Best Online DBA and Ph.D. in Business Programs
Management jobs pay some of the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.
While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school. With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.
Top Online Business Ph.D. and DBA Programs
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Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?
- You’ll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
- An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
- You’ll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
- You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
- Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
- You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.
Did You Know?
Business is one of the most popular graduate degrees — nearly a quarter of all master’s degrees awarded in 2020-2021 were in business. Compared to those with a master’s degree, the median salary for those with a doctorate is around $17,000 higher per year. Professionals with a doctorate report the lowest unemployment rate for any education level.
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | Ph.D. in Business |
|---|---|
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Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs
Accreditation matters when you’re choosing an online doctoral program in business.
Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.
A school’s accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.
When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?
General application Official transcripts from all colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate) Test scores, usually from the GMAT or GRE Letters of recommendation Resume Statement(s) of purpose
How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Business Cost?
Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.
Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you’re full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.
The main factors that affect how much you’ll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:
- The length of your program
- Whether you enroll in a private or public school
- How much financial aid you qualify for
- Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
- Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.
Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.
In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.
Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From
Accounting Business Administration Entrepreneurship Finance Hospitality and Tourism Management Management Information Systems Marketing Operations
How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?
With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.
As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $206,680 | 3% |
| Human Resources Managers | $136,350 | 5% |
| Training and Development Managers | $125,040 | 6% |
| Economists | $115,730 | 6% |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 | 6% |
| Management Analysts | $98,580 | 10% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $102,610 | 8% |
| Logisticians | $79,400 | 18% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs
An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.
While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.
Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.
In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.
A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college professors are in demand, with a projected 8% growth rate from 2022-2032.
What’s more, business professors tend to earn high salaries.
A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.
As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.
Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.
A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner’s degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.
DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.