4 Things You Should Know About Doctor of Business Administration Programs

4 Things You Should Know About Doctor of Business Administration Programs

Looking to develop your skills after your MBA program? One option for business professionals looking to continue their education after getting their MBA is to consider joining a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. 

A DBA degree can help make you more marketable to future employers and help you better understand the business world and market landscape before entering the workforce full-time. If you’re hoping to learn more about this education option, you’re in the right place. 

1. It’s Equivalent to a PhD

A Doctor of Business Administration program is essentially the business world’s answer to a PhD. Like with a PhD, completing your DBA program earns you the right to be called by the title of “doctor,” and both are essentially the highest degrees you can earn in each field. However, there are also a few key differences to keep in mind. 

Unlike PhDs, DBAs do not focus on pure academic research. Rather, they include both taught modules and more practical education and training, essentially preparing you for a job. You will be trained to use existing academic research to solve existing issues and to perform new analyses that address problems that existing research is unable to help. 

2. You’ll Need to Do Your Research

While useful, a DBA isn’t as common as an MBA. This means that when you’re choosing where to complete your studies – especially if you’re planning to earn a DBA degree online, you’ll first need to do thorough research to find a reputable institution that is right for you. Rankings for institutions are not as readily available or trustworthy as those for MBAs, which is why you’ll need to be very careful before making a final decision. 

3. Degrees Are Often Part-Time

While you can join a Doctor of Business Administration program without ever entering the workforce and only look for jobs after completing this degree, it is usually recommended for people with significant work experience. Applicants are usually senior professionals who hold an MBA and are a few years into their careers. 

Due to this student-body makeup, DBA degrees are usually part-time courses. Part-time degrees are advantageous for several reasons, key among them the fact that students can continue working while studying. Additionally, if your degree institution is located in a city with a high cost of living, you can choose to live elsewhere for the duration of your education, saving money, and only visiting the city when needed. 

4. DBAs Are Externally Accredited

Like MBAs, DBAs are externally accredited, and checking for accreditation is a good way to determine whether an institution is offering a legitimate degree. There are several accrediting bodies, but the most prestigious are:

Association of MBAs (AMBA): Despite its name, this UK-based body has recently started accrediting Doctor of Business Administration programs as well. It provides accreditation for a specific course rather than the institution as a whole.

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): A North American body that accredits institutions around the world.
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS): Similar to AACSB, but based in Europe.
• Another accrediting body is the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

DBAs are a great option for people looking to move into senior management positions in their current jobs or get a better insight into business strategies and analysis. They’re also great for people who already have MBAs. While they are not usually intended for students looking to continue their higher education without work experience, in some cases, they may prove beneficial for them as well. If you think that any or all of these categories fit you, consider looking for accredited DBA programs to apply to.