA | No |
| 50 | University of Colorado at Boulder | 67.00% | $55,997 | $93,401 | CO | Yes |
| 51 | The University of Arizona | 96.00% | $54,785 | $107,345 | AZ | Yes |
| 52 | The University of Memphis | 216.00% | $23,688 | $74,800 | TN | Yes |
| 53 | University of Pittsburgh | 51.00% | $68,348 | $102,965 | PA | No |
| 54 | Boston College | -1.00% | $118,336 | $116,815 | MA | No |
| 55 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 192.00% | $33,772 | $98,500 | IL | Yes |
| 56 | Stevens Institute of Technology | 4.00% | $81,880 | $85,398 | NJ | Yes |
| 57 | George Mason University | 192.00% | $37,737 | $110,100 | VA | Yes |
| 58 | University of Miami | 19.00% | $92,290 | $109,555 | FL | Yes |
| 59 | Middle Tennessee State University | 233.00% | $26,712 | $89,000 | TN | Yes |
| 60 | University of Houston | 83.00% | $47,000 | $85,878 | TX | Yes |
| 61 | Baylor University | -8.00% | $85,692 | $79,176 | TX | Yes |
| 62 | Purdue University | 110.00% | $44,816 | $94,000 | IN | Yes |
| 63 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 185.00% | $32,400 | $92,300 | NE | Yes |
| 64 | Oregon State University | 46.00% | $52,090 | $75,900 | OR | Yes |
| 65 | Clemson University | 83.00% | $43,088 | $78,767 | SC | Yes |
| 66 | Syracuse University | -18.00% | $104,130 | $85,731 | NY | Yes |
| 67 | The University of Alabama | 161.00% | $28,377 | $74,060 | AL | Yes |
| 68 | Iowa State University | 152.00% | $29,966 | $75,552 | IA | Yes |
| 69 | Saint Mary's College of California | 189.00% | $40,608 | $117,200 | CA | Yes |
| 70 | The University of Texas at Arlington | 250.00% | $22,504 | $78,800 | TX | Yes |
| 71 | University of Dallas | 186.00% | $30,778 | $88,000 | TX | Yes |
| 72 | Seaver College | -14.00% | $104,333 | $89,258 | CA | Yes |
| 73 | Tulane University | -16.00% | $116,040 | $97,241 | LA | Yes |
| 74 | Drexel University | 47.00% | $59,241 | $87,061 | PA | Yes |
| 75 | Bentley University | 29.00% | $67,080 | $86,822 | MA | No |
| 76 | Fairfield University | 56.00% | $41,580 | $64,800 | CT | Yes |
| 77 | University of Scranton | 136.00% | $34,740 | $82,100 | PA | Yes |
| 78 | University of Oregon | 30.00% | $65,726 | $85,236 | OR | No |
| 79 | Hult International Business School | 21.00% | $85,000 | $102,928 | MA | Yes |
| 80 | David B. O'Maley College of Business | - | - | $108,000 | FL | Yes |
| 81 | Georgia Southern University | 615.00% | $9,824 | $70,200 | GA | Yes |
| 82 | Auburn University | 183.00% | $27,385 | $77,633 | AL | Yes |
| 83 | The University of Texas at El Paso | 156.00% | $20,634 | $52,900 | TX | Yes |
| 84 | Washington State University | 199.00% | $32,328 | $96,500 | WA | Yes |
| 85 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | -9.00% | $92,510 | $84,200 | NY | Yes |
| 86 | Binghamton University | 330.00% | $17,469 | $75,142 | NY | No |
| 87 | Saint Louis University | 104.00% | $37,470 | $76,282 | MO | No |
| 88 | University of Kentucky | 71.00% | $39,449 | $67,579 | KY | Yes |
| 89 | University of California, Riverside | -26.00% | $98,293 | $72,321 | CA | No |
| 90 | University of Arkansas | 125.00% | $35,527 | $79,911 | AR | Yes |
| 91 | Saint Joseph's University | 114.00% | $42,912 | $92,000 | PA | Yes |
| 92 | Mississippi State University | 645.00% | $12,294 | $91,600 | MS | Yes |
| 93 | Claremont Graduate University | -16.00% | $96,520 | $80,778 | CA | No |
| 94 | Virginia Commonwealth University | 141.00% | $34,172 | $82,232 | VA | Yes |
| 95 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 22.00% | $67,690 | $82,352 | IL | Yes |
| 96 | Oklahoma State University | 280.00% | $19,295 | $73,300 | OK | Yes |
| 97 | University of Missouri | 86.00% | $45,000 | $83,500 | MO | Yes |
| 98 | University of Massachusetts Lowell | 193.00% | $26,127 | $76,600 | MA | Yes |
| 99 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | 122.00% | $37,946 | $84,260 | NC | Yes |
| 100 | University of Kansas | 110.00% | $32,701 | $68,780 | KS | Yes |
| 101 | Florida Atlantic University | 117.00% | $36,000 | $78,220 | FL | Yes |
| 102 | Creighton University | 96.00% | $33,234 | $65,000 | NE | Yes |
| 103 | Old Dominion University | 140.00% | $31,564 | $75,800 | VA | Yes |
| 104 | Louisiana Tech University | 183.00% | $16,518 | $46,771 | LA | Yes |
| 105 | Florida State University | 202.00% | $18,693 | $56,545 | FL | Yes |
| 106 | Sacred Heart University | 118.00% | $35,840 | $78,300 | CT | No |
| 107 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | 157.00% | $27,648 | $71,000 | CO | Yes |
| 108 | Kansas State University | 383.00% | $16,049 | $77,550 | KS | Yes |
| 109 | University at Buffalo | 89.00% | $38,358 | $72,500 | NY | Yes |
| 110 | Jacksonville University | 312.00% | $31,500 | $129,665 | FL | Yes |
| 111 | University of Missouri-St. Louis | 235.00% | $27,000 | $90,489 | MO | Yes |
| 112 | Ashland University | 151.00% | $30,300 | $76,001 | OH | Yes |
| 113 | Kent State University | 163.00% | $19,908 | $52,337 | OH | Yes |
| 114 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | 278.00% | $21,288 | $80,400 | HI | No |
| 115 | University of South Florida | 273.00% | $14,955 | $55,714 | FL | Yes |
| 116 | Bowling Green State University | 98.00% | $27,200 | $53,853 | OH | Yes |
| 117 | University of Connecticut | 130.00% | $44,100 | $101,501 | CT | Yes |
| 118 | Louisiana State University | 27.00% | $50,486 | $64,142 | LA | Yes |
| 119 | The University of North Carolina at Greensboro | 180.00% | $25,000 | $70,100 | NC | Yes |
| 120 | University of Colorado Denver | 130.00% | $47,102 | $108,246 | CO | Yes |
| 121 | University of Nevada, Reno | 371.00% | $17,556 | $82,677 | NV | No |
| 122 | New Mexico State University | 613.00% | $10,314 | $73,500 | NM | Yes |
| 123 | Prairie View A&M University | 155.00% | $23,699 | $60,500 | TX | No |
