Best Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Programs 2024

Graduates of business doctoral programs often pursue careers as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. These professionals make a significant impact on their company's success, and they earn a median annual salary of $135,900, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other potential careers for individuals with a doctorate in business administration include consultant and entrepreneur.

Unlike Ph.D. in business programs, which prepare degree-seekers for careers in academia, DBA programs emphasize practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the business field. Many schools offer online DBA programs, which allow learners to continue working while earning their degree. Doctoral students who maintain employment in the field can apply new skills immediately, and working full time can help learners avoid debt.

Although admission requirements vary by university, they often include a minimum GPA, GRE scores, and recommendation letters. Students typically earn the degree in 2.5-3 years, depending on the program. This guide covers the benefits of earning a doctorate in business administration, along with common course requirements and career paths for graduates.

Top Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Programs

We have compiled a list of institutions that have this degree program (specifically a DBA, not a Ph.D. in business), a student body size between 7,000 and 50,000, and a graduation rate of at least 80%, listed in alphabetical order. Use the table below to compare average student population size and graduation rates.

Loyola Marymount University

Offered through the school's Los Angeles campus, LMU's doctor of business administration can prepare graduates to make evidence-based decisions about complex global business problems. This degree requires two years of coursework and seminars followed by one year of research and dissertation-writing.

Courses include generating business knowledge, data-driven transformation, and frameworks in business. Students attend synchronous class meetings and complete coursework asynchronously. The program requires in-person residencies every semester for the first two years.

Applicants need at least a bachelor's degree, though the institution prefers students with master's degrees. Prospective enrollees also need five years of high-level managerial experience and eight years of overall management experience.

University of Maryland, College Park

Offered through the Robert H. Smith School of Business, UMD's doctor of business administration prepares students to solve problems using business research and theories. This program, which full-time students can complete in three years, includes two concentration areas: marketing and information systems.

Students take 54 credits, comprising 42 course credits and 12 capstone project credits. These courses run in person and in hybrid formats. Available classes include data processing and analysis in Python, executive decision-making in the age of AI, and advanced marketing analytics.

Applicants submit transcripts, a cover letter, a statement of purpose, a resume, and letters of recommendation. The school does not require GMAT or GRE scores.

University of Pittsburgh

Pitt's executive doctor of business administration synthesizes real-world practice with business theory in a part-time professional research program. This three-year degree requires 45 credits composed of methodology core seminars, disciplinary core seminars, and a practicum research project.

Courses include managing in uncertainty, behavioral decision-making and choice, and research in marketing. Students can study online, in person, or in a hybrid format. All enrollees participate in two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a qualifying master's degree reflecting at least 27 credits of relevant graduate-level coursework.

Washington University in St. Louis

Offered through the Olin Business School, Washington University's doctor of business administration prepares graduates to conduct applied research. The program offers concentrations in finance; supply chain, operations, and technology; and marketing. This on-campus degree takes 4-6 years.

Students complete 72 credits, including required courses and a doctoral thesis. Classes include empirical methods in business, fixed-income securities, and stochastic processes. Enrollees can add a teaching citation to their degree by attending non-credit workshops.

Applicants need at least an undergraduate degree. Students with master's degrees can transfer 12-24 credits toward the DBA.

What Are the Goals of a Doctorate in Business Administration?

Available courses and graduation requirements vary among DBA programs. However, typical learning outcomes include applying research methods to decision-making, embracing lifelong learning, and modeling appropriate behavior to subordinates. Students in business doctoral programs also develop transferable skills in areas such as collaboration and professional competence.

Completing a business doctoral program can help individuals advance professionally. Doctoral students collaborate with like-minded peers, developing networks that can lead to long-term business relationships and job opportunities. Additionally, a doctorate in business administration can qualify graduates for top positions at their company or organization.

Doctorate in Business Administration Overview

A doctoral degree in business administration is designed for advanced business professionals to continue their education, develop research, and become industry leaders. In fact, some programs will require at least 10 years of relevant professional experience to be admitted. Most DBA programs take three to five years to complete and involve a dissertation or presentation capstone. You’ll learn about organization management, corporate leadership, and market strategy.

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to a business administration doctoral program there are several universal requirements. You’ll need some previous higher education, while some programs require an MBA others may only ask for a bachelor’s degree. Every program on our list will also require GRE or GMAT scores from the last five years.

Letters of recommendation and a professional resume are also commonly a part of the application. There are also some doctorate in business administration programs that require a minimum number of years for work experience. Programs designed for advanced professionals may ask for 10 years of work experience in a related field.

