whats the difference between dba and phd

• Meet Dean Anil Menon, Ph.D.
• Compare Programs
• Executive MBA
• Early-Advantage MBA
• Executive Doctorate
• Accelerated Management Program
• Graduate Certificates
• Advanced Entrepreneurship
• Center for Leadership Development
• Management & Executive Education
• Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership

DBA vs. PhD: What’s the Difference?

You’ve tackled your undergraduate business degree, and now you’re feeling ready to take your business education one step further. You might be wondering, “Where do I even begin?” If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to upper-level business degrees, there are a wide variety of options. Two popular options are the Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA, and the Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD. Both options can be an excellent fit for students who are eager to dive even deeper into the world of academia. In this article, you’ll get a better understanding of the difference between the two degrees and gain some insight as to which degree program is the best fit for you.

What Is a DBA?

A Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA degree, is considered a “terminal degree.” This designation simply means that the degree is the highest level of education one can receive in the business world. These degrees are centered around business education with a major emphasis on management. DBA programs often entail a research component that focuses on real-life business problems. Throughout their studies, DBA students learn to apply various theories in solving real issues faced by today’s businesses. This degree is primarily geared toward individuals who currently hold a master’s degree in business or another closely related subject.

What Is a PhD?

PhD programs are another excellent choice for those wishing to further their education. This is also considered a “terminal degree,” and it is the highest-level research degree that one can obtain. These programs involve rigorous research and extensive study. While you’re likely interested in a PhD degree in the business field, nearly any subject can provide this research-based degree, from science, to humanities, to everything in between. While DBA programs are typically intended for students who hold a master’s degree, PhD programs welcome students after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline. They are the ideal choice for anyone who might be interested in carrying out research or teaching in an academic institution.

Coursework and Duration: Comparing the Curriculum

While both DBA programs and PhD programs give students a deep understanding of the theories that drive the world around us, they do so in different ways. In a Doctorate of Business Administration program, you’ll focus exclusively on business and management from a practical lens. Application of theory is a major focus, and coursework often provides students with opportunities to put their knowledge into practice by solving real-world business problems. Alternatively, PhD programs are offered in just about any subject one can imagine. They take a more theoretical approach with their curricula, teaching students to understand the “why” and “how” behind both business problems and their solutions.

The typical timeline of these graduate programs differs as well. Since DBA programs are intended for people who already have both a master’s degree and significant work experience, they tend to take less time to complete. Many DBA programs are offered on a part-time schedule, and students can expect to complete their Doctorate of Business Administration in about two to four years. While PhD programs don’t always require as much experience prior to enrolling, they tend to require more time to complete. These research-intense programs usually follow a full-time course schedule with an average completion time that ranges from three to five years.

Practical Experience vs. Thesis Research

The major difference between a DBA education and a PhD education can be summed up as practical vs. theoretical. Students entering into a DBA program typically come with a master’s degree in hand and multiple years of relevant work experience under their belt. As such, DBA programs are designed to expand upon their students’ wealth of prior knowledge and experience. These programs teach students to understand relevant theories and principles of business management, but more importantly, they teach students to apply those theories and principles. DBA programs equip students to bring their education and experience to the table when solving real-world problems.

While DBA students focus on using existing knowledge to solve problems, students in PhD programs work to add new knowledge to the business world. Instead of researching the application of existing theories and principles, PhD students are expected to work on original research, unearthing and exploring new ideas. Thus, PhD programs take a much more theoretical approach rather than a practical one. To put their newly gained insights on display, PhD candidates are usually required to complete a dissertation. Through these lengthy research projects, students demonstrate their knowledge, expand upon their ideas, and showcase their experience.

Career Outcomes of a DBA vs. a PhD in Business Administration

Following completion of their degree, DBA and PhD graduates typically take two different paths when it comes to employment. Much like an MBA, a Doctor of Business Administration prepares students for jobs in both the private and public sector. DBA candidates often go on to work in senior management roles or consulting. Some even choose to open their own businesses. Their practical, hands-on approach ensures that DBA programs leave their graduates well-equipped for these roles.

On the other hand, PhD candidates typically stick to the world of academia following their graduation. They often find work with universities as professors and can even go on to be program directors. Some graduates may also opt to continue expanding upon their research while they teach, sharing their research methods with the next generation of PhD students.

However, as with any degree, the job you’ll find afterward depends on a number of different factors. Your prior work experience and unique strengths gained from both work and the classroom play a big part in determining where you’ll take your talents. Just like your interests and passions will likely guide your choice between DBA and PhD programs, they’ll also guide your job search. External factors do play a role as well. The current job market will decide what specific jobs are available at one time or another, and demand for your specific skill set can determine how well you fit the profile of those available jobs.

DBA or PhD: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding to further your education with a doctorate degree is a huge decision in and of itself. Having to choose between a Doctor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy might be an even more challenging decision. Each of these programs is considered a “terminal degree,” offering students the highest level of education possible in the field. They provide candidates with advanced training and preparation for high-ranking roles. Whether you opt for a DBA or a PhD program, you’ll be opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

To ensure that you make the right choice between the two degrees, you’ll want to take time to think about your career goals. Consider where you are now as well as what you want your career to look like in 5, 10, even 2o years. Do you hope to hold a title as a C-suite executive of a major corporation, calling the shots and leading the teams around you? Or do you hope to be in the classroom, teaching the next generation of business professionals about both new and existing theories in the business industry?

