Doctorate in Business Administration
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- Business Administration Degree
- Degree Cost
- Courses
- Certifications and Licensure
- Scholarships and Fellowships
- Ranking
Doctor of business administration (DBA) programs focus on the application of theoretical knowledge to business practice. A DBA is one of two terminal degrees a practitioner can earn in the field. The other degree, a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in business administration, prepares graduates for teaching positions in academia or careers in theoretical research.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs in the business and finance sector to grow 5% between 2019-2029. Many careers in this sector offer high salaries and opportunities for advancement.
This guide ranks the best doctorate in business administration programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, including common courses and scholarship opportunities for business administration students.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Degree in Business Administration?
Doctorate in business administration programs develop advanced skills in planning and strategic decision-making. Degree-holders often work for large corporations as chief executive officers and directors of global operations. According to the BLS, these professionals typically earn six-figure salaries.
Pursuing a doctorate in business administration online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with other obligations. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students.
How Much Does a Business Administration Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one year of postgraduate enrollment (2018-2019) at a public institution costs $12,171 on average. Graduate students who enrolled at a private college or university during the same year paid an average of $27,776.
However, many colleges and universities support doctoral candidates through grants and fellowships. Many of these financial aid packages require doctoral students to complete teaching and/or research responsibilities in exchange for covering tuition.
Online students often save money on their degree compared to on-campus students. For instance, online students may save on some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as commuting costs. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students.
How Much Do Business Administration Majors Make?
A doctorate in business administration qualifies graduates for chief executive positions in diverse professional arenas. Salaries for these roles vary by factors like industry and location.
For instance, the BLS reports that the top-paying industries for chief executive officers include computer and equipment manufacturing, deep sea and coastal transportation, and natural gas distribution. States that pay the highest salaries for chief executives include South Dakota, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
According to the BLS, companies and businesses hire the highest number of professionals in this field, followed by local governments and elementary and secondary schools.
Courses in Business Administration
Schools often allow doctoral candidates to craft an individual plan of study that supports their academic and career objectives. However, most programs still require students to enroll in several foundational courses. Doctoral students also typically need to complete a major culminating activity, such as a capstone project, thesis, or dissertation.
Some doctorate in business administration programs offer concentrations in areas like finance, global business, marketing, and operations and supply chain management.
Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several courses commonly found in doctorate in business administration programs.
Learners in this class study business analytics topics such as data mining, applied business statistics, and process optimization. The course familiarizes students with tools and techniques that allow them to make data-informed business decisions.
Business Analytics
Students in this class learn how to evaluate systems and initiate changes that benefit organizations. The course presents leadership as a collaborative undertaking that starts with a clear vision and involves the input and experiences of all stakeholders. Adaptive Leadership
The class examines how to evaluate and implement marketing strategies across countries with varying business cultures. The course focuses on meeting international market requirements and coordinating operations to deliver goods, services, and information in a timely and cost-effective manner. Multinational and International Marketing
Certifications and Licensure for Business Administration
Many jobs for graduates with a DBA do not require certification. However, earning these credentials can help candidates stand out in the job market and demonstrate specialized skills. The following list outlines several certifications for DBA graduates.
Certified Business Administrator
Candidates for this credential must complete a certification program that covers management practices, business communication, customer service, and human resource management and organizational behavior.
Certified Manager
The Institute of Certified Professional Managers administers this program. Candidates must complete 90 hours of required learning and pass three assessment exams. Candidates must earn the credential in 15 months or less.
Project Management Professional
Recognized across several industries and throughout North America, the PMP credential requires at least 35 hours of PMP training. Candidates must also pass a qualifying exam.
Scholarships and Fellowships for Business Administration
Many schools support students pursuing a business administration doctorate through fellowships and grant programs. Some programs include annual stipends in addition to covering tuition and fees. Doctoral candidates can also explore scholarship opportunities from professional organizations and private nonprofit groups. The following list outlines several scholarship and fellowship opportunities for DBA students.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
American Fellowships | $6,000-$30,000 | The American Association of University Women welcomes applications from women scholars at different stages of their doctoral program. Applicants must be enrolled full time. |
American Indian Graduate Center Fellowships | Varies | American Indian and Alaskan Native students pursuing a doctoral or professional degree at an accredited U.S. institution can apply for this fellowship opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled full time. |
Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship | $10,000 | Part-time students pursuing a graduate-level degree in business administration with a focus on government can apply. Candidates must show at least two years of employment at a state or local government agency. |
Doctorate In Business Administration
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University enrolls degree-seekers as a private institution. The school offers an online doctor of business administration. The doctoral program builds on students' prior knowledge to strengthen advanced skills.
The program's flexible learning format helps enrollees complete their doctoral degree. Online graduate students can visit campus to meet with faculty or fellow students.
Doctoral graduates gain expert-level knowledge in after earning the terminal degree in the field. Students typically spend 3-6 years completing a doctorate. After earning a doctorate, graduates may work in academia or research.
Bellevue University Numbers:
Graduate Tuition: $10,530
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$7,176
- In-State$10,530
- Out-of-state$10,530
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled11,637
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Situated in Saint Leo, Florida, Saint Leo University has one of the best online offerings in the country. Prospective graduate students interested in business should look into the school's doctor of business administration program. Learners who choose an online format can save money on their graduate degree.
Students typically complete their doctoral program in 4-7 years. The program entails required coursework, exams, and dissertation research.
Saint Leo University at a Glance:
Grad Tuition: $7,296
Number of Online Master's Programs: 27
Number of Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
The school holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- In-State$23,100
- Out-of-state$23,100
- In-State$7,296
- Out-of-state$7,296
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled10,912
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Wilmington University offers graduate programs that prepare students for new job opportunities and career advancement. The school offers a doctor of business administration online. Students who choose an online format can save money on their graduate degree.
Enrollees first complete 1-3 years of coursework followed by dissertation research and exams. With a doctorate, graduates can pursue many different careers, including research and academic careers.
Wilmington University Fast Facts:
Online Master's Programs: 35
Number of Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Average Cost Per Credit: Unknown
Grad Tuition Rate: $8,784
The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- In-State$11,430
- Out-of-state$11,430
- In-State$8,784
- Out-of-state$8,784
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled14,730
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
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