The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced degree that is highly sought after by working professionals in business-related fields who want to take their careers to the next level. Geared towards senior-level executives, DBA programs typically concentrate on leadership development, organizational change, and the utilization of research, data, and theory to solve real-world business issues. The advent and expansion of online DBA programs have provided these professionals with a more flexible option to obtain their advanced degree, with part-time, accelerated, and fully online or hybrid programs available to meet their needs.
But what’s the right online DBA program for me? Where can I find a quality accredited program? And how do I find a program I can afford?
This page is a great place to begin. It’s a tool to help you learn how to identify an online DBA program that fits your needs, not the other way around. Need details on admissions? Want to understand the cost/benefit of the degree? How about the best online DBA programs in the U.S. today? Find answers to these questions and more right here. Let’s personalize your road to an advanced degree right here.
List of the Best Online DBA Programs
You may find that choosing the right DBA program can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, we’re here to help you identify the best programs that meet your unique needs. We have compiled a list of the top online DBA programs in the U.S. today, taking into account factors such as affordability, scheduling flexibility, student support, accreditation, and more. Here’s a comprehensive list of the top online DBA programs in the United States for 2023.
California Miramar University offers multiple features in its Doctor of Business Administration program to meet the needs of its prospective students. Because most students will be working professionals, much of the coursework is available online, with most classes offered either fully online or in a hybrid learning format. The hybrid learning format is ideal for students seeking a more collaborative learning environment and greater networking opportunities with their business and academic peers. Because business is such a broad field, students can choose one of four specializations -- Finance, International Business Administration, Marketing, and Strategic Management. Of the 61 credits needed to graduate, 13 are for dissertation prep and 30 are for core business coursework. Before a student can get approval for their dissertation proposal, they must pass a comprehensive exam.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 61
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $707/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: DEAC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Baker College's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program prepares students for future careers ranging from academics to corporate executives to business analysts. Students choose from six specializations or create their own by selecting unique combinations of coursework. Almost all of the program can be completed online, allowing students the ability to continue working while in school. One unique requirement is a course that requires students to attend a conference and write a paper about what they learned. Of the 60 required credit hours needed to graduate, 36 are for dissertation-related classes. Students who already have at least 30 doctoral-level credits may be eligible for advanced standing in a dissertation-only DBA program track.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: About three-and-a-half years
- Cost: $750/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio8
Liberty University has plenty of experience offering fully online programs, with its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) as a prime example. The courses last just eight weeks to make it easier for students to pace their learning and fit coursework into their busy personal and professional lives. There's also the fact that all classes can be completed online, so the program has no in-person requirements such as internships or residencies. And because no curriculum is perfect for every student, Liberty University's DBA offers lots of specialization options, including Accounting, Human Resources, Executive Coaching, Finance, Healthcare Management, and Project Management, just to name a few. Finally, Liberty University has a generous transfer policy, allowing students to use up to 50% of prior coursework to meet the program's requirements.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $595/credit (full-time) and $650/credit (part-time)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
Prospective Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) students seeking to graduate as quickly as possible will appreciate that Columbia International University's DBA program requires only 48 credits. This means students can graduate in as little as 27 months. Despite the lower number of credits needed, students still receive a comprehensive education that covers topics such as leadership, marketing, strategic planning, and organizational behavior. Because of the accelerated nature of this program's curriculum, Columbia International University does not accept transfer credits. Another unique feature with the DBA program is that students must start working on their applied doctoral project early in the program. This allows them to quickly apply what they've learned to the business world. To enroll, applicants must already have a master's degree in business or a comparable field, with at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 48
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $705/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
Johnson & Wales University's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is arranged to make online learning as efficient and flexible as possible. With courses that last just eight weeks, students can quickly progress through their classes despite busy work and personal schedules. Each semester is divided into two parts; students take one class for the first half and a different class for the second half, allowing them to focus on just one topic at a time. The entire program can be completed online, with no residency or other in-person requirements. During the first two years students focus on core classes. Then, during their third year, they begin the dissertation process. By the time they graduate, students will have completed eight core classes, three research classes, four dissertation classes, and three specialization classes in organization development.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 54
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $993/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NECHE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio24
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio5
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio9
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
Closer Look: Two Premier DBA Programs
University of Dallas
The DBA at the University of Dallas (UD) is a 61-credit program delivered in a blended format (both online and on campus), with students attending class one weekend per month. The program takes an estimated three years to complete with 40-60 hours of work per week. The DBA at UD helps prepare students for one or more of the following outcomes:
1
Movement to a full-time or part-time academic position at the college level
2
Career advancement through use of evidence-based research and tools to improve organizational excellence
3
Accumulation of advanced skills in organizational analysis for transition to a management consulting role
As the online AACSB-accredited DBA in the state of Texas, the UD program has a rigorous curriculum focused on applied research and a strong faculty. Each course is led by scholars and business professionals with significant academic, managerial, and/or consulting experience. To keep cohorts selective, the program has a capped admissions process to ensure only the most promising senior-level executives can enroll.
