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Top 12 Best Online Doctor of Business Administration Degrees

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 24, 2024, Reading time: 27 minutes

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Online Doctor of Business Administration

If you already have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business-related degrees, you might want to further your studies. For many people, obtaining a Ph.D. and earning the title of “Doctor” is the ultimate educational goal.

However, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is intended for those who want to work in academia, such as a lecturer, or specialize in public or private research institutes.

But what if you’re a business or management professional? You might want to consider a DBA instead.

A doctorate in business administration (DBA) is a valuable asset in any organization, whether private, public, for-profit, or nonprofit.

The DBA program equips graduates with the information and abilities needed to do business research, analyze data, think critically, and make decisions, all to assist institutions in their success.

Quick audio summary:

Methodology

You may now use technology to achieve your goals – and earn the same DBA as on-campus students – while maintaining your profession and spending time with your family.

We looked at over 77 accredited schools and institutions that offered online Doctor of Business Administration degrees. We whittled down our initial list of colleges by using specific criteria like graduate tuition and fees that are affordable and acknowledgment from a major journal like US News & World Report.

To create a list of the best DBA programs online, we ranked the institutions and programs based on their sheer affordability and accreditation.

Please see our Methodology for additional information on our ranking criteria.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

12 Best Online Doctor of Business Administration Degrees

Drexel University College Of Business

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Executive Doctorate in Business Administration

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The LeBow College of Business at Drexel University offers a distance Executive Doctor of Business Administration degree that is highly recognized.

Drexel University is the state’s third-largest higher education school, with about 25,000 students enrolling each year.

The LeBow College of Business offers Executive Doctor of Business Administration degrees to working professionals. This top-rated program has both online and on-campus components and is completed part-time.

What’s Unique About The Program:

Each semester begins with a weekend of on-campus festivities and class sessions.

During these three days, you will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with members of your academic community in person, including other executive doctoral graduate student candidates, multidisciplinary professors, and visitors from the executive business ranks.

Pepperdine University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Executive Doctor of Business Administration

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Malibu, California

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The Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University offers an exceptional online DBA program. This academically demanding degree is tailored to seasoned executives who want to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge via practical research.

The program provides business leaders with the skills, information, and learning community they need to develop deep, research-based insights into critical current business challenges and opportunities.

DBA students work closely with expert faculty to evaluate business and organizational issues while developing new insights to improve future business practices.

They combine contemporary theories with analytical methods and their seasoned executive experience to evaluate business and organizational issues while developing new insights to shape and improve future business practices. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

You will complete a dissertation and have up to two publishable articles as part of this program. Because the DBA only needs six residential sessions in the first two years, you’ll have more time in your third year to focus on research.

Temple University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Executive Doctor of Business Administration

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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With Temple’s Fox Executive DBA program, today’s working professionals can prescribe solid business solutions. Graduates of the program acquire new views on contemporary business challenges and improve their decision-making abilities.

This part-time, three-year online Executive Doctorate in Business Administration program is designed to give senior leaders and managers the tools they need to improve their organizations.

Graduates of this online DBA program may expect to gain new views and problem-solving abilities that will help them improve management decision-making in their organizations. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

The strong working connection you will have with faculty members is an integral part of the Executive DBA program. The program has one of the strongest student-mentor relationships.

A mentor-student relationship is a form of apprenticeship that allows for growth and hands-on research experience. In terms of research, portfolio, and professional development, your mentor will be a valuable resource.

Florida International University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor Of Business Administration

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Miami, Florida

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The doctorate program at FIU is available as a track within the Ph.D. program. It is aimed at senior-level executives who wish to pursue a doctorate in business while maintaining their current jobs and responsibilities.

In today’s business administration, this online DBA marks the pinnacle of academic success. The DBA program at Florida International University is a challenging educational opportunity established by top literary scholars in business administration.

What’s Unique About The Program:

A three-day residence is required for program orientation and four two-day residencies (scheduled once a month during the semester). This program requirement helps students get more involved in the curriculum, allowing teachers to teach them more about business decision-making. 

University of Dallas 

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctor of Business Administration

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Dallas, Texas

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The University of Dallas’ Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business offers an excellent online DBA program. This rigorous research-based curriculum will provide seasoned business professionals with the skills they need to broaden their knowledge and talents in innovation, leadership, and customer engagement.

This three-year program, which combines online and on-campus education, takes doctoral candidates three years to complete. This online DBA program is one of the best in the country.

What’s Unique About The Program:

You’ll have an unparalleled experience unlike any other DBA program, thanks to strong, principled leadership and mentoring from devoted, experienced professors. If you’re in Texas, this is the only DBA program accredited by the AACSB.