| 124 | Jackson State University | 286.00% | $14,490 | $55,900 | MS | Yes |
| 125 | The University of Tampa | -39.00% | $107,114 | $65,758 | FL | No |
| 126 | DePaul University | 59.00% | $53,952 | $86,000 | IL | Yes |
| 127 | Pace University | -39.00% | $116,744 | $71,590 | NY | Yes |
| 128 | North Dakota State University | 162.00% | $21,022 | $55,000 | ND | Yes |
| 129 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | 91.00% | $62,000 | $118,300 | VA | Yes |
| 130 | Morgan State University | 314.00% | $19,314 | $80,000 | MD | No |
| 131 | Wayne State University | 169.00% | $27,472 | $73,946 | MI | Yes |
| 132 | Texas Tech University | 137.00% | $28,155 | $66,717 | TX | Yes |
| 133 | Marshall University | 193.00% | $19,170 | $56,200 | WV | Yes |
| 134 | The University of Mississippi | 135.00% | $25,914 | $60,977 | MS | Yes |
| 135 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 270.00% | $17,745 | $65,600 | TX | Yes |
| 136 | University of Wyoming | 252.00% | $26,460 | $93,010 | WY | Yes |
| 137 | University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras | 331.00% | $13,926 | $60,000 | PR | Yes |
| 138 | University of Toledo | 212.00% | $23,506 | $73,300 | OH | Yes |
| 139 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 200.00% | $26,000 | $78,000 | WI | Yes |
| 140 | Kennesaw State University | 279.00% | $19,000 | $72,000 | GA | Yes |
| 141 | Rochester Institute of Technology | -40.00% | $108,352 | $64,800 | NY | Yes |
| 142 | West Virginia University | 155.00% | $24,273 | $61,847 | WV | Yes |
| 143 | University of Central Florida | 93.00% | $39,000 | $75,200 | FL | No |
| 144 | Valdosta State University | 189.00% | $22,170 | $64,000 | GA | Yes |
| 145 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | 218.00% | $24,512 | $78,000 | TX | Yes |
| 146 | University of North Texas | 39.00% | $52,268 | $72,545 | TX | Yes |
| 147 | The University of Michigan-Flint | -3.00% | $73,328 | $71,400 | MI | Yes |
| 148 | Florida International University | 48.00% | $42,000 | $62,115 | FL | Yes |
| 149 | Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 171.00% | $21,972 | $59,600 | IL | Yes |
| 150 | University of South Alabama | 242.00% | $14,400 | $49,200 | AL | Yes |
| 151 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo | 305.00% | $15,000 | $60,752 | PR | No |
| 152 | University of La Verne | - | - | - | CA | Yes |
| 153 | University of North Alabama | 257.00% | $16,830 | $60,000 | AL | Yes |
| 154 | Alabama A&M University | 178.00% | $17,313 | $48,200 | AL | Yes |
| 155 | Concordia University - Wisconsin | - | - | - | WI | Yes |
| 156 | St. Ambrose University | - | - | - | IA | Yes |
| Rank | University | State, City | Offered As | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 1 |
| 2 | Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis | Bloomington, IN | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online | 2 |
| 3 | Harvard University | Boston, MA | Campus, Full-Time | 3 |
| 4 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Weekends | 4 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 5 |
| 6 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Campus, Full-Time | 6 |
| 7 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Partnership, Weekends | 7 |
| 8 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 9 |
| 9 | The University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 10 |
| 10 | University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 11 |
| 11 | University of Massachusetts Boston | Boston, MA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 12 |
| 12 | University of Virginia-McIntire | Charlottesville, VA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 13 |
| 13 | Columbia University | New York, NY | Campus, Full-Time | 15 |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Partnership, Weekends | 16 |
| 15 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 18 |
| 16 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 19 |
| 17 | The University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 21 |
| 18 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Campus, Full-Time | 22 |
| 19 | New York University | New York, NY | Campus, Full-Time | 25 |
| 20 | University of Maryland | College Park, MD | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 27 |
| 21 | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 28 |
| 22 | The University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Campus, Full-Time | 29 |
| 23 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 30 |
| 24 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 31 |
| 25 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Campus, Full-Time | 32 |
| 26 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 33 |
| 27 | The Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online | 34 |
| 28 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago, IL | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 35 |
| 29 | The George Washington University | Washington, DC | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 38 |
| 30 | Boston University | Boston, MA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 39 |
| 31 | Fordham University | Bronx, NY | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 40 |
| 32 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Weekends | 43 |
| 33 | The University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 44 |
| 34 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Partnership, Weekends | 45 |
| 35 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 46 |
| 36 | Rice University | Houston, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Weekends | 47 |
| 37 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 48 |