For more information on UD’s DBA program, including details on admissions and talking to a DBA counselor, please visit their page today.
Drexel University
Drexel’s executive DBA is an AACSB-accredited, part-time program to help working professionals research, learn, and solve real-world business challenges. The program comes with a blended learning format, with online modules to promote work/school flexibility and allow students to complete coursework while maintaining a full-time position. Hallmarks of the Drexel DBA include:
1
A world-class faculty. Drexel’s DBA faculty includes scholars and business leaders with experience in accounting, marketing, management, economics, finance, psychology, and more.
2
Applied learning. The programs hands-on learning model gives students real-world experience when it comes to applying research and theory to tangible organizational issues.
3
Small challenging cohorts. Each cohort has 12 to 18 doctoral students from a variety of backgrounds, which gives everyone a chance to learn and receive support from other high-caliber professionals.
4
Mentored dissertations. Students are assigned a dissertation mentor to guide them through the process from start to finish. This begins in year one and finishes with publication of the dissertation.
For additional info or to speak to a Drexel DBA representative, please visit their executive DBA program page.
In Focus: Online DBA Programs
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an ideal degree for professionals seeking to expand their business leadership and management skills beyond the MBA. Graduates of this program often pursue career advancement opportunities as executives, management consultants, or within academia. While the PhD in business is mainly geared towards the professorial track and may include students with limited professional experience, the DBA has a wider range of business applications and is intended for students with at least 10-12 years of experience and an MBA. DBA coursework often emphasizes both theory and application in areas such as executive leadership, business innovation, customer engagement, organizational effectiveness, and more.
Online DBA programs are designed for working professionals who want to earn a degree while holding a full-time position. These programs offer maximum flexibility, with some programs that can be taken entirely online, using email, online forums, and other proprietary systems for communication and collaboration. Other programs are mostly online but may have some periodic on-campus requirements, such as in-person exams, weekly cohort meetings during the summer, and/or a public defense of the student’s dissertation. Regardless of the format, online DBA programs provide the convenience and flexibility you need to earn your degree on your own schedule.
Online DBA Program Options
Not all business professionals have the same academic and career needs. Colleges and universities have become increasingly aware of this diversity and continue to add variation to their programs. This includes (but is certainly not limited to) part-time opportunities, hybrid options, and adopting admissions requirements with stronger emphasis on management experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types of online DBA programs:
Fully online DBA programs.
All coursework and communication takes place online. You may be required to attend a summer meeting and/or defend your dissertation in person, but a large majority of the degree program is completed without a campus element.
Blended (Hybrid) DBAs.
The hybrid solution has become increasingly popular at traditional colleges and universities. This option allows the schools to integrate more and more online elements into their traditionally campus programs. In these programs, much of the work and discussion takes place online, although you may be required to attend a weekly 2-3 hour class and meet with advisors on campus about your dissertation and its defense.
Executive online DBAs.
Often accelerated in nature, these programs are designed for busy professionals looking to earn an online DBA as fast as possible. Many executive programs can be completed in as little as two years, although the faster pace may come with a more rigorous schedule or workload.
Online DBAs with no GMAT requirement.
Although many DBA programs look for candidates with MBAs, some accept students with other related master’s degrees. This means the student may or may not have taken the GMAT or GRE in the past. Therefore, some online DBA programs have no exam requirement for admission and look for students with demonstrated excellence in other areas.
Pre-reqs and the Application Process
Different online DBA programs (and types) come with varying prerequisites and application requirements. For example, programs with a focus on leadership development may prefer to admit students with stronger backgrounds as executives. In contrast, programs that concentrate more on furthering business knowledge and innovation may look for cohorts with impressive research or academic backgrounds. Here’s a list of the most important application requirements for online DBA programs, and how each could impact your college choice.
