Most students usually end their business studies with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) before progressing to their corporate careers. However, if you want to specialize in a specific management domain or want to target executive level positions, you should opt to study further.
While there are several academic options after an MBA, the most popular options include a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Business Administration. While both degrees are equally competent, there are distinct differences between them. Both cater to different target audiences and have diverse academic goals.
Read ahead to learn the major differences between a DBA and PhD in Business Administration to explore a DBA online programme or settle for a PhD from a reputed research institute.
What is a DBA?
A DBA is one of the most advanced degrees in the business management sector. A DBA qualification can convince prospective employers that you have the most extensive business skills and expertise in the industry. You can directly pursue a DBA after your MBA provided you have sufficient work experience.
Most DBA programmes last anywhere from three to six years. DBA focuses more on the practical aspects of business education rather than theoretical research.
What is a PhD in Business administration?
A PhD in business administration is probably the highest degree you can pursue in the business world. A PhD explores different management theories and concepts in great detail and focuses on generating or defining newer management concepts.
A PhD can provide a more general approach to business education and can get you university positions or research roles. The degree generally lasts for three to five years.
What are the major differences between both courses?
Although both courses focus on business management and administration, there are distinct differences between both programmes. Here is a short list of the differences between a DBA and a PhD in business administration.
| Criteria | DBA | PhD |
| Research Scope | DBA has limited research scope. | PhD in business administration has a lot of scope for a research or an academic career. |
| Career Opportunities | DBA has more industry-oriented career opportunities like CEO or CMO. | PhD has more academic or research oriented opportunities like research consultant or university professor. |
| Course Availability | Available as both a full-time and a part-time degree. | Generally available as a full-time degree. |
| Course Durations | Typically lasts for 4-6 years | Generally lasts for 3-5 years. |
| Career salaries | DBA can result in many well-paying executive jobs. | A PhD can result in many well-paying research or academic jobs. |
Opting for a PhD programme makes sense if you are interested in an academic or research career. You can also opt for it if you are young and can devote some time for your studies.
On the other hand, a DBA course is more appropriate if you wish to ascend to top managerial or executive positions. Since DBA programmes require significant amount of previous work experience, you will need to devote sufficient time to your career before you can pursue the programme.
Consider opting for an advanced degree like a DBA or a PhD today to enhance your corporate career prospects in the future.