| 38 | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 49 |
| 39 | Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis, MO | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 51 |
| 40 | Duke University | Durham, NC | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Weekends | 52 |
| 41 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, hybrid, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 53 |
| 42 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 56 |
| 43 | University of California, Irvine | Irvine, CA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 58 |
| 44 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 59 |
| 45 | Baruch College-The City University of New York | New York, NY | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 60 |
| 46 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 61 |
| 47 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 63 |
| 48 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 64 |
| 49 | Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Newark/New Brunswick | Newark, NJ | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 67 |
| 50 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 69 |
| 51 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 70 |
| 52 | The Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 71 |
| 53 | University of California, San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 72 |
| 54 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Campus, Full-Time, Part-Time | 73 |
| 55 | University of Colorado at Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Weekends | 74 |
| 56 | The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 75 |
| 57 | The University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 77 |
| 58 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Weekends | 78 |
| 59 | Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | Campus, Full-Time, Part-Time | 79 |
| 60 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 83 |
| 61 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 84 |
| 62 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 86 |
| 63 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 87 |
| 64 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 88 |
| 65 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 92 |
| 66 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 93 |
| 67 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 95 |
| 68 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 96 |
| 69 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 97 |
| 70 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | 1-Year, Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 107 |
| 71 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 108 |
| 72 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 109 |
| 73 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 113 |
| 74 | Saint Mary's College of California | Moraga, CA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 115 |
| 75 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 117 |
| 76 | Thunderbird School of Global Management | Phoenix, AZ | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 120 |
| 77 | University of Dallas | Irving, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 124 |
| 78 | Seaver College | Malibu, CA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 125 |
| 79 | Tulane University | New Orleans, LA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 126 |
| 80 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 127 |
| 81 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 130 |
| 82 | Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 139 |
| 83 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 143 |
| 84 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 146 |
| 85 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 148 |
| 86 | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Partnership, Weekends | 152 |
| 87 | Hult International Business School | Cambridge, MA | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 153 |
| 88 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 155 |
| 89 | David B. O'Maley College of Business | Daytona Beach, FL | Campus, Online | 158 |
| 90 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time | 160 |
| 91 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 161 |
| 92 | The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 162 |
| 93 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 169 |
| 94 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | Campus, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time | 170 |
| 95 | Binghamton University | Binghamton, NY | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 171 |
| 96 | Saint Louis University | St. Louis, MO | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 172 |
| 97 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 173 |
| 98 | University of California, Riverside | Riverside, CA | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 177 |
| 99 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 178 |
| 100 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia, PA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 179 |
| 101 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State, MS | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 183 |
| 102 | Claremont Graduate University | Claremont, CA | Campus, Full-Time | 184 |
| 103 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 185 |
| 104 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 186 |
| 105 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 191 |
| 106 | University of Missouri | Columbia, MO | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Weekends | 198 |
