50 Best Online PhD in Business Administration Programs [2025 Guide]

By Joy Miller Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on November 28, 2024
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Are you looking for online PhD in Business Administration programs for 2025? Here you can compare schools and programs and get the info you need.

Online PhD Business Administration

With a healthy job market and the potential to earn an average salary of between $63,000 and $184,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), earning your doctoral business degree can be a smart choice.

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You can choose to teach the topics you’re interested in or continue thriving in your business career.

List of Schools Offering Online PhD in Business Administration Programs (and related)

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Alliant International University

With its main campus in San Diego, Alliant International University is a private, benefit corporation with other campuses in California and Mexico.

It was founded in 2001 by combining two institutions: the United States International University (USIU) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP).

Alliant International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

2. Baker College

Founded in 1911, Baker College is a not-for-profit, private college headquartered in Michigan with campuses in 8 other locations in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The university is a member of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (MACRAO) Transfer Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of up to 30 credit hours to meet general education requirements.

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Bellevue University

Situated in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a non-profit, private university. It started operation in 1966 and was named Bellevue College. In 1977, Bellevue gained full accreditation and, in 1994, became Bellevue University.

The Bellevue University teams are nicknamed the Bruins and are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. California Baptist University

Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a Christian, private, liberal arts university. It was founded in 1950 and is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention.

It is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level and competes in the Western Athletic Conference in almost all sports.

California Baptist University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

5. California Southern University

Located in Costa Mesa, California, California Southern University is a private university that was founded in 1978 as a correspondence school and received its first approval to provide degrees from the California Department of Education.

It is also a part of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools.

California Southern University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

6. Capella University

Capella University is an online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was originally called the Graduate School of America. In 2007, the university was one of the institutions to receive the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE). This was valid until 2012.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Capitol Technology University

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University is a private university located in South Laurel, Maryland.

U.S. News & World Report acknowledged Capitol for having one of the top online engineering degree programs and for a top graduate engineering program in “Student Services and Technology.”

Capital Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (The Chicago School) is a private college. Its main campus is in Chicago, Illinois. It has other campuses in Richardson, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Irvine, CA, Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA.

It was established in the year 1979 by educators and psychologists.

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

9. City University of New York – Baruch College

Located in New York City, Baruch College (officially the Bernard M. Baruch College) is a public constituent college of the City University of New York system. Its roots go back to 1847 to the founding of the Free Academy, which was the first institution of free public higher education in the United States.

Baruch College team athletes are nicknamed Bearcats and participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III.

Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Cambridge College

Boston, Massachusetts, has been home to the prestigious Cambridge College, a private academy, since 1971. With four other campuses around the country, Cambridge has expounded upon its distance learning programs to award students with undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.

Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

11. City University of Seattle

Located in Seattle, Washington, City University of Seattle (formally called City College) is a private university that was established in 1973. It has campuses all around the world in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

U.S. News & World Report ranked City University of Seattle as having one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs for six years in a row.

City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

12. Colorado Technical University

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with another campus in Denver.

Military Times ranked the school number 1 in its “Best for Vets” category for online and non-traditional universities.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Concordia University Chicago

Located in River Forest, Illinois. Concordia University Chicago is a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1864. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Concordia University Chicago’s sports teams are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III. Concordia Chicago has also been a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) since 2006.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. Drexel University

With its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891.

The university’s athletes, known as the Drexel Dragons, participate in the NCAA’s Division I as members of the Colonial Athletic Association. The university also has 33 club teams, including water polo, lacrosse, triathlon, squash, and cycling.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

15. Felician University

Felician University is a Roman Catholic, private university located in New Jersey with affiliation to the Catholic Felician Sisters. It was founded in 1942.

Felician athletes participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II. The athletes are nicknamed the Golden Falcons and are members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

16. Franklin University

Franklin University is located in Downtown Columbus Ohio, founded in 1902. The programs are designed to help students to find success while earning their degree and earn the #1 online college in Ohio award and consistently rank as a top Military Friendly school.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. George Fox University

George Fox University (GFU) is a Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon. It was founded in 1891 as a school for Quakers. It is affiliated with the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends.

George Fox University was ranked a first-tier regional university in the West by U.S. News & World Report. George Fox was also rated as one of the four best Christian colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

18. Grand Canyon University

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1949. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church.

Grand Canyon University athletes are nicknamed the Antelopes and are currently members of the NCAA Division I participating in the Western Athletic Conference.

Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

19. Hampton University

With its main campus in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) that was founded in 1868.

Hampton’s athletes are nicknamed the Pirates, and its sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (FCS for football). In 2016, Hampton was also the first HBCU to field a Division I men’s lacrosse team.  It is the only HBCU with a competitive sailing team.

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

20. Humboldt International University

Humboldt International University is a public university located in Arcata, California, that was established in 1913. The Princeton Review has named HIU as one of the Best Western Colleges.

Humboldt was ranked one of the best public schools and one of the best schools for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

Humboldt International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

21. Indiana Wesleyan University

Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of the largest Christian, private universities in Indiana. It was founded in 1920 and has an affiliation with the Wesleyan church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Wildcats, and the university sponsors 18 varsity teams that participate in NAIA Division II in men’s and women’s basketball and NCAA Division I in all other sports.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University first opened as a private junior college in 1934 and began offering higher degrees in 1956. Today, Jacksonville University serves students across the US and in 45 other countries. There are over 100 different majors offered at JU, and students are able to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. Johnson & Wales University

With its main campus in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a career-oriented, private university that was founded in 1914. It also has campuses in Charlotte, NC, Miami, FL, and Denver, CO.

The athletic teams of Johnson & Wales University have been nicknamed the Wildcats, and Willie T. Wildcat is their mascot.

Johnson & Wales University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

24. Kansas State University

Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University is a public research university with its roots going back to 1863.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats, and they participate in the NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.

In 1999, the KSU adopted an honor code: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”

Kansas State University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. Keiser University

As one of Florida’s largest private universities, Keiser University has grown significantly since opening its doors in 1977.

Offering degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, Keiser University offers global educational experiences on any of its 21 Florida campuses and its many off-campus sites around the world.

They also offer most programs via distance learning to help more students succeed. Keiser has a vast array of programs, including those in marketing, business, technology, and more.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is split between two primary campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. KSU’s annual enrollment passes 35,000, making it one of the 50 largest universities in the United States. The school offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree options. Kennesaw State was founded in 1963.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

27. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is an evangelical Christian, private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Consisting of 17 colleges, it is one of the largest non-profit private universities.

Liberty sports teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are nicknamed the Liberty Flames. The college football team is an NCAA Division I FBS Independent, and most of the other sports teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

28. LIGS University

Founded in 2006, LIGS University opened its first campus in Europe. In 2012, it opened another campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school is a non-accredited degree-granting university that follows the laws of the State of Hawaii.

LIGS University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools.

29. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers hundreds of options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its seven colleges. OSU’s main campus is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The university is designated as a school with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

30. Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is a private, Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was first established as Christian Broadcasting Network University and changed its name in 1990. It is affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical Church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Royals. Regent University was ranked as having one of the best online undergraduate programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

31. Saint Leo University

A Roman Catholic, liberal arts university, Saint Leo University was established in 1889 with its campus in St. Leo, Florida. The school is affiliated with the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Leo as one of the best regional universities in the south and one of the best value universities in the south.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

32. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University aims to prepare students interested in business or academia for success through its PhD in International Business. Graduates are expected to leave with the skills needed to further their careers in applied business or to pursue teaching professions at colleges or universities.

Since the degree is offered as a cohort program, students can choose either a campus option or an executive, low-residency option that features online and campus components.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

33. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister. It has six campuses across Pennsylvania, with its main campus in North Philadelphia. It also has foreign campuses in Japan and Rome.

The University’s sports teams are nicknamed the Owls, named after the university’s early days in which it was a night school.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

34. Trident University

Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a private, online university located in California. The university is research-based, and its students consist mostly of active service members and veterans.

Trident University is the first fully online university to be regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

35. University of Charleston

With its main campus in Charleston, West Virginia, the University of Charleston (UC) is a private university with campuses in Beckley, West Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, as well. The Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church founded the school in 1888.

UC’s athletes, nicknamed the Golden Eagles, compete in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in NCAA Division II.

The University of Charleston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Dallas

The University of Dallas, located in Irving, Texas, is a private Catholic university that was established in 1956. The Princeton Review ranked the university as one of the best western colleges. The Washington Monthly ranked the school among the best master’s universities.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Crusaders and compete in the NCAA Division III – SCAC.

The University of Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

37. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland, and is a public research university that was founded in 1856. It is an institution under the University System of Maryland.

