Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs
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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.
LU offers a doctor of business administration program from one of the nation's top Christian colleges. Students complete the fully online degree in three years on average. This DBA allows students to specialize their skills by choosing an emphasis.
Core DBA topics include strategy formulation and strategic thinking, supply chain management, and strategic allocation of financial resources. The 17 specializations include traditional subjects such as accounting, finance, and international business.
All participants complete a culminating applied research project. Admission requires a master's in business or a related major, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $595
- Program Length: 3 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
BU developed a doctor of business administration focused on the real-life application of advanced business skills. The fully online curriculum consists of 55 credits. Students receive an additional 36 credits for their accredited MBA.
The DBA curriculum explores topics such as human capital development, finance for business leaders, and sustainable business development. A research project beginning in the first year helps establish the participant as a thought leader. This DBA program requires no dissertation.
Two-week breaks between courses help participants manage their schedules. Admission to the online doctorate in business administration requires an MBA or equivalent master's. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $780
- Program Length: 3+ years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 91 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CityU develops business programs specifically for working professionals. The doctor of business administration offers a customizable curriculum that students complete online in 3-4 years. The DBA examines topics such as financial decision-making, organizational identity and culture, and industry analysis and market innovation.
All students complete several research courses in preparation for the dissertation. Participants use 12 credits to design a concentration. The DBA format blends asynchronous learning and live bi-weekly sessions with peers and the professor.
Students can transfer up to 12 credits into this doctorate in business administration. Admission requires a master's degree (business major preferred) and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $742
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 91 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous and Synchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Baker College's doctor of business administration develops scholar-practitioners. Students complete the degree entirely online in 3.5 years on average. The 60-credit curriculum develops proficiencies in areas such as quality improvement, knowledge management and information systems, and research methods and design.
Students use nine credits to focus on a specialty area. They culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Eight-week terms help students finish the DBA faster.
All students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree in business and optional GMAT or GRE scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $915
- Program Length: 3.5
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Franklin's doctor of business administration offers working professionals the best of both worlds. Students can complete the degree entirely online or in hybrid format at regional centers located throughout Ohio. The degree requires at least a three-year commitment.
The 58-credit curriculum explores topics such as organizational leadership and strategic thinking and decision-making. Students use elective credits to pursue a focus area such as accounting or HR management. The degree requires a comprehensive exam and dissertation.
Students can transfer up to 24 credits into the online doctorate in business administration Admission requires an accredited master's and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $748
- Program Length: 3 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 58 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CUC's doctor of business administration enrolls seasoned business professionals. The program blends online learning, three face-to-face residencies, and extensive mentorship. Enrollees learn how to apply business research to their management practice.
The curriculum explores topics such as strategic marketing, global business operations, and business analytics. Participants choose one of two specializations: innovation in healthcare management or strategic leadership and innovation.
All enrollees complete research methods coursework. Students pair with business mentors in the second term. Participants culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Admission requires a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants are also encouraged to have at least five years of professional experience.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: N/A
- Program Length: 3 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous and Synchronous
- Format: Online with residencies
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Located in Oregon, George Fox offers a doctor of business administration that blends online learning and two residencies on campus in Newberg. Students take three years of coursework and spend one year on the dissertation.
Coursework explores topics such as leading in organizations and international business. Another course focuses on effective teaching in higher education. Students customize the doctorate in business administration with one of three concentrations: accounting, management, or data analytics.
Admission requires a master's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and five years of professional experience or a full-time faculty appointment.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $964
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Founded as a business school, Johnson & Wales offers a fully online doctor of business administration with no residency requirement. The cohort-based program creates business leaders able to optimize business performance in various sectors. Students complete the 54-credit degree in about three years.
All enrollees complete a mandatory online orientation. Core courses examine topics such as organizational strategy and design, innovation and change, and business analytics and intelligence. Participants culminate the DBA with a dissertation.
Enrollees in the doctorate in business administration pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree, business coursework, and five years of related experience.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $964
- Program Length: 3 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
- Instruction Style: N/A
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: N/A
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
A private college located in New Jersey, Felician University offers a self-paced doctor of business administration. Students learn from faculty with extensive C-level experience. The online curriculum blends an advanced business core, projects in knowledge areas, and personalized mentorship. Students must attend a brief residency in the beginning of the program.
The doctorate in business administration covers topics such as management theory, applied marketing, and statistical and quantitative analysis. Students conduct research in areas of their choosing.
Participants receive online guidance as they complete their dissertation. The innovation lab and industry experts provide invaluable resources. Admission requires an MBA and optional GMAT or GRE scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $965
- Program Length: N/A
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 70 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CBU prepares business leaders equipped for the business environment's rapid pace of change. The doctor of business administration uses a cohort model for coursework and the dissertation process.
The curriculum explores topics such as economic theory, strategic marketing, and international business in global markets. The program also incorporates ethics as part of CBU's Christian heritage.
Students typically finish the degree in 36 months. Eight-week sessions accelerate degree completion. All participants pay the same affordable tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires an accredited MBA or MBA equivalency exam.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $795
- Program Length: 36 months
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 units
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
- Program Accreditation: N/A
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
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
Business Administration Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
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.
Featured Online DBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
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