Washington State's Best Online Doctor of Business Administration Programs
Getting an online DBA in Washington is a great career move for anyone looking to be a business executive or leader. Continue reading to learn more.
In the early 2000s, an MBA was often the fast track to leadership roles. Today, as the degree has become more common, many professionals are turning to a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) to stand out at the executive level.
For those in growing states like Washington, commuting to campus can be a challenge. Online DBA programs offer a flexible alternative, allowing you to advance your education while maintaining your career.
Keep reading to explore top programs in Washington, along with career paths and outcomes after graduation.
Online DBA Programs in Washington: School Spotlights
Wondering what makes an online Doctor of Business Administration in Washington stand out? The answer will be different for everyone since the right program components vary from individual to individual.
That said, some programs stand out in terms of curriculum, affordability, and flexibility, including City University of Seattle.
City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle offers an online DBA accredited by ACBSP, with coursework in areas like financial decision-making, business analysis, and technology implementation. Students can choose from seven focus areas, including technology, strategy, innovation, and leadership.
All coursework is completed online, and students finish the program with a doctoral dissertation, which can be completed online or in a hybrid format.
The program is designed for both business professionals and STEM leaders, with admissions requirements varying by background. Most students finish in about three years, even while working full-time.
Franklin University
Franklin University offers a fully online DBA designed for professionals looking to apply research to real-world business challenges. The program emphasizes problem-solving, leadership, and advanced research skills, helping students identify and address complex organizational issues.
The program can be completed in about three years and includes a mix of coursework and a doctoral dissertation. Students build expertise in research methods, strategy, and organizational leadership while developing solutions they can apply directly in their careers.
Designed for working professionals, the fully online format allows students to balance school with full-time work while preparing for executive leadership or academic roles.
Marymount University
Marymount University offers a 100% online DBA that can be completed from Washington state. The program emphasizes business intelligence, making it a strong fit for professionals interested in data-driven strategy and technology.
Coursework covers topics like analytics, strategy, and leadership, with room for electives to customize your focus.
Students also complete a doctoral dissertation involving original research and a final defense. Most finish in about three years, though part-time students may take longer.
Expert Insight
If sustainability interests you, Washington is a strong place to focus on environmental business strategy and clean energy innovation. Research in this area can align well with both regional policy priorities and corporate initiatives.
DBA or PhD in Business: Which Degree Do You Need?
Wondering what the difference is between a DBA and a PhD in business? The chart below dives into the specifics, including the purpose and length of each and funding options.
| DBA | PhD in Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To understand how to apply different business principles to real-world situations | To advance the scholarship and research around best business practices |
| Student Type | Mid-career professionals | Early- to mid-career professionals |
| Career Goals | Take on a leadership role within the private sector | Work in academia as a researcher, professor, or both |
| Funding | Usually self-funded or reimbursed by an employer | Can be funded through fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistant positions |
| Prerequisites | A master’s degree in a related field and business experience | A master’s degree in a related field |
| Length | 3-4 years | 5-6 Years |
| Capstone | Major project or portfolio | Dissertation |
Specializations in Washington State Online DBA Programs
Business is a far-reaching industry. To become a true expert, you may want to specialize in a particular area of business, like marketing or finance.
Below, we’ve outlined five DBA specializations that correlate to in-demand occupations in Washington.
Healthcare management
There’s a significant need for healthcare managers in Washington, and DBA candidates who specialize in how healthcare and business intersect are well-positioned to meet this demand.
Courses in this specialization often focus on ensuring a healthcare organization is profitable and balancing profit with providing excellent patient care.
Marketing
Marketing managers and public relations managers are both greatly needed in Washington state. Specializing in marketing is a great way to stand out when applying for managerial roles in these fields.
DBA candidates specializing in marketing will dive into advanced marketing principles and leadership skills specific to this industry.
Finance
Financial managers and executives are another fast-growing sector in Washington state. Plus, these individuals command top salaries.
A finance specialization can cover complex topics and theories around finance, such as how to ensure a company is profitable and balancing human capital and other expenses, as well as the leadership skills required to run a finance department.
Leadership
Another fast-growing career path in some counties of Washington state is that of chief executive. These individuals lead the company and often have a DBA on top of years of business experience.
To set yourself apart when applying for C-suite roles, consider a specialization in business leadership. This concentration focuses entirely on different leadership principles and styles.
Human Relations
Those passionate about training, education, and professional development may want to specialize in human relations.