University of Missouri

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctor of Business Administration

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Columbia, Missouri

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The University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Business Administration offers one of the top online DBA programs in the country. The curriculum equips senior executives with the tools and expertise they need to address high-level business challenges in their sectors and organizations.

The program is offered as a three-year cohort-based program with a flexible schedule and some monthly visits to the St Louis campus.

The online DBA program’s first two years cover a wide range of advanced management and business courses, while the third year is dedicated to the candidates’ dissertation research. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

Enrolled students visit campus just three times per semester during their time in the program. DBA students go through the program in cohorts, meeting face-to-face once a month for class discussions while engaging and working with instructors and peers via an online learning environment.

University of South Florida

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Doctor of Business Administration

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Tampa, Florida

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The Muma College of Business – University of South Florida offers an excellent online DBA program. Most students enrolling in South Florida’s online DBA program have at least 12 years of professional experience, with five years spent at the senior or executive level.

New cohorts begin in January, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. From January to May, one weekend of on-campus residences is required, followed by August to December.

The DBA curriculum at the University of South Florida is a three-year program that meets for ten weeks each year. Doctoral students progress through the curriculum as a cohort, studying the same courses but with some variations from cohort to cohort. 

This online DBA’s first two years are primarily coursework. The dissertation requirement for program candidates is the emphasis on the third and final year. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

Diversity abounds in the incoming DBA class. This year’s incoming cohort at the Muma College of Business Doctor of Business Administration cohort is remarkable. It is a program that brings together proven business, government, and military professionals from all walks of life year after year.

Saint Mary’s College of California

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Executive Doctor of Business Administration

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Moraga, California

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Students in this Executive Doctorate of Business Administration program are challenged to become “scholarly practitioners,” stretching their critical thinking abilities and applying theoretical understanding to business problems.

Doctoral candidates who want to become thought leaders in their professions, teach college-level courses, or start consulting should pursue this degree.

The Executive DBA at Saint Mary’s will broaden professionals’ current analytical and theoretical expertise.

What’s Unique About The Program:

SEBA Graduate Career Services provides up-to-date employer, industry, and wage resource information and unique Business Graduate job opportunities on SMCMBA.com. They’ll help you continue your professional development.

Saint Leo University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctorate in Business Administration

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Saint Leo, Florida

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Providing quality and values-based education, Saint Leo University’s Donald R. Tapia College of Business develops business leaders who are ready to take on management roles. The college offers various business programs ranging from certificates to undergrad and graduate degrees.

Its online Doctorate In Business Administration program is a popular choice among busy professionals. With this 57-credit program, you’ll be able to cultivate your research and communication skills while tapping into different global concepts. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

The curriculum offers a Doctoral Success Lab where you’ll be introduced to the basics of taking your professional career to another level.

This unique course prepares you for your doctoral journey by covering different research topics and computer tools tutorials. To help students financially, the school also offers a student employment program wherein you can fill available jobs in the university while finishing your program.  

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctorate of Business Administration

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Lynchburg, Virginia

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With over 130,000 students, Liberty University is a frontrunner in offering quality and affordable academic programs in the country. Centered on Christian values, LU provides comprehensive on-campus and online programs suitable for any type of student. 

Its Doctor of Business Administration program combines theoretical and real-world business applications to produce industry-ready graduates. Choose from various specializations such as International Business, Finance, and Project Management.

What’s Unique About The Program:

To complete the DBA, you must finish an Applied Doctoral Research Project (ADRP), where you’ll apply learned theories in solving business problems. This aims to show your mastery in the field of business administration and apply your acquired skills in the field.

Additionally, LU Online accepts up to 30 hours of transfer credits, provided that these meet the standards set by the university. In terms of tuition, LU Online has implemented a tuition freeze for the past seven years, so you’re sure to get affordable rates. 

Baker College

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctorate of Business Administration

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Owosso, Michigan

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Higher Learning Commission

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With over a century of academic experience, Baker College has produced top-notch graduates in various fields. The college offers bachelor and higher learning programs in different areas of study like Business, Liberal Arts, and Nursing. With over 2,000 students, the school pairs theoretical knowledge with an experiential approach to promote holistic learning. 

The institution also understands the needs of working professionals who are interested in pursuing higher education. That’s why it offers virtual graduate studies like the fully online Doctorate of Business Administration. The program tackles important concepts present in both local and global marketplaces that will aid future managers in leading their organizations. 

