What Is a Doctor of Business Administration?
The Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA, is a terminal degree — meaning, it is the highest degree you can earn in the field of business. If you’re looking to advance in leadership roles and learn to solve complex business problems, a DBA could help you succeed.
How does a DBA compare to a PhD in business administration? Who’s a better fit to earn a DBA? What skills will you learn in an online DBA program, and what can you do with this degree?
This guide explains how a Doctor of Business Administration can help you move your career forward.
What Is a DBA Degree?
The Doctor of Business Administration is designed for mid-career professionals who want to deepen their business expertise and become high-level, impactful leaders. The degree program focuses on real-world problem-solving, including gaining the strategy and leadership skills to navigate demanding professional situations.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, almost 4,500 doctorate-level business degrees were conferred in 2021–2022. This is a nearly 21% increase in business doctorate degrees conferred from the previous year.
Additionally, based on The Future of DBA Market Perceptions of Business Schools, career advancement and professional reputation are major drivers of DBA growth. “The DBA surge marks a shift from general management to precision leadership, where career growth is fueled by the ability to apply surgical analytics to complex challenges,” says Jose Siqueira, DBA, Purdue Global faculty member.
Who Should Earn a Doctor of Business Administration?
The DBA is designed for those who are mid- to senior-level professionals in business. They want to attain the highest level of business education possible to advance their careers, solve problems more efficiently by using data and research, or improve their leadership skills.
Most people who enroll in a DBA program work full-time while in school, so programs are usually designed to fit busy schedules. An online DBA program, like the one offered by Purdue Global, provides the greatest flexibility, with self-paced learning and the ability to attend class and study from anywhere.
DBA vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?
The PhD in Business Administration is another terminal business degree. Both the PhD and the DBA in business administration are rigorous academic programs designed for those wishing to gain an advanced business education, with one key difference:
- A PhD program is usually for those seeking an academic career. It focuses on extensive theoretical research and how to develop and test new theories.
- A DBA is typically for working professionals who want to remain in or advance to corporate leadership roles. Their goal is to learn practical theories and skills to solve real-world business problems rather than focus on a research-oriented PhD program.
What Skills Do You Learn in a DBA Program?
DBA students are taught advanced skills in strategic decision-making, leadership, research, and communication. You’ll learn how to:
- Conduct original research and apply it to business issues
- Evaluate complex data, develop strategic plans, and make smart decisions
- Lead with a deep understanding of organizational behavior and management theory
The DBA program at Purdue Global is practice-focused, meaning it is intended to allow students to apply the knowledge they learn within the program to their current jobs or in other real-world scenarios.
Course topics typically include:
- Contemporary business challenges
- Business research methods and communication
- Business statistics
- Organizational development
Some DBA programs offer concentrations to further specialize your expertise, and virtually all will require an applied research project that addresses a real-world problem in your field.
What Are Some Typical DBA Career Paths?
Management occupations are expected to see significant growth between 2024 and 2034, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting faster-than-average employment growth. It is estimated that there will be 1.1 million job openings annually in management occupations.
According to the BLS:
- Employment of management analysts is projected to grow 9% nationally from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 4% nationally from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Below is the outlook for management analysts in your area.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a DBA?
There’s no simple answer because there are many contributing factors. DBA programs are generally more flexible to accommodate working professionals, and most students attend part-time. Depending on your course load, a DBA can usually be completed in about 3.5–5 years. You may be able to finish faster with prior learning credits.
Should You Earn a DBA Online?
If you want to continue working while earning a Doctor of Business Administration, an online DBA program may be a good idea. You can study on your time and still meet work and family obligations — plus, earning your degree online means no commuting (or moving cities entirely).
Just make sure the online program you choose is accredited.
>> Read More: Classroom vs. Online Education: Which One Is Better for You?
Learn More About Purdue Global’s Online DBA
Purdue Global offers an online DBA program where you will learn the advanced methodologies and skills needed to lead organizations into the future. We also offer the following concentrations to help you further develop your expertise:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
You can also create a custom concentration to better fit your individual goals.
Are you ready to take the next step and pursue your online Doctor of Business Administration degree? Request more information today, and jump-start the next stage of your career.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.