Graduates of business doctoral programs often pursue careers as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. These professionals make a significant impact on their company’s success, and they earn a median annual salary of $135,900, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other potential careers for individuals with a doctorate in business administration include consultant and entrepreneur. Show
Unlike Ph.D. in business programs, which prepare degree-seekers for careers in academia, DBA programs emphasize practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the business field. Many schools offer online DBA programs, which allow learners to continue working while earning their degree. Doctoral students who maintain employment in the field can apply new skills immediately, and working full time can help learners avoid debt. Although admission requirements vary by university, they often include a minimum GPA, GRE scores, and recommendation letters. Students typically earn the degree in 2.5-3 years, depending on the program. This guide covers the benefits of earning a doctorate in business administration, along with common course requirements and career paths for graduates. Accredited Online College ProgramsTop 25 Doctorates in Business Administration Programs of 2021
Answering your questions about doctorate in business administration program
What Are the Goals of a Doctorate in Business Administration?Although available courses and graduation requirements vary among DBA programs. However, typical learning outcomes include applying research methods to decision-making, embracing lifelong learning, and modeling appropriate behavior to subordinates. Students in business doctoral programs also develop transferable skills in areas such as collaboration and professional competence. Completing a business doctoral program can help individuals advance professionally. Doctoral students collaborate with like-minded peers, developing networks that can lead to long-term business relationships and job opportunities. Additionally, a doctorate in business administration can qualify graduates for top positions at their company or organization. Doctorate in Business Administration OverviewA doctoral degree in business administration is designed for advanced business professionals to continue their education, develop research, and become industry leaders. In fact, some programs will require at least 10 years of relevant professional experience to be admitted. Most DBA programs take three to five years to complete and involve a dissertation or presentation capstone. You’ll learn about organization management, corporate leadership, and market strategy. Admissions RequirementsTo be admitted to a business administration doctoral program there are several universal requirements. You’ll need some previous higher education, while some programs require an MBA others may only ask for a bachelor’s degree. Every program on our list will also require GRE or GMAT scores from the last five years. Letters of recommendation and a professional resume are also commonly a part of the application. There are also some doctorate in business administration programs that require a minimum number of years for work experience. Programs designed for advanced professionals may ask for 10 years of work experience in a related field. Featured Online MBA ProgramsFind a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. Why does accreditation matter for DBA degrees?While researching prospective DBA programs, you should only consider institutions with regional accreditation. The U.S.
Department of Education charters six agencies to evaluate the nation’s postsecondary institutions and grant accreditation to those that meet rigorous educational standards. If you attend a school without regional accreditation, you may have difficulty finding a job or attaining professional advancement after graduation. Universities that offer online
degrees may also hold national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accreditation from DEAC demonstrates that the school’s online programs offer the same educational experience and learning outcomes as its on-campus programs. Lastly, if you’re considering a business doctoral program, you can look for programmatic accreditation.
Reputable U.S. business programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, which grants accreditation to undergraduate and graduate business programs that prepare learners to succeed in business careers. Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.10 Most Affordable Doctorate in Human Resources Online 10 Most Affordable Doctorate in Healthcare Management Online Programs 5 Best Online Doctoral Degrees in Accounting Concentrations in Business AdministrationMany DBA programs offer concentrations that allow you to specialize in an area of business management. A concentration can help you develop expertise for specific job roles and better prepare you for a career after graduation. FinanceA concentration in finance will offer the knowledge needed to lead finance-based businesses, or finance departments of businesses. You’ll learn about making investment and finance decisions, managing capital assets, exploring venture financing, and market microstructure. Courses may include microeconomics, quantitative methods, accounting courses, corporate finance, and capital market theory. Operations managementAn operations management concentration will teach you to manage organizations that produce goods and services. You’ll learn to operate supply chains, manufacturing activities, and access global markets. Courses may include operations management, stochastic models, networks and combinatorial optimization, and dynamic programming. Organizational behaviorThis concentration is focused on individual behavior, team dynamics, and how employees and organizations work together. You’ll learn more about the psychology behind managing a business and large teams of people. You may take courses like psychology of organizational behavior, sociological foundation of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Courses in a Doctorate in Business Administration ProgramThe coursework in DBA programs helps learners master in-demand leadership skills, which graduates often use to lead teams and organizations. Online learners typically hone these skills by participating in discussion boards, writing essays, and performing original research. Other activities may include analyzing case studies and collaborating with peers during group projects. Students earning a doctorate in business administration generally complete coursework in leadership theory, leading organizations, and organizational design. This section describes a few courses common to many DBA programs. However, course titles and requirements vary by institution. Learners should contact their prospective school for information regarding its DBA program. Career and Salary Outlook for Business Administration StudentsProfessionals with a doctorate in business administration often work as top executives, postsecondary teachers, personal financial advisors, and management analysts. The BLS projects strong growth for these occupations between 2019 and 2029. Additionally, these careers feature higher-than-average median annual salaries.
