phd business administration

Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

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A doctorate in business administration (DBA) can be a good return on investment if you plan to head into executive leadership positions.

A DBA can set students apart from others who only have a bachelor’s in business or a master of business administration (MBA) degree. More than 200,000 students in the U.S. earned MBAs during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics , compared to the less than 4,500 students who received doctoral degrees in business.

With a focus on problem-solving and research in real-world settings, a DBA sets you up for success in analytical leadership roles as a high-level consultant, CEO, economist , or business analyst .

A DBA also qualifies you to land research and postsecondary education jobs. Follow this guide to learn more about top schools for a doctorate in business and what you can expect from this degree program.

Featured Online Business Administration Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Baker college.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $12,180
• Out-of-state $12,180
• In-State $12,510
• Out-of-state $12,510
• Retention Rate 63%
• Acceptance Rate 41%
• Students Enrolled 4,969
• Institution Type Private

Cambridge College

• In-State $16,442
• Out-of-state $16,442
• In-State $16,409
• Out-of-state $16,409
• Retention Rate 67%
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 2,451

Cleveland State University

• In-State $11,610
• Out-of-state $16,574
• In-State $10,419
• Out-of-state $17,845
• Retention Rate 70%
• Acceptance Rate 91%
• Students Enrolled 15,308
• Institution Type Public

Concordia University-Chicago

• In-State $33,310
• Out-of-state $33,310
• In-State $9,090
• Out-of-state $9,090
• Retention Rate 57%
• Acceptance Rate 88%
• Students Enrolled 6,086

Franklin University

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• In-State $16,080
• Out-of-state $16,080
• Retention Rate 100%
• Students Enrolled 6,815

Jacksonville University

• In-State $42,250
• Out-of-state $42,250
• In-State $13,889
• Out-of-state $13,889
• Retention Rate 69%
• Acceptance Rate 78%
• Students Enrolled 3,995

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• In-State $20,800
• Out-of-state $20,800
• In-State $29,632
• Out-of-state $29,632
• Retention Rate 72%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 19,861

Lincoln Memorial University

• In-State $23,760
• Out-of-state $23,760
• In-State $19,654
• Out-of-state $19,654
• Acceptance Rate 70%
• Students Enrolled 5,118

Northcentral University

• In-State $11,064
• Out-of-state $11,064
• In-State $16,881
• Out-of-state $16,881
• Retention Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 12,648

Northwood University

• In-State $29,000
• Out-of-state $29,000
• In-State $37,080
• Out-of-state $37,080
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 83%
• Students Enrolled 2,422

Sacred Heart University

• In-State $44,960
• Out-of-state $44,960
• In-State $34,509
• Out-of-state $34,509
• Retention Rate 86%
• Acceptance Rate 66%
• Students Enrolled 9,785

Saint Leo University

• In-State $23,990
• Out-of-state $23,990
• In-State $15,218
• Out-of-state $15,218
• Acceptance Rate 71%
• Students Enrolled 9,523

St. Thomas University

• In-State $31,800
• Out-of-state $31,800
• In-State $14,400
• Out-of-state $14,400
• Retention Rate 56%
• Students Enrolled 5,921

Touro University Worldwide

• In-State $14,440
• Out-of-state $14,440
• In-State $9,000
• Out-of-state $9,000
• Students Enrolled 2,251

University of West Alabama

• In-State $9,100
• Out-of-state $18,200
• In-State $6,678
• Out-of-state $13,356
• Acceptance Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 5,594

University of the Southwest

• In-State $16,000
• Out-of-state $16,000
• In-State $22,500
• Out-of-state $22,500
• Students Enrolled 1,064

Walsh College

• In-State $19,785
• Out-of-state $19,785
• In-State $16,401
• Out-of-state $16,401
• Students Enrolled 1,492

Wilmington University

• In-State $11,700
• Out-of-state $11,700
• Retention Rate 59%
• Students Enrolled 13,129

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey . To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

• Affordability (30%)
• Student outcomes (30%)
• Reputation (20%)
• Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Should I Get a Doctorate in Business Administration?

You can typically pursue a DBA after earning an MBA or a related degree and gaining years of professional experience. In these programs, you’ll develop advanced leadership and management skills.