Be sure to spend some significant time weighing out these options, including any accreditation requirements. Once you feel confident in the goals you’ve set, look for programs that are in alignment with the things that are most important to you. Check out the academic career resources and coursework of each program you’re interested in. Give yourself the time and space to carefully consider each of these factors prior to making a decision.

Final Thoughts

Getting a doctorate degree can be an excellent way to take your career to the next level . No matter whether you opt for a DBA or a PhD, these terminal business degrees can make your application stand out among the rest and open doors to previously unattainable job opportunities. DBA programs are a perfect fit for people looking to grow their base of practical knowledge in the field. They prepare graduates to work in upper-level leadership roles within the business environment, solving real problems that companies face on a day-to-day basis. Alternatively, PhD programs are the ideal choice for anyone with an interest in the principles and theories that guide business decisions and outcomes. These programs equip graduates to take on roles in the world of academia, such as research and teaching.

However, before you take the jump into your DBA or PhD, be sure to take time to thoughtfully consider your decision. Use your career goals as a guide, and take the time to research your options thoroughly. Seek out advice from peers in the field, and learn from the stories of others making an impact in the business world, like one Crummer Executive MBA student who has a strong passion for both business and academia.

Related Articles

Crafting a compelling statement of purpose: tips for effective writing.

An effective statement of purpose attracts the attention of the reader. Learn how to write one that stands out and showcases your unique strengths.

What is Entrepreneurship? How to Become an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship may sound elusive, but it’s more possible than you might think. Read on to learn exactly how to become one.

The Ultimate Guide to Organizational Change Management: Tips and Strategies

Managing change can be a challenge. This ultimate guide to organizational change management offers tips and strategies to help you navigate the process successfully.

What Is the Difference Between a DBA and a PhD?

Maciej Kapron July 6, 2022

Doctoral studies are the pinnacle of the educational ladder and most people talking of doctoral studies imply PhD studies. However, in today’s world focused on specialized skills, problem solving and application of knowledge to real-life problems, DBA programs offer something quite different. In this article, I explore some of the differences between a DBA and a PhD.

Theory vs. Application

Both routes embed research albeit in very different ways. PhD puts a lot more focus on theoretical input and contribution into the academia, whereas DBA is oriented more towards practical application of theories to real-life problems. The DBA, targeting experienced professionals characterizes itself with significant taught content, the aim of which, is to help candidates get to grips with the knowledge that enables them to think critically, consider contemporary business issues to develop a broader perspective and perform research and data gathering effectively. PhD is more of a research-focused study where it’s very unlikely to receive taught content and the aim is to find gaps in the existing knowledge, filling them out rather than coming up with particular solutions.

Practical differences between a DBA and a PhD

There are quite a few differences between DBA and PhD studies when it comes to practicalities. First and foremost is the mode of delivery. A PhD often requires full-time physical presence and focus of the candidate on a specific area of research, typically for around four years. Most DBA programs are part-time options where the candidate is expected to complete research alongside full-time work. Typically, candidates summon for the taught modules and at Munich Business School (MBS) this entails three 5-day weeks delivered together by MBS and our partners at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU).

Furthermore, where a PhD candidate can receive funding support, DBA programs don’t offer such opportunity because the research is completed in parallel with full-time work and very often becomes part of work in the process. This is possible thanks to problem-focused approach and the ‘end product’ in the form of a new theory or practice that is applicable within a specific commercial context.

Costs are also different between PhD and DBA programs. DBA programs appear more expensive in comparison to a PhD however you also get what you paid for. Taking the DBA program offered by MBS and SHU as an example, candidates receive two supervisors from two reputable institutions. They also receive expert knowledge from the taught modules with specialists in different fields of business. Lastly, they gain access to a wider library of resources which is an advantage at the research phase, with more accessible information comes a wider perspective.

Applicant’s background

The last significant difference between DBA and PhD programs is the background of the candidates. DBA programs are suitable to those who have acquired experience in their field via professional work. Typical cohorts consist of people with five or more years of work experience and at least three years of experience in team management or budget responsibilities. There is no upper age limit or seniority when it comes to admission. What matters most is the applicant’s experience, strength of the application and viability of the proposed research. PhD studies are more suitable to those who don’t have extensive work experience in a specialist field and want to follow on straight from their master’s studies.

Summarizing, there are three important areas on which DBA is different to PhD studies. This does not mean that one is better than the other but these differences are quite significant for anyone considering doctoral studies. Whilst there may be other factors that distinguish between DBA and PhD studies, the above are perhaps the most important differences that also wage on the suitability of the program to individual situations and as for which one is a better option.

Would you like to scientifically research a current economic issue within the framework of a doctorate without having to leave your professional career? The part-time Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Munich Business School and Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is just right for you! See for yourself: Doctor of Business Administration

• Application
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Practical Relevance

Related Articles

“The Process That Led Me to the Research Project Was a Very Rewarding One.” – Dr. Alexander Müller Talks About His DBA Studies

Kick-Off for the Conscious Business Education Research Project

MBS Professor Dr. Florian Bartholomae Presents His Research at NARSC Conference

Copyright © Munich Business School