dba vs phd

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DBA vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?

You’ve tackled your undergraduate business degree, and now you’re feeling ready to take your business education one step further. You might be wondering, “Where do I even begin?” If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to upper-level business degrees, there are a wide variety of options. Two popular options are the Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA, and the Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD. Both options can be an excellent fit for students who are eager to dive even deeper into the world of academia. In this article, you’ll get a better understanding of the difference between the two degrees and gain some insight as to which degree program is the best fit for you.

What Is a DBA?

A Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA degree, is considered a “terminal degree.” This designation simply means that the degree is the highest level of education one can receive in the business world. These degrees are centered around business education with a major emphasis on management. DBA programs often entail a research component that focuses on real-life business problems. Throughout their studies, DBA students learn to apply various theories in solving real issues faced by today’s businesses. This degree is primarily geared toward individuals who currently hold a master’s degree in business or another closely related subject.

What Is a PhD?

PhD programs are another excellent choice for those wishing to further their education. This is also considered a “terminal degree,” and it is the highest-level research degree that one can obtain. These programs involve rigorous research and extensive study. While you’re likely interested in a PhD degree in the business field, nearly any subject can provide this research-based degree, from science, to humanities, to everything in between. While DBA programs are typically intended for students who hold a master’s degree, PhD programs welcome students after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline. They are the ideal choice for anyone who might be interested in carrying out research or teaching in an academic institution.

Coursework and Duration: Comparing the Curriculum

While both DBA programs and PhD programs give students a deep understanding of the theories that drive the world around us, they do so in different ways. In a Doctorate of Business Administration program, you’ll focus exclusively on business and management from a practical lens. Application of theory is a major focus, and coursework often provides students with opportunities to put their knowledge into practice by solving real-world business problems. Alternatively, PhD programs are offered in just about any subject one can imagine. They take a more theoretical approach with their curricula, teaching students to understand the “why” and “how” behind both business problems and their solutions.

The typical timeline of these graduate programs differs as well. Since DBA programs are intended for people who already have both a master’s degree and significant work experience, they tend to take less time to complete. Many DBA programs are offered on a part-time schedule, and students can expect to complete their Doctorate of Business Administration in about two to four years. While PhD programs don’t always require as much experience prior to enrolling, they tend to require more time to complete. These research-intense programs usually follow a full-time course schedule with an average completion time that ranges from three to five years.

Practical Experience vs. Thesis Research

The major difference between a DBA education and a PhD education can be summed up as practical vs. theoretical. Students entering into a DBA program typically come with a master’s degree in hand and multiple years of relevant work experience under their belt. As such, DBA programs are designed to expand upon their students’ wealth of prior knowledge and experience. These programs teach students to understand relevant theories and principles of business management, but more importantly, they teach students to apply those theories and principles. DBA programs equip students to bring their education and experience to the table when solving real-world problems.

While DBA students focus on using existing knowledge to solve problems, students in PhD programs work to add new knowledge to the business world. Instead of researching the application of existing theories and principles, PhD students are expected to work on original research, unearthing and exploring new ideas. Thus, PhD programs take a much more theoretical approach rather than a practical one. To put their newly gained insights on display, PhD candidates are usually required to complete a dissertation. Through these lengthy research projects, students demonstrate their knowledge, expand upon their ideas, and showcase their experience.

Career Outcomes of a DBA vs. a PhD in Business Administration

Following completion of their degree, DBA and PhD graduates typically take two different paths when it comes to employment. Much like an MBA, a Doctor of Business Administration prepares students for jobs in both the private and public sector. DBA candidates often go on to work in senior management roles or consulting. Some even choose to open their own businesses. Their practical, hands-on approach ensures that DBA programs leave their graduates well-equipped for these roles.

On the other hand, PhD candidates typically stick to the world of academia following their graduation. They often find work with universities as professors and can even go on to be program directors. Some graduates may also opt to continue expanding upon their research while they teach, sharing their research methods with the next generation of PhD students.

However, as with any degree, the job you’ll find afterward depends on a number of different factors. Your prior work experience and unique strengths gained from both work and the classroom play a big part in determining where you’ll take your talents. Just like your interests and passions will likely guide your choice between DBA and PhD programs, they’ll also guide your job search. External factors do play a role as well. The current job market will decide what specific jobs are available at one time or another, and demand for your specific skill set can determine how well you fit the profile of those available jobs.