The best doctoral programs in business administration offer foundational courses in essential business strategy, financial decision-making, organizational theory and behavior, and market analysis. These programs also incorporate independent learning and research skills through a capstone or dissertation requirement.

You can complete a doctorate in business administration in roughly three years; however, completion times vary depending on your prior experience and program requirements. With a doctorate in business administration, you’ll exceed most requirements for professional certifications, such as project management professional and professional in human resources.

Is a DBA the Same as a Ph.D. in Business Administration?

Both a DBA and a Ph.D. in business administration are terminal degrees with a heavy focus on research, but there are several key differences between the two.

Both programs generally culminate in a major research or thesis project but typically differ when it comes to the type of research being done. A Ph.D. in business administration tends to be focused more on theory and preparing you for academic research, whereas a DBA focuses on applied research to prepare you for roles in the business world.

What Can I Expect from a Doctor of Business Administration?

Schools may offer a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in business administration or a DBA degree. Depending on individual admission requirements and prerequisite coursework, programs typically require 60 credits and offer a choice of full- or part-time study. An online doctorate in business administration may include especially flexible enrollment options.

Most programs focus on sharpening skills in data analysis and strategic decision-making. Coursework also covers market analysis, trend-tracking, and corporate and nonprofit management techniques. After graduating, you can choose to pursue professional certification in a broad or specialized area of expertise.

Concentrations

Human resources, still looking for the right fit discover similar programs, how to choose a business administration doctoral program.

You’ll face several key considerations in your search for the best doctorate in business administration, including admission requirements, curriculum, format, and cost.

You can consider an online doctorate in business administration that offers accelerated paths to graduation and set or in-state tuition rates for distance learners. On the other hand, you might prioritize a program offering unique concentrations, career services, and networking opportunities.

Programmatic Accreditation for Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Any legitimate school offering a doctorate in business administration is accredited through the Department of Education and through a national or regional accrediting agency. Regional accreditation demonstrates that a school meets the highest standards in postsecondary education.

Many business administration programs boast additional specialized accreditation, most commonly through organizations, such as AACSB International , Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs , or International Accreditation Council for Business Education . Programmatic accreditation ensures that a business administration degree meets academic and professional requirements for business and management fields.

How to Get Into a Business Administration Doctoral Program

Admission into a doctorate in business administration typically requires a master’s degree in business or a related major and 1-3 years of professional experience. Though uncommon, some programs accept extensive work experience instead of a master’s degree.

Though not always required, GMAT or GRE scores can be especially critical if you want to be admitted into a DBA program that accepts students without a master’s degree. You should also prepare to submit your resume, official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

What Can I Do With a Doctorate in Business Administration?

While not all companies require a doctorate in business administration for high-level executive positions, professionals with a doctoral degree hold a distinct advantage. As a DBA graduate, you’ll qualify for senior roles in corporate and nonprofit management within the public and private sectors. You can use your advanced leadership skills and extensive experience to earn a top salary and launch a long career.

With a DBA, you’ll be able to pursue top executive positions like CEO, CFO, and CTO. You may also go on to become a business or management consultant, economist, financial manager, or postsecondary educator in business subjects. You might even carve out your own path in entrepreneurship or business development.

Popular Career Paths

• Top Executive
• Postsecondary Teacher
• Finance Director
• Management Consultant

How Much Money Can I Make With a Doctorate in Business Administration?

According to PayScale, professionals with a doctorate in business make an average annual salary of $101,000. However, your salary will depend heavily on what types of positions you choose to pursue after graduating. A doctorate in business administration can lead to a position as a CEO, CFO, finance specialist, HR director, and consultant.

With a DBA, you can also use your advanced business expertise in a postsecondary teaching career in a subject like management or leadership. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary educators earned a median annual wage of $79,870 in 2023, while top executives earned a median salary of $206,680 .

Additional Certifications and Licenses for a Doctorate in Business Administration

Project management professional.

Graduates with a doctorate in business administration often pursue PMP certification to demonstrate versatile project management skills in general business or a specialized field. Candidates must have field experience and/or previous professional certification to sit for the PMP exam.

Professional in Human Resources

Graduates with a doctorate in business administration who aspire to senior roles in HR management may pursue PHR certification. Applicants with a master’s degree or higher need at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position to qualify for the exam.

