New York's Top-Tier Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programs
An online Doctor of Business Administration in New York can take your career to the next level. Here are the state’s best programs.
Businesses today need employees who know what it takes to be a leader and develop a long-term vision for companies — a goal of many online DBA programs. According to George M. Marakas, the director of the Office of Doctoral Programs for Florida International University Business, “Employees with a DBA degree can materially and consistently contribute to an organization’s success through their expertise, strategic insight, and leadership capabilities, making them a valuable asset to any employer.”
Although there may be even more leadership opportunities in the state of New York than in other parts of the US, competition can still be fierce. To stand out, consider getting an online DBA. This guide can help you find the right online DBA in New York for your goals and will explain the benefits of being a DBA graduate.
Inside Online DBA Programs in New York: School Spotlights
Determining the best online Doctor of Business Administration in New York is tricky since “best” means something different to everyone. There are, however, some programs that stand out in terms of accessibility, academics, and affordability.
Business professionals with seven or more years of experience should consider the DBA program at Baruch College. Since it has a higher barrier to entry than other programs, it’s often considered the most rigorous hybrid DBA in New York. Courses cover complex topics like competitive analysis, business ideation, and how to manage innovation.
The program, in total, takes three years to complete. The first year focuses on foundational courses in research methods designed with experienced business professionals in mind. Learners dive deeper into advanced business subjects, including information-based strategies and balancing human capital and the bottom line. In the second year, students also start to ideate a dissertation. They then spend the entire third year working on that dissertation. While the program is primarily online, there are some limited campus residencies.
Students who want a fully online experience should consider the DBA at Franklin University. This HLC-accredited institution hosts all business degrees virtually, making it a great option for students no matter where they live. The entire DBA can be completed in as little as three years. Students start by completing a core group of classes on research methods. They then begin courses in their specialization, with concentration options in accounting, health management, information technology management, human resources, marketing, and public administration.
There are also additional classes all students take, regardless of specialization, and the program culminates in a dissertation. Franklin University offers virtual resources to walk students through their dissertation, including one-to-one sessions with an academic mentor who can help you align your dissertation with your professional interests. The program also offers a micro-credential in leadership since leadership strategies and scholarships are a central focus of the program.
Looking to earn your DBA part-time in three to five years? Consider the Doctor of Professional Studies in Business (DPS) program from Pace University. While the name may be different, the goal is the same as that of a DBA: to help those who want to launch an academic career, enter business consulting, or advance into a senior leadership role meet their needs. The curriculum balances courses on merging theories in business, research methods classes, and foundational courses in marketing, finance, management, and international business. Students choose one of those four areas as their specialization and take five additional courses in that concentration.
While this program balances breadth and depth, making it an excellent choice for a variety of learners, it’s best for students who live near the campus. It features a blended learning format, meaning some classes are completed online and others in-person at the school’s New York City campus. Pace University advises applicants to have at least ten years of business experience before applying.
Differences Between a DBA and a PhD in Business
When researching DBA programs, you may come across some online PhDs in business. While similar, there are some key differences between the two program types, as highlighted in the chart below.
| DBA | PhD in Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Understand how to apply emerging business strategies and scholarship to business settings | Advanced business research and scholarship |
| Student Type | Mid-career professionals | Early- to mid-career professionals |
| Career Goals | Be a leader within a specific company or the business sector as a whole | Work in business research or academia |
| Funding | Usually self-funded or funded by an employer | Typically funded through fellowships, grants, and scholarships |
| Prerequisites | Experience in business and a master’s degree in business or a related field | A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in business or a related field |
| Length | 3-4 years | 5-6 Years |
| Capstone | Major project or portfolio | Dissertation |
Specializing During Your New York Online DBA Program
Those who want to be industry thought leaders should consider attending a DBA program with specializations. A specialization is an opportunity to hone your skills in a particular area of business. It can line up with your experience or help you pivot into a different business sector. Below, we’ve outlined five specializations the New York Department of Labor identified as high-growth in the state.
Operations
Operations managers oversee the day-to-day of a business. They may be involved in the logistics and supply chain management for a product-led company or oversee the workflows at a service-led company. To be a manager or c-suite leader in this field, a DBA with a specialization in operations is often required.
Healthcare Administration
Another fast-growing field in New York is healthcare administration and management. Those in this industry analyze the performance of healthcare organizations from a business perspective and adjust the workflow and administrative side of the organization as needed. A DBA with this specialization is a great choice for someone with a background in business and/or healthcare.
Sales
Sales is often the lifeblood of a business. To work well, sales departments need effective leaders and managers. A DBA with a concentration in sales ensures you are that leader and sets you apart from other candidates in this in-demand field in New York.
Finance
Whether you envision yourself working in a leadership position on Wall Street or being a VP of a bank in a smaller town in New York, a DBA concentrating on finance may be a good option. This concentration is particularly good for those with a background in finance.