| 107 | University of Massachusetts Lowell | Lowell, MA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 201 |
| 108 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 202 |
| 109 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 217 |
| 110 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 222 |
| 111 | Creighton University | Omaha, NE | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 224 |
| 112 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 240 |
| 113 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 251 |
| 114 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 255 |
| 115 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 259 |
| 116 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 261 |
| 117 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 262 |
| 118 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 272 |
| 119 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 274 |
| 120 | University of Missouri-St. Louis | St. Louis, MO | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 276 |
| 121 | Ashland University | Ashland, OH | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 278 |
| 122 | Kent State University | Kent, OH | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 281 |
| 123 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | Campus, Full-Time | 283 |
| 124 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 286 |
| 125 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland, OH | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 287 |
| 126 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green, OH | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 289 |
| 127 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 294 |
| 128 | Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 311 |
| 129 | The University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 314 |
| 130 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver, CO | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 320 |
| 131 | University of Nevada, Reno | Reno, NV | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Weekends | 324 |
| 132 | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, NM | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 325 |
| 133 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Weekends | 326 |
| 134 | Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | Campus, Full-Time, Online | 331 |
| 135 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Part-Time, Weekends | 332 |
| 136 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 333 |
| 137 | Pace University | New York, NY | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 342 |
| 138 | The University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 344 |
| 139 | North Dakota State University | Fargo, ND | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 351 |
| 140 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 358 |
| 141 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Campus, Online Full-Time | 361 |
| 142 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 363 |
| 143 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 364 |
| 144 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 365 |
| 145 | Marshall University | Huntington, WV | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 383 |
| 146 | The University of Mississippi | Oxford, MS | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 384 |
| 147 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 386 |
| 148 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 388 |
| 149 | University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras | San Juan, PR | Campus, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership | 389 |
| 150 | University of Toledo | Toledo, OH | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 391 |
| 151 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 392 |
| 152 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 393 |
| 153 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 400 |
| 154 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 403 |
| 155 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Weekends | 408 |
| 156 | Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | Campus, Full-Time | 412 |
| 157 | Valdosta State University | Valdosta, GA | 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 418 |
| 158 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 424 |
| 159 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 426 |
| 160 | The University of Michigan-Flint | Flint, MI | Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 438 |
| 161 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 454 |
| 162 | Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time | 465 |
| 163 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Weekends | 481 |
| 164 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo | Turabo, PR | Campus | 490 |
| 165 | University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | Campus, Online | 492 |
| 166 | University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | Campus, Distance Education, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time | 499 |
| 167 | Alabama A&M University | Normal, AL | Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends | 510 |
| 168 | Concordia University - Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Campus, Online | 593 |
| 169 | Johnson & Wales University | Providence, RI | Campus, Online | 634 |
| 170 | St. Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Campus, Online | 730 |
| 171 | Marymount University | Arlington, VA | Campus, Online | 735 |
If you notice any errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.
