Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

Badge for BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Updated: Mar 1, 2024

Find top-ranked online DBA – doctorate in business degree programs to help students to meet the unique educational and career goals of working professionals.

Top Online DBA Degree Programs

Keiser University
Wilmington University
Lincoln Memorial University
Belhaven University
Bellevue University
Thomas Edison State University
Saint Leo University
Concordia University Wisconsin
University of the Incarnate Word
California Baptist University

Liberty University
University of the Incarnate Word
Saint Leo University
Lincoln Memorial University
Keiser University
Concordia University Wisconsin
California Baptist University
Wilmington University
Belhaven University
Trevecca Nazarene University

Liberty University 99%
Keiser University 97%
University of the Incarnate Word 94%
Concordia University Chicago 93%
California Baptist University 80%
Saint Leo University 80%
Lincoln Memorial University 78%
Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
University of West Alabama 69%

Trevecca Nazarene University 22 to 1
California Baptist University 18 to 1
Liberty University 18 to 1
Saint Leo University 18 to 1
University of West Alabama 18 to 1
Keiser University 15 to 1
Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
Bellevue University 13 to 1
University of the Incarnate Word 13 to 1
Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1

California Baptist University $38,058
Concordia University Chicago $34,964
University of the Incarnate Word $34,400
Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
Belhaven University $28,375
Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200
Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
Saint Leo University $27,050
Lincoln Memorial University $25,180
Keiser University $23,248

Keiser University $30,032
Lincoln Memorial University $19,160
University of the Incarnate Word $18,900
Saint Leo University $18,436
California Baptist University $13,680
Thomas Edison State University $12,150
Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
Trevecca Nazarene University $11,424
Bellevue University $11,340

University of West Alabama
Trevecca Nazarene University
Southern Wesleyan University
Concordia University Chicago
Liberty University
California Baptist University
University of the Incarnate Word
Concordia University Wisconsin
Saint Leo University
Thomas Edison State University

Southern Wesleyan University
Concordia University Chicago
University of West Alabama
Bellevue University
Thomas Edison State University
Trevecca Nazarene University
Belhaven University
Wilmington University
California Baptist University
Concordia University Wisconsin

Belhaven University 43%
Southern Wesleyan University 51%
University of West Alabama 69%
Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
Lincoln Memorial University 78%
Saint Leo University 80%
California Baptist University 80%
Concordia University Chicago 93%
University of the Incarnate Word 94%

Lincoln Memorial University 8 to 1
Belhaven University 9 to 1
Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
Wilmington University 12 to 1
Concordia University Chicago 12 to 1
Bellevue University 13 to 1
University of the Incarnate Word 13 to 1
Keiser University 15 to 1
Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1

Thomas Edison State University $7,372
Bellevue University $8,790
University of West Alabama $9,100
Wilmington University $12,030
Liberty University $22,511
Keiser University $23,248
Lincoln Memorial University $25,180
Saint Leo University $27,050
Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200

University of West Alabama $6,678
Liberty University $7,893
Wilmington University $9,216
Concordia University Chicago $9,399
Belhaven University $10,710
Bellevue University $11,340
Trevecca Nazarene University $11,424
Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
Thomas Edison State University $12,150

Key Takeaways

The best online doctorates in business administration programs will prepare you for leadership roles and career advancement opportunities.
PhD programs prepare business professionals for postsecondary teaching positions, while online DBA programs are for executive positions in the business industry.
Many DBA programs delivered online end in a dissertation, requiring students to fulfill a comprehensive research project related to their field of study.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Looking Closely At Today’s Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Earning a degree from a doctor of business administration program implies that you can successfully handle the challenge of a business career that needs high-level business theory and advanced research skills. Most of the time, established corporate officers and business executives pursue an Online DBA program as an academic “capstone” that signifies their accomplishment of real-life, practical experience.

With so many amazing schools across the US that offer an online DBA degree, earning a doctorate in business administration has never been cheaper or easier.

As business sectors like healthcare and technology continue to expand, the demand and value for talented business leaders in healthcare management and project management are continuously growing as well.

The online business administration doctorate program will not only allow you to study right in the comfort of your home around your schedule, but it also gives you the chance to pursue your doctorate without compromising your present job.

Common Online Doctorate in Business Administration Courses

Accounting
Applied Statistical Analysis
Becoming an Applied Researcher
Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage
Contemporary Challenges in Business
The Craft of Research and Writing
Doctoral Colloquium
Finance
Leadership and Followership
Marketing
Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice
Qualitative Methods for Diagnosis and Assessment
Qualitative and Case Study Methodology for Business Analysis Research
Supply Chain Management
Technology Entrepreneurship

Earning a doctorate in a business program with a transcript that includes any of the classes above can be a big help to becoming a distinguished leader in your field.

Online Ph.D. in Business Administration Careers

The majority of students pursuing a degree through a DBA online program are active business professionals interested in progressing within their present area of employment. On the other hand, students that pursue the degree online may also secure a career in academia.

Below are five of the best careers awaiting graduates who earn an online doctor of business administration.