U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Maryland as one of the best public universities. Business Insider ranked the university in its list of the “Smartest Public Colleges in America” for two consecutive years.

The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

38. University of Missouri

The flagship of the University of Missouri System, the University of Missouri is one of Missouri’s largest public research universities. It was founded in 1839.

Its athletic teams, nicknamed the Missouri Tigers, are members of the NCAA Division I and participate in the Southeastern Conference.

The University of Missouri has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915.

39. University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The PhD in Business Administration program from the University of North Carolina—Greensboro is designed to help students gain the skills needed to take on academic careers at institutions of higher learning.

The program focuses on positioning students for success in academic careers through a heightened understanding of different conceptual and empirical research methodologies as well as a strong grasp of scholarly literature in the field.

All courses are delivered in an online format—with students only required to go to campus for orientation, exams, and dissertation defense.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

40. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix (UOPX) was founded in 1976. Its main campus is in Phoenix, Arizona. The school is one of the biggest recipients of GI Bill tuition benefits.

The University of Phoenix is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

41. University of South Florida

Located in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university that was founded in 1956. It is home to 14 colleges.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Bulls and compete in the NCAA Division I and the American Athletic Conference.

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

42. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Patriots. They’re members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete in the Mid-South Conference.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

43. University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word’s DBA builds on the knowledge and skills of students in business and business-related disciplines. Students may choose to attend in an online-only format.

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

44. University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest, located in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1962. It is affiliated with the non-denominational Christian church.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Mustangs and compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They’re also members of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).

The University of the Southwest is an accredited member of the Higher Learning Commission.

45. University of Wisconsin

Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin is a public university and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It ranked as one of the best universities in the US in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Badgers and participate in NCAA’s Division I-A. The university’s athletes also compete in the Big Ten Conference.

The University of Wisconsin has been continuously accredited since 1913 by the Higher Learning Commission.

46. Walden University

Walden University is an online university and Public Benefit Corporation located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970. Walden University is a member of a global network of universities managed by Laureate Education, Inc.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

48. West Virginia University

Founded in 1867, West Virginia University has a long and rich history as a land-grant university. The school has more than 210,000 alumni from around the world and has been providing distance education for over 50 years. Its online program offers worldwide access to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

49. Westcliff University

Located in Irvine, California, Westcliff University is a private institution. The school’s athletes are named the Warriors, and the school offers four men’s and women’s sports but is not affiliated with the NCAA or NAIA.

Westcliff University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

50. Wilmington University

Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University is a non-profit, private, doctoral research institution that was founded in 1968. It also has another campus in New Jersey.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats and compete in NCAA Division II and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online Business PhD Program Concentrations

By delving into business degree specializations, you can differentiate yourself from other online business school graduates once you’re ready to enter the professional world. Click on the area of study that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide.

Each of these specializations is in high demand in the workforce.

Accounting

Although most entry-level positions in accounting require only a bachelor’s degree, a PhD in Accounting can help enhance the qualifications of candidates for more advanced positions.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting often qualify for higher-level positions in organizations. such as chief financial officers or financial managers who oversee the design and execution of financial strategies. They may also serve as heads of accounting departments or organizations.

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Individuals with a PhD in Accounting may end up in academia working as accounting professors as well. They may also work as accounting consultants who advise firms on the most effective ways to boost their profits as well as other matters like investments, taxes, and payroll.

Business Administration

A PhD in Business Administration can help graduates enter the workforce with the training and qualifications needed to assume senior leadership positions in government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

Graduates may become high-level executives who oversee the operations of an organization. They may design, manage, and execute policies and strategies to ensure that their firms meet their different business objectives.

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They may also work as economists who conduct research, perform data analysis, and monitor economic trends. Other job opportunities for individuals with a PhD in Business Administration are positions as market analysts, management analysts, and professors.

Finance

A PhD in Finance can help students develop advanced knowledge and a deeper understanding of economics and finance and make them qualified to pursue high-level management positions in corporations.

This degree can help students develop the skills, training, and qualifications to become chief financial officers.

Chief financial officers keep track of all the financial dealings of an organization. They oversee critical departments, such as accounting and finance, and compile, analyze, and present financial transactions of a firm to its upper-level executives.

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Those with a PhD in Finance may also work as financial managers who are tasked to oversee all actions performed by employees assigned to budgeting and financial reporting. They may also end up as budget analysts or compensation and benefits managers, among others.

