Why This Matters

  • 46% OF MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS HAVE AN ADVANCED DEGREE

    Extensive knowledge and skills are required by employers for jobs in research, analysis, and top-level management. Approximately 46% of management analysts have a master’s degree.

  • JOB GROWTH OF 11% OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD

    The need to compete with businesses in both national and international economies will create demand for managers who can effectively analyze ongoing trends. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 11% from 2019 to 2029 for top-tier positions in business.

  • TOP BUSINESS EXECUTIVES MAKE MORE THAN $200,000

    The average salary for business managers with graduate degrees was $103,650 in May 2020. The top earners made over $200,000 per year.

Our Research

This list covers the best online doctorate in business administration programs in the United States. We reviewed both online-only and hybrid programs, which can accommodate the needs of each individual student.

The programs featured in this guide have all been accredited by institutions such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Accredited degrees are typically preferred by employers hiring for advanced positions, and the credits earned in these programs are more easily transferred when moving from one school to another. Certifications also usually require a degree from an accredited institution.

  • 73 hours to write this article
  • 88 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 110 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
University Of Dallas
01
Best in the Midwest
Creighton University
01
Best Value
University of Missouri-St Louis
01
Best Accelerated Option
Liberty University
01
Best in the Northwest
George Fox University
01
Most Flexible
Baker College
01
Best in the West
California Baptist University Online
01
Best Hybrid Option
Hampton University - School of Business
01
Best for Vets
Saint Leo University
01
Best Specialized Study
City University Of Seattle
01
Best for Innovation in Health
Concordia University Chicago
01
Best Cohort Option
Drexel University
01
Best No-GRE Option
Northcentral University
01
Best Evening Option
Wilmington University
01
Best Part-Time Option
University of the Cumberlands
01
Best for Quantitative Research
Grand Canyon University
01
Best Self-Paced Option
Felician University
01
Best Tech School Program
Florida Institute of Technology
01
Best for Public Administration
Franklin University
01
Best for Global Management
Keiser University
01
Best for IT Management
Capella University
01
Best for Organizational Development
Johnson & Wales University
01
Best Applied DBA
Bellevue University
01
Best Focus Areas
Colorado Technical University
01
Best Weekend Option
University of South Florida
01
Best for Working Professionals
Temple University
01
Best Blended Option
University Of The Incarnate Word
01
Best Start Dates
University Of Phoenix
01
Best for Current Executives
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best No-Dissertation Option
Trident University International
01
Best Elective Options
California Intercontinental University
01
Best International Option
Anaheim University
01
Best for Corporate Social Responsibility
Pace University
01
Best for Accounting
Jacksonville University
01
Best for Research
Georgia State University
01
Best for Healthcare Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University
01
Best for Project Management
California Southern University
01
Best for Data Science
Alliant International University
01
Best for Marketing
University Of South Alabama
01
Best for Business Intelligence
Westcliff University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Abraham Lincoln University
01
Most Affordable
Apollos University
01
Best Virtual Residency Option
South University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Students with a doctorate in business have many career paths to choose from. There are jobs available in accounting, insurance, human resources, and many other areas.

The AACSB is the most recognized accreditation for business administration degree programs. This organization connects educators, students, and business professionals to provide both education and career opportunities.

A typical online doctorate in business administration takes three years to complete. Completion times may vary depending on whether a student chooses to attend college part-time or full-time and whether the program has dissertation or internship requirements.

Specific tests aren’t usually required for entrance into an online doctorate in business administration program, especially for those with a master’s in business. Students from other career paths may choose to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to strengthen their application.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online doctorate in business administration programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To be accepted into an online doctorate in business administration program, students are normally required to have an MBA or other relevant master’s degree, significant experience in leadership or senior management, and evidence of a research project that is relevant to the program.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? At many universities, online DBA students can customize their learning experience. Synchronous online learning delivers classes at specific time periods while asynchronous classes allow the student to complete the course at their own pace.

When applying for a doctorate in business administration program, pay close attention to the admission requirements, including any deadlines, recommendations, and materials you need to submit for consideration. Contact the admissions department or search the school’s website for more information.