Differences Between a DBA and a PhD in Business

In general, as in other disciplines, a doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree, with a focus on developing advanced theoretical or practical research skills in a particular area.

The PhD is the most common doctoral degree for those who wish to pursue academic careers. However, the degree also is used as for advanced consulting, research, or business/public administration careers. Often, PhD students choose an area of specialization such as finance, marketing, or accounting.

The DBA (or Doctor of Business Administration) is designed to provide business executives with competencies needed to pursue business/public administration careers that require more advanced research skills and qualifications. Some DBA programs also can be pathways into careers in academia.

Primary Difference

The primary difference between the two is found in a program’s orientation and intended outcome. Often, the business PhD and the DBA are more similar than they are different. In general, the focus of a PhD program is to develop new theory, whereas the focus of a DBA program is to apply theoretical knowledge to the advancement of business practice. Both PhD and DBA programs require original research culminating in the creation and defense of a thesis or dissertation. Among DBA programs, there is a range of emphases—with some more oriented toward the application of knowledge and some more oriented toward the creation of knowledge. The same is true for other doctoral programs in business, such as the Doctor of Management or the Executive Doctor of Management.

Deciding Between the DBA and PhD

If you are interested in pursuing either a PhD or a DBA you should confirm the orientation of the program on a school-by-school basis, as institutions may have different approaches to each degree. The best way to determine whether a program is what you will need is to look at its structure, curriculum, and graduation requirements, as well as the career paths that the program’s alumni have pursued. You also want to explore the types of research that have been published by a program's graduates and its faculty. Keep your end goals in mind when making your decision. The career or job you want may prefer one over the other.

Which Degree AACSB-Accredited Schools Prefer?

In order to be considered “academically qualified” to teach at an AACSB-accredited business school, faculty members are normally expected to hold a doctoral degree from a “program intended to produce scholars capable of creating original scholarly contributions through advances in research or theory.” Graduates of doctoral programs without such a focus, or individuals without doctoral degrees, may be considered “professionally qualified” to teach, provided other expectations are met.

To learn more about business doctorate degrees and search AACSB-accredited programs, visit: www.bestbizschools.com/doctorate. 

Comments

[Bob Barnwell]

Excellent article! Too many web articles simply give the pat answer that DBAs are for business practioners and PhDs are for academics and call it a day.

While touching on this perception, your emphasis on a school-by-school analysis and mentioning, "Some DBA programs also can be pathways into careers in academia.," provides a true picture of these programs.

[Bob Barnwell]

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[Ilana Herring]

Hi! Great article! Thank you!!

Just wanted to let your readers know that California Miramar University is accepting applications for its next DBA cohort starting in the fall.

The Doctorate of Business Administration program is designed to provide managers and leaders with a global perspective which emphasizes the use of both practical and theoretical approaches. The Core, Concentration, and Dissertation course syllabi are organized around this goal. The successful completion of class projects and assignments require research skills and the discovery of new knowledge as students search for solutions to problems in today’s ever changing environment.

For more information:
http://www.calmu.edu/main-navigation/academics/graduate/doctor-business-administration.html

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Excellent post.

[Sandi]

I was told that you should never get a DBA in business because it's not taken as seriously as a PhD when you are looking for an academic position.

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[AACSB International]

Thanks for reading Amar! - AACSB

[AACSB International]

Hi Sandi, A DBA is more suited for individuals that wish to enhance their careers in professional business industries. You are correct, a Ph.D. is preferred by academic institutions due to its training in high-level research.

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