This concentration focuses on how to motivate teams and help employees carve their professional paths. DBA graduates with this concentration often work as vice presidents of human resources or in other HR leadership roles.
Expert Insight
Look closely at specialization options, including fields like technology, finance, and healthcare, that align well with Washington’s major industries. Choosing the right focus can make your degree more relevant in the local job market.
How Much an Online DBA in Washington State Costs
Earning a DBA is a serious financial commitment. Fortunately, there may be affordable programs out there, and financial aid can lower the costs.
While tuition is high for online DBA programs, online students save on transportation costs and have an easier time balancing work and school, leading to fewer lost shifts and paychecks.
Budgeting for your DBA can also ease financial stress. You could, for example, ensure there’s money set aside when the tuition bills arrive. Before we dive into other financial aid options, let’s dive into the costs for three DBAs in Washington.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| City University of Seattle | Doctor of Business Administration | 91 | $72,345 |
| Marymount University | Doctor of Business Administration | 36 | $48,240 |
| Franklin University | Doctor of Business Administration | 60 | $44,880 |
Financial Aid for Washington DBA Majors
While a DBA can be a significant investment, there are several financial aid options that can help reduce costs. These include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and student loans.
Some awards are specifically for DBA students, which often means less competition and added benefits like networking or research opportunities.
You can also explore state-based aid in Washington, including merit- and need-based programs. These options may be easier to access and can further lower your overall cost.
DBA Salary Potential in Washington
A DBA in Washington positions you for the highest levels of executive leadership across the state’s diverse industries — from financial services and healthcare to technology, manufacturing, and logistics. Graduates serve as chief executives, senior consultants, and business school faculty — bringing evidence-based management practice and original research to complex organizational challenges in one of the country’s major business markets. Washington’s strong corporate presence makes it a competitive and rewarding environment for doctoral-level business leaders.
Chief executives in Washington earn competitive compensation reflecting the state’s economic scale and industry mix, with salaries that vary significantly by sector, company size, and metropolitan area.
Use the salary table to see what chief executives earn in Washington, and benchmark DBA-level leadership compensation across the state’s key markets.
Chief Executives
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | $236,930 | $348,130 | $459,070 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $268,090 | $355,230 | $507,440 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $287,180 | $372,480 | $484,870 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $176,030 | $408,240 | $524,250 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $207,100 | $310,250 | $372,000 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $204,190 | $284,240 | $369,120 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $375,810 | $545,860 | $772,850 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $370,000 | $481,180 | $607,100 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $260,940 | $378,800 | $481,160 |
| Washington | $339,810 | $442,180 | $607,100 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $210,760 | $327,760 | $372,910 |
| Yakima, WA | $238,180 | $345,820 | $382,660 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 12 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
FAQs About Online DBA Programs in Washington
Are online DBA programs more affordable than in-person programs?
The tuition cost of online DBAs varies greatly. Some are more affordable than in-person programs, while others are around the same price.
Where the online DBA stands out is in its ability to mitigate other costs, mainly student fees and transportation costs. Online students may also be able to maintain their full-time employment, which can help lower the need for loans.
How long does it take to earn a Washington State DBA online?
Earning a DBA in Washington State usually takes about three to four years. There are some programs nationwide that can be completed in one year, but these programs may be harder to find in Washington.
Is a dissertation required for an online DBA in Washington?
Most DBA programs require a dissertation. However, because a DBA focuses on how to apply business practices to companies and not how to conduct original research, many programs have a capstone project instead.
If finding a no-dissertation DBA in Washington state is important, ask admissions representatives about graduation requirements before applying.
Useful Resources Students in Online DBA Programs in Washington
- Association of Washington Businesses
Entrepreneurial students may want to join the state’s business association. This group regularly puts on networking events, educational seminars, and more for business owners in Washington. - Business Impact NW
Those who are passionate about the impact businesses can have on the Pacific Northwest should consider joining this organization. The group even offers free business coaching and seminars. - Seattle Society for Marketing Professional Services
Those who work and/or study marketing in the Seattle area may want to consider joining this group. The society hosts networking events and seminars to help professionals develop leadership skills. - Washington State Healthcare Leaders Association
If you are interested in the business side of healthcare, consider joining this group in Washington state. - Washington Workforce Development Council
DBA candidates who want professional development resources should consider exploring the events and seminars hosted by the state’s workforce development councils. These councils are divided up by region, and many events are in-person.