Best Online DBA and Ph.D. in Business Programs
While business specialists usually hold master’s or professional degrees, some learners elect to continue studying at the doctoral level.
Programs leading to doctor of business administration (DBA) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees usually attract learners seeking careers in research, academia, or advanced business specializations.
Before you pursue a traditional or an online doctorate in business, consider how accreditation might affect your school choice. Learn more with this program guide and connect with top-ranked schools offering doctoral programs in business.
Why Earn Your Business Doctorate Online
- Attend a top business program without having to relocate.
- Complete coursework on your own schedule.
- Stand out from other job candidates who only have master of business administration (MBA) degrees.
- Advance into executive roles and earn a higher salary.
Top Online Business Doctorates
Baker College
- Owosso, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $750
Credits to Graduate: 60
Baker's online DBA program prepares you for leadership roles and to become a business consultant or analyst. The curriculum includes 33 credits of core courses in subjects like leadership theory and ethics, organizational theory and behavior, enterprise governance of IT, and quantitative research.
The online program emphasizes interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge, research techniques and designs. To apply, you'll need to have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit an application, a resume, and an admissions essay.
75%
$12,150
66%
$12,150
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,955
- Institution Type
- Private
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $770
Credits to Graduate: 91
CityU's ACBSP-accredited DBA emphasizes organization interventional thinking, agile business practices, critical thinking, and leadership. You can choose between online and on-campus formats. In the online format, you'll have one live, hour-long, interactive session every other week.Â
You can also choose your own specialization. The curriculum includes organizational development theories and trends, financial decision-making, and industry analysis and market innovation.
To get accepted, you must have a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
89%
$12,167
N/A
$12,167
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,970
- Institution Type
- Private
Felician University
- Lodi, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,030
Credits to Graduate: 61
Felician's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and cutting-edge research. The self-paced online curriculum includes courses on statistical and quantitative analysis, historical and contemporary management theory, applied marketing theory, and applied decision theory.
You'll have the chance to engage in transformative research efforts designed to contribute to professional knowledge and practice. To apply, you need an MBA and must submit a resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.
71%
$20,610
76%
$20,610
- Acceptance Rate
- 95%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,427
- Institution Type
- Private
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $750
Credits to Graduate: 58
Franklin's 100% online DBA offers eight focus areas, including accounting, IT, public administration, marketing, human resources management, and healthcare management.
The curriculum includes courses like statistics; quantitative research; organizational leadership; and strategic thinking, decision-making, and innovation.
To apply, you'll need an accredited master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must have at least 30 hours of graduate coursework in a business-related field or three years of relevant work experience.
96%
$12,060
47%
$12,060
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 8,697
- Institution Type
- Private
Gardner-Webb University
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $930
Credits to Graduate: 60
Gardner-Webb's online DBA program prepares you to lead strategic initiatives, build a healthy work culture, and effect change in your community. You can choose from among five concentrations: accounting, finance, international business, management, and marketing.
Courses include foundations for ethical reasoning in business, advanced business statistics, marketing theory, and a doctoral dissertation.
To get in, you'll need an MBA or other master's degree in a business-related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also submit a resume, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation.
64%
$11,250
69%
$11,250
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,125
- Institution Type
- Private
Johnson & Wales University-Online
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $990
Credits to Graduate: 54
JWU's online DBA equips you with the skills you'll need to ​​conceptualize, investigate, and solve complex business problems. The cohort-based asynchronous program focuses primarily on organizational development.
Coursework includes organizational and strategy design, research design, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, contemporary leadership issues, and a dissertation.
To apply, you'll need to submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. You'll also need to participate in a video conference interview.
100%
$15,156
54%
$15,156
- Acceptance Rate
- 54%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,597
- Institution Type
- Private
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Avg. Cost per Credit: $980
Credits to Graduate: 60
Keiser's online ACBSP-accredited DBA combines theory and applied research so you can make a meaningful impact on business administration or academia. The program offers three specializations in global business, global marketing, and management.
You'll take classes in subjects like financial theory and policy, marketing management, and micro and macro organizational behavior.
To apply, you must have a relevant master's degree from an accredited institution. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you'll need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program.
51%
$33,390
71%
$33,390
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,306
- Institution Type
- Private
Why Accreditation Matters for Business Doctorates
Accreditation matters when you’re choosing an online DBA or Ph.D. 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 doctoral programs, check for accreditation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. There are three 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)
DBA vs. Ph.D. in Business: What’s the Difference?
| Doctor of Business Administration | Doctor of Philosophy in Business |
|---|---|
|
|
Popular Doctoral Concentrations Within Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Operations
Is a Doctorate in Business Administration Worth It?
Business Professors
$97,270
Median annual salary (May 2024)
+6%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)
Management Consultants
$101,190
Median annual salary (May 2024)
+9%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)
Professionals with doctorates in business tend to earn higher salaries, but the true value of a DBA or Ph.D. in business extends beyond pure earning potential.
You should also consider intangible factors, such as the authoritative status the degree will confer and the additional recognition you may earn as a result.
A 2022 editorial published in the Harvard Business Review emphasized a highly relevant consideration: The job market has become saturated with MBA graduates, and the MBA’s traditional prestige has begun to erode. DBA and Ph.D. degrees are credentials worth considering if you want to differentiate yourself in a crowded job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will generally need an undergraduate or advanced degree in business, an excellent academic record, multiple years of relevant experience, and several letters of recommendation. GRE or GMAT scores may also apply. Admission processes are often competitive. Review the program’s listed requirements and apply only if you closely match the specified criteria.
