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Riding research excellence, uncg online phd in business administration surges into year 3.

Posted on December 13, 2021

When Dr. Aichia Chuang was hired as a professor at the UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics in 2019, she was simultaneously appointed director for the brand new PhD in Business Administration program on an interim basis. Initiated and designed by Dr. Moses Acquaah, head of the Department of Management, the program is now flourishing in its third year. While Chuang’s interim status has changed and students from the program’s first cohort are now writing proposals for their dissertations, the program’s focus is as clear as it has ever been — world-class research.

“The PhD program is a research-oriented program designed to prepare students for careers as faculty in academic institutions and as professionals in research organizations and government institutions. Our program is a PhD in Business Administration not a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). We focus strictly on theoretical research,” says Chuang, program director and professor in the Department of Management.

With three concentration areas — International Business, Organizational Behavior, and Strategic Management — the program enrolls about 12 students a year. Most students are assistant professors, instructors, or lecturers in academic institutions, while the rest are industry professionals. They are genuinely interested in doing research and looking to obtain a PhD to either advance in their career in academia or switch to academia.

“Our students tend to have full-time jobs. So a majority of them now have a time conflict from three ways: work, family, and school. But the program will not compromise the quality of our PhD education. Our students have impressed us with how dedicated they are to their course work and doing research,” said Chuang.

Chuang has enjoyed watching the first cohort grow and develop. Like her, those students have been with the program since the very beginning — students like Katherine Clyde.

“We were lucky that we all got to meet in person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I think that really helped us bond as a group,” says Clyde, who teaches and serves as the Dean of Business at Pitt Community College in Greenville, North Carolina, a position she held before starting the PhD program. “I think our cohort is very close, and we try to encourage each other and cheer each other on. It does feel special.”

For Clyde, online flexibility was a major factor when choosing a PhD program.

“I started working full-time after finishing my MBA, and I didn’t feel like I could ever stop working and relocate to participate in a full-time, face-to-face, PhD program,” she said. “ The UNCG PhD in Business Administration is ideal for working individuals because it allows me to keep my job but still complete a PhD from an AACSB-accredited school.”

The Bryan School’s program is the first Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited online PhD in Business Administration program in the world. AACSB is the largest and longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. The Bryan School holds dual accreditation in business and accounting from AACSB – a distinction held by only 1% of business schools worldwide.

The PhD program also holds an accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). But for Clyde and her first cohort classmate Kristi Lynch, their enjoyment of the program goes beyond accreditations and online flexibility.

“I have been incredibly impressed with the quality of faculty and instruction throughout the program,” said Lynch, who also teaches and had joined the University of Nebraska Omaha as the Director of the MBA program before her admission to UNCG. “The professors also are very supportive of the students and are working hard to mentor and coach us along the way.”

Students in the program interact with faculty who are top researchers, publishing in various Financial Times 50 journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal, and Harvard Business Review .

“Although our program is an online program, students have strong bonds with each other, our faculty, and the program. This is probably because the program offers a lot of opportunities for students to interact with each other. For example, we offer a synchronous session every other week for every course where students interact with the instructors and their peers. Students really appreciate this opportunity to learn from their instructor and cohort in addition to studying on their own,” says Chuang. “The program also offers training opportunities such as department research seminars and research workshops — not to mention virtual social hours every month.”

The program’s students take part in major management academic conferences such as those organized by the Academy of Management, Academy of International Business, and Southern Management Association.

Chuang says there are many reasons students continue to choose the Bryan School’s PhD in Business Administration . But there’s one reason, she says, that is top of mind for many applicants alongside online flexibility, rigor, accredited quality, access to world-class faculty, and the program’s research-oriented approach.

“It is reasonably priced,” she says.

Clyde says if prospective students out there think they want to pursue a career in academia, it’s never too soon to start exploring options.

