PhD vs. DBA - what's the difference?

Business professionals who want to advance their careers to higher levels of leadership, strategy, or expertise might consider earning an advanced degree. In business administration, there are two options for terminal-level degrees: a PhD in Business Administration or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

Both a PhD and a DBA are doctoral-level programs offered at business schools and universities around the world. And both allow aspiring executives to expand their knowledge, hone their skills, and achieve excellence in their fields.

While the PhD is relatively well-known as a terminal degree, many students are less familiar with the DBA. Here we outline what a DBA is, what it entails, the career expectations of graduates, and how it compares to a traditional PhD in Business Administration.

What is a DBA?

A DBA is a Doctor of Business Administration, a professional doctorate in the world of business, administration, and management. It is one of the highest levels of qualification available in these fields of study.

DBA programs combine discussion of advanced management theory and practice with training in methods and skills required to conduct doctoral research in business and administration.

Where can I study for a DBA?

DBA programs are often available at business schools or attached to research universities. Students study for a DBA via distance learning and part-time, enabling students to work while learning.

DBA programs originated in North America, like the MBA, but are available in Europe and the rest of the world.

What is taught in a DBA program?

DBA programs build on the knowledge gained in a master's degree in business, or from a professional career in business administration. DBA candidates will be experienced business professionals who want to gain the skills to be better problem-solvers and business leaders.

DBA students will complete coursework outlining in-depth quantitative and qualitative research methods and business theory applied to global change, decision-making, and leadership.

DBA programs help candidates to combine professional experience with scientific research methods and theory, preparing them to write and effectively defend a dissertation that provides new insights and pathways on practical business problems.

DBA students conduct research with precise business applications, thus helping working professionals with practical experience apply theory and knowledge to everyday business issues. It prepares executive managers to become business leaders.

DBA programs are comprised of two parts

DBA part 1:

The first section is 2 years long and covers the degree's taught elements and coursework. Many specialist business management topics include market theory, resource partitioning, and organizational development. These first two years provide you with advanced business knowledge and develop your research and analytical skills to prepare for your research project.

DBA part 2:

The second part of a DBA involves a research project and dissertation. You can undertake your research project for the remaining 2 to 5 years.

You must produce a dissertation or thesis for your research project, outlining your methods and results and discussing your research findings. You must defend your work during an oral examination known as a viva voce or defense.

During your degree, you'll have several opportunities to present your research at conferences, universities, and related organizations.

Typical concentrations in DBA programs

Depending on your school, you may have to select a concentration within your DBA program. Some universities allow students to incorporate areas of interest they want to study into their research, creating a built-in focus to address needs and goals.

Business management

You will study methods for implementing change and managing people and projects for roles as a department or division manager, executive, or consultant.

Healthcare management or leadership

You will examine systems, regulations, and laws specific to the healthcare sector, preparing you for hospital administrator roles, facility directors, or executives.

Accounting and finance

You will learn about investments and topics for careers as a chief financial officer, finance analyst, or finance manager.

You will also learn about tools to help implement financial modelling, analysis, and decision-making used by financial analysts, CEOs, CFOs, and consultants.

How to choose a DBA program?

DBA programs vary widely in quality; students should research programs before choosing them.

Unlike MBAs, there are few rankings for DBA programs by recognized organizations. In 2025, the European Economic Committee presented a Global Ranking of DBA programs in Europe. And the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration Council (EDBAC) offers a comparative tool for DBA programs. However, in general, DBA admissions staff advise prospective candidates to investigate whether DBA degrees are accredited by one or more of the following accreditation bodies:

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

It is also wise to establish if the academic institution is part of EDBAC.

DBA candidates who learn best with in-person interaction should ask about this. Business schools can vary in the amount of face time vs. online learning, which may be especially important if you want to network with other executives or if commuting to school is an issue. Also, check the number of face-to-face residencies required each year.

Online lectures and seminars can be valuable, as can conversations with other students in your DBA program and alumni. Candidates need to establish the most aspects of a DBA program by researching the degree structure, curriculum, cost, and reputation.

DBA admission requirements

Entry to a DBA will typically require extensive work experience and relevant academic qualifications.

You should typically have the following:

• An MBA or other relevant master's degree.
• Significant professional experience, ideally in senior leadership or management roles (most universities will specify a minimum of three years).
• Evidence of a promising research project related to the interests and expertise of the university or business school you are applying to.

Will I need a GMAT or GRE?

The GRE and GMAT are standard admission exams for graduate programs, but are rarely required for DBA applications. Your professional experience or previous experience is enough to demonstrate your aptitude. A GMAT score is helpful if you need the right MBA.

Do you need an MBA to get a DBA?

Academic requirements can be flexible: you may be admitted to a DBA without an MBA (or other master's) based on significant professional experience. However, a large portion of DBA candidates hold MBAs or equivalent graduate degrees.

Is a DBA the same as a PhD in Business Administration?

DBAs differ from PhDs in business administration, and many colleges offer both. DBAs are usually part-time and designed to strengthen professional and methodological skills. A PhD in business administration is typically oriented towards students looking to pursue academic careers in the business field, usually teaching and scholarship, or non-academic roles requiring knowledge in research techniques.

