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PhD vs. DBA: What’s the Difference?

A smiling businessperson works on a laptop.

Updated on March 29, 2023.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in business and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) are both doctoral degrees that allow students to engage in advanced study, examinations and research projects surrounding business administration to earn the highest credentials in business education.

Although the PhD and DBA have similarities, each doctoral degree is designed for distinctive target groups and aligned with unique career goals, resulting in varying outcomes.

Marymount University’s online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence program prepares graduates for real-world problems within their organization and teaches professionals how to lead at the highest level in data analytics.

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PhD vs. DBA At-a-Glance Comparison

What are the similarities and differences between a PhD and DBA in business? The following chart outlines what you should expect from the two business doctoral programs to help you determine which program’s outcome, format, coursework and requirements align with your profile and goals.

Learn more about the PhD vs. DBA and discover the next step in your professional journey.

How to Choose Between a PhD and a DBA

The first step to determining whether the PhD or DBA degree is right for you is to outline your career objectives. Ask yourself questions that align with the key differentiators above:

Program focus: Am I interested in applying research to a real-world setting or producing original research for future business models?
Outcomes: Do I want to work in a business, government or nonprofit setting and solve organizational problems, or do I want to teach business theory to students?
Student profile: Am I an experienced executive with years of job experience or a business student in the academic setting?
Program format: Do I prefer to learn online or on campus?
Coursework: What are the key skills I’m interested in learning?
Program length: How much time do I want to dedicate to my continued education?
Requirements: Do I have the necessary prerequisites?

PhD vs. DBA: Salary , Job Opportunities and Outlook

A business professional who has completed an advanced degree can find new and exciting job opportunities, a promising job outlook and a higher earning potential. Consider a few figures concerning the PhD vs. DBA salary range, as well as the job forecast.

Job Opportunities for PhD in Business Graduates

Several career opportunities are open to those pursuing a PhD in business. Some common career trajectories include:

Business professor
Management consultant

Job Outlook and Salaries for PhD Graduates

Job forecasts vary for different roles that PhD graduates might pursue. Positions for management consultants , for instance, are predicted to increase by 11% between 2021 and 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For postsecondary instructors such as business professors, the BLS predicts 12% growth between 2021 and 2031. While salaries also vary, the median annual salary for those with PhDs in business administration was approximately $103,000 in December 2022, according to Payscale.

Job Opportunities for DBA Graduates

DBA graduates gain access to a wide range of business roles and job opportunities. Many become management consultants working in professional, scientific and technical services, while others are self-employed. DBA graduates often work in the following roles:

Business intelligence analyst
Organizational development director
Human resources director

Job Outlook and Salaries for DBA Graduates

Outlook and salaries vary according to the position. The BLS predicts that positions for operations research analysts , including business intelligence analysts, will increase by 23% between 2021 and 2031. For training and development managers , including organizational development directors, the BLS predicts a 7% growth between 2021 and 2031. According to Payscale, business intelligence analysts made a median annual salary of approximately $71,900 in February 2023, while organizational development directors made about $123,000 in March 2023.

Why Pursue a DBA in Business Intelligence?

While there are many benefits to earning a PhD, a DBA specializing in business intelligence will expand your understanding of business theory in the context of a digital landscape and allow you to transform organizations for the future.

Consider some of the main reasons to choose the DBA path:

1. Make Decisions Based on Data

Data-driven decision-making is a top priority for business leaders. An Invesp report noted that 40% of organizations aimed to increase data-driven marketing budgets and 64% of marketing leaders “strongly agree” that data-driven strategies are crucial in today’s economy.

A DBA in Business Intelligence teaches students how to use business intelligence tools to solve problems and gain groundbreaking insights . The hands-on coursework teaches DBA graduates how to:

Employ statistical methods to optimize business operations
Use microeconomic and macroeconomic approaches to solve business problems
Build a sophisticated platform to facilitate data-driven insights for an organization
Visualize data through industry software
Advocate for ethical data collection, privacy and transparency

2. Innovate in a Changing Economy

The business intelligence market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2023 and 2038 . The emergence of big data and the introduction of advanced analytics makes professionals with a DBA in Business Intelligence essential for the modern workforce.

Pursuing a DBA in Business Intelligence can prepare you for new challenges and opportunities in business and government by teaching you how to:

Develop a data-driven plan for implementing change in a government agency, business or nonprofit organization
Use machine learning tools to create ethically sound applications of AI in a government or business environment
Use traditional business models for product and service delivery via digital platforms

3. Commit to Ethical Leadership

Governance, privacy and data ethics are top-of-mind for leaders using data to drive organizational decisions.

