What is a DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration)
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A DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) is one of the highest-level academic business degrees you can pursue.
It typically requires a Master’s degree and several years of work experience.
Learn more about DBA programmes around the world and how they can help advance to executive roles, entrepreneurship, or C-suite positions.
A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is one of the highest-level academic business degrees. Typically pursued after a Bachelor's degree, a business-focused Master’s like an MBA, and several years of professional experience, DBAs are designed for seasoned professionals aiming to deepen their expertise and pursue executive-level roles.
Like all Doctorate degrees, the DBA also includes an intensive research project, but this project focuses on applying research to real-life business contexts, rather than developing new theories. For example, a DBA candidate working in HR might investigate how leadership styles influence employee experience in multinational companies.
Most DBA programmes take between three to six years and often offer flexible, part-time options to accommodate working professionals.
DBA programmes combine advanced-level business coursework with original research. Early in the programme, students complete core modules covering business theory, research ethics, and organisational culture. This academic foundation supports the next phase in the students’ journey: researching a topic aligned with their professional goals.
DBA degree jobs often include executive-level roles such as CEO, CFO, CMO, and VP. Graduates can also take on high-level research, analysis, and management roles.
Here are the core skills and outcomes of a DBA:
Strategic thinking and decision-making
Specialisation in a certain business topic through the research project
Leadership and management skills
Advanced research and data analysis skills
Interpretation and presentation of complex findings
Advanced leadership and management expertise
Research design and data analysis
Together, these skills increase graduates’ earning potential, contribute to their credibility, and expand their network of business professionals.
Popular disciplines for a DBA
You can find DBA programmes in different business-related subjects, such as Marketing, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Here are more examples:
DBA in Marketing
With a DBA in Marketing, graduates can pursue high-level marketing roles like Chief Marketing Officer or Vice President of Marketing. In some programmes, it’s also possible to specialise further in a certain area of marketing, such as quantitative marketing, consumer research, or branding. Find DBA degrees in Marketing
DBA in Finance
A DBA in Finance is a good fit for mid or senior-level finance professionals looking to transition into higher-level roles such as Chief Financial Officer or finance director. Find DBA degrees in Finance
DBA in Leadership
Depending on the university and programme, a DBA in Leadership focuses on organisational behaviour, corporate culture, and change management.
Project management involves many complex processes, such as budgeting, delegating tasks, and tracking progress. By pursuing a DBA, students explore project failures, successes, and strategies through research. Find DBA degrees in Project Management
DBA in Strategic Management
With a DBA in Strategic Management, students become well-equipped in designing and implementing high-level business strategies backed by research. For example, someone working at a retail company might research how pricing strategies affect customer loyalty. They can then use the research insights to create new strategies that will drive customer loyalty. Find DBA degrees in Strategic Management
DBA in Entrepreneurship
With the advanced research skills of a DBA in Entrepreneurship, future entrepreneurs will be prepared to identify trends, generate ideas, and assess risk. Besides starting their own businesses, graduates can also take on consulting roles for startups or business owners. Find DBA degrees in Entrepreneurship
DBA in International Business
A DBA in International Business typically analyses the inner workings of cross-cultural management, global market trends, and international trade policies. These are must-know topics for professionals aiming for executive-level roles in multinational firms. Find DBA degrees in International Business
Popular destinations for DBA
DBA degrees are most common in the USA and the UK, but you can also find them in other destinations like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
DBA in the USA
DBA programmes in the USA often follow flexible schedules and take place in the evenings or at weekends. This way, working professionals can easily join classes. Programmes typically require a Master’s degree and a significant amount of work experience. Find DBA degrees in the USA
DBA in the UK
In the UK, DBA programmes offer both full-time and part-time options. The first years will likely include lectures and coursework, preparing students for their final year research project. This project will be related to students’ professional backgrounds and career goals. Find DBA degrees in the UK
DBA in New Zealand
Institutions like the University of Otago offer DBA programmes in New Zealand. These programmes include modules on organisational psychology, sustainable business, and decision-making, preparing students to complete their research projects. Find DBA degrees in New Zealand
DBA in Canada
You can find DBA degrees in several Canadian institutions, such as the Royal Roads University and Athabasca University. To apply, you’ll need around five years of work experience and a globally recognised Master’s degree. Find DBA degrees in Canada
DBA in Australia
Similar to other countries, Australian DBAs are also designed for experienced business professionals. Graduates can pursue careers in research, consulting, policy-making, business analysis, and more. Find DBA degrees in Australia
DBA vs PhD: What’s the difference?
The biggest difference between DBA and PhD, although they’re both Doctorate degrees, is the research focus. A DBA focuses on applied research related to businesses, such as how to improve a startup’s marketing strategies or optimise team communication. A PhD, on the other hand, focuses on theoretical research, aiming to contribute original knowledge to a certain academic field.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Level
Doctorate
Doctorate
Types of degrees offered
Business-related fields
All fields
Entry requirements
Relevant Master’s degree and several years of work experience
Relevant Master’s degree
Duration
Typically 3-6 years (as it’s common to pursue it part-time)
Typically 3-4 years
Type of research involved
Applied research, focusing on real-life business problems
Theoretical research, aiming to develop a new theory or bring an original approach to an existing theory
Typical career paths
Senior business leadership roles, consulting, entrepreneurship
Academic career or research positions
As a result, a DBA is better for business professionals looking to level up in their careers, and a PhD is for those who want to pursue academic careers. Here is a side-by-side comparison of both degrees:
DBA vs MBA: What’s the difference?
DBA is a Doctorate-level degree, and MBA is a Master’s level degree. This means that a DBA is one step above an MBA. Learn more in the table below:
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Level
Doctorate
Master’s
Focus
Business-related fields
Business-related fields
Entry requirements
Relevant Master’s degree and 5-7 years of work experience
Any Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of work experience
Duration
Typically 3-6 years
Typically 1-2 years
Focus
Preparing for high-level business positions, mainly through research
Strengthening business skills, mainly through courses
Typical career paths
Senior business leadership roles, consulting, entrepreneurship
Mid-to-senior management roles, leadership positions across industries
In conclusion…
A DBA focuses on equipping students with excellent research skills to solve real-world business problems. That’s why it’s ideal for experienced business professionals who are ready to take the next step in their careers and pursue an executive-level role.
A DBA usually takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time, and how quickly you progress through your research.
How to get a DBA
To apply for a DBA, you typically need a Master’s in Business or a related field, several years of professional experience, and a clear research interest that addresses real-world business challenges.
Can I get a DBA part-time?
Yes, most DBA programmes are designed for working professionals and are offered part-time, with flexible schedules and weekend or evening classes.
How much does a DBA cost?Costs vary widely by university and location. DBA tuition can range from €10,000 to over €50,000 for the full programme. Scholarships or employer sponsorships may be available.