10 Most and Least Affordable Campus DBA Programs
10 Most Affordable DBA Doctorate Business Administration
10 Most Expensive DBA Doctorate Business Administration
10 Most and Least Affordable Online DBA Programs
10 Most Affordable Online DBA Programs
DBA Doctorate Business Administration
Overview of DBA Doctorate Business Administration
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a terminal degree in business administration that combines advanced academic research with practical business application.
Program Structure
A DBA program typically requires 3-6 years to complete and includes coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a dissertation. The curriculum generally consists of:
- Advanced business theory and research methodology
- Specialized concentration courses
- Dissertation research and defense
- Qualifying examinations
Key Features
The DBA is designed for experienced professionals, typically requiring:
- A master’s degree
- 5-20 years of work experience
- Strong analytical and research capabilities
- Leadership or strategic management experience
Program Focus
The DBA emphasizes practical application of research and theory through:
- Applied research focusing on real business challenges
- Development of evidence-based decision-making skills
- Advanced study of leadership theory and ethics
- Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Career Outcomes
DBA graduates are prepared for:
- Senior executive positions
- Business consulting roles
- Academic teaching positions
- Research-focused leadership roles
Academic Recognition
The DBA holds significant academic standing:
- Classified as a research or professional doctorate
- Recognized as equivalent to a Ph.D. in Business Administration by the U.S. Department of Education
- Enables holders to pursue tenure-track positions in academic institutions
Program Delivery
Most DBA programs accommodate working professionals through:
- Part-time study options
- Hybrid learning formats
- Online-asynchronous instruction
- Structured cohort models
The program culminates in a dissertation that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct original research and contribute to business practice through evidence-based solutions.
Advantages of an DBA Doctorate Business Administration
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offers significant professional advantages by combining advanced academic knowledge with practical business applications. The degree stands out for its focus on applied research and real-world problem-solving, making it particularly valuable in today’s dynamic business environment. DBA holders gain deep expertise in specific business domains while developing advanced analytical and research capabilities that enable them to make evidence-based decisions and drive organizational innovation.
The key benefits of earning a DBA include:
- Enhanced career opportunities in executive leadership, consulting, and academia
- Advanced research and analytical skills for evidence-based decision making
- Increased credibility and recognition in the business world
- Ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applicatio
- Competitive advantage in the job market, as DBAs represent only 2% of all business higher degree holders
- Capability to mentor others and foster organizational learning
Types of DBA Doctorate Business Administration
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offers multiple pathways to advanced business education, each designed to meet specific career objectives and professional requirements.
Applied DBA Programs
These programs are crafted for professionals seeking to directly implement advanced business concepts in their organizations. The curriculum emphasizes practical solutions to real-world business challenges, making it ideal for executives who want to drive organizational change.
- Emphasize solving complex organizational challenges
- Designed for senior executives and business leaders
- Focus on applying research to current business issues
Specialized DBA Programs
Specialized programs allow professionals to develop deep expertise in specific business domains, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Finance and Accounting
- Advanced business strategy and financial analysis
- Financial statement analysis
- Capital investment decisions
Leadership and Management
- Global leadership development
- Transformational leadership principles
- Corporate social responsibility
Technology and Information Systems
- Information security
- Deep learning and AI applications
- Database and systems management
Healthcare Management
- Healthcare policy development
- Service delivery optimization
- Healthcare economics
International Business
- Global strategies
- International market policy
- Emerging market dynamics
Executive DBA Programs
Designed specifically for working executives, these programs offer maximum flexibility while maintaining academic rigor. They typically incorporate weekend or evening classes and intensive residency periods.
- Part-time study options
- Multiple residency formats
- Flexible scheduling with online components
Program Formats
Modern DBA programs utilize various delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and professional commitments. Each format maintains the same academic standards while offering different advantages in terms of flexibility and interaction.
- Traditional on-campus programs
- Hybrid learning models
- Distance learning options
- Cohort-based structures
The duration of these programs typically ranges from 3-6 years, varying based on the chosen format and study pace.
Choosing an DBA Doctorate Business Administration
Choosing an undergraduate business certificate program is an important decision that will have an impact on your career and educational goals. When selecting a program, consider the type of certificate you are interested in, the specialization options available, the school’s reputation, the curriculum and instruction, and the cost of the program.
