Top 10 Best Online DBA Programs in 2024

An online PhD in business makes you an expert in business theory and helps you pursue a career mainly in academia or research. On the other hand, an online DBA can help you gain a practical grounding in the field, and prepare you for a role in senior management in the industry earning a high salary.

Ready to explore some of the top online PhD programs in business alternatives? Here are the best online DBA programs offered today, along with handy information for working professionals looking to pursue further education.

Best Online DBA Programs in 2022

Florida International University, Chapman Graduate School of Business

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

FIU has been ranked number 3 for international business programs by the US News & World Report. Its online DBA program is designed for working professionals and covers business theory, research & quantitative skills, and analytics for practical purposes. Though mostly done online, this program requires some in-person study.

• Courses: Quantitative research methods in business, theory development and advanced modeling, advanced statistical analysis & structural equation modeling.
• Credit hours: 75
• Duration: 3 years
• Tuition: $900 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, loans, federal aid, and veteran benefits
• Graduation rate: 73.1%
• Type of university: Public
• Location: Miami, Florida

Liberty University, School of Business

Doctor of Business Administration

Liberty University Online is a non-profit institution among only 3% of universities globally to receive ACBSP accreditation. This DBA is a fully online program that will help you develop skills like critical thinking, multifactorial decision analysis, and problem-solving to address business management issues. The program allows you to transfer up to 50% of credits from previous studies.

• Specializations: Accounting, Healthcare Management, International Business, Six Sigma, and 13 more.
• Courses: Strategic Supply Chain Management, Strategic Thinking for Decision-making, and Human Resource Management.
• Credit hours: 60
• Duration: 3 years
• Tuition: $595 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans
• Graduation rate: 28.5%
• Type of university: Private
• Location: Lynchburg, VA

The University of South Florida, MUMA College of Business

Doctor of Business Administration

USF was ranked among the top 50 public universities in the country by the US News & World Report. Its DBA is an online program with remote classes on alternate Saturdays. The first two years of the program are dedicated to coursework, and the third year is set aside for you to complete your dissertation.

• Courses: Applied Linear Statistics, Business Analytics, and Creativity & Innovation.
• Credits: 72
• Duration: 3 years
• Tuition: $1,250 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships and fellowships
• Graduation rate: 72.2%
• Type of university: Public
• Location: Tampa, FL

Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies

Bridge Doctor of Business Administration: Management Quantitative Research)

GCU is a private, non-profit university and the largest Christian university in the world. This is one of the top online DBA programs with a faith-based approach. Moreover, this bridge program is a leading online DBA program designed for students from a non-business background who want to pursue a doctorate in business studies.

• Courses: Accounting Practices, Applied Business Probability & Statistics, Finance Principles, and Marketing Management.
• Credits: 16
• Tuition: $622 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans
• Graduation rate: 37.6%
• University type: Private
• Location: Phoenix, AZ

University of Maryland Global Campus

Online Doctor of Business Administration

UMGC is the largest public university in the country and has offered working professionals opportunities to continue their education for more than 70 years. Its DBA program emphasizes innovation, research, and sustainability and follows a cohort model for better interaction within student groups.

• Courses: Foundations of Doctoral Studies, Interpreting & Translating Management Theory in Practice, and Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making.
• Credit hours: 48
• Tuition: $1,087 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, federal aid, veteran benefits
• Graduation rate: 25.4%
• University type: Public
• Location: Adelphi, Maryland

Bellevue University

Doctor of Business Administration

Bellevue University is a nationally recognized non-profit private university that emphasizes adult education. Unlike many doctoral programs that prepare students for a career in teaching, this DBA aims to equip students with the perspective and knowledge needed for practical roles in business.

• Courses: Business & Society, Leadership in Global Organizations, and Sustainable Business Development.
• Credit hours: 55
• Duration: 3 years minimum
• Tuition: $795 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, military finance, and employer tuition assistance
• Graduation rate: 17%
• University type: Private
• Location: Bellevue, Nebraska

Concordia University Chicago

Doctorate in Business Administration

Concordia University, a member of the Concordia University System, was founded in 1864 as a Lutheran foundation. Its DBA program follows the school’s College of Business’s four pillars of knowledge: Ethics & Social Responsibility, Communication & Human Relations, Critical Thinking & Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Global Interconnectedness & Inclusiveness.

• Specializations: Strategic Leadership & Innovation, Innovation in Healthcare Management.
• Credit hours: 60
• Duration: 3 years
• Tuition: $961 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal and State grants, work-study, and loans
• Graduation rate: 41.4%
• Type of university: Private
• Location: River Forest, Illinois

University of the Cumberlands

Online Doctor of Business Administration

The University of the Cumberlands ranks seventh among the nation’s private universities offering doctorate programs. Out of all the DBA online programs on our list, this one is the most military-friendly. Its DBA program equips students with in-depth knowledge of business theory and practice. The program allows for up to 18 credit hours to be transferred from previous studies.