Nonprofit Management
The New York Department of Labor has outlined multiple in-demand industries related to nonprofits, including fundraising and social work. By completing a DBA and specializing in nonprofit management, you set yourself apart as a top candidate for roles such as the president or executive director of a nonprofit.
Cost Breakdown: Online DBA Programs in New York
We won’t lie: getting your online DBA can be expensive. In New York, program costs can run into the six figures!
On top of high tuition prices, there are fewer full-ride assistantships and fellowship programs for DBAs than for PhDs in business. Budgeting for your DBA and having money set aside for your education may allow you to breathe easier when tuition bills arrive. There are also some great financial aid opportunities specific to DBA candidates in New York—but we’ll cover those in the next section.
The table below provides tangible examples of how much an online DBA in New York can cost.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baruch College | Doctor of Business Administration | 42 | $125,000 |
| Franklin University | Doctor of Business Administration | 60 | $44,880 |
| Pace University | Doctor of Business Administration | 57 | $85,500 |
Financial Aid for New York DBA Majors
While the upfront cost of a DBA is expensive, it’s not necessarily a burden you have to bear alone. There are many financial aid opportunities available, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships. There are even financial aid options specific to DBA candidates, which may be less competitive and could offer additional benefits, like networking events or the opportunity to conduct business research. If you’re working full-time while getting your degree, your employer may help pay for all (or part) of tuition costs.
Alongside employer and school-specific scholarships, you may also want to look into scholarships designed for DBA candidates in New York. These include opportunities from schools in the state, such as financial support for higher education provided through the New York state government.
Job and Salary Outlook for New York DBA Graduates
Getting a DBA is one thing. Knowing how to leverage that degree for professional growth (and to find the right job after graduating) is another. To help with the latter, we researched some of the most in-demand jobs in New York that require a DBA. Three in-demand roles for DBA graduates in New York are being a business executive, healthcare manager, or marketing manager. Continue reading to learn more about each.
| Career | Median Pay (2023) | 90th Percentile Pay (2023) | Job Outlook (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Executives | $103,840 | $239,200 | 6% |
| Healthcare Managers | $110,680 | $216,750 | 29% |
| Marketing Managers | $157,620 | $239,200 | 8% |
Business Executives
Perhaps the most obvious career path for DBA graduates is to become a top executive within an organization. Business executives work across company sectors, ranging from IT to marketing, to create a long-term vision for the company and ensure that vision comes to life. Usually, a business executive has years of experience alongside a DBA and has a well-established leadership style that motivates team members and ensures business objectives are met.
Healthcare Managers
One of the most in-demand career fields in New York is healthcare management (also called medical and health services management). Healthcare managers and executives balance excellent care delivery with business concerns, such as a smooth administrative workflow and profitability. To thrive in this career, you most likely need experience in healthcare and business, not one or the other. A master’s or doctoral degree is usually a must, though a DBA specialized in healthcare management may help you stand out even more.
Marketing Managers
Those who have a background in marketing and are ready to step into a leadership role should consider the marketing manager career path. Marketing managers are in demand in the state of New York and often command healthy salaries. These individuals plan marketing campaigns and ensure the right team members work on different marketing projects so they are successful. Frequently, marketing managers collaborate with other departments and are responsible for leading teams, making this an excellent job for those with leadership experience and a doctoral degree.
FAQs About Online DBA Programs in New York
Are online DBA programs cheaper than in-person programs?
While tuition is generally the same for online DBA programs and in-person alternatives, online options can provide some savings. For instance, you may save on transportation costs or have an easier time keeping a full-time job if you attend classes virtually. If cost is a top concern for you, there are many affordable online DBAs to explore.
How long does it take to earn an online DBA in New York?
While it is possible to earn a DBA in one year, most programs take a bit longer (usually between two to four years). To give you a better idea of what a potential DBA timeline may look like, here’s how long three popular programs in New York take to complete on average:
- Pace University: three to five years
- Baruch College: two years
- Franklin University: three years
Is a dissertation required to earn my online DBA in New York?
Whether you need to complete a dissertation for your online DBA program depends on your school. Many do require a dissertation, but others might require a project. If you want to be extra safe, look for DBA programs that explicitly state no dissertation is required.
Helpful Resources for Online DBA Students in New York
- American Marketing Association, New York Chapter
If you’re interested in marketing roles and networking within that industry, check out AMA’s New York chapter. Members enjoy perks like virtual and in-person networking events and seminars. - Financial Managers Society, New York Chapter
DBA candidates interested in financial leadership may want to check out the New York chapter of Financial Managers Society, a networking and educational group with in-person and virtual events. - MBA vs DBA
We won’t lie: Many people stop their education after getting an MBA. However, there are some distinct advantages to getting a DBA, which are outlined in this article from George Fox University. - New York Small Business Development Centers
Entrepreneurial DBA candidates may want to check out the state-funded business centers throughout the state. They offer one-to-one mentorship, free resources, and more. - Top DBA Programs in the United States
Ready to expand your search beyond New York? This list features the top DBA programs in the US and guidelines on what to look for in a program.