Top 1-2-Year Online DBA Programs: Accelerate Your Doctorate
Ready to take your business career to the next level, without spending years in school? With an accelerated online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), you can earn your degree in as little as 1 or 2 years, saving you both time and money.
At this stage of your career, you already know what it takes to succeed in the business world. But reaching the top often requires more than experience. It takes advanced education and strategic insight.
That’s why many professionals turn to the DBA, one of the most prestigious business degrees available. A Doctor of Business Administration is similar to a PhD, but with a key distinction:
- A PhD emphasizes academic research, while
- A DBA focuses on applying research directly to business practice
If you’re thinking, “I can’t put my career on hold for years,” you’re not alone. And with an accelerated DBA, you don’t have to. Many programs allow you to earn your doctorate online in just 1-2 years, all while keeping your full-time job.
Inside 1-2 Year DBA Programs Online
The goal of an accelerated DBA is simple: save time without sacrificing quality. Below are four standout programs that offer flexible, fast-paced options for business leaders.
Baker College: DBA-ABD Program
Baker College offers a fully online DBA-ABD program (All But Dissertation), ideal for professionals ready to complete their doctorate quickly.
- Completion Time: As little as 1 year
- Format: 100% online
- Focus: Dissertation completion with faculty mentorship
- Requirements: At least 32 credits from an accredited doctoral program; relevant professional experience
Best For: Students who already started a doctoral program elsewhere.
Students are paired with faculty mentors who guide them through the dissertation process while maintaining high academic standards. Online learners gain full access to research tools and resources, with no campus travel required.
Franklin University: Online DBA
Franklin University’s DBA is a felxible, accelerated online program designed for professionals looking to advance into executive or academic leadership roles.
Completion Time: About 3 years total
- Coursework: 2 years
- Dissertation: 1 year
Requirements:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of ENG 800 with a grade of “B” or better
Cost: $748 per credit
Financial Aid: Eligible for federal loans, grants, and scholarships
While slightly longer than a 1-year program, Franklin’s DBA maintains an accelerated pace and strong student support for working professionals.
Rutgers Business School: 2-Year DBA
Rutgers University offers a 2-year DBA program that blends in-person learning with flexibility for working professionals.
Classes are primarily held on weekends, which allows full-time employees to attend without disrupting their careers.
- Completion Time: 2 years (maximum of 4)
- Format: Primarily in-person, weekend-based
- Admissions: Highly competitive
- Tuition: Fixed for all students (domestic and international)
Application materials include:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Faculty interview (required)
University of Michigan-Flint: Online DBA
University of Michigan–Flint caters to nontraditional and mid-career professionals through its flexible, research-oriented DBA program.
- Format: 100% online (synchronous classes)
- Completion Time: ~3 years, part-time
- Focus: Research-based professional doctorate
Requirements:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution or exceptional professional experience
- At least 10 years of business, management, consulting, or academic experience
Best For: Leaders looking to advance in management or transition into academia while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Natural Ways to Accelerate Your DBA
Even in a fast-paced DBA program, there are ways to graduate sooner without compromising quality.
Here are proven strategies to help you move through your coursework efficiently.
1. Combine Research and Coursework
Your dissertation is often the biggest time commitment. Start your research early, even while completing courses. That way, when it’s time to write, you’ll already have your foundation in place.
If time is your biggest concern, it may be worth looking at online DBA programs with no dissertation requirement.
2. Leverage Professional Experience
Use your real-world experience to your advantage. Many schools offer:
- Credit for prior learning or experience
- Advanced standing for senior professionals
- Waivers for certain admissions requirements (like a master’s degree)
You may also be able to use your current job to satisfy project requirements or secure employer-sponsored tuition support.
3. Maximize Course Load
If you can handle the workload, take more credits per term than the minimum required.
This helps you meet degree requirements faster, freeing more time for your dissertation or early graduation.
4. Transfer Previous Credits
Do you already have experience in a doctoral program? Then don’t let it go to waste by starting from scratch. Many DBAs accept transfer credits from accredited institutions, especially for students in ABD (All But Dissertation) status.
Accelerated vs. Traditional DBA Programs: Key Differences
Not sure whether a 1-year, 2-year, or traditional DBA is right for you? Here’s how they stack up in terms of admissions, workload, and flexibility.
Admission Requirements
Both traditional and accelerated DBAs are competitive. Most require:
- A master’s degree
- Professional experience (often 5-10 years)
Accelerated programs may also require previous doctoral credits, making them ideal for transfer or ABD students.
Cohort Experience
Both formats feature small cohorts, typically around 13 students.
In accelerated programs, the faster pace fosters strong collaboration and peer support, while traditional formats allow more time for informal networking.
Curriculum
The curriculum structure is similar across programs:
- Core courses in advanced business leadership and strategy
- Electives tailored to your goals
- Dissertation or final project
Accelerated DBAs often streamline electives to shorten timelines and focus on essential coursework.
Duration of Program
- Traditional DBA: 3-4 years
- Accelerated DBA: 1-2 years
Keep in mind that accelerated programs require heavier course loads and strong time management skills.
Cost and Financial Considerations
The average DBA costs between $50,000 and $100,000. Accelerated programs reduce tuition by shortening the timeline, often making them the most affordable DBA options.
Other financial benefits include:
- Fewer semesters of tuition
- Potential scholarships, grants, and fellowships
- No relocation costs for online DBA programs
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Both formats are designed with professionals in mind. If you want to advance faster, an accelerated program lets you earn your credentials quickly.
If you prefer a lighter load, a traditional program offers more flexibility and less pressure.