Healthcare Management

Graduates of PhD in Healthcare Administration programs are generally rewarded for their years of study with opportunities to pursue financially rewarding careers in clinical settings. Moreover, they can help benefit their communities through the provision and delivery of responsive healthcare services.

Graduates may eventually become hospital administrators who supervise the delivery of healthcare services. Hospital administrators oversee finances, develop budgets, design policies and procedures, and evaluate and manage personnel.

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They may also become healthcare administrators, generalists, or health information managers. Other graduates pursue careers as university professors, researchers, or healthcare consultants or take on executive positions at healthcare companies.

Human Resources

Individuals pursuing a PhD in Human Resources have opportunities to earn the skills and knowledge required to fill leadership roles in businesses and organizations. They may work as human resource managers who plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company.

HR managers are tasked with overseeing the recruitment of new staff, work with top-level management on strategic planning, and serve as a link between management and employees.

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People with a PhD in Human Resources may also work as HR consultants who specialize in fields like employee recruitment, employee incentives and rewards, retirement, and mergers and acquisitions.

They may also become human resources professors who not only develop lesson plans and teach students but also spend a lot of time performing research.

Information Systems

Earning a PhD in Information Systems can help students obtain the qualifications needed to pursue management positions in tech-related organizations.

They may work as information systems managers who oversee the technological activities of companies or organizations. They may also ascend to senior-level positions, such as chief technology officer or chief information officer.

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Individuals with a PhD in Information Systems may work as information research scientists who design and test new approaches to computing technology.

They may start successful careers as computer hardware engineers who build computers and related equipment. They may also work as computer network architects who design the layouts for data communication structures.

Management

A PhD in Management can help students qualify to pursue high-level positions in many businesses and organizations. A doctorate in management can give graduates the flexibility to enter a variety of fields and industries.

They may take up C-level positions in business organizations. They may also be tapped to develop and implement the strategic plans of a company or tasked to supervise various departments in an organization.

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Others work as management consultants who collaborate with organizations in identifying and developing business solutions. Doctorate degree holders in management may also work as change managers who help organizations in improving their business processes.

It is also typical for individuals with a PhD in Management to work in academia, teaching students in their areas of expertise and performing independent research.

Marketing

A doctorate in marketing can help students develop a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, enabling them to design and implement methods to improve the optimal use of marketing resources.

Graduates may work as financial managers who research market trends and formulate and design plans for company expansion. Eventually, they may climb the corporate ladder and occupy top-level positions, such as chief marketing officers in major corporations.

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Other graduates work as marketing professors. It is also common for PhD holders in marketing to flourish in research, particularly for government agencies and nonprofit businesses.

Nonprofit Management

Earning a doctoral degree in nonprofit management can help provide individuals with opportunities to advance in their careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and more.

Individuals with a PhD in Nonprofit Management may end up in the public sector as government program managers tasked to evaluate and manage programs. They may also work as consultants specializing in various fields and capable of assisting nonprofit organizations in meeting specific goals.

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Others work as directors of nonprofit programs. Tasks for this position range from managing budgets and overseeing fundraising efforts to supervising staff and volunteers and managing publicity.

Eventually, individuals with a doctorate degree in nonprofit management often take on leadership positions, such as executive director or CEO, in nonprofits.

Public Administration

PhD holders in public administration enjoy a vast range of career options. They may work in areas such as healthcare policy, social policy, finance, or budgeting. They may also work as professors, consultants, or researchers.

Individuals with a PhD in Public Administration may work as urban or regional planners. These professionals help build communities by creating and overseeing land use plans and programs.

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They may also work as HR managers in government agencies tasked to coordinate and direct the various administrative functions of organizations.

Supply Chain and Logistics

A doctorate in supply chain and logistics can help students fast track their careers in corporations or pursue careers in academia and research.

They may work as logisticians who oversee and coordinate supply chains. This can help prepare them for more senior-level positions, such as chief operating officer. Chief operating officers oversee all aspects of a company’s operations, including the distribution of goods and services.

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Those with a PhD in Supply Chain and Logistics may also remain in academia and work as postsecondary business teachers tasked to mentor students, design curricula, and even oversee certain administrative functions.

Online PhD in Business Curriculum

Earning a PhD requires covering a wide variety of topics and subjects that span virtually every discipline of the business world.

