Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

A doctorate in business administration (DBA) can be a good return on investment if you plan to head into executive leadership positions.

A DBA can set students apart from others who only have a bachelor’s in business or a master of business administration (MBA) degree. More than 200,000 students in the U.S. earned MBAs during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, compared to the less than 4,500 students who received doctoral degrees in business.

With a focus on problem-solving and research in real-world settings, a DBA sets you up for success in analytical leadership roles as a high-level consultant, CEO, economist, or business analyst.

A DBA also qualifies you to land research and postsecondary education jobs. Follow this guide to learn more about top schools for a doctorate in business and what you can expect from this degree program.

You can typically pursue a DBA after earning an MBA or a related degree and gaining years of professional experience. In these programs, you’ll develop advanced leadership and management skills.

The best doctoral programs in business administration offer foundational courses in essential business strategy, financial decision-making, organizational theory and behavior, and market analysis. These programs also incorporate independent learning and research skills through a capstone or dissertation requirement.

You can complete a doctorate in business administration in roughly three years; however, completion times vary depending on your prior experience and program requirements. With a doctorate in business administration, you’ll exceed most requirements for professional certifications, such as project management professional and professional in human resources.

Both a DBA and a Ph.D. in business administration are terminal degrees with a heavy focus on research, but there are several key differences between the two.

Both programs generally culminate in a major research or thesis project but typically differ when it comes to the type of research being done. A Ph.D. in business administration tends to be focused more on theory and preparing you for academic research, whereas a DBA focuses on applied research to prepare you for roles in the business world.

Schools may offer a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in business administration or a DBA degree. Depending on individual admission requirements and prerequisite coursework, programs typically require 60 credits and offer a choice of full- or part-time study. An online doctorate in business administration may include especially flexible enrollment options.

Most programs focus on sharpening skills in data analysis and strategic decision-making. Coursework also covers market analysis, trend-tracking, and corporate and nonprofit management techniques. After graduating, you can choose to pursue professional certification in a broad or specialized area of expertise.

You’ll face several key considerations in your search for the best doctorate in business administration, including admission requirements, curriculum, format, and cost.

You can consider an online doctorate in business administration that offers accelerated paths to graduation and set or in-state tuition rates for distance learners. On the other hand, you might prioritize a program offering unique concentrations, career services, and networking opportunities.

Any legitimate school offering a doctorate in business administration is accredited through the Department of Education and through a national or regional accrediting agency. Regional accreditation demonstrates that a school meets the highest standards in postsecondary education.

Many business administration programs boast additional specialized accreditation, most commonly through organizations, such as AACSB International, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Programmatic accreditation ensures that a business administration degree meets academic and professional requirements for business and management fields.

Admission into a doctorate in business administration typically requires a master’s degree in business or a related major and 1-3 years of professional experience. Though uncommon, some programs accept extensive work experience instead of a master’s degree.

Though not always required, GMAT or GRE scores can be especially critical if you want to be admitted into a DBA program that accepts students without a master’s degree. You should also prepare to submit your resume, official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

While not all companies require a doctorate in business administration for high-level executive positions, professionals with a doctoral degree hold a distinct advantage. As a DBA graduate, you’ll qualify for senior roles in corporate and nonprofit management within the public and private sectors. You can use your advanced leadership skills and extensive experience to earn a top salary and launch a long career.

With a DBA, you’ll be able to pursue top executive positions like CEO, CFO, and CTO. You may also go on to become a business or management consultant, economist, financial manager, or postsecondary educator in business subjects. You might even carve out your own path in entrepreneurship or business development.

According to PayScale, professionals with a doctorate in business make an average annual salary of $101,000. However, your salary will depend heavily on what types of positions you choose to pursue after graduating. A doctorate in business administration can lead to a position as a CEO, CFO, finance specialist, HR director, and consultant.

With a DBA, you can also use your advanced business expertise in a postsecondary teaching career in a subject like management or leadership. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary educators earned a median annual wage of $79,870 in 2023, while top executives earned a median salary of $206,680.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 22, 2024.