People decide to pursue a postgraduate degree for different reasons. It might be because they need a new intellectual challenge, want better career prospects, or simply want to further their knowledge or education. Whatever the reason behind it, once you have decided on obtaining a postgraduate degree, you then enroll in a program, roll up your sleeves, and dive in. However, that is not the case for those in the field of business administration. Suppose you are in business administration and want to pursue a doctorate degree. In that case, there is one extra step you need to take, and that is deciding between a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in business administration.

What Is a DBA Degree?

A DBA degree refers to a postgraduate degree in business administration, and it is the highest level degree one can obtain in business administration or management. A DBA is specific to and can only be obtained in the business administration field. A DBA program equips students with expert knowledge and ways to implement that knowledge in order to solve real-life business administration issues.

What Is a PhD Degree in Business Administration?

A PhD degree in business administration is a postgraduate or doctoral degree in the field of business administration. It is the highest degree qualification in the field of business. In a PhD in business administration program, students work towards developing new theories in the field of business.

Similarities Between a DBA and a PhD in Business

As is the case when comparing any two things or concepts, we will start with the similarities between a DBA and a PhD in business administration. A DBA and a PhD are similar in the following aspects:

Level of degree: both degrees are postgraduate or doctorate degrees, thus the highest academic qualification one can obtain in management.
Complexity of curriculum: both DBA and PhD in business administration programs are exhaustive and research-oriented in terms of the curriculum, and by being so, they equip students with specialized knowledge to understand complex research concepts and the skills to apply said research in the field of business.
Dissertation: students are usually required to complete a dissertation project at the end of their studies in a DBA or PhD in the business administration program.
Duration of the program: although it depends on the program, both a DBA and a PhD in business administration take three to six years to complete.
Title: whichever degree program you choose to enroll in, you will gain the title 'Doctor' at the end of your studies.

Differences Between a DBA and a PhD in Business

Now you might be wondering: why are there two types of doctoral-level degrees in the field of business administration? We can find the answer to this question by analyzing the differences between the two degrees, which is evidently the reason why they exist simultaneously. A DBA and a PhD in business administration differ in these key aspects:

Interested in pursuing a Business Administration degree in California?

Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.

First Name

Email

Phone

City

Select Program

Preferred Location *

Candidates

One of the main differences between a DBA and a PhD in business administration is the type of candidates that apply for each program. Candidates who enroll in a DBA program are usually professionals in the field, thus older, and want to distinguish themselves from others in the business field. DBA candidates focus on management research during their studies and, having already worked in the field, come up with new research for their dissertation. They then apply their research to their work.

On the other hand, those who pursue a PhD in any field, business administration included, are generally interested in a career in academia, i.e., becoming professors, researchers in the field, etc. PhD candidates have less experience in the field and are usually younger in comparison with DBA candidates.

Research type

As we have already established, both a DBA and a PhD are research-oriented programs. The difference between the two lies in the type of research conducted. Fundamentally, the research conducted in a PhD program is theoretical in nature, whereas a DBA focuses on applied research. As part of their studies, DBA candidates must come up with ways to apply research to real-life business issues, whereas PhD candidates come up with brand new theories on important topics or new approaches to existing ones for their dissertation.

Delivery of the program

Though there might be exceptions, PhD programs are typically full-time, whereas DBA programs are available part-time. Generally, DBA programs are more flexible (online and in-person classes) because candidates that enroll in these programs have already joined the workforce. On the contrary, PhD programs require full and undivided attention from candidates. PhD candidates are often offered stipends so they can devote more time to their studies and are prohibited from outside work.

Tuition

Another difference between a DBA and a PhD program is the program's cost. DBA candidates have to pay a tuition fee to the university. They can manage to do so by also keeping a job during their studies.

Conversely, because of the fellowship nature of PhD programs, PhD candidates don't have to pay tuition fees. In addition, the university pays PhD students a stipend for their studies and their services as teaching or research assistants or lab administrators in the university.

Career opportunities

Last but not least, DBA and PhD programs create different career opportunities. Students that enroll in a DBA program and successfully complete it usually continue to be actively present in the business world. They can do research, give presentations or lectures, publish papers, and even climb higher in the corporate ladder with a DBA. On the other hand, those who obtain a PhD in business administration do so in pursuit of a career in academia—whether by becoming a professor or actively conducting research in the field of business.

Conclusion

In the end, it is essential to distinguish between a Doctor of Business Administration degree and a PhD in business administration before you make your decision. One is not better than the other; it can simply be what better suits your needs. Consider your career goals and passions, as well as the time, money, and overall resources you can set aside for your pursuit of a doctorate degree.

DBA vs. PhD in Business Administration: How Different Are They?