What is a DBA Degree?

In the field of business administration, there are two basic types of doctoral degrees: the DBA and the PhD. A DBA degree, or Doctor of Business Administration, is an applied doctorate in business administration, whereas a PhD in Business Administration is a research doctorate.

The fact that there are two doctorates in the same field of study initially may seem confusing, but, as we will see, there are reasons for the distinction. This article aims to address this confusion by answering some common questions that potential doctoral students may have: Are the DBA and PhD in Business Administration equivalent degrees? Why would someone choose to pursue a DBA vs. PhD in Business Administration? What are some DBA degree program requirements?

Is a DBA the Same as a PhD in Business Administration?

In some ways, the DBA and the PhD in Business Administration are the same. Both are terminal degrees, i.e., the highest degree that can be awarded in a field of study, and neither is more advanced compared to the other. Both types of programs are designed to be rigorous and grounded in business theory, and to provide an opportunity for learners to study advanced business administration knowledge. Both types of programs typically involve a dissertation or doctoral project. And, last but not least, graduating from a DBA or PhD in Business Administration program entitles the degree-holder to use the title “Doctor.”

Nevertheless, these two types of business doctorates are not alike in every way.

DBA degree programs are designed for learners who wish to apply their business knowledge and skills in the workplace. Consequently, learners in DBA degree programs study business theory but with an emphasis on real-world applications. For this reason, the DBA degree is considered an applied degree, otherwise known as a professional degree.

PhD in Business Administration degree programs are designed for learners who wish to carry out original research to add to the existing body of theoretical business knowledge. Because the focus of PhD programs is on the expansion of business theory rather than on the application of existing theory to real-world business problems, the PhD in Business Administration is considered a research doctorate, not an applied doctorate.

Why Pursue a DBA?

Pursuing a DBA degree program could be a good option for someone who holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is interested in further developing their general business expertise with the intention of applying that knowledge outside of academia—i.e., in the professional world. Although DBA holders may choose to seek out teaching opportunities in higher education, the PhD is generally regarded as the doctorate preferred by those who are primarily interested in working in academia and carrying out original research.

Some potential benefits of pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree program include:

• Developing Expert-Level Business Knowledge: Holding a DBA demonstrates that you have studied advanced topics and concepts in general business and leadership.
• Additional Potential Professional Opportunities: As with the MBA, a DBA education is generally understood to be relevant to a wide variety of industries and business contexts. Employers who prioritize experience and knowledge may prefer job candidates who hold a doctorate, such as a DBA.*
• Designed for Working Professionals: PhD programs traditionally require learners to dedicate themselves to their studies full-time—in other words, a PhD candidate with a career may have to put that career on hold as they pursue their doctorate. In contrast, DBA degree programs, like the one at California Southern University, are often designed so that working professionals can continue to work while they pursue their degree.

DBA Degree Requirements

DBA degree programs cover advanced knowledge in areas such as leadership, strategic management and organizational change management. A DBA education should allow learners to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to solve complex business problems.

The Doctor of Business Administration degree program at CalSouthern is designed as a 60-credit program that may be completed in four to five years of full-time study.† Required first-year courses are Management Finance and Control; Advanced Measurement and Statistics for Business; Ethnography of Corporate Culture; Organizational Development and Design; Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Governance; and Consumer Behavior, Theory and Analysis. Required second- and third-year courses are Global Business Strategic Management; Information, Organization and Strategy; Business Research Methods; and Quantitative Research Methods. Fifteen credits’ worth of DBA elective courses are also required, as well as a comprehensive essay examination.

Additionally, a doctoral project is required. The program requires learners to complete a sequence of doctoral project courses, which essentially serve as a roadmap to the learner’s development and completion of the doctoral project.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online DBA Degree Program

Ultimately, only you can decide whether the potential benefits of holding a doctorate in business administration make the significant time and financial commitments involved worth it. Choosing an online DBA degree program could help to place your academic goals within reach. CalSouthern’s online DBA program is not only rigorous but also offers learners the flexibility and freedom they need to help balance their professional and academic lives—because we believe that learners shouldn’t have to choose between their career and their academic goals.

Request more information about the CalSouthern Doctor of Business Administration online degree program today.

* CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
† Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete all required doctoral project requirements, which varies by learner.

REQ2162519 9/2025