Research the length of the program, the prerequisites required, the course format (online or in-person), and any resources the school may offer such as career counseling and job placement services. Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is a good idea to contact each school to discuss your options and ask questions. By doing your research and taking the time to make an informed decision, you can choose the best program for you.
Application and Admission Requirements for DBA Doctorate Business Administration
The admission requirements for a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program are comprehensive and selective, designed to ensure candidates can meet the rigorous demands of doctoral-level study while balancing professional commitments.
Educational Background
Most DBA programs require a master’s degree, typically an MBA or business-related master’s, from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with only a bachelor’s degree if they possess substantial executive experience. International students must typically demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL (minimum 105), IELTS (minimum 7.0), or equivalent scores.
Professional Experience
Professional experience requirements are substantial and specific. Programs typically seek candidates with 8-12 years of management experience, including at least 5-7 years in senior executive positions. This requirement ensures participants can contribute meaningful insights from their professional experience to the academic discourse and research.
Application Components
The application process generally occurs in multiple phases. The initial phase requires:
- A detailed professional resume or CV
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
- A comprehensive statement of purpose (typically 500-900 words)
- A preliminary research proposal outlining potential dissertation topics
Advanced Selection Process
Qualified candidates who pass the initial screening advance to a more intensive evaluation phase that includes:
- Personal interviews with program directors and faculty
- A detailed research proposal (3-5 pages)
- Evidence of intellectual contributions or publications (if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation (required by some institutions)
Additional Requirements
Some programs may require:
- Standardized test scores (GMAT/GRE) at the discretion of the admissions committee
- A time management plan demonstrating ability to balance program demands with professional commitments
- Participation in an on-campus preview day or orientation session
Timeline and Deadlines
Most DBA programs operate on a cohort model with fall start dates. Application deadlines typically range from December to April of the preceding academic year, with final decisions announced several months before the program start date.
Coursework in an DBA Doctorate Business Administration
The DBA curriculum is designed to transform experienced business professionals into scholar-practitioners through a comprehensive and rigorous academic program. The coursework combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for both academic research and high-level business leadership.
Core Curriculum Structure
The program follows a carefully structured progression that builds foundational knowledge before advancing to specialized research and dissertation work. Each year serves a specific purpose in the student’s academic development.
First Year Focus
The initial year establishes the fundamental research and analytical skills necessary for doctoral-level work. Students develop a strong theoretical foundation while learning advanced research methodologies and statistical analysis techniques.
- Foundation courses in research methodology
- Advanced statistical analysis
- Theory development
- Business fundamentals at doctoral level
Second Year Focus
The second year deepens the student’s expertise in their chosen concentration while developing advanced research capabilities. Students begin to formulate their dissertation topics and engage in scholarly writing.
- Specialized research methods
- Advanced topic seminars
- Research proposal development
- Concentration-specific coursework
Third Year Focus
The final year is primarily dedicated to dissertation research and development. Students work closely with their advisors to complete original research that contributes to business practice or theory.
- Dissertation research
- Final defense preparation
- Applied research projects
- Scholarly publication development
Typical Course Distribution
The credit distribution is carefully planned to ensure steady progress while accommodating working professionals. Most programs require between 54-72 credit hours total, distributed as follows:
| Year | Term | Credits | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall | 6-7 units | Research methods, Statistics |
| Year 1 | Spring | 6-7 units | Theory development, Business fundamentals |
| Year 1 | Summer | 6 units | Research seminars |
| Year 2 | Fall | 6 units | Advanced methods, Specialization |
| Year 2 | Spring | 6 units | Research apprenticeship |
| Year 2 | Summer | 6 units | Dissertation preparation |
| Year 3 | Fall/Spring | 12 units | Dissertation research |
Common Core Courses
The core curriculum ensures that all DBA candidates develop expertise in essential business and research areas. These courses are designed to build upon existing knowledge while introducing new theoretical frameworks and analytical methods.
