Best Online DBA Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

Sort by:
  1. Liberty University
  2. Saint Leo University
  3. University of the Incarnate Word
  4. Lincoln Memorial University
  5. Keiser University
  6. California Baptist University
  7. Concordia University Wisconsin
  8. Wilmington University
  9. Belhaven University
  10. Thomas Edison State University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Keiser University 96%
  3. University of the Incarnate Word 94%
  4. Concordia University Chicago 88%
  5. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  6. University of West Alabama 74%
  7. Saint Leo University 71%
  8. Lincoln Memorial University 70%
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin 69%
  10. California Baptist University 64%
  1. Thomas Edison State University 20 to 1
  2. California Baptist University 19 to 1
  3. Liberty University 17 to 1
  4. Saint Leo University 17 to 1
  5. Bellevue University 16 to 1
  6. Keiser University 15 to 1
  7. University of West Alabama 14 to 1
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  9. Lincoln Memorial University 13 to 1
  10. Southern Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  1. California Baptist University $37,018
  2. Concordia University Chicago $34,310
  3. University of the Incarnate Word $33,100
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin $31,952
  5. Belhaven University $27,825
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  7. Southern Wesleyan University $26,498
  8. Saint Leo University $26,050
  9. Lincoln Memorial University $24,210
  10. Liberty University $22,713
  1. Keiser University $29,632
  2. Lincoln Memorial University $19,654
  3. University of the Incarnate Word $18,540
  4. Saint Leo University $15,218
  5. California Baptist University $13,590
  6. Southern Wesleyan University $13,560
  7. Thomas Edison State University $12,024
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin $11,628
  9. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235
  10. Bellevue University $10,980
  1. Southern Wesleyan University
  2. Concordia University Chicago
  3. University of West Alabama
  4. Bellevue University
  5. Trevecca Nazarene University
  6. Thomas Edison State University
  7. Belhaven University
  8. Wilmington University
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin
  10. California Baptist University
  1. Southern Wesleyan University 57%
  2. Belhaven University 64%
  3. California Baptist University 64%
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin 69%
  5. Lincoln Memorial University 70%
  6. Saint Leo University 71%
  7. University of West Alabama 74%
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  9. Concordia University Chicago 88%
  10. University of the Incarnate Word 94%
  1. Belhaven University 8 to 1
  2. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  3. University of the Incarnate Word 12 to 1
  4. Concordia University Chicago 12 to 1
  5. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  7. Lincoln Memorial University 13 to 1
  8. Southern Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  9. University of West Alabama 14 to 1
  10. Keiser University 15 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,182
  2. Bellevue University $8,310
  3. University of West Alabama $9,100
  4. Wilmington University $11,760
  5. Keiser University $22,000
  6. Liberty University $22,713
  7. Lincoln Memorial University $24,210
  8. Saint Leo University $26,050
  9. Southern Wesleyan University $26,498
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  1. University of West Alabama $6,678
  2. Liberty University $7,847
  3. Wilmington University $9,000
  4. Concordia University Chicago $9,090
  5. Belhaven University $10,530
  6. Bellevue University $10,980
  7. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin $11,628
  9. Thomas Edison State University $12,024
  10. Southern Wesleyan University $13,560

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.

Featured Programs

Back to Top

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 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.

Back to Top

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

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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

Best Online DBA Programs
Download Badge

Median Salaries of Business Operations Specialists in Top Industries in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of Business Operations Specialists in some of the highest-paying industries in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Annual Salary
116560Oil and Gas Extraction
117350Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
117420Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures
122680Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil
123430Nuclear Electric Power Generation
Back to Top

15 Best Online DBA Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    29K

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Global Organizational Leadership
    • Global Business
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Delaware 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Delaware 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    10K

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    9K

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 55
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2023 #6 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    4K

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    9K

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    California Baptist University

    Riverside , CA
    #24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #25 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Executive Coaching
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resources
    • Information Systems
    • International Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Leadership And Management
    • Project Management
    • Real Estate Development
    • Six Sigma
    • Strategic Management
    • Strategic Media And Digital Content
    • Supply Chain Management And Logistics
    • Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
Back to Top

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.