DBA or PhD: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding to further your education with a doctorate degree is a huge decision in and of itself. Having to choose between a Doctor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy might be an even more challenging decision. Each of these programs is considered a “terminal degree,” offering students the highest level of education possible in the field. They provide candidates with advanced training and preparation for high-ranking roles. Whether you opt for a DBA or a PhD program, you’ll be opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

To ensure that you make the right choice between the two degrees, you’ll want to take time to think about your career goals. Consider where you are now as well as what you want your career to look like in 5, 10, even 2o years. Do you hope to hold a title as a C-suite executive of a major corporation, calling the shots and leading the teams around you? Or do you hope to be in the classroom, teaching the next generation of business professionals about both new and existing theories in the business industry?

Be sure to spend some significant time weighing out these options, including any accreditation requirements. Once you feel confident in the goals you’ve set, look for programs that are in alignment with the things that are most important to you. Check out the academic career resources and coursework of each program you’re interested in. Give yourself the time and space to carefully consider each of these factors prior to making a decision.

Final Thoughts

Getting a doctorate degree can be an excellent way to take your career to the next level . No matter whether you opt for a DBA or a PhD, these terminal business degrees can make your application stand out among the rest and open doors to previously unattainable job opportunities. DBA programs are a perfect fit for people looking to grow their base of practical knowledge in the field. They prepare graduates to work in upper-level leadership roles within the business environment, solving real problems that companies face on a day-to-day basis. Alternatively, PhD programs are the ideal choice for anyone with an interest in the principles and theories that guide business decisions and outcomes. These programs equip graduates to take on roles in the world of academia, such as research and teaching.

However, before you take the jump into your DBA or PhD, be sure to take time to thoughtfully consider your decision. Use your career goals as a guide, and take the time to research your options thoroughly. Seek out advice from peers in the field, and learn from the stories of others making an impact in the business world, like one Crummer Executive MBA student who has a strong passion for both business and academia.

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PhD vs. DBA: What’s the Difference?

Updated on March 29, 2023.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in business and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) are both doctoral degrees that allow students to engage in advanced study, examinations and research projects surrounding business administration to earn the highest credentials in business education.

Although the PhD and DBA have similarities, each doctoral degree is designed for distinctive target groups and aligned with unique career goals, resulting in varying outcomes.

Marymount University’s online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence program prepares graduates for real-world problems within their organization and teaches professionals how to lead at the highest level in data analytics.

Request My Free DBA Program Guide

PhD vs. DBA At-a-Glance Comparison

What are the similarities and differences between a PhD and DBA in business? The following chart outlines what you should expect from the two business doctoral programs to help you determine which program’s outcome, format, coursework and requirements align with your profile and goals.

Learn more about the PhD vs. DBA and discover the next step in your professional journey.

How to Choose Between a PhD and a DBA

The first step to determining whether the PhD or DBA degree is right for you is to outline your career objectives. Ask yourself questions that align with the key differentiators above:

• Program focus: Am I interested in applying research to a real-world setting or producing original research for future business models?
• Outcomes: Do I want to work in a business, government or nonprofit setting and solve organizational problems, or do I want to teach business theory to students?
• Student profile: Am I an experienced executive with years of job experience or a business student in the academic setting?
• Program format: Do I prefer to learn online or on campus?
• Coursework: What are the key skills I’m interested in learning?
• Program length: How much time do I want to dedicate to my continued education?
• Requirements: Do I have the necessary prerequisites?

PhD vs. DBA: Salary , Job Opportunities and Outlook

A business professional who has completed an advanced degree can find new and exciting job opportunities, a promising job outlook and a higher earning potential. Consider a few figures concerning the PhD vs. DBA salary range, as well as the job forecast.

Job Opportunities for PhD in Business Graduates

Several career opportunities are open to those pursuing a PhD in business. Some common career trajectories include:

• Business professor
• Management consultant

Job Outlook and Salaries for PhD Graduates

Job forecasts vary for different roles that PhD graduates might pursue. Positions for management consultants , for instance, are predicted to increase by 11% between 2021 and 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For postsecondary instructors such as business professors, the BLS predicts 12% growth between 2021 and 2031. While salaries also vary, the median annual salary for those with PhDs in business administration was approximately $103,000 in December 2022, according to Payscale.