Research Foundation
These courses develop the analytical and methodological skills needed for doctoral research:
- Managerial Statistics
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Applied Regression Analysis
Business Core
Advanced business courses examine contemporary theories and practices:
- Advanced Topics in Leadership
- Applied Managerial Economics
- Organizational Behavior
- Strategic Management
Specialized Components
Concentration courses allow students to develop expertise in specific areas:
- Innovation and IT in Business
- Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Marketing Theory
- Advanced Finance
Dissertation Phase
The dissertation represents the culmination of the DBA program, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to conduct original research that contributes to business practice. This phase is carefully structured to ensure successful completion:
| Component | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Proposal Development | 3-4 months | Research design |
| Data Collection | 4-6 months | Field research |
| Analysis | 3-4 months | Findings |
| Writing/Defense | 4-6 months | Final document |
Program Delivery Methods
Modern DBA programs offer various delivery formats to accommodate working professionals while maintaining academic rigor. Each format has specific requirements for interaction and engagement:
Format Options
- Traditional on-campus: Regular weekly meetings and full academic schedule
- Hybrid (weekend residencies): Monthly or bi-monthly intensive sessions
- Online with residency requirements: Primarily distance learning with periodic campus visits
- Fully online (select programs): Structured virtual learning environment
Throughout the program, students engage in scholarly activities beyond coursework, including academic conferences, research presentations, and potentially publishing in academic journals. The curriculum is designed to be both challenging and achievable, with clear milestones and opportunities for professional growth and academic achievement.
Common Career Paths for DBA Doctorate Business Administration
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) opens diverse and rewarding career paths across multiple sectors. The degree equips graduates with advanced strategic thinking, research capabilities, and specialized knowledge that makes them valuable assets in various professional roles.
Executive Leadership
Executive leadership positions represent the pinnacle of corporate achievement for DBA holders. These roles require the advanced strategic thinking and comprehensive business understanding that a DBA provides. Top executives are responsible for setting organizational direction, making critical decisions, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The analytical and research skills developed during DBA studies prove particularly valuable in navigating complex business environments and driving innovation.
Chief Executive Positions
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Responsible for overall corporate strategy, stakeholder management, and organizational vision
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Oversees financial strategy, risk management, and corporate investments
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages day-to-day operations, process optimization, and operational efficiency
- Chief Strategy Officer (CSO): Develops and implements strategic initiatives and growth plans
Academia and Research
Academic careers allow DBA graduates to combine their practical experience with scholarly pursuits. These positions involve not only teaching but also conducting research that bridges theory and practice. Academic roles often provide opportunities to influence future business leaders while contributing to the body of knowledge in business administration.
Academic Positions
- University Professor: Teaches advanced business courses while conducting applied research
- Department Chair: Leads academic departments and shapes curriculum development
- Academic Dean: Oversees program development and academic quality
- Research Director: Guides research initiatives and scholarly publications
Management Consulting
The consulting sector values DBA holders for their ability to apply advanced research methods to solve complex business problems. Consultants with DBAs often work on high-level strategic projects, offering expertise in specialized areas and providing evidence-based solutions to organizational challenges.
Consulting Areas
- Strategic Management Consulting: Advises on corporate strategy and organizational transformation
- Organizational Development: Focuses on improving organizational effectiveness and culture
- Business Process Improvement: Streamlines operations and enhances efficiency
- Change Management: Guides organizations through major transitions
Corporate Training and Development
This field leverages the DBA’s deep understanding of organizational learning and development. These roles focus on building organizational capability and fostering leadership development.
| Role | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Corporate Trainer | Design and implement comprehensive learning programs |
| Leadership Developer | Create and manage executive development initiatives |
| Organizational Development Manager | Drive strategic change and cultural transformation |
Specialized Fields
DBA graduates often excel in industry-specific leadership roles that require both deep business acumen and specialized knowledge.
Healthcare Administration
- Hospital Administrator: Manages healthcare facilities and medical services
- Healthcare System Executive: Oversees healthcare networks and strategic planning
- Medical Services Director: Coordinates medical service delivery and quality
Information Technology
- IT Strategy Director: Aligns technology initiatives with business objectives
- Digital Transformation Leader: Guides organizations through technological change
- Technology Innovation Manager: Drives technological advancement and implementation
Finance
- Investment Strategist: Develops and implements investment strategies
- Financial Services Executive: Manages financial operations and strategy
- Risk Management Director: Oversees enterprise risk management programs
Government and Policy
Public sector roles allow DBA graduates to influence policy and public administration. These positions combine business expertise with public service:
- Policy Advisor: Shapes public policy through evidence-based research
- Government Agency Director: Leads public sector organizations
- Economic Development Manager: Drives regional economic growth initiatives
- Public Administration Executive: Manages public resources and programs
Entrepreneurship
The comprehensive business knowledge gained through a DBA program provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial ventures:
- Business Founder: Creates and leads new business ventures
- Startup Consultant: Advises emerging businesses on growth strategies
- Business Development Strategist: Identifies and develops new business opportunities
- Innovation Leader: Drives new product development and market expansion
Research and Think Tanks
Research-focused roles allow DBA graduates to apply their analytical skills to complex business problems:
- Research Director: Leads research initiatives and projects
- Economic Analyst: Conducts market analysis and economic forecasting
- Policy Researcher: Investigates policy impacts on business
- Strategic Planning Director: Develops long-term organizational strategies
Differences between a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Ph.D. in Business Administration
Despite both being doctoral-level degrees in the field of business. While both degrees are prestigious and can lead to successful careers the DBA is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to apply advanced research skills to practical business challenges while the Ph.D. in Business Administration is more suited for those pursuing academic research and teaching.
