Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Overview

Earning a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) offers a path toward professional advancement in business. This relatively new degree, which first became prominent in the 1950s, is an option for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of business practices and pursue education beyond the Master of Business Administration (MBA) level. The DBA is growing in prevalence in India, offering an alternative to the more research-focused PhD. 

Whilst typically less well-known than the related PhD degree, a DBA may be a better fit, especially if you're interested in practical, hands-on learning and an academic environment where you can explore research-based solutions to challenges in the business world. Discover more about the DBA qualification, what you’ll learn, and how it can enhance your career and salary prospects. 

What is a Doctorate of Business Administration?

A Doctorate of Business Administration is a professional degree designed for individuals who want to expand or develop their business skills. Those who pursue this degree often have experience owning, managing, or operating a business. It allows them to apply the theories they study to a real-world situation and seek solutions to problems they may encounter in business operations.

Although the degree focuses on business theory and practice, it differs from an MBA or a PhD in Business Administration. The coursework in an MBA programme covers topics relevant to general business management, whilst a DBA programme typically allows for more individual study in a specific area. A PhD programme may be more beneficial to you if you want to do academic research or teach at a university. Business schools in India also more commonly offer PhD programmes than DBAs.

An example of a DBA program in India is the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur’s dual-degree doctorate initiative. It partners with Bordeaux University School of Management in France to produce a joint Executive PhD and DBM programme. 

Is a Doctorate in Business Administration worthwhile?

Generally, a DBA is for people with a range of business experience at the executive level. However, people have many different reasons for getting a DBA, including learning more about the latest research and theories that apply to their business, qualifying for a new position, or positioning themselves as experts in the field. Some want to transition into a role as an instructor and mentor for the upcoming generation of business leaders. Others see the coursework as an opportunity to explore problems affecting their industry and identify possible solutions.

No matter why you decide to work on this advanced degree, you'll find the coursework challenging and discover numerous practical applications. Along the way, you can expand your business management skills to incorporate a robust combination of business insights and a solid foundation in business theory to distinguish yourself from other business leaders who work in similar roles. 

Specifically, you can refine your ability to identify and frame problems, using analytical skills and theories that are important in business. This competitive advantage may be helpful when faced with a business obstacle, when you're up for a promotion, or if you’re applying for a position with another company.

Earning a DBA can also increase your earnings potential. Estimates for salary packages for executives with a DBA range up to ₹1,00,00,000. Payscale notes the different annual average wages of workers in India according to their degree level: 

• Doctorate degree: ₹1,00,00,000 [1] 

• Master's degree: ₹7,26,000 [2]

• Bachelor's degree: ₹5,57,000 [3]

What can you do with a Doctorate in Business Administration?

The knowledge and skills you develop as you earn a DBA apply to many different areas in business and various careers: business administration or management, executive positions, research, and more. After graduation, you may find that your newly enhanced skills boost your performance at work, putting you in line for a promotion and higher salary — that may or may not be with your current company.

With a newly-earned doctorate, you may work in private or nonprofit sectors. You can strike out on your own and start your own company. Whether you stay with your current employer or look elsewhere, the following offers a glimpse at the median base salaries of some of the roles you may consider:

• Professor: ₹12,00,000 [4]

• CEO: ₹20,00,000 [5]

• Economist: ₹10,50,000 [6]

• Information systems manager: ₹20,00,000 [7]

• Human resources director: ₹40,00,000 [8]

What will you learn in a DBA program?

In a DBA program, you study current research and theories about business practices, including topics like leadership and decision-making, as well as how to conduct research at the graduate level. These courses typically build on content taught in MBA programs and help prepare you to work on your dissertation and residency. You can divide the content into two categories: business and management and research.

Business and management

Business and management core classes help establish the foundation of practical knowledge you use as you progress through the curriculum. You may apply one or more of the theories you study to your daily work life to deepen your understanding of the merits and deficits of thinking. These concepts also can inform your research. Examples of these courses include:

• Behaviour in organisations

• Management and project management

• International business

• Strategic management

• Marketing

Research methodology and thesis

For many DBA students, researching questions and finding solutions to problems is one of the more exciting parts of the programme. The curriculum typically includes introductory courses in research methods and experimental design and working on your own research project, starting with a question, exploring literature reviews, and presenting your findings. 

How to choose a DBA programme

When choosing a DBA programme, consider how the programme's design and curriculum fit into your schedule and align with your personal and professional goals. In India, many programmes are fully online, which can be ideal if you're already working full-time or have personal obligations. Alternatively, you may prefer attending classes in person because it allows you to give your full attention to the work without distraction. Some schools offer a hybrid course schedule with online classes and weekly or monthly face-to-face sessions.

The good news is that many DBA programmes are built for working professionals. Not only does this let you keep your day job whilst you work on the degree, but it also means the professors may be more understanding when an emergency arises. 

How to earn a Doctorate of Business Administration

To get a Doctorate in Business Administration, you must apply to and complete a programme at a college or university that offers the degree. Each school sets its admission requirements, which differ depending on the programme. These may include an MBA or relevant master's degree, professional experience, a strong academic record, and a promising research proposal. The school may also ask you to complete a statement of purpose detailing your reasons for choosing a DBA and your career plans. 

The DBA application process

The DBA application process usually starts when you complete and pay the application fee. You'll include your contact information, education, work experience, and why you're interested in the programme. Some schools also ask for proof of English language proficiency at this stage.

If you make it through the first stage of the process, the college or university may invite you to an interview. During the interview, you can demonstrate your critical thinking and communication skills and share what motivates you to complete the degree programme. The course provider wants evidence that you will complete the entire programme. The university or college you choose may also have additional steps in the application process. 

Continue your business education journey on Coursera

A DBA is a high-level business course aimed at executives or professionals with experience in business and an MBA or similar postgraduate degree. For many, the first step towards a DBA is earning an MBA. Check out programs like the Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, available on Coursera. With an internet connection, you can earn this degree in as little as two years from anywhere.

If you already have an MBA, you may prefer to prepare for the DBA courses by expanding your business knowledge and building skills by earning a Professional Certificate, such as the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate. Learn the basics of digital marketing, including how to set up and market an online store and measure its performance. This can help you choose an area of focus when you're ready to start your DBA programme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)