Florida's Top Online Doctor of Business Administration Programs
Explore the wide range of options for earning your online DBA in Florida and launching your career into the top tier of business leadership.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) represents the highest level of business management education As the MBA has become so common, the DBA has risen substantially in value in the employment marketplace.
Pursuing your DBA requires a good amount of time, effort, and money, but it may be just what you need to scale the highest reaches of the business field. The good news is that with the growing availability of quality, convenient, and affordable online DBA programs, there’s never been a better time to take the leap.
The guide below introduces you to the best online DBA programs in Florida. You’ll also find tons of great information on curriculums, online content delivery methods, program costs and financial aid resources, and careers for DBA graduates. So, if earning an online Doctor of Business Administration in Florida is in your future, keep reading to learn about the best DBA programs in the state.
School Spotlights: Online DBA Programs in Florida
We’ve spotlighted three online doctor of business administration programs in Florida to give you an idea of what you may find during your program search. Factors to consider include academic quality, affordability (including financial aid availability), study flexibility and convenience, and access to useful student support services.
Saint Leo University
The Doctorate in Business Administration at Saint Leo University, a private Catholic-affiliated school located just north of Tampa, is a prime example of an online DBA in Florida that combines quality academics with affordability and study convenience.
This program runs for 57 credit hours, including 33 credits of core coursework, six Teaching or Consulting track credits, and a three-credit doctoral written comprehensive exam. The remaining 15 credits focus on the research, writing, and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Students who do not complete all dissertation milestones in the minimum time allotted must remain enrolled continuously (taking on additional credits and costs) until completion. Most students complete all degree requirements in three to four years.
St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens is notable for offering three specialization tracks to DBA students, including two that are particularly distinctive.
Its DBA in Management is designed for professionals seeking top-tier positions in managing products, people, and policies. Aspiring information security officers can gain the knowledge and skills needed for that position through the DBA in Cyber Security Management. And, St. Thomas offers a specialized DBA in Sports Administration for potential managers and leaders in the sports industry and higher education sports programs.
Also notable are the many program options. For example, all DBA courses are fully online, fully on-campus, or in a hybrid format. All students additionally choose among three culminating activities: traditional dissertation, action research, or article dissertation (authoring three journal articles).
University of South Florida
Mid-career professionals looking for a quality, accredited online DBA in Florida from a public university will want to consider this university’s Doctor of Business Administration program. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the cohort-based curriculum takes three years, with research-focused courses during the first two years and issue-based and dissertation courses in year three.
Classes are scheduled on alternating Saturdays and can be attended in person on USF’s campus in Tampa (making this a hybrid program) or fully online via livestream. Additionally, students attend campus at the beginning of their programs for a three-day research workshop and once more later in their programs for a three-day session to meet with dissertation committee members.
Differences Between a DBA and a PhD in Business
As you look into research-based doctoral options, two common acronyms will likely pop up: PhD and ThD. While similar, the far more common Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has minor differences from a Doctor of Theology (ThD), as demonstrated in the table below.
| DBA | PhD in Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Application of current business administration theory and research to business practice | Advancement of business administration theory, research, and scholarship |
| Student Type | Mid-career | Early- to mid-career |
| Career Goals | Applied practice roles in corporate administration and management and as independent consultants | Careers in advanced theoretical research and postsecondary academics |
| Funding | Typically, scholarships, grants, and assistantships, but may also include employer or industry funding | Typically, scholarships, grants, fellowships, and research assistantships |
| Prerequisites | MBA preferred, but some programs accept applicants with master’s degrees in other disciplines | Most programs require an MBA, but some may accept students with a master’s in another discipline |
| Length | Three to four years | Four to seven years |
| Capstone | Dissertation, published articles, or applied research project | Dissertation |
Online DBA Specializations in Florida
Focusing studies on a specific area or issue within the larger business field is part and parcel of all DBA programs and their students. This is accomplished primarily through students’ topic choice for their culminating activity (an academic dissertation, in most cases). However, many online DBA programs in Florida offer their students distinct specialization or concentration options. Here are five such specializations from one or more online Florida DBA programs.
Accounting and Finance
The accounting and finance specialization prepares graduates for top leadership roles as managers, analysts, CFOs, and other finance-related senior executive positions at major corporations. Curriculum topics include advanced tax, financial performance analysis, financial modeling, financial decision-making, investments, and managerial performance.
Global Business
Professionals looking to expand their reach internationally will want to consider the global business specialization. Core coursework focuses on advanced knowledge in various business management topics (finance, supply chain, strategy) approached from a global perspective. Other topics include cross-cultural management and negotiations and the current evolution of international business.
Healthcare Leadership
Healthcare leadership DBA graduates are often employed in top-tier roles with major health services and healthcare insurance companies as hospital administrators, healthcare consultants, corporate directors, and other senior executive positions. Course topics for this specialization include healthcare quality and delivery, policy and organization, law and regulation, and information technology and systems.
Hospitality
This is a specialization that you won’t see too often, but it makes perfect sense in a state where tourism plays a crucial role in its economy. The hospitality specialization prepares graduates for top leadership roles in the tourism and hospitality industry. Course topics include hospitality, higher education teaching and training, and contemporary issues in hospitality and tourism management.
Management
The most popular specialization available from Florida online DBA programs is management. This is no surprise since the purpose of the management specialization is to prepare students for top leadership roles in the full range of industries and administrative occupations. Typical course topics include academic writing, economic and data analysis, marketing, human resource management, organizational structure, and legal and ethical issues in the business environment.