What’s Unique About The Program:

Baker’s DBA comes with a Professional Residency course that requires you to attend at least one conference during your first or second year in the program. This aims to further expose you to different business concepts while expanding your network of business leaders.

Additionally, Baker’s College of Business offers an All But Dissertation (ABD) option where you’ll get a more focused course plan and mentoring in finishing your dissertation. 

Trident University International

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Online Doctorate of Business Administration

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Cypress, California

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Trident University International is a well-known institution in the field of distance learning. By offering fully online academic programs, Trident has helped both students and adult learners in achieving their professional goals. 

The university offers affordable and flexible programs ranging from associate and bachelor’s degrees to graduate degrees. Particularly, its online DBA program offers a dynamic approach to learning business applications and pitching solutions. The 

What’s Unique About The Program:

Trident University has a Doctoral Positioning System (DPS) that keeps track of student progress in the DBA program. With this system, you’ll be able to save your progress in dissertation cases and have a checklist for your requirements.

Additionally, the fully online courses are available through four enrollment dates throughout the year. You’ll be able to choose the starting date that works best for your busy schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online Doctor of Business Administration

What are the different kinds of Doctor of Business Administration degrees?

With so many options, specialization can help you become a leader in your industry while also achieving your career and personal objectives. Depending on your chosen university, you can concentrate on a specialized subject that enables you to stand out from other graduates.

Online DBA in Finance

Although any DBA graduate may be qualified for a position as a C-suite executive, individuals with a Finance concentration may be especially well-suited to serve as the chief financial officer of a company. Investment banking and financial planning are two more job choices.

Budgeting, investments, securities, decision modeling, mergers, financial analysis, and risk management for private enterprises and public organizations are all topics covered in depth throughout your courses.

Online DBA in Healthcare Management

Other industries do not necessarily have the same possibilities and difficulties that the healthcare business does. Students pursuing a DBA specializing in Healthcare Management can develop the abilities needed to succeed as a leader in this industry.

Managing a varied team of healthcare experts, delivering excellent treatment, working within a budget, and operating in a managed-care environment are all subjects that may be covered in class. You can also do an in-depth examination of present healthcare delivery systems.

Online DBA in Homeland Security

DBA holders with a Homeland Security focus are sought after by government and law enforcement entities. This specialty focuses heavily on public safety and catastrophe management.

Students research terrorism and intelligence concerns and the impact of infrastructure on both preventive and recovery operations. After graduation, you might work for a law enforcement agency, a rehabilitation group, or a government agency.

Online DBA in Accounting

A DBA specialization in Accounting can be a fantastic opportunity for many to acquire abilities that go beyond the initial accounting coursework completed earlier in their academic career.

During your studies, you’ll probably spend much time going over the existing literature on the subject and talking about things like agency theory, behavioral accounting, forensic accounting, and audit theory. You might also look at the importance of ethics in accounting.

Online DBA in General Business

A Business Administration specialization is a general way to get a DBA.

If you want your DBA studies to have as broad a reach as feasible for professional adaptability, you could take this route. Customization is another advantage of this sort of DBA.

Choosing optional courses from a variety of specialties might help you adapt your study to your interests.

Online DBA in Leadership

Organizations rely on strong leaders to help them continue to develop and prosper, whether they are successful or not.

You may have inherent leadership abilities, but a DBA with a Leadership specialization may help you hone them so you can become a leader that organizations trust with their most important roles.

Change navigation, people management, critical thinking, and sustainability are topics that your education may help you better comprehend.

Online DBA in Management

If you’re a strong leader, you’ve undoubtedly worked in a managerial role before. However, there will always be an opportunity for improvement; a Management specialization can help you develop advanced management abilities.

Online DBA in Human Resource Management

Attracting and maintaining top talent and competent personnel is critical for businesses.

A Human Resource Management specialization can help you understand what it takes to guarantee that your company gets the best of its human resources. Students in this focus usually learn about team-building ideas, creating good relationships, and enhancing staff abilities.

Employee retention, labor regulations, payroll difficulties, and benefits packages may all be covered in your curriculum.

Online DBA in Entrepreneurship

If you enjoy the excitement of new businesses and startups, specialization in Entrepreneurship may be right for you.

Doctoral candidates in entrepreneurship study develop creative thinking to help them approach company opportunities in a new way. They also talk about venture capital and other types of startup finance.

Students also learn essential ideas that may be used in almost any business context, such as problem-solving and organizational transformation.

Online DBA in Information System Management

Do you have a strong understanding of business principles, as well as computer skills? If you’re interested in both of these professions, a DBA focusing on Information Systems Management can help you integrate them.