Senior Professional in Human Resources

A step up from PHR certification, the SPHR credential denotes many years of senior-level experience in HR management. Candidates with a master’s degree or higher must have a minimum of four years of professional experience to sit for the certifying exam.

Salesforce Software Certification

Salesforce is the most widely used e-commerce and customer-interfacing platform. This certification suits both sales professionals and network administrators seeking specialized skills. Students can take an exam to pursue more than 30 certification options, including salesforce administrator and salesforce certified advanced administrator.

Certified Public Accountant

While many CPAs hold a degree in accounting, others may pursue CPA licensure to advance their careers in financial management after earning a doctorate in business administration. Becoming a CPA requires students to complete a post-baccalaureate or master’s program and roughly two years of work experience (varies by state) and pass the CPA exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Can a dba graduate call themselves a doctor.

A DBA is a doctoral degree, so graduates can use the honorific “Dr.” in the same way that people with a Ph.D. can. Those honorific titles are not to be confused with a medical doctor, which requires a host of different qualifications, training, and licensing requirements.

Should I get an MBA before a DBA?

Most DBA programs require a graduate degree for admission, but not necessarily an MBA . An MBA’s instruction on leadership and management, however, can help prepare you for the more research-focused DBA.

What is a DBA Degree?

A DBA is a doctor of business administration. It is the highest-level degree you can get in business. DBA programs focus on providing students with applied knowledge they can use in a number of business roles, such as CEO, CFO, or consultant. These programs typically include a major, real-world research project.

What is the salary difference between a DBA and an MBA?

According to Payscale, professionals with a doctorate in business make an average annual salary of $101,000. Meanwhile, professionals with an MBA make an average annual salary of $94,000, meaning graduates with a DBA make an average of about $7,000 more per year.

Both an MBA and DBA can both open up doors to top-level management positions. However, a terminal degree like a DBA can help students stand out in the job hunt and can also lead to even higher earnings than those with a master’s degree alone.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or DBA?

Which degree is better depends on what kind of career you would like to pursue. A Ph.D. in business and a DBA are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest level of education you can achieve in business. However, a DBA tends to be focused more on practical leadership training and research — leading to more executive roles — while a Ph.D is more academically oriented and focuses on theoretical research, leading to roles in academia.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 22, 2024 .

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UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program

Where Brilliant Minds Break Through

Professor Chris Tang, prolific researcher in Management and Operations, with Rob Richmond, researcher in foreign currency investment.

Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Doctoral Program — the first step in pursuing an academic career in management.

From the dean of our program.

"On behalf of our faculty, thank you for visiting the UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program! If you're serious about advancing our understanding of business disciplines through rigorous research, I invite you to explore everything our Ph.D. program has to offer. You'll have the opportunity to train with world-renowned scholars and alongside the next generation of researchers. In that pursuit, you will have UCLA's resources and strengths as a world-class research institution available to you."

Join us as we expand the boundaries of business knowledge. Apply to become one of tomorrow's leading scholars today.

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The Political Economy of Propaganda: Evidence from US Newspapers

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Investor memory of past performance is positively biased and predicts overconfidence

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The Effect of Categorization on Goal Progress Perceptions and Motivation

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The market value spillovers of technological acquisitions: Evidence from patent-text analysis

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Doctor of Philosophy   in Business Administration   (PhD-BA)

100% online phd-ba.

Complete your studies on your own time.

New Start Date Every Monday

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

40 Months to your PhD-BA

Finish your PhD-BA in just 20 courses.

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU.  Learn more .

Learn to tackle the biggest challenges in our global economy with the 100% online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) degree program at National University. This advanced degree allows you to focus on research-based leadership strategies. As a doctoral candidate, you’ll be challenged to enhance your field with a dissertation on a subject unique to your experience and proven expertise.

NU’s online PhD in Business Administration provides high-level training for senior leadership positions, with an opportunity to build the skills to meet the greatest challenges in today’s business world. Refine your existing knowledge and delve into emerging technologies while you gain a wealth of experience from your mentoring professors.

Enhance and Advance the Global Economy

The PhD-BA at National University is a research-based program designed to prepare you for positions in the private and public sectors by enhancing knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management. 

