Are you a working professional in the business administration field and want to advance by obtaining a Ph.D in Business Administration? Though is it a very financially draining and time-consuming venture, it offers many rewards. A doctorate in business administration can land you roles in top companies which means higher pay and job security.
Should you enroll for a doctorate in business administration? The answer to this question is entirely up to you. You have to weigh the pros and cons of obtaining this degree and if the pro outweighs the cons, you can go for it.
Having decided to enroll in a DBA, the next step is to find the school that fits your academic needs. How do you do this? Consider your preferred concentration tracks, accreditation status, the cost of each school, and proximity to your residence. Having considered these factors, you can choose a college from our list of the best doctorate in business administration programs that suits your needs.
Below are the top doctorate in business administration programs.
Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs
1. Northcentral University
Northcentral University established in 1996, offers online degrees in different disciplines including a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). In this program, students learn to solve organizational problems and implement effective solutions.
Within the DBA program, students can specialize in areas like project management, health services, financial management, or organizational leadership. There are also unique concentrations available, such as policy or industrial/organizational psychology and homeland security leadership.
Prospective students are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission. The DBA program at Northcentral University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The cost per credit is $442 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
2. Northwood University
Northwood University is a private university that was founded in 1959 is a university that offers programs mainly focused on business including a Doctorate in Business Administration. This program teaches students how to solve real-world problems using business theories.
The program spans three years, which includes three residencies(one per year). This allows students to connect with other students and share ideas and discoveries. This program is accredited by the Council for Business Schools and Programs. The average cost of this program per credit is $1,250 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
3. Baker College
Baker College is a private university located in Michigan, it was established in 1911. This college offers quite several programs at all levels including a doctorate in Business Administration. This program is offered 100 percent online for students who need flexibility.
In this program, students are instructed to use a blend of doctoral coursework with independent study to help develop their knowledge of business theories and techniques. This will in turn equip them to solve real-world problems using business theories and principles.
Students are required to complete a professional residency and a research-based dissertation as part of the graduation requirements. This doctorate in business administration program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. The average cost of this program per credit is $750 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
4. Cambridge College
Cambridge College offers one of the best doctorates in Business administration with a focus on quality systems and improvement management (QSIM). Students learn how to use business theories to solve real-world business issues, they are also given rigorous training on how to improve businesses.
Students are required to conduct independent research and write a dissertation as part of their graduation requirements. This best doctorate in Business Administration program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The average cost of this program per credit is $705 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
5. Franklin University
Franklin University located in Columbus, Ohio was established in 1901. Today, it offers hundreds of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels including a doctorate in business administration. The doctorate in business administration offered by this institution comes with concentrations like human resources and health informatics.
The online Doctor of Business Administration program also offers specializations in public administration, information technology, and instructional design leadership. This program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The cost of this program per credit $is 7is 48 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
6. Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University is a Florida-based liberal arts college. This college offers a doctorate in business administration that can be taken entirely online. You can choose from concentrations in management, accounting, finance, or healthcare leadership.
This institution offers you mentorship and guidance throughout your studies. This doctorate program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The average cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students ranges from $1,320-$1,500.
7. Cleveland State University
At Cleveland University, you can obtain your doctorate in business administration online without visiting the campus for classes. This program offers specialization in information systems, marketing, global business, or management.
Since this program is offered in a cohort format, students will collaborate to conduct research and work on assignments. This program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The average cost of this program per credit is $632 for in-state students and $916 for out-of-state students.
8. Concordia University-Chicago
Concordia University Chicago established in 1864, is a private Lutheran university. This college offers several academic programs including one of the best doctorate in business administration programs. This program is offered in the online format allowing students to work full time while pursuing their studies.
Students in this program learn to utilize the classroom lessons to solve real-world problems. Students must participate in three residences on campus to allow them to interact and share their ideas with their peers.
This program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. In-state and out-of-state students are charged the same tuition fee per credit ( $945).
9. Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Keiser University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was established in 1977. Today, it offers one of the best doctorate in business administration programs that incorporates classroom learning with hands-on learning. Students enrolled in this program are taught rigorously on how to apply classroom theories to solve real-world problems.
Students enrolled in this program are required to participate in two residencies. Applicants for this program must submit their master’s degree to be eligible for admission. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The cost of tuition per year for this college is $31,712 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
10. Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) located in Harrogate, Tennessee was founded in 1897. The doctorate in business administration offered at this college offers concentrations in marketing and management. At the end of the program, students will be equipped with communication and analytical skills. These skills will in turn help them to become leaders in the world of business.
Prospective students are required to submit a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and a master’s with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This program is duly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This program costs $740 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Average Cost of a Doctorate in Business Administration
The average cost of getting a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) varies. This depends on the type of institutions you choose and other factors. It usually falls somewhere between $30,000 to $100,000 or even more. But remember, this cost does not cover everything like books or extra fees. Financial aid and scholarships might help offset some of the costs.
Upsides and Downsides of Getting a Doctorate in Business Administration: Is it Worth it?
In everything we do as humans, there are downsides and upsides. It is left for us to decide if the venture is worth it or not. Below are some of the pros and cons of pursuing a doctorate in business administration:-
Upsides
- As a doctorate in business administration graduate, you hold the highest academic qualification in your field and this can help you get top jobs.
- A DBA leads to better jobs and more money, especially in leadership roles.
- This doctorate will help you foster connections with other top professionals in the field, which will in turn help your career.
- Earning a DBA can advance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Downsides
- Doctorate in Business Administration programs take a long time and can cost a lot of money.
- While you are studying, you might miss out on job opportunities or money you could have earned.
- In some jobs, having a DBA might not make a big difference compared to having a master’s degree or lots of experience.
- Your research might be very specialized, which could limit your job options.
We have provided you with some of the upsides and downsides of pursuing this program, it is now left for you to weigh the pros and cons and make your decision.
What To Expect in A Doctorate in Business Administration Program
In a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program, you will study advanced business topics and conduct research. Here is what to expect:-
- You get to take high-level courses in areas like management, finance, and marketing.
- You will learn how to conduct research in business and work on your research project.
- Most schools offer students the opportunity to focus on a specific area of business, like finance or marketing.
- Students will be taught to work on real-world business projects to apply what they have learned.
- Students are required to write a dissertation and defend same as part of their graduation requirement.
Employment Outlook for a Doctorate in Business Administration
The employment outlook for individuals with a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is generally positive, with opportunities available in various sectors and industries. Here is what to expect:-
- With a doctorate in BA, you could land top executive jobs like CEO or CFO.
- Some DBA graduates work as consultants, helping companies with their business strategies.
- If you are passionate about teaching, you can become a professor or researcher at a university, teaching business classes and doing research.
- With a DBA, you could start your own business and use your knowledge to make it successful.
- There are also jobs in government or nonprofit organizations where you can use your business skills to help others.
Accreditation For Doctorate Business Administration
Attending a college with accreditation ensures that the education provided meets recognized quality standards. Look for programs accredited by recognized bodies like:-
- AACSB International: Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is widely regarded as a hallmark of excellence in business education.
- ACBSP: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs focuses on teaching excellence and student learning outcomes in business education.
- IACBE: The International Accreditation Council for Business Education emphasizes student outcomes and continuous improvement in business education.