Job Opportunities for DBA Graduates

DBA graduates gain access to a wide range of business roles and job opportunities. Many become management consultants working in professional, scientific and technical services, while others are self-employed. DBA graduates often work in the following roles:

• Business intelligence analyst
• Organizational development director
• Human resources director

Job Outlook and Salaries for DBA Graduates

Outlook and salaries vary according to the position. The BLS predicts that positions for operations research analysts , including business intelligence analysts, will increase by 23% between 2021 and 2031. For training and development managers , including organizational development directors, the BLS predicts a 7% growth between 2021 and 2031. According to Payscale, business intelligence analysts made a median annual salary of approximately $71,900 in February 2023, while organizational development directors made about $123,000 in March 2023.

Why Pursue a DBA in Business Intelligence?

While there are many benefits to earning a PhD, a DBA specializing in business intelligence will expand your understanding of business theory in the context of a digital landscape and allow you to transform organizations for the future. 

Consider some of the main reasons to choose the DBA path:

1. Make Decisions Based on Data

Data-driven decision-making is a top priority for business leaders. An Invesp report noted that 40% of organizations aimed to increase data-driven marketing budgets and 64% of marketing leaders “strongly agree” that data-driven strategies are crucial in today’s economy.

A DBA in Business Intelligence teaches students how to use business intelligence tools to solve problems and gain groundbreaking insights . The hands-on coursework teaches DBA graduates how to:

• Employ statistical methods to optimize business operations
• Use microeconomic and macroeconomic approaches to solve business problems
• Build a sophisticated platform to facilitate data-driven insights for an organization
• Visualize data through industry software
• Advocate for ethical data collection, privacy and transparency

2. Innovate in a Changing Economy

The business intelligence market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2023 and 2038 . The emergence of big data and the introduction of advanced analytics makes professionals with a DBA in Business Intelligence essential for the modern workforce.

Pursuing a DBA in Business Intelligence can prepare you for new challenges and opportunities in business and government by teaching you how to:

• Develop a data-driven plan for implementing change in a government agency, business or nonprofit organization
• Use machine learning tools to create ethically sound applications of AI in a government or business environment
• Use traditional business models for product and service delivery via digital platforms

3. Commit to Ethical Leadership

Governance, privacy and data ethics are top-of-mind for leaders using data to drive organizational decisions. 

Leaders who operate from an ethical foundation create conscious businesses, protect consumers and gain respect and trust as a result. A DBA in Business Intelligence can prepare you to:

• Apply ethical theories to leadership challenges
• Develop an ethical governance strategy in the context of using tools and technologies like AI and data analysis
• Evaluate issues of trust, privacy and transparency from a business and policy perspective
• Research the ethical impacts and potential bias of AI applications

4. Apply Research to the Real World

The DBA in Business Intelligence is concerned with using research to address real-world issues. The final research project is specific and can be transferable in an organizational setting. DBA students completing their final project will select their topic and engage in the following:

• Use scientific thinking to design original business intelligent research
• Evaluate ethical considerations when conducting research and eliminate biases
• Integrate statistics and research methodology
• Communicate their findings verbally and visually, as well as in writing

Benefits of Studying a DBA in Business Intelligence 

Between a PhD and DBA, furthering your education in business intelligence will benefit you and the organization you work for in various areas. Enrolling in a DBA in BI empowers you to:

• Build connections with innovators in your field through an expansive network of alumni
• Upskill to meet the demands of organizational needs in the digital age
• Enter a higher salary bracket, experience faster career mobility and enjoy job security in an industry with a growing job outlook 
• Become an impactful leader in your industry or use your skills to explore new industries
• Prioritize ethics, privacy and moral leadership to create a better future for your team and your consumers

Advance Your Career With a DBA in Business Intelligence

If you believe a DBA is the right fit for you and your career goals, Marymount University’s online DBA in Business Intelligence program is the next step to advancing your career in a modern business landscape.

Marymount University’s online DBA in Business Intelligence program is an interdisciplinary program designed for working professionals that focuses on actionable research, agility in a changing economy and digital integration.