You can tailor your NU online PhD-BA to match your interests with one of these 10 specializations: 

• Advanced Accounting
• Financial Management
• Global Business Management
• Health Services Specialization
• Homeland Security: Leadership & Policy (HS)
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Information Technology
• Organizational Leadership
• Project Management
• Strategic Marketing

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

*The Ph.D. BA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Applied Computer Science, Computer and Information Security, Healthcare Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Management of Engineering and Technology, and Management Information Systems, specializations are not.

As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.

Course Details

• Credit Hours: 60
• Courses: 20
• Estimated Time to Complete: 40 Months

The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) program can be completed in 60 credits. Each foundational course runs 8 weeks, and dissertation courses run 12 weeks.

The PhD program requires a minimum of 60 credits. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Courses taken to satisfy the fundamental requirements may not be counted toward completion of required specializations courses or electives.

Students who complete at least 15 credit hours in a single area of specialization at NU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. Students may also opt for a General Business specialization, electing 15 credit hours of cross-discipline courses. Elective courses must be appropriate to the student’s degree program.

The PhD in Business requires a minimum of five core courses, five specialization courses, two statistical courses, five research courses, and one doctoral elective course. Upon completion of these course requirements, students advance to the doctoral sequence of courses. A minimum of four dissertation research courses must be completed in order to complete the program.

Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence. Evaluation track students will take SKS-7001 after BUS-7101 and before BUS-7110. Following the completion of Foundational, Specialization, Research, and Doctoral Elective courses must be taken in sequence as described.

Course Sequence

This course serves as an introduction to the PhD–BA and as the foundation for further doctoral-level study in business. The PhD–BA degree is designed to encourage you to become a scholar-practitioner, using business theory to inform further scholarly inquiry and positively impact business practices. You will examine requirements for the degree—including each milestone and deliverable—and will develop a plan for achieving your academic and research goals. This preparation will be done in the context of an examination of modern trends in business theory and in beginning the transition from being consumers of knowledge to being producers of knowledge.

Students will analyze and apply knowledge in 12 business areas necessary to address a wide variety of business-related situations. The focus of the course is demonstrating core proficiencies in the following business areas: Marketing, Business Finance, Accounting, Management, Legal Environment of Business, Economics, Business Ethics, Global Dimensions of Business, Information Systems, Quantitative Techniques and Statistics, Leadership, and Business Applications. The intent is not to introduce these core business concepts, but rather to verify a graduate-level threshold competency within each. The course includes a comprehensive case study that will allow students to demonstrate their competency within all 12 professional component areas.

It is important for scholar-practitioners to understand both the internal and external influences on business—the business environment. In this course, students will examine theories related to those environmental factors including business ethics, international business, and marketing. Internal environmental factors include management and organizational behavior.

The allied fields of economics, accounting, and finance are key areas where a highly knowledgeable leader can greatly contribute to the success of a business. Financial professionals secure and manage the money needed to run a business; economists determine how markets will react in certain situations; and accountants provide analysis and accountability to the entire process. In this course, scholar-practitioners will work towards information fluency in theories related to these critical knowledge areas.

Good plans aligned against clear strategic goals can help business leaders achieve those goals. This course is an overview of the theories involved in strategic planning to aid business. Students will explore the difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning, how to choose a strategy that is right for each business, and how to design a strategic plan. This course will investigate how to analyze customers and the competition and ask key questions that help design the most effective strategic plan for each business.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.

In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.

In this course, you will learn advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research in the study of organizations. You will be provided an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analysis. Advanced computations will be performed using commonly used statistical software. The focus involves helping you build independent scholarly skills with an emphasis on understanding multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts, and presentation of statistical results.

During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

Program at a Glance

16 professionally relevant specializations*

• Total Credit Hours: At least 60 Credit Hours
• Courses: 20 Courses
• Recommended Completion Time: 38 Months
• Next Start Date: Every Monday
• Classroom Size: One

*The PhD-BA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Applied Computer Science, Computer and Information Security, Healthcare Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Management of Engineering and Technology, and Management Information Systems, specializations are not.

Admission to the Doctorate programs requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.