“I was really clueless about what the program would be like, what is involved with research, and what it would take to be prepared to pursue a tenure-track faculty position,” Clyde says. “At the Bryan School, I have obviously learned the more tangible and technical skills like how to structure a research paper, how to collect and analyze data, how to be a better writer, etc. But I think we have also gained intangible skills, too. How to be a better group member, how to advocate for yourself, how to practice open-mindedness, how to engage in healthy debate, and how to persevere.”

Have questions? Visit our PhD website or contact [email protected]

-Eric Jackson, MBA ’23, contributed to this story

Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

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A doctor of business administration (DBA) puts emerging business research to the test with real-world applications — and the terminal degree can help you stand out from the competition.

Far fewer people earn DBAs compared to the popular master of business administration (MBA) degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . Postsecondary institutions conferred less than 5,000 doctoral degrees in business during the 2021-2022 academic year compared to more than 200,000 business master’s degrees.

A DBA can lead to leadership and high-level analyst roles or academic, research-oriented positions in education.

Read on to find out more about a doctorate in business administration and learn about some of the schools that offer this terminal degree.

Featured Online DBA Programs

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

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LU offers a doctor of business administration program from one of the nation's top Christian colleges. Students complete the fully online degree in three years on average. This DBA allows students to specialize their skills by choosing an emphasis.

Core DBA topics include strategy formulation and strategic thinking, supply chain management, and strategic allocation of financial resources. The 17 specializations include traditional subjects such as accounting, finance, and international business.

All participants complete a culminating applied research project. Admission requires a master's in business or a related major, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Program Snapshot

Program URL: Visit Program
Cost per Credit: $595
Program Length: 3 years
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Format: Online
School Status: Private
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

BU developed a doctor of business administration focused on the real-life application of advanced business skills. The fully online curriculum consists of 55 credits. Students receive an additional 36 credits for their accredited MBA .

The DBA curriculum explores topics such as human capital development, finance for business leaders, and sustainable business development. A research project beginning in the first year helps establish the participant as a thought leader. This DBA program requires no dissertation.

Two-week breaks between courses help participants manage their schedules. Admission to the online doctorate in business administration requires an MBA or equivalent master's. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Cost per Credit: $780
Program Length: 3+ years
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 91 credits
Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education

CityU develops business programs specifically for working professionals. The doctor of business administration offers a customizable curriculum that students complete online in 3-4 years. The DBA examines topics such as financial decision-making, organizational identity and culture, and industry analysis and market innovation.

All students complete several research courses in preparation for the dissertation. Participants use 12 credits to design a concentration. The DBA format blends asynchronous learning and live bi-weekly sessions with peers and the professor.

Students can transfer up to 12 credits into this doctorate in business administration. Admission requires a master's degree (business major preferred) and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit: $742
Program Length: 3-4 years
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and Synchronous
School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Baker College's doctor of business administration develops scholar-practitioners. Students complete the degree entirely online in 3.5 years on average. The 60-credit curriculum develops proficiencies in areas such as quality improvement, knowledge management and information systems, and research methods and design.

Students use nine credits to focus on a specialty area. They culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Eight-week terms help students finish the DBA faster.

All students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree in business and optional GMAT or GRE scores.

Cost per Credit: $915
Program Length: 3.5

Franklin's doctor of business administration offers working professionals the best of both worlds. Students can complete the degree entirely online or in hybrid format at regional centers located throughout Ohio. The degree requires at least a three-year commitment.

The 58-credit curriculum explores topics such as organizational leadership and strategic thinking and decision-making. Students use elective credits to pursue a focus area such as accounting or HR management. The degree requires a comprehensive exam and dissertation.

Students can transfer up to 24 credits into the online doctorate in business administration Admission requires an accredited master's and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit: $748
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 58 credits

CUC's doctor of business administration enrolls seasoned business professionals. The program blends online learning, three face-to-face residencies, and extensive mentorship. Enrollees learn how to apply business research to their management practice.

The curriculum explores topics such as strategic marketing, global business operations, and business analytics. Participants choose one of two specializations: innovation in healthcare management or strategic leadership and innovation.

