Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs

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By Dr. James Barham
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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

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  1. Keiser University
  2. Wilmington University
  3. Lincoln Memorial University
  4. Belhaven University
  5. Bellevue University
  6. Thomas Edison State University
  7. Saint Leo University
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin
  9. University of the Incarnate Word
  10. California Baptist University
  1. Liberty University
  2. University of the Incarnate Word
  3. Saint Leo University
  4. Lincoln Memorial University
  5. Keiser University
  6. Concordia University Wisconsin
  7. California Baptist University
  8. Wilmington University
  9. Belhaven University
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. Keiser University 97%
  3. University of the Incarnate Word 94%
  4. Concordia University Chicago 93%
  5. California Baptist University 80%
  6. Saint Leo University 80%
  7. Lincoln Memorial University 78%
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
  10. University of West Alabama 69%
  1. Trevecca Nazarene University 22 to 1
  2. California Baptist University 18 to 1
  3. Liberty University 18 to 1
  4. Saint Leo University 18 to 1
  5. University of West Alabama 18 to 1
  6. Keiser University 15 to 1
  7. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  8. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  9. University of the Incarnate Word 13 to 1
  10. Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  1. California Baptist University $38,058
  2. Concordia University Chicago $34,964
  3. University of the Incarnate Word $34,400
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
  5. Belhaven University $28,375
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200
  7. Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
  8. Saint Leo University $27,050
  9. Lincoln Memorial University $25,180
  10. Keiser University $23,248
  1. Keiser University $30,032
  2. Lincoln Memorial University $19,160
  3. University of the Incarnate Word $18,900
  4. Saint Leo University $18,436
  5. California Baptist University $13,680
  6. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  7. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  8. Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
  9. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,424
  10. Bellevue University $11,340
  1. University of West Alabama
  2. Trevecca Nazarene University
  3. Southern Wesleyan University
  4. Concordia University Chicago
  5. Liberty University
  6. California Baptist University
  7. University of the Incarnate Word
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin
  9. Saint Leo University
  10. Thomas Edison State University
  1. Southern Wesleyan University
  2. Concordia University Chicago
  3. University of West Alabama
  4. Bellevue University
  5. Thomas Edison State University
  6. Trevecca Nazarene University
  7. Belhaven University
  8. Wilmington University
  9. California Baptist University
  10. Concordia University Wisconsin
  1. Belhaven University 43%
  2. Southern Wesleyan University 51%
  3. University of West Alabama 69%
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
  5. Trevecca Nazarene University 71%
  6. Lincoln Memorial University 78%
  7. Saint Leo University 80%
  8. California Baptist University 80%
  9. Concordia University Chicago 93%
  10. University of the Incarnate Word 94%
  1. Lincoln Memorial University 8 to 1
  2. Belhaven University 9 to 1
  3. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  4. Southern Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  5. Wilmington University 12 to 1
  6. Concordia University Chicago 12 to 1
  7. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  8. University of the Incarnate Word 13 to 1
  9. Keiser University 15 to 1
  10. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  2. Bellevue University $8,790
  3. University of West Alabama $9,100
  4. Wilmington University $12,030
  5. Liberty University $22,511
  6. Keiser University $23,248
  7. Lincoln Memorial University $25,180
  8. Saint Leo University $27,050
  9. Southern Wesleyan University $27,820
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $28,200
  1. University of West Alabama $6,678
  2. Liberty University $7,893
  3. Wilmington University $9,216
  4. Concordia University Chicago $9,399
  5. Belhaven University $10,710
  6. Bellevue University $11,340
  7. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,424
  8. Southern Wesleyan University $11,952
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  10. 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.

Featured Programs

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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.

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

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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.

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

Best Online DBA Programs
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15 Best Online DBA Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Keiser University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Keiser University

    Cost of Degree: $34,590
    Expenses: $26,450
    Starting Salary: $59,774
    Salary after 4 years: $64,188
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,492
    Starting Salary: $79,358
    Salary after 4 years: $85,218

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Lincoln Memorial University

    Harrogate , TN
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1086/21

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Lincoln Memorial University

    Cost of Degree: $23,225
    Expenses: $17,408
    Starting Salary: $70,843
    Salary after 4 years: $76,074
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Bellevue University

    Cost of Degree: $12,432
    Expenses: $16,440
    Starting Salary: $103,029
    Salary after 4 years: $110,637
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,150
    Starting Salary: $147,539

    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 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $15,840
    Expenses: $21,388
    Starting Salary: $85,999
    Salary after 4 years: $92,350
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

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

    California Baptist University

    Riverside , CA
    #22 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at California Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $14,914
    Expenses: $16,178
    Starting Salary: $80,890
    Salary after 4 years: $86,864
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

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

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $70,502
    Salary after 4 years: $75,709
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  14. #12

    Concordia University Chicago

    River Forest , IL
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2025 #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #18 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Concordia University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $10,782
    Expenses: $13,740
    Starting Salary: $72,716
    Salary after 4 years: $78,086
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Southern Wesleyan University

    Central , SC
    #10 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Carolina 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina #11 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1086/21

    Career Outlook for Business Administration degree at Southern Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $13,746
    Expenses: $14,039
    Starting Salary: $78,676
    Salary after 4 years: $84,486
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    DBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

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

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives5.48%$206,680
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Compensation and Benefits Managers2.09%$136,380
Purchasing Managers5.04%$136,380
Human Resources Managers6.51%$136,350

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$206,680
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Compensation and Benefits Managers$136,380
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.
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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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