Leaders who operate from an ethical foundation create conscious businesses, protect consumers and gain respect and trust as a result. A DBA in Business Intelligence can prepare you to:

Apply ethical theories to leadership challenges
Develop an ethical governance strategy in the context of using tools and technologies like AI and data analysis
Evaluate issues of trust, privacy and transparency from a business and policy perspective
Research the ethical impacts and potential bias of AI applications

4. Apply Research to the Real World

The DBA in Business Intelligence is concerned with using research to address real-world issues. The final research project is specific and can be transferable in an organizational setting. DBA students completing their final project will select their topic and engage in the following:

Use scientific thinking to design original business intelligent research
Evaluate ethical considerations when conducting research and eliminate biases
Integrate statistics and research methodology
Communicate their findings verbally and visually, as well as in writing

Benefits of Studying a DBA in Business Intelligence

Between a PhD and DBA, furthering your education in business intelligence will benefit you and the organization you work for in various areas. Enrolling in a DBA in BI empowers you to:

Build connections with innovators in your field through an expansive network of alumni
Upskill to meet the demands of organizational needs in the digital age
Enter a higher salary bracket, experience faster career mobility and enjoy job security in an industry with a growing job outlook
Become an impactful leader in your industry or use your skills to explore new industries
Prioritize ethics, privacy and moral leadership to create a better future for your team and your consumers

Advance Your Career With a DBA in Business Intelligence

If you believe a DBA is the right fit for you and your career goals, Marymount University’s online DBA in Business Intelligence program is the next step to advancing your career in a modern business landscape.

Marymount University’s online DBA in Business Intelligence program is an interdisciplinary program designed for working professionals that focuses on actionable research, agility in a changing economy and digital integration.

The program allows professionals to acquire theoretical business knowledge, learn management skills, improve their ability to make informed strategic decisions and network with thousands of like-minded professionals worldwide.

As a student, you can:

Complete your DBA in three years online through a part-time, 36-credit-hour program
Tailor your coursework to your goals and benefit from an engaged, supportive faculty
Stay on the pulse of policy development in the digital age and gain direct insight into how government and business interact
Join the Catholic educational commitment to serve others, commit to global engagement and uphold ethical, socially responsible leadership

Learn more about Marymount University’s online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence program .

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DBA vs PhD: What’s the difference in Business Administration?

April 17, 2024

Business education landscape is marked by two towering pillars: the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Business Administration . These degrees represent the zenith of academic and professional achievement in the business realm, yet they cater to distinct career paths and ambitions. So, let’s compare DBA vs PhD .

While both degrees are terminal , signifying the highest level of educational attainment in the field, they diverge significantly in purpose, structure, and outcome.

The Facts on DBA vs PhD:

Research Focus : DBAs are for applied business problem-solving; PhDs aim to generate new theories.
Career Goals : DBAs lead to executive roles; PhDs lead to academic careers.
Flexibility : DBAs offer part-time options for working professionals; PhDs are full-time.
Duration and Cost : DBAs are shorter and self-funded; PhDs are longer with potential funding.

DBA vs PhD: Academic Rigor and Research Focus

Both the DBA and PhD involve rigorous research and demand a high level of scholarly work. However, the nature of the research they entail differentiates them.

The DBA is designed for applied research , focusing on real-world business problems and their solutions. This program is less about generating new theories and more about applying existing knowledge to enhance business practices.

Conversely, the PhD in Business Administration is theoretical and seeks to advance knowledge by developing new theories or refining existing ones. Its curriculum involves research methodologies and academic theory, preparing graduates for academic careers and scholarly research.

The best example of this difference is Doctoral Research Project that culminates the DBA program. This is significantly different from a dissertation, as it allows students to solve specific problems within organizations.

Career Trajectories and Professional Objectives

The career paths of DBA and PhD graduates often reflect the research focus of their respective programs. PhD holders typically pursue academic careers, contributing to the body of knowledge in business and training the next generation of scholars. Their work often involves publishing research and teaching at the university level.

On the other hand, DBA graduates are usually seasoned business professionals who leverage their advanced education to ascend to higher executive roles or consultancy. The DBA equips them with the tools to solve complex business issues, making them valuable assets in the corporate sphere.

DBA vs PhD: Program Delivery and Flexibility

The structure of DBA and PhD programs caters to the distinct needs of their candidates. PhD programs are immersive and full-time , often requiring students to forgo other employment to focus solely on their studies. Many institutions offering stipends and tuition waivers to facilitate this.

In contrast, DBA programs offer greater flexibility . They allow students to balance their studies with work and family commitments. DBA programs at CIU blend learning experiences, as they combine online and on-campus elements to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.

Time Investment and Financial Considerations

If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a DBA , here at CIU, we design our doctorate programs to be completed within 2.5 years .

Typically, you can complete a DBA program in a shorter time frame than a PhD. The latter takes between six to ten years. This difference is partly due to the DBA’s focus on practical, problem-solving coursework relevant to current business practices.

Financially, the two programs also differ. PhD students often benefit from funding through fellowships, whereas DBA candidates are usually self-funded , which reflects the program’s orientation toward working professionals.

DBA vs PhD: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration depends on an individual’s career goals, lifestyle, and personal interests . Those inclined towards academic research, theory development, and teaching might find the PhD pathway more fulfilling. Meanwhile, the DBA route is better for business professionals aiming to enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities and impact practical business operations.

Understanding the commonalities and differences between these two esteemed degrees is crucial for prospective students. Both degrees demand a high level of dedication and intellectual rigor and offer the potential to significantly advance one’s career in business, whether in the academic or corporate sphere.

In conclusion, choosing between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration is not just about selecting an academic program. It’s about charting a course for one’s future career and impact in the business world.

When making this pivotal decision, prospective students should consider their long-term career aspirations and preferred research focus. Plus, the balance they wish to strike between professional work and academic study. With thorough research and self-reflection, deciding between DBA vs PhD can be a transformative step towards achieving one’s professional and academic goals.

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