A master’s degree in a relevant field.
A majority of online DBA programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution. In this case, the accrediting body must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Evidence of professional experience.
This can vary widely. Some online DBA programs require a certain number of years (usually 5 years) for consideration. Others don’t have a set minimum, but ask applicants to submit a CV or other evidence of professional experience to make their case for admission stronger.
GMAT or GRE scores.
Because a majority of applicants have years of working experience and have been removed from college for years, more and more online DBAs are waiving the GMAT or GRE requirement. Make sure you know what your desired program wants before you start cracking open your study aids.
Video conference interview.
Similar to many MBA programs, online DBA programs often require applicants to interview with one or more business faculty members. These discussions help the interviewers gauge interpersonal skills and overall readiness for a rigorous program.
Other materials.
Official transcripts from past schools, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement about your personal and professional goals.
Online DBA Courses & Tracks
The coursework and specialization tracks in online DBA programs can vary, but many have commonalities to ensure that graduates acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment while still allowing them to focus on specific areas of interest. Below you’ll find five foundational courses typical in an online DBA program:
Foundations of leadership and management
A heavy dose of management and leadership theory and how those theories apply to companies of all sizes and in different industry sectors. Also covers emerging trends in leadership both domestically and globally.
Ethics & business decision-making
Course begins with an examination of historical and current research and theories in ethics and their application to contemporary business issues. Also focuses on the most effective ways to integrate business ethics into company training environments.
Quantitative research in business (multiple levels)
Quantitative research courses typically cover a range of topics starting with the formulation of research questions and measurement tools, and then progressing to more advanced subjects such as designing analytical models and presenting evidence and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
Organizational behavior (multiple levels)
Reading about and researching organizations, including understanding and developing them on multiple fronts. Materials likely focus on human relations, human resource practices, systems, workplace culture, and management theories. Some courses ask students to solve and real-world problem within a real organization (often their own).
Doctoral dissertation (multiple levels)
The capstone project of the online DBA. Begins with the proposal of a problem and progresses through research, meetings with advisors, feedback, defense, and publication. This dissertation process can be rigorous and last for anywhere from one to three years, depending on the program.
A Closer Look at the Tracks
For executives or professionals in business fields considering an online DBA program, choosing a specialization track may be a crucial decision. While some students may easily know which track they want to pursue, others may find it more difficult. For those who have a general idea of their career goals but are uncertain of the specific track to take, it is important to ask three key questions. This section of the program will delve into these questions and provide guidance for selecting the right specialization track. Additionally, the section will explore the common DBA specializations and how they relate to specific career outcomes.
Questions to ask before picking a track:
1
What drives you?
When you look at the three core DBA tracks, this question is key. For example, do you want to start or improve your own company or grow in an executive career? Leadership may be the way to go. Want to help other companies solve problems at scale? A consulting track might make sense. Interested in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders? Research the academic track.
2
What drains you?
Answering this broader question can be equally as critical. If you’re not sure which track is best for you, you can at least identify one that’s not. Pose those same questions from the previous paragraph, but from this angle instead.
3
What’s your desired career outcome?
The online DBA is a long-term commitment. It takes time, energy, and money for tuition and fees. If you don’t know what you want now, think about 5 (or even 10) years from now, and how each DBA track could help you get there. If you could paint your perfect career picture, what would it look like? More on this below.
Online DBA Tracks & Career Outcomes
Just about every leader will (or should!) tout the importance of entering a project with the desired outcome in mind. This keeps everyone focused on a clear and common goal throughout. When vetting online DBA program tracks, this same mentality can be tremendously helpful. Is there a specific position you want to fill? Do you want to start a global business or run a health-related non-profit? Start by listing your career goals – even if they’re relatively unformed – and then match them to potential program tracks. Here are a few examples to get you started:
Example career goals:
CEO, CTO, Executive Vice President
Tracks to match
Corporate leadership, organizational leadership
Details: These tracks aim to shape graduates into more effective and well-rounded executive leaders, and put them in position to transform organizations in competitive business environments. On an individual level, these tracks often start with personal leadership analysis and reflection, i.e. assessing strengths and weaknesses to create a development plan throughout the program. Branching out, the track covers issues such as balancing financial needs with fiscal responsibility, community relations and networking, and research methods in preparation for a solution-focused dissertation.