The research in this specialization focuses on how organizations use technology to improve their productivity and effectiveness. You and your classmates might also look at how new technologies can help businesses get an edge over their competition.

Online DBA in International Business

If you want to operate in a worldwide market, the information and skills you may obtain through an International Business DBA specialization may be of interest to you.

This specialization may cover topics such as global ethics and global finance. They may assist you with developing abilities for functioning in foreign markets and learning about the regulations that may apply to your company’s operations in other nations.

Online DBA in Marketing

Although many DBA students take some marketing coursework, specializing in this topic might help you further it. Marketing students investigate customer behavior; studying psychology and sociology can aid in the development of efficient marketing strategies.

Faculty may also offer material on internet marketing, boosting the visibility of nonprofit organizations and taking into account the influence of culture in customer decisions. Doctoral candidates also get hands-on experience with market research.

Online DBA in Project Management

When you’re in charge of a whole company endeavor, you need to be confident in your talents.

A project management focus will help you develop advanced leadership and organizational abilities that you can rely on as you manage a project from start to completion.

Budgeting, team management, cost projections, and the appropriate use of financial resources are typical subjects covered in this concentration’s coursework.

Online DBA in Supply Chain Management

Businesses must frequently supervise many stages and collaborate with numerous suppliers to transform a concept into a consumer-ready product.

The objective of a Supply Chain Management specialization is to carry out these operations as efficiently as possible.

Maintaining ethical company practices and depending on information technology may be the emphasis of your business degree courses.

You’ll probably study international business fundamentals because the supply chain frequently incorporates resources from several nations.

Online Doctor of Business Administration

What is the Career Outlook and Salary Information for a Doctor of Business Administration?

With the option of earning a typical DBA or specializing in a specific emphasis or area of specialization, graduates of this type of school have a wide range of employment options.

The capacity to transition into high management and executive roles is a common thread that runs through all of these specialties, from accounting to finance.

Salaries vary depending on your past job experience, the sector in which you seek employment, and your location, as with any degree.

In terms of income, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that chief executive officers (CEOs) earn an average of $100,090 per year, while operations managers and other general management jobs earn $125,740 per year.

Online Doctor of Business Administration

How do a DBA and a Ph.D. in Business Administration differ?

If you’re wondering about the difference between a DBA and an online Ph.D. in Business Administration, the answer is relatively straightforward.

The substance of the course and how it is studied are the primary differences between the DBA and the Ph.D.

Courses

PhDs are accessible in all topics where academic research is conducted, but DBAs are exclusively available in Business and Management courses.

More broad PhDs in Business and Management are offered for students who want to focus on academic research or don’t have the required business experience for a DBA.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for most Ph.D. programs must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a related field. DBAs, on the other hand, often demand an MBA and several years of senior management experience.

Research topics

When you pursue a typical Ph.D., you’ll generally submit your research topic (or apply to a pre-existing study) to make a unique addition to the field. Meanwhile, DBAs consider how research might be used to solve a business problem.

Teaching

DBAs include both taught and independent research, whereas PhDs are primarily comprised of independent research.

Mode of study

PhDs are commonly studied part-time or full-time, depending on the doctoral applicants’ circumstances. However, given the candidate’s professional commitments, it’s far more probable that a DBA will be completed part-time.

Online Doctor of Business Administration

What are the Licenses and Certifications a DBA prepares students for?

Project Management Professional

PMP certification is sought by graduates with a Doctoral in business administration to demonstrate diverse project management abilities in general business or a specific sector. To take the PMP test, candidates must have prior professional qualifications and field experience.

Professional in Human Resources

PHR certification is available to graduates with a Doctoral in business administration who want to work in top HR management positions. Applicants with a master’s degree or above must have worked in a professional-level HR position for at least a year before taking the test.

Senior Professional in Human Resources

The SPHR certificate is a step up from PHR certification and signifies several years of senior-level HR management expertise. To appear for the certification test, candidates with a master’s degree or higher must have a minimum of four years of professional experience.

Salesforce Software Certification

The most frequently utilized e-commerce and customer-interfacing platform is Salesforce. This qualification is appropriate for both salespeople and network administrators who require specific knowledge.

Exams are available for over 30 certification choices, including salesforce administrator and salesforce certified advanced administrator.

Certified Public Accountant

While many CPAs have an accounting degree, those with a Doctoral in business administration may pursue a CPA license to improve their careers in financial management.

Students must complete a post-baccalaureate or master’s program, as well as two years of work experience (varies by state), and pass the CPA test to become a CPA.

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