• Courses: Advanced Managerial Accounting, Inferential Statistics, and Comparative Economics.
• Credit hours: 66
• Tuition: $500 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, and veteran benefits
• Graduation rate: 76%
• Type of university: Private
• Location: Williamsburg, KY

Capella University

DBA in Strategy and Innovation

Capella University is a private university that offers most of its programs online, with students from more than 60 countries. You can complete its DBA online in one of two ways: GuidedPath or FlexPath, where you can learn at your own pace, moving on to new courses as you complete them.

• Courses: Effective Organizational Leadership, Strategic Decision Making, and Teaching Business in Higher Education.
• Credit hours: 90 credits (GuidedPath) or 45 program points (FlexPath)
• Tuition: $45,000
• Financial aid: Scholarships, employer and association discounts, and military discount
• Graduation rate: 12.8%
• Type of university: Private
• Location: Minneapolis, MN

How Long Does It Take to Get a DBA Degree?

Typically, an online DBA takes around three years to complete. However, it may take four years or more depending on whether you opt for part-time study and how long you take to complete your thesis.

Typical Requirements for Admission to Online DBA Programs 2022

Specific requirements vary from university to university, though you’ll usually need an MBA or a related graduate qualification. Universities usually stipulate a minimum number of credits in specific subjects, typically around 30.

Many universities also ask for work experience in leadership positions in the business sector, and some may partially waive education prerequisites based on work experience. You may need to show GPA and GRE scores, but many universities don’t ask for these if you have relevant practical experience.

An excellent thesis proposal is also crucial to impress the selection committee. Besides the above requirements, you will need to submit basic documents such as your academic resume and letters of recommendation, along with your application and fee.

What DBA Degree Specializations are Available?

You can choose from a wide range of specializations as part of your DBA degree, including:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Six Sigma
• Advanced Accounting
• Global Business Management
• Health Services
• Strategic Marketing
• Strategic Leadership & Innovation
• Innovation in Healthcare Management

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Business Administration?

A DBA will qualify you to work across various business sectors. With one of the best DBA programs online on your resume, you’ll be eligible for senior positions in the business, scientific, education, healthcare, government sectors, and consultancy.

Here are some of the most common roles for DBA graduates, along with average annual salaries:

• Management Consultant ($90,161)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ($156,059)
• Management Analyst ($68,247)
• Economist ($78,720)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ($139,781)
• Chief Operations Officer (COO) ($119,322)
• Senior Business Analyst ($86,723)
• Market Research Analyst ($55,791)
• Organizational Development Director ($117,532)

Related: Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees in 2022

FAQs about Online DBA Programs

Which University is Best for a DBA?

The best university for you will depend on various factors, such as your preferred specialization, tuition, flexibility, accreditation, and reputation.

Is a DBA as Good as a PhD?

Online DBAs and online PhDs in Business Management are equivalent in status and recognition. However, a PhD is generally more research-oriented and prepares you for an academic career, such as a professor, consultant, or research professional. However, a DBA is more practical, and will equip you for roles such as CEO or CFO of major companies.

Are DBA Programs Worth It?

DBA programs are extremely valuable. They will allow you to take up senior management and executive positions in many sectors. A DBA program is practically oriented and will teach you how to address issues in the industry.

Is a DBA a Real Doctorate?

Both DBAs and PhDs in Business are doctorates. The major difference between the two is that a DBA is more practically oriented while a PhD is more research-oriented. However, both are valuable, advanced qualifications.

How Much Does a DBA Cost?

The cost of completing a DBA can vary depending on the specific program and university. The tuition can be as little as $20,000 for some schools, while other online doctoral programs in business can cost up to $125,000. Private universities typically cost more than public schools.

Depending on the school, you may need to pay more as an out-of-state student. Besides tuition, you also need to factor in additional costs associated with your studies. You may need to pay technology fees for online programs, though you’ll save significantly on accommodation and transportation costs.

Does Harvard Have a DBA Program?

Harvard University was one of the first schools to offer a DBA program as well as a PhD in Business. However, most of the doctoral programs in business offered by Harvard Business School are PhD programs.

Are Online DBA Programs Accredited?

Yes. Like on-campus DBA programs, the best online DBA programs from reputable universities are also accredited by professional organizations, such as the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

Key Takeaways

Gone are the days when you had to pick between work, family, and school. Online DBA programs give you the flexibility to balance your study with other commitments and prepare yourself for a role in senior management.

These are some of the best online DBA programs available today, though, ultimately, this is an individual decision that will depend on your preferred specialization, budget, duration, and other preferences. Whichever program you choose, an online DBA degree will certainly take you places!

If you’re still not sure what program is right for you, check out our guide to the best PhD programs in California or our guide on the Top 10 Best Online PhD Programs in Texas.