All enrollees complete research methods coursework. Students pair with business mentors in the second term. Participants culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Admission requires a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants are also encouraged to have at least five years of professional experience.

Cost per Credit: N/A
Format: Online with residencies

Located in Oregon, George Fox offers a doctor of business administration that blends online learning and two residencies on campus in Newberg. Students take three years of coursework and spend one year on the dissertation.

Coursework explores topics such as leading in organizations and international business. Another course focuses on effective teaching in higher education. Students customize the doctorate in business administration with one of three concentrations: accounting, management, or data analytics.

Admission requires a master's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and five years of professional experience or a full-time faculty appointment.

Cost per Credit: $964
Program Length: 4 years
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 credits

Founded as a business school, Johnson & Wales offers a fully online doctor of business administration with no residency requirement. The cohort-based program creates business leaders able to optimize business performance in various sectors. Students complete the 54-credit degree in about three years.

All enrollees complete a mandatory online orientation. Core courses examine topics such as organizational strategy and design, innovation and change, and business analytics and intelligence. Participants culminate the DBA with a dissertation.

Enrollees in the doctorate in business administration pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree, business coursework, and five years of related experience.

Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
Instruction Style: N/A
Program Accreditation: N/A
School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

A private college located in New Jersey, Felician University offers a self-paced doctor of business administration . Students learn from faculty with extensive C-level experience. The online curriculum blends an advanced business core, projects in knowledge areas, and personalized mentorship. Students must attend a brief residency in the beginning of the program.

The doctorate in business administration covers topics such as management theory, applied marketing, and statistical and quantitative analysis. Students conduct research in areas of their choosing.

Participants receive online guidance as they complete their dissertation. The innovation lab and industry experts provide invaluable resources. Admission requires an MBA and optional GMAT or GRE scores.

Cost per Credit: $965
Program Length: N/A
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 70 credits
School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

CBU prepares business leaders equipped for the business environment's rapid pace of change. The doctor of business administration uses a cohort model for coursework and the dissertation process.

The curriculum explores topics such as economic theory, strategic marketing, and international business in global markets. The program also incorporates ethics as part of CBU's Christian heritage.

Students typically finish the degree in 36 months. Eight-week sessions accelerate degree completion. All participants pay the same affordable tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires an accredited MBA or MBA equivalency exam.

Cost per Credit: $795
Program Length: 36 months
Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 units
School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies .

What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Business Administration Program?

Whereas a Ph.D. in business administration usually serves aspiring researchers or academics, the DBA is a high-level professional degree. Current or aspiring executives pursue DBA degrees for career specialization and advancement. DBA degrees typically work best for ambitious people interested in leadership roles.

About 60 credits total, the DBA curriculum includes core courses on multivariate statistics, econometrics, and research methods. DBAs often require 3-5 years of full-time enrollment to finish, although applicants with transferable master’s degree credits may finish more quickly. DBA students benefit from advanced skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication.

Most programs expect enrollees to specialize their course of study through a curriculum concentration. Common DBA curriculum specialization options include finance, management, and marketing. Some schools also offer concentrations such as information systems or supply chain management.

Online doctorate in business administration enrollees complete internships and capstone projects in their specialization area. Online learners can do their internships at approved local sites — often their current workplace. DBA capstone projects may be connected to the internship. Dissertation-based DBA programs may focus on more abstract research topics.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

What courses will i take in an online dba program, econometrics, contemporary issues in management, global marketing, foundations of information systems, research methods, find the tools you need to get started on your degree, what can i do with an online doctorate in business administration degree, career outlook.

Online DBAs meet or exceed degree requirements for various high-paying and rapidly growing careers in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The advanced research and analytical skills of DBA graduates prove useful in jobs such as economist , management analyst , and market research analyst .

All of these careers are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting high demand for their skill sets.

Economists earn very high median annual salaries of $115,730, according to the BLS. Financial managers top the salary scale with a median annual salary of more than $156,100. The BLS projects a 17% growth in financial manager jobs from 2023 to 2033.

