Best Online DBA and Ph.D. in Business Programs

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on April 25, 2025
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Management jobs pay some of the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.

While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school. With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.

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Top Online Business Ph.D. and DBA Programs

Read About Our Methodology Herearrow-right

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Baker College

  • Owosso, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $750

Credits to Graduate: 60

Baker's online DBA program prepares you for leadership roles and to become a business consultant or analyst. The curriculum includes 33 credits of core courses in subjects like leadership theory and ethics, organizational theory and behavior, enterprise governance of IT, and quantitative research.

The online program emphasizes interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge, research techniques and designs. To apply, you'll need to have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit an application, a resume, and an admissions essay.

69%

Online Enrollment

$12,510

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

61%

Retention Rate

$12,510

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
6,028
Institution Type
Private

California Baptist University

  • Riverside, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $800

Credits to Graduate: 56

CBU Online's DBA program emphasizes innovation and sustainability and trains you to lead public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The cohort-based curriculum consists of eight-week online courses.

Coursework includes foundations of organization and management, economic theory, strategic marketing, and human resources management. To apply, you must have a bachelor's degree and send official transcripts. You may be asked for additional documents for GPA verification.

83%

Online Enrollment

$13,410

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$13,410

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
11,317
Institution Type
Private

City University of Seattle

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $770

Credits to Graduate: 91

CityU's ACBSP-accredited DBA emphasizes organization interventional thinking, agile business practices, critical thinking, and leadership. You can choose between online and on-campus formats. In the online format, you'll have one live, hour-long, interactive session every other week. 

You can also choose your own specialization. The curriculum includes organizational development theories and trends, financial decision-making, and industry analysis and market innovation.

To get accepted, you must have a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

83%

Online Enrollment

$11,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Retention Rate

$11,812

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
2,052
Institution Type
Private

Concordia University-Chicago

  • River Forest, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $960

Credits to Graduate: 60

Accredited by ACBSP, CUC's online DBA emphasizes innovation, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, with a foundation in research and theory. The 100% online curriculum offers two specializations: innovation in healthcare management and strategic leadership and innovation.

The curriculum covers social responsibility and ethical decision-making, doctoral research design for business, strategic thought leadership, and innovative best practices in healthcare management.

For admission, you'll need a master's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. You must also submit official transcripts, a resume, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation.

87%

Online Enrollment

$9,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$9,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
6,491
Institution Type
Private

Felician University

  • Lodi, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,030

Credits to Graduate: 61

Felician's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and cutting-edge research. The self-paced online curriculum includes courses on statistical and quantitative analysis, historical and contemporary management theory, applied marketing theory, and applied decision theory.

You'll have the chance to engage in transformative research efforts designed to contribute to professional knowledge and practice. To apply, you need an MBA and must submit a resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.

55%

Online Enrollment

$19,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$19,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
2,556
Institution Type
Private

Franklin University

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $750

Credits to Graduate: 58

Franklin's 100% online DBA offers eight focus areas, including accounting, IT, public administration, marketing, human resources management, and healthcare management.

The curriculum includes courses like statistics; quantitative research; organizational leadership; and strategic thinking, decision-making, and innovation.

To apply, you'll need an accredited master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must have at least 30 hours of graduate coursework in a business-related field or three years of relevant work experience.

100%

Online Enrollment

$16,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

9%

Retention Rate

$16,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
5,926
Institution Type
Private

Gardner-Webb University

  • Boiling Springs, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $930

Credits to Graduate: 60

Gardner-Webb's online DBA program prepares you to lead strategic initiatives, build a healthy work culture, and effect change in your community. You can choose from among five concentrations: accounting, finance, international business, management, and marketing.

Courses include foundations for ethical reasoning in business, advanced business statistics, marketing theory, and a doctoral dissertation.

To get in, you'll need an MBA or other master's degree in a business-related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also submit a resume, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation.

74%

Online Enrollment

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
3,536
Institution Type
Private

Johnson & Wales University-Online

  • Providence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $990

Credits to Graduate: 54

JWU's online DBA equips you with the skills you'll need to ​​conceptualize, investigate, and solve complex business problems. The cohort-based asynchronous program focuses primarily on organizational development.

Coursework includes organizational and strategy design, research design, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, contemporary leadership issues, and a dissertation.

To apply, you'll need to submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. You'll also need to participate in a video conference interview.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$14,148

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

50%

Retention Rate

$14,148

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
2,152
Institution Type
Private

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $980

Credits to Graduate: 60

Keiser's online ACBSP-accredited DBA combines theory and applied research so you can make a meaningful impact on business administration or academia. The program offers three specializations in global business, global marketing, and management.

You'll take classes in subjects like financial theory and policy, marketing management, and micro and macro organizational behavior.

To apply, you must have a relevant master's degree from an accredited institution. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you'll need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program.