Top Executives: These Ph.D. degree holders manage companies at the highest level. They make plans for success to guarantee that their company will enact strategies, policies, and operations needed to achieve its ultimate goals.

Top executives are also the ones that manage the financial activities of a company, appoint employees to major positions, negotiate contracts, and identify where to cut costs. This position is very demanding and often requires frequent travel.

Human Resources Managers: These professionals bridge between the employers and employees of an organization. They help in the recruitment process, the interview, and hiring. They also compensate employees and communicate with the organization’s management about hiring needs.

Human resources managers handle interpersonal issues among employees and staff, oversee benefit programs for employees, mediate conflicts, and manage compensation issues.

Economists: Economists hold a Ph.D. in business administration, and they are those that study data, assess economic problems, conduct studies and surveys, and predict trends in economics to advise organizations and businesses about financial decisions. Economists are also assets in the private sector as they handle consumer sales and demands to maximize profit.

Financial Analysts: These business administration Ph.D. degree holders advise organizations and businesses when it comes to making financial decisions, especially in investments. They study bonds, economic trends, and stocks so they can endorse profitable portfolios and investments. Financial analysts work at least 40 hours every week.

Postsecondary Teachers: Teachers holding a Ph.D. in business administration can teach and handle business-related topics in higher education. They can conduct research in their field, publish books or papers, and even manage their own business once in a while. Postsecondary teachers can work in either private or public universities, professional schools, and community colleges.

Professional Organizations for Business Administration Professionals

Professional business organizations allow students to earn their doctorates and connect with other professionals in the field. There are three major professional organizations in the field of business administration, including:

Sales and Marketing Executives International
American Management Association
American Marketing Association

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Business Degrees

To maximize your business education and your paycheck, you may want to consider earning a doctoral degree in business. This terminal degree can often be customized to meet the unique educational and career goals of working professionals.

With options available online and in person, as well as specializations and concentrations offered in many different business doctoral degree paths, working professionals are sure to find a degree path that complements their current knowledge, skill set, and goals.

Most doctorate degrees in business require between 45-60 credits and take between three to five years to complete.

Students may take courses that cover advanced concepts in topics like marketing, entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international business, and corporate finance. Programs also typically require a thesis or dissertation for graduation.

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

15 Best Online DBA Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Students with Business Administration Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Doctorate

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $13,775
Avg. Expenses*: $18,978
Avg. Starting Salary*: $143,133
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
Job Growth: 6.72%
Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	5.48%	$206,680
Computer and Information Systems Managers	17.42%	$169,510
Compensation and Benefits Managers	2.09%	$136,380
Purchasing Managers	5.04%	$136,380
Human Resources Managers	6.51%	$136,350
Sales Managers	5.87%	$135,160
Managers, All Other	5.75%	$133,560
Training and Development Managers	7.41%	$125,040
Fundraising Managers	6.02%	$119,200
Industrial Production Managers	2.87%	$116,970

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	$206,680
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$169,510
Compensation and Benefits Managers	$136,380
Purchasing Managers	$136,380
Human Resources Managers	$136,350
Sales Managers	$135,160
Managers, All Other	$133,560
Training and Development Managers	$125,040
Fundraising Managers	$119,200
Industrial Production Managers	$116,970

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Student Submitted Questions on the Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

Maxon asks, “How do courses in an DBA differ from those in an MBA (besides difficulty level)?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Both degrees will equip business professionals with advanced business knowledge but they differ in content, focus, and outcomes. While MBA’s provide a broad understanding of business operations and management practices, DBA’s provide students an opportunity to contribute new knowledge to the field of business. While both degrees cover a wide range of advanced business topics, DBA’s will be heavier in research methodologies, analysis, and academic writing. In terms of outcomes, students who want to pursue a career in academia will typically get a DBA while those interested in leadership and management roles across a variety of sectors will work towards an MBA.

Luela asks, “Can I typically choose my research topic, or are there specific areas the programs will focus on?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: In most DBA programs, students will have the flexibility to choose which topics they want to focus their research on, but there might be certain constraints. For example, if the program focuses on certain aspects of business, it might be wise for students to align their research with those areas, or choose a school that aligns with their interests. It’s also important to have faculty members that are experts in whatever subject you choose to study, so I would look into what the faculty members and your advisor’s strengths are before committing to a program.

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Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

Top Online DBA Degree Programs

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Looking Closely At Today’s Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Common Online Doctorate in Business Administration Courses

Online Ph.D. in Business Administration Careers

Professional Organizations for Business Administration Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Business Degrees

Why should I get a doctorate in business?

How long does it take to get a doctorate in business?

What kind of courses will I be taking?

15 Best Online DBA Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Keiser University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Wilmington University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Lincoln Memorial University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Belhaven University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Bellevue University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Thomas Edison State University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Saint Leo University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at University of the Incarnate Word

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at California Baptist University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Liberty University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Concordia University Chicago

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Southern Wesleyan University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Trevecca Nazarene University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at University of West Alabama

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with Business Administration Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Doctorate

Career Salaries

Top Industries

Student Submitted Questions on the Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs