How do I get into a doctoral program in business?

You will generally need an undergraduate or advanced degree in business, an excellent academic record, multiple years of relevant experience, and several letters of recommendation. GRE or GMAT scores may also apply. Admission processes are often competitive. Review the program's listed requirements and apply only if you closely match the specified criteria.

How much does a Ph.D. in business cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2019-2020 academic year, the average tuition and fees for a Ph.D. in business, management, or marketing was $19,946 for full-time students. In contrast, annual tuition and fees for the average full-time DBA student cost $13,628.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in business?

DBA programs typically take at least 2-3 years, depending on the program's structure, delivery format, and pacing. Ph.D. programs generally require at least four years of full-time study. However, they can take longer depending on your enrollment status and the program's research and dissertation requirements.

What can you do with a doctorate in business?

You can seek out advanced positions in academia, research, or business management. Some professionals with doctoral credentials work as specialized business consultants or in theoretical areas of business development. Harvard Business Review has also noted a trend toward DBA credentials becoming more common among managerial professionals and executives.

Which is better: Ph.D. or DBA?

A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other. As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you pursue leadership roles in business, whereas a research-based Ph.D. can lead to roles in academia. Before applying to either program, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

Explore Top Online Business Doctoral Programs

While business specialists usually hold master's or professional degrees, some learners elect to continue studying at the doctoral level.

Programs leading to doctor of business administration (DBA) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees usually attract learners seeking careers in research, academia, or advanced business specializations.

Before you pursue a traditional or an online doctorate in business, consider how accreditation might affect your school choice. Learn more with this program guide and connect with top-ranked schools offering doctoral programs in business.

Why Earn Your Business Doctorate Online

Attend a top business program without having to relocate.
Complete coursework on your own schedule.
Stand out from other job candidates who only have master of business administration (MBA) degrees.
Advance into executive roles and earn a higher salary.

Top Online Business Doctorates

Why Accreditation Matters for Business Doctorates

Accreditation matters when you're choosing an online DBA or Ph.D. in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school's accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctoral programs, check for accreditation.

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. There are three major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

DBA vs. Ph.D. in Business: What's the Difference?

DBA vs. Ph.D
Doctor of Business Administration	Doctor of Philosophy in Business
Emphasizes applied knowledge and practical skills Programs typically take 3-5 years Requires a dissertation or applied project as a culminating experience Prepares graduates for business leadership roles	Emphasizes business theory and research Programs typically take 4-6 years Requires a research-based dissertation as a culminating experience Prepares graduates for academic and research jobs

Popular Doctoral Concentrations Within Business

Accounting
Business Administration
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Hospitality and Tourism
Management
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Operations

Is a Doctorate in Business Administration Worth It?

Business Professors

$97,270
Median annual salary (May 2024)

+6%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)

Management Consultants

$101,190
Median annual salary (May 2024)

+9%
Projected job growth (2024-2034)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Professionals with doctorates in business tend to earn higher salaries, but the true value of a DBA or Ph.D. in business extends beyond pure earning potential.

You should also consider intangible factors, such as the authoritative status the degree will confer and the additional recognition you may earn as a result.

A 2022 editorial published in the Harvard Business Review emphasized a highly relevant consideration: The job market has become saturated with MBA graduates, and the MBA's traditional prestige has begun to erode. DBA and Ph.D. degrees are credentials worth considering if you want to differentiate yourself in a crowded job market.