48%

Online Enrollment

$27,162

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

60%

Retention Rate

$27,162

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
20,330
Institution Type
Private

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $600

Credits to Graduate: 60

Accredited by ACBSP, Liberty's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and training for the highest level of the corporate world. The program offers 17 specializations, including nonprofit leadership, strategic management, international business, and executive coaching.

Coursework varies by specialization but typically includes current topics in business administration, strategic allocation of financial resources, and applied research.

For admission to Liberty's DBA, you'll need at least 30 graduate-level business credits and a master's degree in business or a business-related field. The DBA information systems specialization has additional requirements for admission.

93%

Online Enrollment

$7,935

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$7,935

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private

Lincoln Memorial University

  • Harrogate, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP

Avg. Cost per Credit: $730

Credits to Graduate: 60

Program Website

10%

Online Enrollment

$20,705

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$20,705

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
4,885
Institution Type
Private

Saint Leo University

  • Saint Leo, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP

Avg. Cost per Credit: $970

Credits to Graduate: 57

Program Website

92%

Online Enrollment

$14,568

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$14,568

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
9,832
Institution Type
Private

St. Thomas University

  • Miami Gardens, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,030

Credits to Graduate: 90

Program Website

36%

Online Enrollment

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

49%

Retention Rate

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
5,601
Institution Type
Private

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,090

Credits to Graduate: 48

Program Website

92%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,640

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

55%

Retention Rate

$11,862

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
58,526
Institution Type
Public

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • Greensboro, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In State | $350

Out of State | $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 54

Program Website

94%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$18,937

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
19,764
Institution Type
Public

University of West Alabama

  • Livingston, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Avg. Cost per Credit: $630

Credits to Graduate: 60-66

Program Website

82%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

63%

Retention Rate

$13,356

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
5,734
Institution Type
Public

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 66

Program Website

99%

Online Enrollment

$4,282

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$4,282

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
19,110
Institution Type
Private

University of the Incarnate Word

  • San Antonio, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 45

Program Website

95%

Online Enrollment

$18,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$18,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
7,917
Institution Type
Private

University of the Southwest

  • Hobbs, NM
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $800

Credits to Graduate: 60

Program Website

100%

Online Enrollment

$22,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$22,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
904
Institution Type
Private

Wilmington University

  • New Castle, DE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $680

Credits to Graduate: 54

Program Website

84%

Online Enrollment

$8,784

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

50%

Retention Rate

$8,784

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
14,769
Institution Type
Private

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?

  • You’ll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
  • An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
  • You’ll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
  • You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
  • Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
  • You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Did You Know…

  • check-circleBusiness is one of the most popular graduate degrees — nearly a quarter of all master’s degrees awarded in 2020-2021 were in business.
  • check-circleCompared to those with a master’s degree, the median salary for those with a doctorate is around $19,000 higher per year.
  • check-circleProfessionals with a doctorate report the lowest unemployment rate for any education level except professional degrees.
DBA vs. Ph.D: How Do They Differ?
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)Ph.D. in Business
  • Emphasizes applied knowledge and practical skills
  • Programs typically take 3-5 years
  • Requires a dissertation or applied project as a culminating experience
  • Graduates can pursue leadership roles in business
  • Emphasizes business theory and research
  • Programs typically take 4-6 years
  • Requires a research-based dissertation as a culminating experience
  • Graduates can pursue academic and research jobs

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs

Accreditation matters when you’re choosing an online doctoral program in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school’s accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation.

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs:

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?

  • chevron-double-rightGeneral application
  • chevron-double-rightOfficial transcripts from all colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate)
  • chevron-double-rightTest scores, usually from the GMAT or GRE
  • chevron-double-rightLetters of recommendation
  • chevron-double-rightResume
  • chevron-double-rightStatement(s) of purpose

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Business Cost?


Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.

Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you’re full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.

The main factors that affect how much you’ll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:

  • The length of your program
  • Whether you enroll in a private or public school
  • How much financial aid you qualify for
  • Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
  • Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.

Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.

In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.

Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Operations
  • How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?

    With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.

    As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.

    10 Popular Jobs for Business Doctorate-Holders
    JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)
    Chief Executives$105,3505%
    Human Resources Managers$140,0306%
    Training and Development Managers$127,0907%
    Economists$115,4405%
    Project Management Specialists$100,7507%
    Management Analysts$101,19011%
    Postsecondary Teachers$83,9808%
    Logisticians$80,88019%

    Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs

    What can you do with an online Ph.D. in business?

    An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.

    While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.

    How many years does it take to get an online Ph.D. in business?

    Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.

    In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.

    Are business Ph.D.’s in demand?

    A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college professors are in demand, with a projected 8% growth rate from 2023-2033.

    What’s more, business professors tend to earn high salaries.

    Is a DBA better than a Ph.D. in business?

    A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.

    As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.

    Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

    Is a DBA worth it?

    A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner’s degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.

    DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.

    Next Steps