The program allows professionals to acquire theoretical business knowledge, learn management skills, improve their ability to make informed strategic decisions and network with thousands of like-minded professionals worldwide.

As a student, you can:

• Complete your DBA in three years online through a part-time, 36-credit-hour program
• Tailor your coursework to your goals and benefit from an engaged, supportive faculty
• Stay on the pulse of policy development in the digital age and gain direct insight into how government and business interact
• Join the Catholic educational commitment to serve others, commit to global engagement and uphold ethical, socially responsible leadership

Learn more about Marymount University’s online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence program .

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DBA vs PhD: What’s the difference in Business Administration?

• April 17, 2024

Table of Contents

Business education landscape is marked by two towering pillars: the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Business Administration . These degrees represent the zenith of academic and professional achievement in the business realm, yet they cater to distinct career paths and ambitions. So, let’s compare DBA vs PhD .

While both degrees are terminal , signifying the highest level of educational attainment in the field, they diverge significantly in purpose, structure, and outcome.

The Facts on DBA vs PhD:

• Research Focus : DBAs are for applied business problem-solving; PhDs aim to generate new theories.
• Career Goals : DBAs lead to executive roles; PhDs lead to academic careers.
• Flexibility : DBAs offer part-time options for working professionals; PhDs are full-time.
• Duration and Cost : DBAs are shorter and self-funded; PhDs are longer with potential funding.

DBA vs PhD: Academic Rigor and Research Focus

Both the DBA and PhD involve rigorous research and demand a high level of scholarly work. However, the nature of the research they entail differentiates them. 

The DBA is designed for applied research , focusing on real-world business problems and their solutions. This program is less about generating new theories and more about applying existing knowledge to enhance business practices.

Conversely, the PhD in Business Administration is theoretical and seeks to advance knowledge by developing new theories or refining existing ones. Its curriculum involves research methodologies and academic theory, preparing graduates for academic careers and scholarly research.

The best example of this difference is Doctoral Research Project that culminates the DBA program. This is significantly different from a dissertation, as it allows students to solve specific problems within organizations.

Career Trajectories and Professional Objectives

The career paths of DBA and PhD graduates often reflect the research focus of their respective programs. PhD holders typically pursue academic careers, contributing to the body of knowledge in business and training the next generation of scholars. Their work often involves publishing research and teaching at the university level.

On the other hand, DBA graduates are usually seasoned business professionals who leverage their advanced education to ascend to higher executive roles or consultancy. The DBA equips them with the tools to solve complex business issues, making them valuable assets in the corporate sphere.

DBA vs PhD: Program Delivery and Flexibility

The structure of DBA and PhD programs caters to the distinct needs of their candidates. PhD programs are immersive and full-time , often requiring students to forgo other employment to focus solely on their studies. Many institutions offering stipends and tuition waivers to facilitate this.

In contrast, DBA programs offer greater flexibility . They allow students to balance their studies with work and family commitments. DBA programs at CIU blend learning experiences, as they combine online and on-campus elements to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. 

Time Investment and Financial Considerations

If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a DBA , here at CIU, we design our doctorate programs to be completed within 2.5 years .

Typically, you can complete a DBA program in a shorter time frame than a PhD. The latter takes between six to ten years. This difference is partly due to the DBA’s focus on practical, problem-solving coursework relevant to current business practices.

Financially, the two programs also differ. PhD students often benefit from funding through fellowships, whereas DBA candidates are usually self-funded , which reflects the program’s orientation toward working professionals.

DBA vs PhD: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration depends on an individual’s career goals, lifestyle, and personal interests . Those inclined towards academic research, theory development, and teaching might find the PhD pathway more fulfilling. Meanwhile, the DBA route is better for business professionals aiming to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities and impact practical business operations.

Understanding the commonalities and differences between these two esteemed degrees is crucial for prospective students. Both degrees demand a high level of dedication and intellectual rigor and offer the potential to significantly advance one’s career in business, whether in the academic or corporate sphere.

In conclusion, choosing between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration is not just about selecting an academic program. It’s about charting a course for one’s future career and impact in the business world. 

When making this pivotal decision, prospective students should consider their long-term career aspirations and preferred research focus. Plus, the balance they wish to strike between professional work and academic study. With thorough research and self-reflection, deciding between DBA vs PhD can be a transformative step towards achieving one’s professional and academic goals.