The PhD degree programs in business have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Satisfactory completion of the PhD-BA Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their diploma and/or degree posted transcript. 
• Administrative Services Managers/Directors 
• Business Teacher
• Chief Executives 
• General and Operations Managers/Directors 
• Industrial Production Managers/Directors 
• Loss Prevention Managers/Directors 
• Market Research Analysts 
• Operations Research Managers/Directors 
• Postsecondary Management Analysts 
• Regulatory Affairs Managers/Directors 
• Sales Managers/Directors 
• Security Managers/Directors 
• Social and Community Service Managers/Directors 
• Storage and Distribution Managers/Directors 
• Supply Chain Managers/Directors 
• Transportation Managers/Directors 

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.

Dissertation Process

Faculty assist each NU Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Specializations

Doctor of philosophy in business administration, project management.

This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Students examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. The specialization focuses on management, leadership, and team building in the project/program environment. Students will examine strategies relating to managing multiple projects as well as the concepts of earned value project management.

Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership

This specialization serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. This specialization has broad appeal among practicing professionals (middle and upper management, and military personnel) with a background in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, and related fields, whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a generalist leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology

This specialization explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in work environment. In this interdisciplinary specialization, students complete courses in the School of Business and the School of Psychology in order to develop competencies in theory, research, and applications of psychology related to human behavior in organizations. Students conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy

This specialization prepares senior leaders of public administration, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency medical care and disaster preparedness agencies for executive leadership positions in the field of homeland security. This specialization focuses on rigorous research exploring advanced concepts and methods, and applying theory and emerging concepts through innovative approaches to complex problems. Students may choose from a variety of courses in terrorism, strategy, intelligence, emergency management, and critical infrastructure security issues.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Health Services

This specialization develops essential perspectives and skills for health service industry management issues. The specialization prepares students for problem identification and resolution, analysis and intervention as administrative issues, and recognition of the constraints and limitations to intervention and change in delivery systems. Students in this specialization will focus on the foundations of health services management, including an overview of the United States healthcare delivery system, financial management and economics, human resource management, quality management, and law, ethics, and policy.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Financial Management

This specialization concentrates on research and development analyses used to manage and allocate financial resources and develop effective strategic planning for projection and ROI issues. Students will analyze financial and non-financial organizations — private, public, and corporate. The specialization focuses on international financial issues, quality concepts in financial management, and accounting for profit/nonprofit organizations.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Advanced Accounting

This specialization provides students with application of a broad accounting perspective and research based accounting knowledge, enabling the exploration of relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, business performance, and forensic analysis. Students will be able to meet the demand for advanced analysis of management and organization of business transactions and statements related to the assets, liabilities, and operating results of business enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and higher education instruction.

Specialization Courses – 9 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Global Business Management

This specialization covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions in industry, higher education, government and public entities, and business consulting would benefit from this program. The specialization provides students with comprehensive education and training in interdisciplinary global management subjects of leadership, government, diplomacy, economics, finance, marketing, and organizational effectiveness. Students study global business theory, decision-making, and problem-solving techniques related to global strategic planning.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Information Technology

Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology Specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies.

Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks. 

PhD-BA in Strategic Marketing

The Strategic Marketing Specialization at the doctoral level delivers a next-generation approach to strategic marketing, transcending traditional marketing management, and research methodology. This tertiary level specialization delivers benchmark training in the three pillars of global change leadership, marketing science, and innovation in marketing economics. Following the execution of strategic coursework, students will focus on real-world global product strategy, advanced digital marketing across the entire scope of the product life cycle. The specialization provides strategies for a sound, systematic, ethical, and legal approach to contemporary and emergent marketing practices. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared to lead the marketing workforce of tomorrow.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) program, you’ll be able to:

• Develop business knowledge based on a synthesis of current theory
• Defend theories , applications, and perspectives related to business to diverse audiences
• Evaluate business practices that positively impact society
• Evaluate the relationship  between the global environment and business decisions
• Formulate solutions to problems identified in extant business research

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Frequently Asked Questions

Earning your PhD in Business Administration from National University can lead to a variety of careers, including jobs in academia, research, and consulting. With this degree, you could teach at a university, conduct research for an organization or government agency, or consult for a corporation or non-profit organization. Having a PhD under your belt can also lead to higher salaries and better job security.

Deciding whether to pursue a PhD in business administration depends on your career goals and personal circumstances. If you want to teach at a university or do research, a PhD can be beneficial. Adding to your knowledge bank and picking up new skills can only help your in your career journey, but earning a doctorate is a significant commitment. Consider your goals and situation before deciding if a PhD is right for you.

