Best Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Programs

General admissions requirements and processes vary for different DBA programs. Some programs require applicants to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and/or meet a specific test score threshold, such as a score of 550 or above. Typically, students need to fill out and submit the appropriate application. This application will likely require students to include their transcripts, a resume or CV, and letters of recommendation. Several programs also require applicants to submit essay responses or a rationale statement that explains students' educational and professional goals. It is also fairly common for these doctoral programs to include an interview process along the way that requires students to meet with an admissions committee. Some programs have an additional round of interviews after the program's preview day for students who pass the first round of interviews.

Most DBA programs require applicants to the programs to hold at least a master's degree. Typically, this degree has to be in a business-related field. Some programs may prefer those who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Master's degrees need to have been earned from accredited institutions, and some programs may require applicants to have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 or above. Usually, these DBA programs also require some prior professional experience in addition to these educational requirements. For instance, many programs require somewhere between 5 and 12 years of professional/managerial experience. Some programs may take this a step further and require at least 7 years of experience as a senior manager or executive.

Many DBA programs are offered from regionally accredited institutions. This means that the school as a whole has met general academic standards for its degree programs across all levels and subject areas. Several different types of programs in various subject areas also hold an additional program-level accreditation, including some DBA programs. Some DBA programs and other business-related degree programs have accreditation from business-related organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This additional program-level of accreditation indicates that the program has met business-specific standards, which is often preferred by employers, as it indicates students are more likely prepared for working in the field.

It is fairly common for DBA programs to allow students to earn their degree in 3 years while taking the program part-time. This 3-year time commitment also includes the preparation and defense of a dissertation. These programs commonly follow a cohort format and require between 60 and 61 credits of coursework. Some of these programs follow a hybrid format with some online coursework and some in-person residencies each month on the weekends to allow students to work full-time while earning their degree. The majority of coursework is completed for these programs in the first 2 years, leaving only a couple of courses or just the dissertation for the 3rd year.

The curriculum for DBA programs varies by institution but primarily consists of general business administration classes, concentration courses, and/or electives. The core courses are usually required courses that include a range of research methods courses and business administration courses focused on further developing students' leadership skills, global perspective, and knowledge of business strategy. Core courses may include course topics in areas such as, strategic perspectives, global leaders, strategic marketing, leadership, and sustainable enterprise. Research methods courses may cover topics in applied statistical analysis, business research methods, research design, qualitative research, and quantitative research. Students typically take some concentration or specialization courses in the area of their choosing to help individualize their program. Some programs may have additional course sections, such as doctoral colloquium courses where students learn how to transition into their careers, teach, write, and more; DBA mentor courses; or strategic leadership and innovation courses. Residency experiences may be intermixed in these courses, depending on the format of the program.

Preparing Your DBA Dissertation

DBA programs are usually set up to help students prepare their dissertation in steps. These steps are scattered throughout the program, but the bulk of the final year of the program is usually dedicated to finishing and defending one's dissertation. For instance, some programs require students to complete a doctoral prospectus their first year of the program and a doctoral literature review their second year of the program to prepare for multiple doctoral project blocks during their final year. Other programs may have students take at least 6 hours of doctoral reading each semester to prepare for their final year of dissertation writing. Some programs may also include a doctoral practicum experience that serves as a mini-proposal for their dissertation. This allows students to select their research topic, think through research questions and hypotheses, and then develop methodologies for completing their research. In place of a mini-proposal, other programs may require students to complete a comprehensive professional portfolio with mentors to ensure that they have the skills necessary to complete their research.

As mentioned, many DBA programs offer several different areas of concentration to allow students to further focus their studies and prepare for more specific careers. Students typically take several different courses in their chosen concentration or specialization, which will likely align with their personal career goals. Students should be careful to check the availability of concentrations, as some programs may not offer every concentration at all times. Some concentrations may hold STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) designations, which are more technical in nature. Some common concentration areas for these programs include:

Accounting

Accounting is one of the more general and traditional concentration areas available for DBA programs. Students in this concentration learn about advanced accounting topics and skills to further understand the financial aspects of their organizations. Depending on the program, students may take seminars in accounting, examine ethical topics in the field, and explore accounting compliance. Specific course topics may examine auditing, accounting for decision making, and tax research. Some programs may allow students to choose from additional elective courses within the field of accounting to further individualize their studies. This concentration may help prepare students for careers as chief financial officers (CFOs), auditors, certified public accountants (CPAs), and more.