How Much a Florida Online DBA Program Costs
Before committing to any degree program, it’s crucial to have a clear and detailed understanding of exactly what your DBA education will cost. The two components to consider in determining the actual bill for your online DBA in Florida are total program cost and financial aid (see below). You may also want to consider any lost wages you could incur by taking time away from work to pursue your degree studies.
The table below lists current tuition costs for three online Doctor of Business Administration programs in Florida. Along with the figures discussed above in the spotlights, they’ll give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for your DBA program.
Keep in mind, though, that these figures are for tuition only. The total bill for your degree will include additional costs such as program fees, books and materials, transportation, internet access, and your computer. Remember, too, that you’ll likely be able to mitigate your program’s cost by taking advantage of any financial aid resources for which you are eligible.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Leo University | Doctorate in Business Administration | 57 | $55,005 |
| St. Thomas University | Doctor of Business Administration | 90 | $94,950 |
| University of South Florida | Doctor of Business Administration | 72 | $90,000 |
Financial Aid for Florida DBA Majors
If you’re like most DBA students, you’ll need help to finance your graduate education. Fortunately, a range of financial aid resources are available to qualifying Florida online DBA students. Resources include scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, work-study programs, employer tuition reimbursement programs, VA benefits for military vets, and the student loans.
Finding the specific resources for which you’re eligible will require some time and effort, so you’d be wise to get going on your funding search ASAP. But you don’t have to go it alone. Start by contacting the financial aid offices at the schools you’re considering for their DBA programs.
You’ll also want to visit the State of Florida’s Office of Student Financial Assistance for information on state-sponsored funding opportunities.
Career and Salary Outlook for Florida DBA Graduates
Below are recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures — along with job descriptions — for three popular careers that are common for DBA degree holders. These are national figures, but with an additional 4 million Florida residents expected by 2030 and an estimated $1.2 million in wealth added to the state’s economy every hour, there’s good reason to expect the employment market in Florida for DBA graduates to remain strong well into the future.
| Career | Median Pay (2023) | 90th Percentile Pay (2023) | Job Outlook (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | $206,680 | $239,200+ | 5% |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,350 | $239,200+ | 6% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 | $209,870 | 3% |
Chief Executive Officer
At the top of a business’s organizational chart is the CEO, who is responsible for managing all aspects of the company. In that capacity, CEOs carry out a wide range of essential duties, including directing and coordinating organizational plans, objectives, and activities to reach stated production goals, efficiency, and profitability. CEOs regularly confer with their boards of directors, other organizational officers, and staff members to identify and resolve issues and develop and implement business strategies.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers oversee all employee aspects of an organization, including ensuring that all policies, procedures, and activities related to employees are in compliance with applicable state and federal labor laws and regulations. Typical tasks of HR managers include overseeing employee recruitment and retention, directing human resource allocation to maximize workforce efficiency, advising other managers on HR issues, mediating disputes between staff and management, and administering employee benefits programs.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
These leaders plan and direct the administrative, academic, and student services at colleges, universities, and other postsecondary-level institutions. Specific job duties vary but commonly include personnel recruiting, hiring, and training, as well as overseeing operations of academic departments and administrative offices (registrar, admissions, financial aid, student affairs and support services, athletics). Job titles also vary based on institutional size. Examples include college president, academic dean, VP of academic affairs, admissions director, financial aid director, and registrar.
FAQs About Online DBA Programs in Florida
Do online DBA programs cost more than in-person DBA programs in Florida?
Affordability is always a major concern for DBA students, online or otherwise. In terms of online DBA programs, you’ll find that most Florida schools today charge the same tuition rates for their online and campus-based options. You’ll also find that most programs have done away with charging a higher rate for out-of-state residents, instead offering the state resident rate to all online students. There are exceptions, however, so be sure to speak with an admissions representative if you have any questions.
Notwithstanding direct program costs, most students will likely find that online programs offer some cost advantage primarily due to transportation cost savings for traveling to and from campus to attend classes.
How long does it take to earn a DBA degree online?
Completion times vary from program to program and are impacted by the individual student’s chosen pace for completing the culminating activity. While some DBA programs boast one-year program lengths, most students pursuing their online Doctor of Business Administration in Florida will complete their degree requirements in three to four years of part-time study.
Do I need to complete a dissertation for my Florida online DBA program?
DBA programs without a dissertation requirement exist. However, most students pursuing an online DBA in Florida will complete a research-based dissertation as their program’s culminating activity. Florida schools offering DBA programs with alternatives to a dissertation include St. Thomas University (spotlighted above) and Jacksonville University.
Helpful Resources for Florida DBA Students
- Beta Gamma Sigma
This academic honor society recognizes top-performing business students worldwide, including doctoral students who have successfully defended their dissertations at AACSB-accredited business schools. BGS chapters can be found on college and university campuses throughout Florida. - Florida Business Professionals Association
The Florida BPA bills itself as the state’s leading Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students pursuing careers in business management and other business-related fields. Visitors to the site can access various resources, including those specifically for business students. - Florida Chamber of Commerce
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the preeminent professional association representing and advocating for business attraction, development, and growth in the state. - Florida United Business Association (FUBA)
A trade association representing small businesses throughout the state, FUBA offers a wealth of resources on its website that are particularly helpful to DBA-graduate entrepreneurs interested in working as independent consultants or starting their own businesses. - SelectFlorida
The official international trade and investment promotion agency of the state, SelectFlorida operates as a collaborative partnership between the state government and private sectors to promote Florida’s economic growth.