Discover the Best Online DBA Programs in Texas for 2024
Online DBA programs in Texas are designed for professionals like you who are ready to build on their expertise. Keep reading for a look at top schools, state-specific courses, and more.
Online DBA programs in Texas are designed for experienced business professionals looking to advance their careers. Whether you’re already in management or aiming to move into senior leadership or academia, these programs can help you reach the next level.
This guide explores top Texas DBA programs known for their quality and flexibility. It also breaks down career outlook, salary potential, and DBA vs. PhD differences, along with resources to help you take the next step.
Inside Online DBA Programs in Texas: School Spotlights
To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three top online DBA programs in Texas. Use these as a benchmark as you compare other options.
As you research, look beyond tuition and review key details like:
- Curriculum structure and learning outcomes
- Admissions requirements, including experience levels
- Accreditation status and program quality
These factors can vary widely between programs and play a major role in overall value.
University of Dallas
University of Dallas offers a DBA designed for experienced professionals seeking a research-focused program. Strong applicants typically hold a master’s degree and bring extensive leadership experience, often including senior or executive roles.
This AACSB-accredited program—the first of its kind in Texas—includes 62 credits and can be completed in about three years. The hybrid format blends online learning with in-person sessions, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making in a global business context.
Faculty combine industry experience and academic research, bringing both practical insight and published expertise into the classroom.
University of Houston
University of Houston offers an Executive DBA at a Tier 1 research institution, designed for senior leaders seeking advanced research and analytical skills. The program prepares executives to contribute to academic scholarship while earning a terminal degree for leadership or teaching roles.
Students collaborate with experienced faculty to develop research in their area of focus. The curriculum uses a hybrid format, combining online learning with on-campus residencies to fit executive schedules.
The program is structured to reduce administrative burden, allowing students to stay focused on research and professional application.
University of North Texas
University of North Texas offers a DBA through the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, designed for executives and senior managers seeking a research-focused degree. This 48-credit hybrid program allows students to work full-time, with in-person classes held just one weekend per month.
The AACSB-accredited program follows a cohort model, with new groups starting each fall. Students benefit from UNT’s status as a Carnegie Tier 1 research institution.
Applicants typically need a master’s degree and at least seven years of experience. The program costs about $114,000 and requires transcripts, an essay, letters of recommendation, a resume, and an interview.
Expert Insight
The cost of a DBA in Texas can range from under $30K to over $100K, depending on format and school. Focus on what you’re getting for that price, especially faculty access, research support, and program structure. The “best” choice has plenty of resources and fits you academically.
DBA or PhD: Which Degree is Right for You?
On the surface, the differences between a DBA and a PhD in Business can seem subtle. Both are research-based and can lead to teaching roles, but a DBA focuses on applying theory in real-world settings, while a PhD centers on developing new theories and knowledge.
The structure also differs. A DBA is typically shorter (around three years) and more practice-oriented, while a PhD often takes four to six years and emphasizes independent, theory-driven research.
Your decision should come down to career goals—whether you want to apply research in business practice or contribute to academic theory and scholarship.
State-Specific Courses & Specializations for Texas DBA Students
One of the most appealing qualities of online DBA programs in Texas is that they are easily tailored to each student’s individual needs and interests.
Below we discuss two subjects specific to Texas’ economy and business landscape and the ways you can incorporate them into your DBA and the career that awaits you after graduation.
Energy Sector Management
Texas has long been a leader in the energy sector, making it a strong fit for DBA students interested in this field. While most programs don’t offer a formal energy specialization, you can still shape your research around energy management and policy.
By focusing your dissertation on topics like regulation, efficiency, or sustainability, you can apply business strategy to real industry challenges. Courses in organizational change — such as those offered by University of Dallas — can also support this focus.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Texas actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship through state funding and industry initiatives. This focus shapes how DBA programs prepare students to lead in evolving business environments.
If you’re interested in innovation, consider coursework in change management and technology, such as offerings at University of Houston. You can also tailor your research to explore business efficiency, innovation strategy, or entrepreneurial challenges within the state.
Expert Insight
Many DBA programs in Texas are designed for senior professionals, often requiring several years of leadership experience. That changes the classroom dynamic. Peer learning and networking become a major part of the value.
Career and Salary Outlook for Texas DBA Graduates
Many DBA students in Texas continue working full-time while earning their degree. Whether you’re aiming to advance in your current role or transition into a new path, a DBA can open doors in both business and academia.
Below, we highlight five common career paths, along with salary potential and projected job growth to help guide your decision.
Business Teachers Postsecondary
Postsecondary business teachers instruct college-level courses in areas like management, accounting, finance, marketing, and operations. They design lesson plans, evaluate performance, and support students preparing for business careers.