Learn more about the many business administration , business management , and business intelligence careers available to online DBA graduates.

Career Paths

Market research analyst.

Like economists, market research analysts often use statistical techniques and software to analyze market conditions. These professionals help businesses determine the best products or services to sell, at what price, to which audience. Market research analysts gather and examine consumer data and forecast trends. Some analysts hold the Certified Market Research Analyst credential.

Median Annual Salary: $74,680

Management Analyst

Sometimes referred to as management consultants, these analysts examine organizations’ functioning and make recommendations for increasing revenues and/or reducing costs. Some management analysts specialize in particular fields or industries. Possible professional certifications include Chartered Human Resources Analyst or Certified in Planning and Inventory Management .

Median Annual Salary: $99,140

Top Executive

Experienced professionals can use their DBA degrees to enhance their candidacy for top executive positions. These high-level administrators establish organizational goals and create major strategies and policies that support those goals. Top executives collaborate with other administrators in making important decisions.

Median Annual Salary: $206,680

These research-oriented professionals gather data and perform high-order analysis of economic phenomena. Economists may conduct this analysis to evaluate economic issues, understand and predict market trends, and make recommendations to executives. Some Ph.D.-level economists research and teach at universities.

Median Annual Salary: $115,730

Financial Managers

These managers oversee organizational finances, collaborating with other managers to create and achieve long-term financial goals. These professionals often produce and present financial statements and reports. Other duties include supervising financial staff, ensuring legal compliance, and advising top executives.

Median Annual Salary: $156,100

Business Administration Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

How do i choose an online dba program.

The total cost of a doctoral degree averages $133,340 in the United States. Online degrees often cost less than on-campus equivalents. Private university tuition typically costs nearly three times more than public in-state tuition.

To calculate the true cost of an online program, learners also must consider living expenses and non-tuition educational expenses. Distance learners typically save money on living expenses but do pay for books and graduation fees.

Program Format

Many online programs allow asynchronous attendance to accommodate working students. Asynchronous online programs allow participants to watch recorded sessions and contribute to discussion at any time of day.

Online doctorate in business administration programs also may offer self-pacing options that allow learners to accelerate their degree or complete it on a more part-time basis. This flexibility makes a difference for busy students.

Many online graduate programs require periodic visits to campus, often at the beginning or end of each semester or the program as a whole. Consider these requirements carefully when you decide where to apply , since this kind of travel gets expensive.

Some online doctorate in business administration students choose schools in their state or area so that they can take advantage of local networking and internship opportunities.

Accreditation

Good universities maintain institutional accreditation through regional accrediting agencies approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation matters, since regionally accredited schools do not accept transfer of credits from nationally accredited schools. Furthermore, only students at regionally accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid.

High-quality online doctorate in business administration programs usually also boast programmatic accreditation by organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Student Support

Most online doctorate in business administration schools provide student support such as academic advising , career services, and networking opportunities. Some programs even offer mentorship programs. Compare online student service offerings as you choose prospective schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online DBA Programs

Are online doctoral degrees respected.

A number of prestigious, well-known universities offer accredited online doctoral degrees. Employers have increasingly seen the value in online degrees since the COVID-19 pandemic moved many learning and employment opportunities online.

Does a DBA require a dissertation?

A DBA typically includes a capstone or dissertation requirement, although the details of those requirements will vary by school.

Is a DBA equivalent to PhD?

A DBA is different from a Ph.D. in business administration. Both are respected terminal degrees with a focus on research, but a Ph.D. tends to be more focused on theory and academics whereas a DBA focuses on applied research.

Is the DBA program difficult?

A DBA includes rigorous research and applying concepts to the real world. A number of intensive, high-level concepts are covered in a DBA program.

What is the difference between an Ed.D., a Ph.D., and a DBA?

A doctor of education (Ed.D.) is focused on education leadership, whereas a DBA is focused on business leadership and practical education. A Ph.D. is a broad degree available in both subject areas, typically with an academic, theory-heavy focus. A Ph.D. prepares learners to work in academia and research.

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