Research Focus
- A Ph.D. in Business Administration emphasizes theoretical research and the development of new business theories. Ph.D. candidates typically aim to contribute to academic scholarship and expand the body of knowledge within their chosen business discipline.
- A DBA, on the other hand, focuses on applied research and the practical application of existing theories to solve real-world business problems. DBA candidates often identify specific business issues from their professional experience and use academic theories to investigate and resolve them.
Career Paths
- Ph.D. graduates are typically prepared for careers in academia, such as becoming business professors, researchers, or scientific authors.
- DBA graduates are often experienced professionals seeking to advance in senior management roles, consulting positions, or to become expert practitioners in their field. However, DBA holders can also pursue academic careers if desired.
Candidate Profiles
- Ph.D. programs often attract early-career individuals or recent graduates who aim to enter academia.
- DBA programs are designed for experienced business professionals, usually requiring an average of eight years of work experience and often a master’s degree in a related field.
Program Structure and Duration
- Ph.D. programs are generally full-time and may offer more funding opportunities from universities.
- DBA programs are often structured to accommodate working professionals, with part-time options available.
Research Methodology
- Ph.D. research tends to be more theoretical and aims to create or extend business theories.
- DBA research is more practical, focusing on applying existing theories to solve complex business problems.
Business School Data Sources from
See all data sources including 756 College and University Programs
Used to research this article:
- https://edamba.eu/difference-between-dba-and-phd-in-business
- https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/blog/dba-degree-vs-phd-whats-the-difference
- https://www.discoverphds.com/advice/doctorates/dba-vs-phd
- https://business.fiu.edu/academics/graduate/insights/posts/the-dba-versus-the-phd—whats-the-difference.html
- https://www.lebow.drexel.edu/academics/executive/executive-dba/phd-business-administration-vs-dba
- https://www.hult.edu/blog/dba-vs-phd-siblings-or-cousins/
- https://www.georgefox.edu/business/dba/articles/reasons.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Business_Administration
- https://ggu.edu/programs/dba-doctor-of-business-administration-worldwide/
- https://catalog.lincolnuca.edu/doctor-of-business-administration-dba-degree/
- https://cba.lmu.edu/academics/grad/dba/
- https://www.baker.edu/about/get-to-know-us/blog/what-is-a-doctorate-in-business-administration/
- https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/start-your-journey-dba-program-admission.htm
- https://www.nu.edu/blog/types-of-careers-with-a-doctorate-of-business-administration/
- https://hbr.org/sponsored/2022/08/why-a-doctorate-in-business-administration-is-becoming-more-valuable
- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/what-a-dba-degree-is-and-why-you-might-want-one
- https://business.fiu.edu/academics/graduate/insights/posts/why-do-i-need-my-employees-to-have-a-dba-degree.html
- https://www.findaphd.com/guides/doctor-of-business-administration-dba-guide
- https://admit-lab.com/blog/best-dba-programs-how-to-choose-the-right-one/
- https://www.eimt.edu.eu/top-10-dba-specializations-how-to-choose-the-right-dba-program
- https://exeedcollege.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-dba-program/
- https://www.westfordonline.com/blogs/dba-career-options/
- About the Author
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Rebecca Smith-Allen holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, recognized as an Amos Tuck Scholar.Previously earned a B.A. in Economics from Wellesley College, graduating magna cum laude and elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Spent seven years as a management consultant, including five years at McKinsey, working as an Associate and Engagement Manager. Has around five years of experience as a freelance writer and content manager, specializing in the consulting industry—and co-authored a book for middle‑school readers. Located at rebeccasmithallen.com, detailing her services in content writing for consulting firms and featuring her background and testimonials.