Interested in taking your business education to new heights? In the right doctor of business administration (DBA) program, business professionals may build the competencies and skills needed to discover unique solutions to business problems, develop socially responsible business strategies, and apply emerging theories and trends to their everyday work.
Understanding the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree
What exactly is a DBA, what does this type of program entail, and who is the best fit for this type of degree?
H3: What Is a DBA, and How Does It Differ From a PhD or MBA?
A doctor of business administration is a terminal degree in business. Compared to a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in business, a DBA is more centered on enhancing applied research and practice-based skills that business leaders need to think, problem-solve, and make decisions strategically.
How long does a DBA degree take? Many DBA programs consist of anywhere from approximately 50 to 60 credit hours, with students finishing around the three-year mark (although this may vary depending on enrollment status and other factors).
Who Should Consider Earning a DBA?
Experienced business professionals who have a minimum of a master’s degree in a related field, such as a master of business administration (MBA) and significant management/leadership experience may want to consider earning a DBA. This is especially true for those who may be interested in refining their leadership skills, enhancing their decision-making processes, and deepening their understanding of the business realm as a whole.
Key Benefits of Earning a DBA
There are numerous reasons to consider pursuing a DBA — from new opportunities on your career path to building upon essential skills that you may be able to immediately apply to your current work.
Pursuing Leadership and Executive Roles
Many professionals who earn a DBA do so as a means of building the specialized skills that may be needed to pursue advanced roles. Having a DBA alone does not guarantee any specific job in the field. Others might pursue roles in academia, research, or business consultancy.
Enhancing Research and Analytical Skills
Strong research and analytical skills are essential in today’s dynamic business world, and a DBA program includes dedicated coursework to help professionals develop these competencies with opportunities for practical, hands-on application. With research and analytical abilities in place, DBA graduates may be better positioned to make informed decisions, solve problems effectively, and engage in long-term strategic planning for their organizations.
Choosing the Right DBA Program in the United States
There is no shortage of options when it comes to DBA programs at colleges and universities across the United States. The key is to find the program that best suits your needs and offers a curriculum designed to set you up with important leadership and management skills.
Online vs. On-Campus DBA Programs
Consider, too, that you may not be limited only to DBA programs that are offered by schools in your immediate area. Many colleges and universities have degree programs available in a convenient, 100% online format. This type of program could be ideal for busy, working professionals who do not want to put other aspects of their lives on hold while pursuing a terminal degree. Oftentimes, these programs are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to work at their own pace without the need to attend set class meeting times.
Of course, some students may prefer the face-to-face contact of an in-person learning arrangement. Ultimately, the learning format that is right for you depends on your lifestyle needs and personal preferences.
Admission Requirements for DBA Programs
How can you get a doctorate in business administration? Some basic admission requirements are applicable across most programs. However, be sure to check with the specific program you are considering to learn about any specific admission requirements that might apply.
Educational and Professional Background
For most DBA programs, applicants may need to have a minimum of a master’s degree in a business-related field (like an MBA). Many programs may also require a certain level of experience and expertise in the leadership or management side of the field. Preference may be given to applicants with at least three years of experience in such roles.
In some cases, applicants may qualify for admission without a business-related master’s degree — though they would need to complete certain prerequisites.
Standardized Tests and Application Documents
In addition to meeting certain qualification requirements, applicants of a DBA program may need to submit scores from certain standardized tests, too, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Meanwhile, international students might need to submit English proficiency test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS). However, keep in mind these requirements may vary greatly from one program to the next.
It is also common for DBA programs to require that applicants submit:
- Official transcripts from previous school(s)
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- A resume
Curriculum and Coursework for DBA Students
For those wondering, “How long does a DBA take?” some programs comprise up to 60 credit hours, which may be broken into core courses and specialty courses. For most professionals taking classes full time, this would take around three years to complete.
Core Courses in Business Administration
Core coursework in business administration may vary from program to program. The DBA program at Post University, for instance, entails 50 credits — or as few as 47 for students not required to take Business Essentials — and the following core (required) courses:
- Business Essentials (three credits)
- Organizational Development (three credits)
- Management Theories and Frameworks (three credits)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (three credits)
- Data-Driven Decision Making in Business (three credits)
Along with this core coursework, DBA students are also required to complete:
- Research courses (nine credits)
- Dissertation in practice courses (at least 12 credits)
- Residency courses (two credits)
With the option to pursue a specialization in leadership if they choose:
- Leadership specialty courses (12 credits)
Specialization and Elective Options
Additionally, DBA programs may offer different areas of specialization or concentration, enabling students to customize their education to meet their goals. Depending on the niche you choose, additional courses and seminars may be required.