The main difference between a DBA and a PhD in business administration is what they focus on. A PhD program is usually focused on academic research and teaching, while a DBA program is focused on using research to solve business problems in the real world. A PhD program usually requires writing a dissertation, while a DBA program typically requires  completing a capstone or research project.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website .

Program Disclosure

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Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.

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PhD The Stevens Doctoral Program

Join a community of bold thinkers.

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is the top destination for analytical, intellectually curious individuals who want to earn a doctorate in business from one of the best business PhD programs in the world.

As a PhD student at Chicago Booth, you will explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead you. In partnership with our distinguished faculty , you will develop your ability to conduct groundbreaking research. You’ll graduate with a business PhD and the tools to achieve academic and professional success.

Video Transcript

Baris Ata (00:00): When I came here, it felt like, "Now I'm in the major leagues." I realized how high the standards are.

Jane L. Risen (00:09): We're the oldest PhD program within a business school, which is pretty extraordinary to think of sort of how long ago the recognition was there that we wanted to be training not just business leaders in practice, but to be training the future leaders of academic discipline.

Ray Ball (00:26): So I arrived in 1966. Oh, it was marvelous. The place just crackled with ideas and open discussion, and I ended up throwing out all the ideas I came with.

Ann L. McGill (00:35): What I especially liked about learning things here is this is an interdisciplinary school, so you didn't have to dive in a silo. You can wrap your arms around huge areas.

Marianne Bertrand (00:46): What is special is that we are part of a business school, training PhD students across a range of disciplines, not just economics or finance, which we deploy in the Economics Department, but also students are doing psychology, operation research.

Ray Ball (00:59): At Chicago, the ideas were the authorities, not the people, and they were all up for grabs.

Amir Sufi (01:06): What we're trying to create here is people who produce knowledge, not just consume it. And that's the real challenge I think of PhD education.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (01:15): I was never told at any point that, "Oh, this is not real finance. This question is too outside of the box." On the contrary, it was always, "You should do what you want to do, and we're going to think about placement once the paper is ready."

Jane L. Risen (01:32): You don't make any assumptions. You question everything.

Pradeep K. Chintagunta (01:35): It's not enough just to know what other people have done. It's also important to know what needs to be done next. To be able to do that, you need to be able to ask questions beyond the questions that have been asked in the previous literature or in the previous knowledge that's already out there.

Jeffrey R. Russell (01:53): When you're going to seminars here, or watching my colleagues talk in the hallways, you'll often see them in what look like very contentious battles. But really, they're just after, "What's the right answer?" When PhD students come here, they are able to sort of bring that into their own souls, and I think that really pushes them then to sort of be the best possible researcher that they can.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (02:12): Chicago Booth is known for its quite aggressive questioning style. I think that we get a little bit of a bad rap. There is a point to the aggressive questioning, and it is to clarify the idea. In Chicago Booth the spirit is be tough on the idea, not on the person.

Amir Sufi (02:30): Throughout the world, we're appreciating more and more how influential research can be. I think our PhD students going forward will increasingly be placed in positions, both in scholarship and in government and in business, where they can have major influence.

Ray Ball (02:48): So the fact that this is the oldest doctoral program in business, that it has been going for 100 years, gives some indication of the commitment of this school to training people. We still have those same values, and so it's always going to generate people who change the world, who change the way we think. I can't tell you at this point how that will happen. That's exactly the idea. New people come in with new ideas, and they learn how to implement them in the school, and they change the way we think about the world. And that's going to keep going.

PhD in Business at a Glance

The Stevens Program is highly competitive—and highly rewarding. Approximately 20–25 new PhD students matriculate each fall from an applicant pool of more than 1,000, and our graduates are highly sought after at the world's most elite institutions of higher learning, in government, and at leading global businesses.

Our program is a full-time program that typically takes about five years to complete. PhD students can apply for one of our seven dissertation areas  or three joint PhD programs.

Explore Our Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs

Our program gives you the flexibility to meet your intellectual and academic goals. We have seven doctoral dissertation areas, as well as three joint PhD programs.

Join Our Research Community

In collaboration with faculty and fellow students, you’ll conduct innovative research and prepare for a successful career.

How to Apply for and Fund Your PhD in Business

Explore phd admissions.