A curriculum similar to the following is likely:

Most doctoral programs require a dissertation, but a growing number of accredited universities offer doctoral programs without a dissertation requirement. Instead, you may complete a capstone project.

What Does a Doctor of Business Administration Do?

Doctor of Business Administration Career & Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some career paths a doctoral degree holder might pursue in the business field include:

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Chief Executives $179,520
Economists $105,630
Business Teachers, Postsecondary $94,360
Management Analysts $93,000
Financial Analysts $81,410
Market Research Analysts $63,920

Your specific salary will depend largely on your industry, location, and company.

Online PhD in Business Program Admission Requirements

Copies of your undergraduate and master’s degree transcripts, as well as an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV), usually get the ball rolling.

From here, earning your university’s minimum required score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may come next.

In some cases, you might also need to present professional references or letters of recommendation from supporting faculty members to successfully join an inbound PhD cohort.

Accreditation for Online PhD Programs in Business

Accreditation for a PhD program can come from a regional accreditor (accredits the university as a whole) or a business-specific accreditor, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Program-specific accreditation is not necessary, though it can add more prestige to your degree.

Regional accreditation is needed for many forms of financial aid, including federal aid, and many schools require transfer credits to come from regionally accredited schools.

Regional accreditation is done by the following boards:

Many employers look more favorably upon degrees from regionally accredited schools as well.

Financial Aid for Doctoral Business Students

Just like earning one of the various types of business degrees as an undergrad, typically the best place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Feeling out this application will allow you to see which federal grants and loans you qualify for.

Other potential sources of financial aid include:

A smart business person looks for investors to help them grow their company. In the same vein, it’s important not to pass by any potential sources of funding as you develop your expertise.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree in Business?

Yes, you can pursue a doctorate degree in business.

You can also choose from numerous specializations, including the major areas of accounting, business administration, finance, management, and marketing.

What Is the Difference between a PhD and DBA?

When comparing and contrasting PhD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs, it’s important to understand the end goals of those who pursue these business degrees.

PhD candidates traditionally work within academia as professors and department adjudicators, while DBA graduates usually enter or remain in professional work as administrative executives and managerial supervisors. This also applies to graduates of MBA online programs.

After completing an online DBA program, you may still pursue a professorship.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business professors earn an average salary of $94,360 annually.

Those with a PhD may have higher than average earnings as business professors. The BLS states that the highest-earning professors can earn up to $198,240 a year.

What Is a PhD in Business Administration?

Becoming a PhD in Business Administration recipient is all about meeting the demands of both the academic and the practical sides of cutting-edge business theory.

Members of this community usually aim to push the boundaries of business- and management-related research.

Generally, demonstrating this kind of expertise requires the completion of 60 credit hours for those who already lay claim to a master’s degree in business.It usually requires the completion of 90 credit hours for students coming straight out of an undergraduate program.

Traditionally, earning a PhD sets up the recipient for a job in academia, with serving as a full-time professor standing as the overarching goal of this process.

How Do You Get a PhD in Business Administration?

Earning a PhD in Business Administration is all about figuring out the path that suits your needs and daily demands. Some students stick to the traditional campus-based route—complete with multiple class meetings a day and standard length semesters.

If that kind of learning experience doesn’t sound too agreeable with your current professional and personal schedule, you can always stick to an online PhD program.

This approach can allow you to work on your DBA coursework and dissertation at your own pace, all while giving you the flexibility needed to balance this experiential learning with all of the other rigors that come with daily life.

How Much Can You Make with a PhD in Business?

According to the BLS, the career outlook for postsecondary teachers is brighter than it has been in a long time. Specifically, this occupational field is expected to have an above-average growth rate of 12% over the next several years.

This means that not only can serving as a business professor potentially provide you with ample compensation—often between $94,360 and $198,240 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics)—you’ll also be entering one of the more open and accepting job markets available.

Is a PhD in Business Administration Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Business Administration is worth it for many students.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 8% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include market research analysts, chief operating officers, and investment bankers.

Deciding upon the pursuit of a PhD requires going beyond your projected salary, though. Is this decision part of a greater employee enrichment program offered up by your current employer? Perhaps you simply want to test your skills and reach the highest academic echelons? Is it worth it?

Figuring out what truly motivates you now can help ensure that you make the right call when the time comes to submit your application and get to work on your PhD in Business Administration.

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Ready to start your journey?