Accreditation of DBA Programs

While researching prospective DBA programs, you should only consider institutions with regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education charters six agencies to evaluate the nation’s postsecondary institutions and grant accreditation to those that meet rigorous educational standards. If you attend a school without regional accreditation, you may have difficulty finding a job or attaining professional advancement after graduation.

Universities that offer online degrees may also hold national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accreditation from DEAC demonstrates that the school’s online programs offer the same educational experience and learning outcomes as its on-campus programs.

Lastly, if you’re considering a business doctoral program, you can look for programmatic accreditation. Reputable U.S. business programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, which grants accreditation to undergraduate and graduate business programs that prepare learners to succeed in business careers.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Concentrations in Business Administration

Many DBA programs offer concentrations that allow you to specialize in an area of business management. A concentration can help you develop expertise for specific job roles and better prepare you for a career after graduation.

Finance

A concentration in finance will offer the knowledge needed to lead finance-based businesses, or finance departments of businesses. You’ll learn about making investment and finance decisions, managing capital assets, exploring venture financing, and market microstructure. Courses may include microeconomics, quantitative methods, accounting courses, corporate finance, and capital market theory.

Operations Management

An operations management concentration will teach you to manage organizations that produce goods and services. You’ll learn to operate supply chains, manufacturing activities, and access global markets. Courses may include operations management, stochastic models, networks and combinatorial optimization, and dynamic programming.

Organizational Behavior

This concentration is focused on individual behavior, team dynamics, and how employees and organizations work together. You’ll learn more about the psychology behind managing a business and large teams of people. You may take courses like psychology of organizational behavior, sociological foundation of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Courses in a Doctorate in Business Administration Program

The coursework in DBA programs helps learners master in-demand leadership skills, which graduates often use to lead teams and organizations. Online learners typically hone these skills by participating in discussion boards, writing essays, and performing original research. Other activities may include analyzing case studies and collaborating with peers during group projects.

Students earning a doctorate in business administration generally complete coursework in leadership theory, leading organizations, and organizational design. This section describes a few courses common to many DBA programs. However, course titles and requirements vary by institution. Learners should contact their prospective school for information regarding its DBA program.

Career and Salary Outlook for Business Administration Students

Professionals with a doctorate in business administration often work as top executives, postsecondary teachers, personal financial advisors, and management analysts. The BLS projects strong growth for these occupations between 2019 and 2029. Additionally, these careers feature higher-than-average median annual salaries.

Source: BLS

Top Executive: Top executives use their doctorate in business administration to oversee business operations. These professionals coordinate and consult with other executives and use performance indicators to make long-term plans. Typical job titles include chief executive officer, operations manager, and county administrator. Some top executive positions require professional experience in addition to an advanced degree.

Postsecondary Teacher: Postsecondary teachers educate undergraduate and graduate students. Job responsibilities also include creating curricula, serving on committees, and publishing research. Teachers who possess a doctorate can qualify for tenure, which provides job security and greater freedom when performing research.

Personal Financial Advisor: Personal financial advisors use their business expertise to advise clients on financial goals and investments. These professionals need strong research skills to explore the latest and best investment opportunities. Other responsibilities include staying up to date with tax law and producing annual investment reports.

Management Analyst: Management analysts, also known as management consultants, analyze the practices of a business or organization to improve efficiency. Some projects require a team of analysts to conduct research and interview employees. Management analysts present their findings and make suggestions to senior management professionals. Analysts can specialize in an area such as inventory control or corporate structures.

Marketing Manager: Marketing managers need a bachelor's in marketing, journalism, or a related field. Earning a bachelor's degree takes approximately four years, and degree-seekers gain practical marketing knowledge along with transferable skills that apply to numerous career paths. Undergraduate students can enhance their resume by taking courses in sales and communications and by completing an internship.

After earning a bachelor's degree and gaining work experience, professionals can return to school to earn an MBA or DBA. Both degrees can lead to career and salary advancement. Graduate programs take 2-4 years to complete, depending on the degree and program.

What is the ROI for a Doctorate in Business Administration? 

Tuition for a DBA can range from $11,000 to $60,000 depending on the school you choose and whether you’ll have to pay in state or out of state tuition. Once you’ve graduated, the average annual salary for careers in business administration fields ranges from $80,000 to $105,000. Jobs in this field also have a projected growth between 4% and 11% in the next decade. Pursuing a doctoral degree in business administration can lead to a lucrative career and a quick return on investment.

Certifications and Licensure for Business Administration Students

Business professionals with a doctorate can enhance their career prospects and salary potential by earning one or more professional certifications. Private organizations award certifications to candidates who pass an exam and meet other requirements, which may include a specific degree and professional experience. Finance professionals also need a license to engage in specific activities, such as selling stocks.