At Post University, we offer a leadership specialty that explores innovation in the digital age and principles of virtuous leadership, plus current and emerging issues for contemporary businesses. Totaling 12 credits, these classes include:
- Innovation Leadership in the Digital Age
- Seminar in Leadership and Change Management
- Seminar in Virtuous Leadership
- Seminar in Current Issues in Leadership
Understanding the Dissertation Process
A dissertation is a central aspect of DBA programs, giving professionals an opportunity to choose and research a topic of their interest within the field — and contribute meaningfully to the discourse.
Selecting and Proposing a Research Topic
At Post University, DBA students are required to complete 12 credits of a Dissertation in Practice. This includes a three-credit Project Proposal course, which presents the opportunity to work independently with their chair to craft a suitable proposal until it is accepted.
Dissertation Defense and Publication
From there, DBA students move on to the Doctoral Study Project. During this time, they work alongside their chair on their dissertations, ultimately defending and publishing them with the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Financing Your DBA Degree
Cost is a key factor when deciding on a DBA program, so there are certain factors to take into consideration as you explore degree options.
Tuition Costs and Fee Structure
Doctoral program tuition is typically charged per credit hour. These costs may vary greatly (and might change slightly from year to year) but may be expected to hover around $800 to $1,000 per credit hour; for instance, the DBA at Post University is $809 per credit as of 2026. Aside from tuition costs, students pursuing a DBA should factor in fees, too, including application and enrollment fees.
Scholarships, Grants, and Employer Assistance
If cost could be a barrier to you pursuing your DBA, the good news is that options are available that could lessen your financial burden. Consider applying for scholarships and grants — whether through your school directly, the government, or private organizations. Because you do not have to pay scholarships and grants back (except in rare circumstances), these are ideal for DBA students.
Some employers may also offer some level of tuition assistance for those pursuing advanced degrees in their respective fields. If you are currently employed, speak with your human resources team about whether this could be an option for you.
Potential Paths After Earning a DBA
Now that you know how to get a doctor of business administration, you might wonder what comes next after you earn your degree.
Although holding a DBA alone does not guarantee a certain job in the field, a DBA may help business professionals hone the core competencies and skills valued in diverse types of roles — including those at the executive leadership and organizational management levels.
Those interested in a career pivot might consider exploring academic/research and consultancy options with a DBA as well.
Academic and Teaching Options
With an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, DBA-educated professionals may be suited to make the transition into academic and teaching roles. This might mean pursuing a position as a researcher for a college or university, where you may contribute meaningfully to the business field. Or you might explore the possibility of teaching business classes at the college level, inspiring the next generation of business professionals to leave their mark.
Consulting and Industry Leadership Roles
In addition, DBA graduates might proceed to work in business consultancy positions, where they are responsible for helping businesses plan strategically and solve complex problems. This type of role may be well-suited for professionals looking for a change of pace, including those who may want to start their own consulting business or work on a freelance basis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Have additional questions about how to get a doctor of business administration or what to expect from the process? We provide quick answers to some of the most common inquiries below.
How long does it take to complete a DBA program?
Time to completion depends on many factors, including enrollment status (part- or full-time). At Post University, our DBA consists of 47 to 50 credits and takes an average of three years to complete. Other programs may comprise up to 60 credit hours.
Could I pursue a DBA while working full-time?
Yes, it is possible to pursue a DBA while working full-time — and many students do. The online DBA program format may help working professionals balance their professional, academic, and personal commitments while receiving personalized support every step of the way.
What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD in Business?
A DBA is more focused on teaching professionals the practical, career-ready skills needed in leadership and senior management roles, whereas a PhD tends to be more geared toward business professionals who are interested in transitioning to a career in academia.
Are online DBA degrees respected by employers?
Generally, yes, employers do not tend to distinguish starkly between online and in-person DBA degrees. For many employers, the main priority is that the DBA degree comes from a reputable and accredited school.
What careers are available after earning a DBA?
After earning their DBAs, professionals may choose to pursue executive leadership, business consultancy, or even academic/teaching roles in the field.
Could a DBA Program Be Right for You?
If you have a master’s degree under your belt plus at least a few years of experience in a leadership or management position, then it may be time to pursue a terminal degree in the form of a DBA. No matter if you want to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills or are interested in pivoting into business consultancy or research/academia, the right DBA program could help you build invaluable core competencies relevant in the business realm and establish yourself as a respected thought leader.
At Post University, our Doctor of Business Administration program is offered entirely online for added convenience and flexibility for our busy students, many of whom are working full-time jobs and tackling other responsibilities. With an option to specialize in leadership, students have the chance to tailor their education to meet their unique goals and interests.
Drop us a line today to learn more about our DBA program, or take the next step by starting your application for admission now.