Strategic Leadership

Concentrations in strategic leadership may vary slightly depending on the institution. For example, some concentrations may focus on strategic leadership and innovation while others may focus on modern strategic leadership of the 21st century as a whole. Either way, students in this kind of concentration are likely to enhance their leadership skills and gain the necessary skills to face a range of challenges posed to businesses. For instance, students in this concentration may study how to face issues pertaining to artificial intelligence, analytics, change, diversity, work culture, and other factors. Specific course topics may examine global leadership, emerging technologies, and workplace relationships. Graduates with this concentration may move into more executive-level positions.

Computer Information Systems/Information Technology Management

DBA concentrations pertaining to computer science and information technology also vary in their focus and titles. Depending on the program, students may be able to choose from concentrations in computer information systems, applied computer science, web development and applications management, or information technology management. While the specific courses and focus for these concentrations vary, in general, students gain advanced skills working with technology and understand the unique challenges posed to managers in technology. Students often gain experience with multiple types of technologies, software programs, and applications. They also gain practical skills in project management and technology leadership to help their organization meet all of their technology needs. Graduates may work as various information technology managers and executives.

There are many different business administration degree programs available to students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of these degree programs may even be international business degrees, while others may offer concentrations to allow students to focus their studies in a particular area. Students should look for the right degree and right level of degree that best aligns with their career goals. For example, at the graduate level, students may be trying to decide between a DBA or PhD in Business Administration vs. an MBA. While MBAs are common in the field, a DBA or PhD can help move students to that executive level and/or help them enter academia. Some other examples of available business degrees include:

Business Associate Degrees

Students can pursue an associate degree program in business administration online or on-campus. These programs are typically offered as Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Students are usually required to complete between 60 and 90 credits of coursework and some of these programs are accredited by business-related organizations, such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Graduates with their associate degree may go on to earn their bachelor's degree or pursue entry-level careers, such as accounting clerks or business service specialists.

Business Bachelor's Degrees

In addition to bachelor's degree programs in business administration, students can pursue bachelor's degrees in business management, international business, and more. Students usually earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in business administration. Many of these programs require around 120 credits of coursework, and some are offered in online formats. Students can commonly choose from various concentration areas, such as marketing, finance, business economics, supply chain management, and business analytics.

Business Master's Degrees

The most common business administration degree at the master's level is an MBA. These degree programs are available online and on-campus and available with a wide range of concentration areas, such as online MBA degrees in international business, healthcare management, finance, entrepreneurship, real estate, and more. Some programs are even offered in additional formats, such as evening or weekend MBA programs, for greater flexibility for working professionals. These programs commonly take 2 years to complete and prepare students for greater leadership and managerial roles.

Business Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificate programs are available in business administration, as well as several different areas of business, such as hospitality management, project management, management information systems, business analytics, and healthcare administration. These programs are usually much shorter in nature, with some programs only requiring around 15 credits. They are designed for students interested in earning a graduate degree in business administration, such as an MBA, but who may have a bachelor's degree in a field outside of business or business administration.

Graduates with their DBA can take on a wide range of advanced roles within their organization and/or move into other related areas, such as academia or consulting. Many of the careers available to DBA graduates are the same as what you can do with a PhD in Business Administration, but typically students with a DBA work more as practitioners than researchers. Students can also choose to work in a broad range of settings. For example, there are many different international business administration career options, as well as domestic careers in businesses or start-up organizations. Some specific job options include:

Become a Top Executive

Top executives include an array of job titles, such as chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), operations managers, presidents, and more. These professionals usually need to have at least a bachelor's degree and many years of work experience, but larger organizations may require an MBA or above for these advanced positions. Depending on the position, professional certifications or licensure may be available and/or required. For example, those involved in accounting may be required to be a CPA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for all top executives is 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is as fast as the average. The median annual salary for all top executives was $106,180 as of 2020.

