Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration Degree

Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration Degree

A doctorate in business administration may refer two different advanced degreesa Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD in Business Administration). While neither type of business administration doctorate is more advanced than the other, DBA degree programs have a different focus from PhD in Business Administration degree programs.

If your interest in pursuing a doctorate in business administration stems from a desire to study practical knowledge that can be applied in the workplace, then a DBA degree program rather than a PhD in Business Administration degree program may be the better fit. Keep reading to learn more about what a DBA degree is so that you can decide which path is right for you.

What Is a Business Administration Degree?

Business administration is a program of studies in a college or university providing general knowledge of business principles and practices.¹ Learners in such degree programs work to develop skills and knowledge that is applicable to virtually all business fields.

What Is a DBA vs. a PhD in Business Administration?

Both the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and PhD in Business Administration are terminal degrees, i.e., the highest degree that can be earned in a given discipline. Both types of programs are designed to enable learners to develop expert knowledge in the field of business administration. And both types of programs require completion of a doctoral project or dissertation.

The main difference between them comes down to focus. A DBA degree is an applied or professional doctorate, while the PhD in Business Administration is a research doctorate. Essentially, a DBA education focuses more on the real-world application of business-administration concepts, while the PhD in Business Administration focuses more on conducting original research that adds to the body of academic knowledge.

Potential Business Administration Career Paths

Pursuing a business administration degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level can help you prepare to pursue various career paths in a range of industries. But holding an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a doctorate in business administration, may allow you to pursue a wider array of opportunities compared to holding only an Associate of Business Administration (ABA) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

With a business administration degree, potential career paths may be found in the following industries:^*

• Banking and Finance
• Consulting
• Healthcare Administration
• Higher Education
• Human Resources Management (HRM)
• Information Technology (IT)
• Operations Management
• Retail Sales and Distribution
• Venture Capital/Management

What Could You Do with a Doctorate in Business Administration?

Business administration degrees are often described as being versatile because the business skills and knowledge studied in such degree programs can be applied to various roles and industries. But versatility is not the only potential benefit.

Because a doctoral degree is typically the most advanced degree you can earn in a discipline (one notable exception being the Fine Arts), holding one conveys to others that you have expert-level knowledge in your field perception that may bring with it some potential benefits. For instance, holding a doctorate in business administration could be an asset if you wish to pursue more senior-level business roles in your current industry. Relatedly, the perceived versatility of a business administration education combined with the prestige of holding a doctoral degree could potentially make it easier to switch industries.

Pursuing an Online DBA Degree Program

Just as associate, bachelors and masters degree programs in business administration can be pursued online, so too can doctoral degree programs. Doctoral degree programs are rigorous and challenging by design, no matter what the attendance format. But what sets online DBA degree programs apart is the added benefits of more schedule flexibility and overall convenienceyou can watch lectures and complete coursework on your own schedule, and you dont have to deal with commuting to and from school. In fact, for some, pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree online may be the only way to achieve their educational goals while remaining in the workforce.

With that said, pursuing an online DBA degree program still involves significant financial and time commitments. You will need to assess whether you can/how you will cover the costs of a DBA degree program. Federal financial aid options may not always be available, which means you may have to explore private loan or other payment options.

Additionally, how long it takes to earn a Doctor of Business Administration degree will vary from person to person and school to school. For example, the 60-credit online DBA degree program at California Southern University is structured so that working professionals can complete their degree programs while working full time. Even so, the program typically takes four to five years of full-time study to complete.^{2, 3} So, you should also ask yourself: Are you willing and able to make that commitment? Alternatively, if you choose to pursue the online DBA degree program on a less-than-full-time basis, are you prepared to commit potentially more than five years to the program? (All program requirements for the Doctor of Business Administration degree program must be completed through CalSouthern in no less than two but no more than ten years of initial course enrollment.) Being honest and realistic with yourself during the decision-making process is key to setting yourself up for success.