These roles often combine teaching and research, requiring strong expertise in both areas. Demand is expected to grow over the next decade, with solid salary potential in higher education.
| Occupation | Median TX Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,610 | $208,700 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
| Occupation | TX Base (2023) | TX Projection (2025) | Change in Employment | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 5,890 | 6,130 | 240 | 4.1 | 590 |
Source: Projections Central, 2023
Chief Executive
In the broadest sense, a chief executive is the top leader of an organization, responsible for setting direction and overseeing overall operations. They guide strategy, planning, and goal setting, ensuring the organization meets its objectives.
Chief executives also work closely with senior leaders and serve as a key point of contact for stakeholders, both inside and outside the organization.
| Occupation | Median TX Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $239,200+ | $239,200+ |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
| Occupation | TX Base (2023) | TX Projection (2025) | Change in Employment | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | 10,590 | 10,910 | 320 | 3.0 | 860 |
Source: Projections Central, 2023
Economist
An economist studies how resources are produced, distributed, and used at the local, national, or global level. Their insights help businesses and governments respond to economic trends and market changes.
Common responsibilities include:
- Researching economic issues and collecting data
- Analyzing trends and forecasting outcomes
- Advising organizations on policy and strategy
- Publishing findings in reports or academic journals
Economists play a key role in shaping decisions that impact both organizations and broader economies.
| Occupation | Median TX Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Economists | $116,870 | $212,260 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
| Occupation | TX Base (2023) | TX Projection (2025) | Change in Employment | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economists | 1,020 | 1,060 | 40 | 3.9 | 80 |
Source: Projections Central, 2023
Management Analyst
Management analysts, or consultants, help organizations improve performance by reducing costs and increasing revenue. They gather and analyze data, review internal processes, and identify ways to streamline operations.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Collecting and analyzing data on business performance
- Interviewing employees and evaluating workflows
- Recommending solutions to improve efficiency
- Reporting findings to leadership teams
They often split time between the office and client sites, so travel is common in this role.
| Occupation | Median TX Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Management Analysts | $95,760 | $171,370 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
| Occupation | TX Base (2023) | TX Projection (2025) | Change in Employment | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Analysts | 47,970 | 50,850 | 2,880 | 6.0 | 5,410 |
Source: Projections Central, 2023
Training & Development Manager
Training and development managers are HR leaders who improve workforce performance by planning and overseeing employee learning programs. They design training materials, lead sessions, and update development initiatives to support organizational goals.
Their work helps companies build skills, retain talent, and strengthen culture across industries. Key skills include critical thinking, communication, leadership, and technical and financial literacy.
| Occupation | Median TX Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Managers | $109,620 | $192,060 |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023
| Occupation | TX Base (2023) | TX Projection (2025) | Change in Employment | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Managers | 5,130 | 5,390 | 260 | 5.1 | 530 |
Source: Projections Central, 2023
Resources & Support for Texas DBA Students Online
DBA programs in Texas require many things of their students. To help you meet and exceed these requirements, we’ve researched resources that can help with everything from funding your degree to performing cutting edge research to finishing a culminating or capstone project.
- Advice on Research and Writing
This compilation of resources is designed to help graduate students with everything from writing and publishing to research and career development. - APA Style
APA style is the standard style for scholarly communication and is essential for DBA students who want to write their dissertation in a concise, powerful, and persuasive manner. - Connected Papers
Connected Papers uses the Semantic Scholar database to help create visual maps of research trends, popular papers, and connected topics in the field(s) students are interested in. - Dissertation Strategies
This article published by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill outlines helpful planning, productivity, and motivational strategies that graduate students can use to tackle their theses. - Essential Skills for DBA Students
This resource explores four skills — curiosity, focus, dedication, and flexibility and writing ability —that can help DBA students find success in their programs. - Golden Gate University Business Library
This collection of databases provides business students open access to resources on citation, dissertation research and writing, and more. - How The FAFSA Differs for Grad School
This article lays out how FAFSA works differently for students in graduate school and discusses needs, eligibility, alternative finance options, and the individual steps students should take to complete the FAFSA. - How to Fund a Doctorate Degree
This resource from Capella University outlines advice from a financing coach about the various ways students can fund their doctoral degrees by creating a financial plan. - Thesis and Dissertation: Getting Started
This article from Purdue University lays out the first steps of the dissertation process, including planning and managing your project, scheduling, outlining goals, and organizing various working elements. - Open Access Resource to Published Theses and Dissertations
This website grants students open access to published graduate theses and dissertations from around the world and can help students in their own research projects.