The job duties of top executives vary by several factors, such as position, size of the organization, and experience. Typically, top executives work with other managers and leaders of the organization to develop goals and strategies for making the organization as productive and successful as possible. They may influence policy, assist in upper-level decision making, and oversee various staff members.

Become a Postsecondary Teacher

Some students may want to use their expertise and experience in the business world to teach the next generation of businessmen and women. In order to become a postsecondary teacher, most students need a doctoral degree in their specific field, although some postsecondary institutions may only require a master's degree. Having work experience in their particular field is also of great value to these educators, as they can provide their students with real-world knowledge and experience. If there is an industry-related professional certification, such as CPA licensure, teachers may be required to have it. As of 2020, the median annual salary for postsecondary business teachers was $88,010, and the job outlook for business teachers is 12% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average, per the BLS.

Postsecondary teachers usually teach multiple courses in their given area of expertise, which requires them to plan the curriculum, assignments, and exams. They also assist students as needed and may be responsible for overseeing the work of graduate students. Depending on the institution, these educators may have additional research and/or institution-related responsibilities, such as serving on committees.

Become a Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers usually need to have a bachelor's or master's degree, but a doctoral degree may add additional knowledge and expertise. It is also important for these managers to have several years of work experience in a related area, such as management, training and development, or human resources. There is also professional certification available in the field, such as certifications from the International Society for Performance Improvement or the Association for Talent Development. According to the BLS, the job outlook for training and development managers is 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average. The median annual salary for these managers was $115,640 as of 2020.

Training and development managers help an organization's staff grow in their skills and knowledge by creating and implementing various training and development programs. This requires careful research into the needs of an organization's employees, coordination of the program, and managing of a program budget. These managers also evaluate how well these programs work and make adjustments as needed.

Professional organizations are available to help support and further advance professionals' careers in their given field. In the field of business and business administration, there is no shortage of professional organizations designed to help professionals connect with one another and advance their skills. These organizations are typically offered in specific areas of specialty, such as management, marketing, finance, human resources, and more. A couple of examples of professional business organizations include:

• American Management Association- The AMA offers professionals a wide range of online training resources, including a Women's Leadership Center, certificate programs, and online courses. The group also provides different professional certification options and resources for corporations, including skills assessments for employees. The group's website also has an online database of articles and links to upcoming events.
• American Marketing Association- Also known as the AMA, this group is focused on marketing professionals and provides membership and several different professional certifications. Professionals can take advantage of training, such as webinars and chapter events, as well as utilize various publications.

The cost of DBA programs varies by school, and students also need to consider several different factors when calculating the cost of a program. Typically, students need to pay tuition and fees, but these charges may vary by different factors, such as a student's residency. For example, one DBA program charges in-state students a total of $112,500 for the program and charges out-of-state students $117,500 (as of 2021). Other programs charge tuition per credit hour, which may be over $1,500. Students also need to consider a range of fees, such as graduation and enrollment fees. Other costs for students could include living expenses, books, or supplies and materials.

Paying for a DBA program can be challenging, so there are several different forms of financial aid that can help students cut down on the cost. For example, students can still fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for any federal or state loans or grants. Many schools also offer a range of discounts or scholarships and other funding that students may qualify for. At the doctoral level, because many of these students are already working full-time jobs, students may qualify for programs where employers pay for tuition and fees to help their employees earn advanced degrees. This usually requires students to fill out a letter of credit or company voucher. Many schools also offer discounts to special populations of students, such as veterans.

Scholarships are another great option to help pay for school, as these awards do not have to be repaid and may be able to be renewed multiple times. Some schools or business colleges may offer general scholarships to students. For example, Louisiana Tech University offers scholarships through its College of Business in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000.