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Management jobs pay the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.
While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school. With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you'll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.
Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?
- You'll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
- An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
- You'll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
- You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
- Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
- You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.
Did You Know?
Business is one of the most popular graduate degrees — nearly a quarter of all master's degrees awarded in 2020 were in business. Compared to those with a master's degree, the median salary for those with a doctorate is around $17,000 higher per year. Professionals with a doctorate report the lowest unemployment rate for any education level.
Get More Options With Our Featured Business Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs
Accreditation matters when you're choosing an online doctoral program in business.
Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.
A school's accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.
When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are two accrediting agencies for graduate business programs to look for:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | Ph.D. in Business |
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Top 5 Online Business Ph.D. and DBA Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
#1 The 5 Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baker College stands out as a leader in online, doctoral-level education. Its doctor of business administration equips learners with industry-relevant skills and knowledge suitable for future careers in academia, research, and management. A doctorate commonly serves as the highest level of education available in the business arena.
Based on their scheduling needs, online doctoral candidates can pursue full-time or part-time study. Learners can complete their degree in 4-6 years, with the option for extended study with further funding. Degree-seekers' work culminates in a dissertation, which contributes original research to their field.
Baker College at a Glance:
Location: Owosso, Michigan
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 73%
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,510
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,510
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 89%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#2 The 5 Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking to advance in the business field can enroll in Concordia University-Chicago's online doctor of business administration. The program is one of the college's nine online doctoral programs. Upon graduation, degree-holders possess the highest level of education available in the field.
The online program accommodates full-time or part-time enrollment. The average time from enrollment to degree completion is 4-6 years. The program requires that candidates complete a dissertation and contribute original research to the field.
Concordia University-Chicago at a Glance:
Location: River Forest, Illinois
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,910
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $8,910
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#3 The 5 Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global supports three online doctoral programs from its main campus in Marion. Enrollees pursuing a doctor of business administration gain preparation for advanced careers through rigorous study, comprehensive exams, and industry-relevant coursework. After earning a doctorate, graduates attain the highest educational level in the field.
Online doctoral candidates benefit from a flexible course format that may allow them to work full time while earning their degree. A doctorate typically takes 4-6 years to complete, though part-time enrollment may take longer. Candidates contribute original research to their field through independent projects and their dissertation.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global at a Glance:
Location: Marion, Indiana
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,083
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,083
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 85%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#4 The 5 Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a doctorate at your own pace? Consider one of the flexible online degrees at University of the Cumberlands. The Ph.D. in business program is one of the college's four online doctoral programs. Students gain competency in research and writing, gaining skills needed for an academic career.
Doctoral candidates can pursue full-time or part-time study in the online program. The average time from enrollment to degree completion is 4-6 years. Doctoral students build comprehensive business and complete a dissertation that adds original research to their field.
University of the Cumberlands at a Glance:
Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 80%
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,670
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $5,670
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#5 The 5 Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Wilmington University hosts four online doctoral programs, including a top-ranked doctor of business administration. The program prepares students for the demands of an advanced career through intensive study, coursework, and research. Enrollees also gain skills and knowledge transferrable to research or management positions.
The online program can be modified to suit learners' needs. Though program duration varies, doctoral candidates typically complete their degrees in 4-6 years. Doctoral students gain comprehensive knowledge in business and complete a dissertation that adds original research to their field.
Wilmington University at a Glance:
Location: New Castle, Delaware
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,784
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $8,784
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 63%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?
General application Official transcripts from all colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate) Test scores, usually from the GMAT or GRE Letters of recommendation Resume Statement(s) of purpose
How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Business Cost?
Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.
Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you're full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.
The main factors that affect how much you'll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:
- The length of your program
- Whether you enroll in a private or public school
- How much financial aid you qualify for
- Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
- Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.
Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you're eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.
In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.
Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From
Accounting Business Administration Entrepreneurship Finance Hospitality and Tourism Management Management Information Systems Marketing Operations
How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?
With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.
As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $179,520 | -7% |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 | 7% |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 | 7% |
| Economists | $105,630 | 6% |
| Top Executives | $98,980 | 6% |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 | 7% |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 | 7% |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 | 11% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 | 12% |
| Logisticians | $77,030 | 28% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs
An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.
While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.
Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.
In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.
A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college professors are in demand, with a projected 12% growth rate from 2021-2031.
What's more, business professors tend to earn high salaries.
A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.
As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.
Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.
A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner's degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.
DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.