Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree
Read what a Doctor of Business Administration program entails and what you can do with your DBA.
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) prepares graduates to lead, consult and teach in corporate and academic arenas. Typically designed for applicants with management experience, DBA degree programs build on skills acquired through master's-level studies.
Like a PhD, a DBA equips professionals with expertise in leadership and management principles and a higher level of competence in conducting research.
However, where PhD programs typically focus on developing new management and related theory, DBA degree programs concentrate on the application of theory and issues related to professional practice.
About DBA Programs
Students can earn their DBA in three to six years, depending on whether they enroll in a full-time or part-time program.
DBA studies usually involve classes in research and analytical methods; core management subjects such as strategic planning, managing change and solutions-oriented leadership; and the student's choice of specialization. Examples of specializations include international business, management, marketing and information systems.
Additionally, candidates for a Doctor of Business Administration degree must write and defend a doctoral dissertation and pass a comprehensive exam as part of the requirements for their degree.
With the in-depth knowledge and skills they develop in a DBA degree program, graduates qualify for management and consulting roles at the senior-executive level in private and public corporations as well as teaching and research positions at universities.