What is the difference between a PhD and a DBA?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is an academic degree that requires the completion of a dissertation and focuses on research, theory, and methodologies. A DBA, or Doctor of Business Administration, is an executive-level professional degree focused on practical business applications and problem-solving. It is a practice-based doctorate aligned better with individuals wanting to progress to higher-level management roles. It is not aimed at candidates wishing to pursue a career in academia.

A DBA involves learning and applying business theory to resolve real-world business problems; candidates are likely to work in the industry and do not want to teach full-time in academia, though they may want to teach as adjunct professors.

A PhD in Business involves identifying and filling gaps in business theory and research. Typically, PhD students progress to become professors at a university or researchers.

PhD vs. DBA: prerequisites

One big difference between PhDs and DBAs is the prerequisites for admission. Below, we outline what you need to have learned before applying to either program.

PhD perquisites:

Most universities require PhD applicants to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a master's degree. Some may also require students to complete additional courses or exams before being accepted into their program.

DBA perquisites:

Applicants must typically have an undergraduate degree in business and a master's degree in some specialized business area. However, you can still be accepted into a DBA program without a relevant master's degree by demonstrating why you are a strong DBA candidate through your professional working experience.

Many universities will also require you to prepare and submit a short research proposal as part of your application. A proposal outlines the research project you want to pursue in your degree.

Like PhD programs, you might need to pass language requirements if the language of the program is not your first language.

PhD vs. DBA: research scope

A significant difference between a PhD and a DBA is the research topic. A Ph.D. candidate selects a research project of theoretical value to the academic field. A DBA candidate chooses a research project with a practical application to the business environment.

This means that while the research topic for a PhD will center around a gap in knowledge of existing theories, a DBA will usually focus on developing an innovative approach or taking an innovative take on an existing one.

DBA students typically choose research topics based on real-life scenarios they are facing or have faced. This is different from a PhD student, wherethe research topic usually centers on an issue they don't have first-hand experience in.

PhD vs DBA: program length and structure

Both PhDs and DBAs usually take 4 to 7 years to complete. Most DBA students need 6 years, while PhD students might complete their programs in 4 to 5 years of full-time study.

DBA students tend to be working professionals, so many DBA degree programs are part-time courses via 'distant learning.' PhD programs are mostly full-time programs, and PhD students may be based on campus. In most cases, PhDs have little or no taught components, while DBAs have many tutor-led modules.

PhD vs. DBA: Tuition Fees

A DBA degree in the USA typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the program. This depends on the state, university, tuition fees, and any other costs associated with attending the program, such as accommodation and travel expenses. Online DBAs may be less expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. In some cases, tuition fees for DBA programs may be covered by the student's employer.

PhD programs tend to be more affordable, with the average cost of a full-time PhD around $28,000 to $55,000, depending on the field of study and university. PhD programs may also have more funding opportunities, like scholarships, studentships, and fellowships. Many PhD students hold instructional or research roles to offset the cost of their PhD tuition.

Differences in PhD and DBA program outcomes

Many PhD graduates progress into an academic career as a researcher or a professor. PhD graduates are expected to contribute to their field by publishing their insights in academic journals, books, and other professional publications.

DBA graduates tend to step into leadership roles in the corporate world or in government. They use the practical business skills they have learned through their DBA in their management styles.

PhD vs. DBA: salaries

Both PhD and DBA graduates can expect to earn substantial salaries, and at first glance, the salary expectations are similar.

In general, DBA graduates can expect to earn more than PhD graduates, as the former focuses on practical skills in business management, which gives them an advantage in the professional world. DBA graduates are thus considered well-placed for executive management and director roles.

In the USA, the average CEO salary is about $250,000 per year, with salaries ranging from $200,000 to over $1,000,000. Executive salaries may also include benefits like profit sharing, stock options, and bonuses.

A PhD degree gives graduates applied research skills and teaches them to use theoretical practices and understand and develop management concepts. Thus, they are well suited to academic and research careers.

In the USA, academic salaries depend on factors like university, tenure status, and location, but the average business professor salary is usually between $80,000 and $200,000 per year.

Careers for DBA graduates

A DBA boosts career prospects. It will provide intense, practical training that can be applied to management roles in various sectors. Here are some examples:

Management consultant

Sometimes known as management analysts, this role helps businesses improve their operations and efficiency through ideas for streamlining working practices, increasing revenue, or reducing costs.

Market research analyst

As a market research analyst, you will investigate the products and services that have consumer demand.

Economist

Economists conduct research, monitor economic trends, and perform data analysis to understand how society distributes resources.

C-level executive

High-level executives oversee the operational direction of an organization. They design policies and strategies to ensure their companies meet their business objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Ph.D. and DBA programs have unique advantages that prospective students should consider carefully when deciding which best meets their needs. PhDs offer intense research experience but require several years of study, while DBAs are shorter in duration but provide greater focus on professional working experience and post-program career prospects. Whatever your choice is, make sure it's the right one for you.