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DBA vs. PhD in Business

Among doctoral degrees in business , prospective students can take two different paths: a PhD in business, or a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). To shed some light on just how common each degree is among AACSB-accredited  institutions, out of 251 accredited respondents to our 2014–15 Business School Questionnaire that reported doctoral business programs, 214 schools reported offering only PhDs, while 15 offer only DBAs, and 22 offer at least one of each. That further works out to a total of 883 distinct PhD programs and 54 DBA programs among the participating accredited schools. Clearly the PhD is the dominant doctoral degree type in this case, at about 94 percent.

What’s the Difference?

To gain a bit more perspective on what distinguishes these two degrees, I spoke with Praveen Parboteeah, who holds a PhD and is director of the DBA program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics . He says, “The market still sees PhDs as superior, as the level of in-depth specialization is necessary for more research-oriented institutions. However, DBAs are satisfying a critical niche whereby strong practitioners are trained in the rigors of scientific method and bring both practice and scholarly research to the university.” He believes that “DBAs will get more popular as programs gain more credibility.”

So if you’re among the ambitious souls seeking to go to the next level but aren’t sure which type of program to pursue, Parboteeah helps to provide an overarching distinction between the degrees by noting that DBAs “tend to typically be more practice oriented,” while PhDs are often more research oriented. Another notable difference, he says, is in the doctoral admissions process, where applicants to a DBA program “are expected to have a minimum number of years of high-level work experience.” At Wisconsin-Whitewater, applicants are required to have at least six years of professional experience, but Parboteeah has found that the average number of years of experience among applicants is actually much higher, at 19 years.

“The market still sees PhDs as superior, as the level of in-depth specialization is necessary for more research-oriented institutions. However, DBAs are satisfying a critical niche.”

This further means that applicants to the DBA have typically been out of school for a while, although some may have earned master’s degrees later in life after some career experience and then transitioned directly into the doctoral program. Those who earn PhDs in business tend to have more of a straight degree path, from bachelor’s to master’s to doctoral (or just bachelor’s to doctoral if a master’s isn’t required), without the professional experience, as their goal is often to teach and produce academic research.

As for the curriculum in each program, Parboteeah says, “Based on my experience with our program and the one at Kennesaw State University,” where he is on faculty as a senior global scholar, “I would say that DBAs are much more varied in nature compared to PhDs. Most PhDs offer a standardized curriculum where students are expected to become a specialist in one of the functional areas such as management, marketing, etc. However, DBAs can have a practical curriculum with the executive in mind.”

Doctoral Research: For What Purpose?

While both degree programs generally require a dissertation at the end of the degree, the research completed for each program can differ in nature. Parboteeah provides a couple examples of student research in his DBA program: “For instance, we have an individual whose expertise is on detection and prevention of money laundering. He is finding that there is a lot that has been done in economics that could be extremely useful for his work. We have another individual who is in healthcare administration and who is validating the patient satisfaction measure widely used in hospitals. These two examples show what DBA students bring to the table.” PhD research, on the other hand, is often more theoretical or conceptual in nature. The ideas that result from this work are studied by other professors and doctoral students.

End Goal: The Teaching Connection

What happens after doctoral students graduate from each degree? Because the PhD specifically prepares students for a career in academia, graduates of those programs often seek tenure-track faculty positions at colleges and universities, but other options include researchers or business consultants. DBA graduates have similar aspirations. According to Parboteeah, many of the practitioner-graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater program “want to have some connection with universities.” That may mean teaching one class per semester, while remaining in the workforce. Parboteeah says that “practitioners see it as a way to give back to their communities.” However, he notes of DBAs, “we also have others who have extensive work experience but want to transition to academia.” He even says that the majority of students in his program want to make that transition.

PhD vs. DBA: Takeaways

• At the completion of both degrees, you get to put that coveted “Dr.” prefix before your name
• PhDs are typically research oriented, while DBAs are practice oriented
• Admission to a DBA program often requires years of professional experience
• Both degrees generally require a dissertation, though the type of research you do may vary greatly
• Both degrees can earn you a faculty position

As always, when searching for a business school program, prospective students should seek as much information as possible—especially from the program itself—in order to make the best-informed decision.