Earn your PhD in one of the best business PhD programs in the world. Here’s how to join our community of bold thinkers.

Attend a PhD Admissions Event

Join us at an information session or recruiting forum to learn more about the Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth.

Explore Financial Aid

At Chicago Booth, PhD students receive a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel funding.

Meet Our Alumni and Job Market Candidates

Discover our alumni success.

For 100 years, Chicago Booth has been a proven training ground for the next generation of leading professionals in academia, government, and industry.

See Our PhD Job Market Candidates

See the Stevens Doctoral Program's current job market candidates—the next generation of researchers who will shape theory and practice in business and beyond.

Discover UChicago

Discover UChicago is a two-day program that introduces third-year undergraduates to the prospect of pursuing a graduate degree at UChicago and other institutions alike. At the event, Stevens Doctoral Program representatives will shed light on the program and application process, as well as navigating academic life at Chicago Booth.

Celebrating 100 Years of Pioneering Research

Since 1920, our faculty, alumni, and students have been driving the evolution of modern research in a wide range of disciplines.

On April 11, 2024, scholars in financial economics gathered to share ongoing research in a series of alumni and student presentations as part of a commemorative event dedicated to our late colleague, Yiran Fan.

Stories from Our Community

Measuring preferences for privacy.

Current PhD student Tesary Lin’s passion for economics and behavioral science has led her to develop a new incentive framework for businesses that want to use consumer data to inform managerial decisions, while respecting consumers’ privacy preferences.

A PhD for Social Impact

A passion for travel, social impact, and wanting to "dig deeper" inspired current student Gülin Tuzcuoğlu to pursue a PhD in operations research.

Hyde Park Campus

Take a Virtual Tour

If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ , please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 773.702.7298 Email Us

Doctoral Programs

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New Ideas for a Changing World New Ideas for a Changing World    

Phd programs  , accounting & management, business economics (includes finance), health policy (management), organizational behavior, technology & operations management, admissions  , unlock your phd journey with full financial aid  , placement  , research community  .

Filippo Mezzanotti

Sarah Wolfolds

Anastassia Fedyk

Alexandra C. Feldberg

Rohan Kekre

Do Yoon Kim

Talia Gillis

Erica Moszkowski

Sagar Saxena

Aurora Turek

A Jay Holmgren

Kala Viswanathan

Ahmmad Brown

Ximena Garcia-Rada

Patrick Ferguson

Byungyeon Kim

Ta-Wei "David" Huang

Mengjie "Magie" Cheng

Omar Olivarez

Dafna Bearson

Justine Murray

Celia Stafford

Olivia Zhao

Rowan Clarke

Jaylon Sherrell

Elliot Tobin

Fanele Mashwama

Professor Maria Roche

Professor Charles Wang

Professor Andy Wu

Student Research  

Capital market integration and growth across the united states.

• 31 OCT 2024
• Faculty Research

Trade Policy in the Shadow of Conflict: The Case of Dual-use Goods

Greater covid-19 vaccine uptake among enrollees offered health and social needs case management: results from a randomized trial.

• 01 OCT 2024
• Health Services Research

Find a Current Student

Business Administration

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Students will choose from four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management .

Students in business administration are enrolled in and receive their degree from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) and work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and  Harvard Business School  (HBS). Harvard Griffin GSAS has offered PhD programs in collaboration with HBS since 1916. In addition to business administration, Harvard Griffin GSAS and HBS collaborate on programs in  business economics ,  organizational behavior , and  health policy  (management track). 

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, INSEAD, London Business School, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Virginia, and University of Toronto.

Areas of Study

Accounting and Management | Marketing | Strategy | Technology and Operations Management

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Harvard Business School Doctoral Programs website .

Personal Statement

Standardized tests.

GRE General or GMAT: Required iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 100 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5

Writing Sample

Writing sample is optional but highly recommended. It should largely be your own work and you should be prepared to discuss the content and your contributions. It should be no more than 10 pages of text, plus references.

Fall Grades

Fall term grades should be sent when available if attending school while applying to the program (prospective students may add this information to the Fall Grade Report, available in the Applicant Portal, after they have submitted their application).

For the coordinated JD/PhD , applicants must apply separately to each program and indicate in the application to the PhD Program in Business Administration that a concurrent application has been submitted to Harvard Law School.

See list of Business Administration faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.