Source: BLS Top Executive Postsecondary
Teacher Personal Financial Advisor Management Analyst Marketing managers need a bachelor’s in marketing, journalism, or a related field. Earning a bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years, and degree-seekers gain practical marketing knowledge along with transferable skills that apply to numerous career paths. Undergraduate students can enhance their resume by taking courses in sales and communications and by completing an internship. After earning a bachelor’s degree and gaining work experience, professionals can return to school to earn an MBA or DBA. Both degrees can lead to career and salary advancement. Graduate programs take 2-4 years to complete, depending on the degree and program. What is the ROI for a Doctorate in Business Administration?Tuition for a DBA can range from $11,000 to $60,000 depending on the school you choose and whether you’ll have to pay in state or out of state tuition. Once you’ve graduated, the average annual salary for careers in business administration fields ranges from $80,000 to $105,000. Jobs in this field also have a projected growth between 4% and 11% in the next decade. Pursuing a doctoral degree in business administration can lead to a lucrative career and a quick return on investment. Featured Online PhD Management ProgramsFind a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. Certifications and Licensure for Business Administration StudentsBusiness professionals with a doctorate can enhance their career prospects and salary potential by earning one or more professional certifications. Private organizations award certifications to candidates who pass an exam and meet other requirements, which may include a specific degree and professional experience. Finance professionals also need a license to engage in specific activities, such as selling stocks. Graduation Cap Certified Management ConsultantThe Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) awards CMC certification to consultants with at least three years of experience. Candidates for certification must pass a written and oral exam. Candidates with 10 or more years of experience can complete an abridged certification process. IMC offers the CMC credential to members and nonmembers. Graduation Cap Certified Public AccountantThe American Institute of CPAs awards the CPA certification to candidates who pass a rigorous examination. Additionally, each state sets specific certification requirements, which typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree and an application to the state’s board of accountancy. CPAs often qualify for additional job opportunities and command higher salaries than their peers. Graduation Cap Series 7 LicenseThe Series 7 credential qualifies professionals to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments to clients. Candidates for licensure must pass the Securities Industry Essential exam and the Series 7 exam. The latter comprises 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics including accounts, record keeping, and investment objectives. How Can a Ph.D. Student Pay for School?Although universities often provide funding for doctoral students, learners can apply for additional financial aid from private organizations. Below are a few of the scholarships available to learners pursuing a doctorate in business administration. Students should research each award’s requirements and stipulations before applying. American Public Transportation Foundation Scholarship Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship Richard “Dick” Wiegers
Scholarship SILA Postsecondary
College Scholarship Why Should I Get a Doctorate in Business Administration Degree?Completing a doctorate in business administration program can lead to numerous benefits. These benefits aren’t guaranteed with a degree and can depend on the university and your performance in your career. Increased Salary PotentialBusiness professionals with a DBA earn the field’s highest median salaries. You can maximize your earning potential by pursuing this doctoral degree. Additional financial incentives can include a more substantial benefits package and leverage for negotiating higher wages.Specialized ExpertiseDBA programs help learners gain in-demand, transferable skills in areas such as leadership, communication, organization, and analysis. You can also choose a concentration to specialize your education and prepare you for a specific career path. Career AdvancementProfessionals with a doctorate in business administration often qualify for senior management positions, such as chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and company president. Returning to school to earn a DBA can help you earn a promotion or come into a new company at a higher level.10 Most Affordable Master’s in Marketing Online 2021February 17, 2022 | Laurie Garrison Marketing is a field that is constantly changing. With technology, social media, Big Data and other factors, it’s evolving at a rapid pace. For professionals interested in a career in... Most Affordable Online MBA Programs of 2021September 26, 2022 | Erin Gobler An MBA is a highly-respected degree that can help working professionals advance their careers and increase their salaries. While MBA programs can easily exceed six figures, we’ve rounded up some of the best programs on a budget, with an average cost of around $23,000. And based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), […] What Types of Jobs and Salaries Are Available With a Master’s in Finance?June 14, 2021 | Amanda Push With the resurgence of opportunities in the financial arena, more people are looking at advanced degrees and wondering what types of jobs are available with a ? Sometimes confusion arises... Is a DBA a real doctorate?The DBA is considered a professional doctorate, and the PhD is an academic doctorate. Both are advanced research degrees that involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and producing important findings.
How many years does it take to complete DBA?Many traditional, in-person programs take 4.5 to 5 years to complete. Often this is due to teaching or research requirements imposed by the university in exchange for a stipend.
Is a DBA degree worth it?Expanded Career Opportunities
DBA programs teach valuable business management, leadership and organizational effectiveness, empowering graduates to put their skills to good use in a variety of industries and job titles. Where an MBA boosts your management skills, a DBA focuses on research and problem-solving skills.
Is DBA higher than MBA?MBA vs. DBA. It's important to note that MBAs are often a prerequisite to DBA programs because the DBA is the higher-level degree of the Graduates of a master of business administration program may sometimes like better to continue their education and pursue a doctorate.
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