Sample classes:
- Leadership theory in a global economy
- Dynamic systems with multi-dimensional thinking
- Leading people, processes, and technologies
- Financial decision-making for leaders
- Business research I, II, III
Example career goals:
Managerial consulting, corporate trainer, client development
Tracks to match
Organizational analysis, applied research
Details: These tracks have a strong concentration on data analysis, strategic thinking, systems analysis, and process implementation. Knowledge and skills in these areas position graduates to become effective senior-level consultants, helping client organizations address and solve critical business and organizational issues. Students must also master communication and presentation skills, as well as teamwork and group dynamics to help build solid relationships with internal teams and external clients. Like most DBA tracks, dissertation focus will be more practical in nature and involve solving a real business problem within a client organization.
Sample classes:
- Organizational behavior and culture
- Organizational systems theory & application
- Strategic thinking
- Performance analysis
Example career goals:
Start a business, run a non-profit
Tracks to match
Entrepreneurship, business finance/funding
Details: Coursework usually concentrates on what it takes to start and grow your own private business or non-profit. This can begin with researching and studying how to find and develop business ideas in business plans, the finance and economics behind entrepreneurship, the social and culture implications of running a business, and leadership and change management within organizations small and large.
Sample classes:
- Entrepreneurship & innovation
- Entrepreneurial funding
- Social entrepreneurship
- Organizational change & leadership
Online DBA tracks can be applied to various industry sectors, which makes them an attractive option for students. However, many colleges and universities offer further specialization in areas such as accounting, marketing, human resources, healthcare management, insurance, and construction. These narrow tracks enable seasoned professionals to develop specific skills to advance within a particular career or company.
Program Length & Graduation Specs
The time to complete your online DBA depends on the type of program you’re in and the calendar followed by your college (quarter or semester). In general, earning a DBA online should take between two and four years (~60 program hours), with the first half of the program focused on primary coursework, and the last half on your major and your dissertation. Here’s a quick look at a common online DBA timeline from day one to graduation.
Example online DBA program (semester-based):
Year
1
18 credit hours in 6 required classes. Students focused mostly on acclimating to the program.
Year
2
18 credit hours split between required classes and major classes. Students should have a dissertation topic in mind. Some programs may require students to have a loose dissertation idea upon admission, based on a problem statement or purpose.
Year
3
18 credit hours split between major classes and preparing for dissertation work. Students should be ready to hit the ground running with their dissertation proposal by the end of the year.
Year
4
6 credit hours for dissertation completion. This includes proposal, research, drafting, revision, public defense, and publication.
Total credit hours: 60
Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Business Administration
Before committing to a higher education program, it is important to carefully consider the costs and potential benefits. This includes examining the cost of the program and assessing whether the potential career advancement and salary increase will make it a worthwhile investment. For online DBA programs, it is important to understand the basic costs and explore ways to reduce them, such as financial aid, grants, and scholarships. By conducting a thorough cost/benefit analysis, students can make an informed decision about whether an online DBA program is the right choice for them.
Online DBA Program Tuition
Tuition for a doctorate in business administration varies by program type and quality of school. Check out the standard tuition rates for five of today’s most popular online DBAs.
| School | Cost per Credit | Total Credits | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University | $850 | 54 | $45,900 |
| California Southern University | $495 | 60 | $29,700 |
| Grand Canyon University | $650 | 60 | $39,000 |
| University of Dallas | $1,625 | 61 | $99,125 |
| Franklin University | $748 | 58 | $43,384 |
In addition to tuition, online DBA students may find a handful of other fees as they progress through their program. This is pretty standard, however, so a grocery-sized list shouldn’t scare you. Make sure when you’re researching potential online DBA programs, you get a full list of the fees you’ll face from application through graduation. Here’s an example list:
- Application fee: $75
- Registration fee: $100
- Records fee: $200/semester
- Transfer credit fee: $175/credit
- Graduation fee: $300
Accreditation & Your DBA Online
One of the most overlooked and undervalued characteristics of an online DBA is accreditation. Unfortunately, the growth of online learning across the U.S. has led to a number of accrediting bodies claiming the ability to vet higher education programs. For your online DBA, there are two specific accreditations you need to worry about:
Regional accreditation
This is the primary accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and it signifies that a school, its programs, and its faculty have all been thoroughly examined by experts. For more information on the major regional accrediting agencies for higher education, visit the Department of Education’s accreditation page.
Business school accreditation
The most prestigious accreditation in business academics comes from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).