Business professionals that are seeking to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate a global marketplace benefit greatly from earning a Doctorate in Business Administration. As more universities offer online accredited DBA programs it is becoming easier than ever to earn this advanced degree. Every institution that made the list is fully accredited and provides high quality online programs that award students with a DBA. The programs listed are ranked according to a matrix using the cost, faculty to student ratio, acceptance rate, and the gradation rate. These key items of information show an overall picture of the program and student satisfaction.
Top 5 Online DBA
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, Kentucky |
2 | George Fox University | Newberg, Oregon |
3 | University of Wisconsin | Madison, Wisconsin |
4 | Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Indiana |
5 | Pace University | New York City, New York |
University of the Cumberlands
Designed to be an applied doctorate for working professionals the online DBA program at the University of the Cumberlands is a degree for those with a desire to reach the next level of leadership within an organization. For those that have already been in professional leadership possessions in business and hold an MBA, this program will be for them. Although recent MBA graduates will also find this program valuable and challenging. Students will complete coursework online and be mentored by expert faculty. Students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time depending on their current profession and personal obligations. Most complete the program within 3 years.
School Overview
George Fox University
For business professionals that are seeking to transition to a faculty position at a university or to become consultants or those seeking to advance their knowledge to advance in leadership skills the online DBA program from George Fox University will empower you to achieve your pursuits. The delivery format is online coursework and twice a year students will meet on campus for residencies. Students will complete all course work the first three years then focus on their dissertation the last year. This format enables students to continue their professional career and personal obligations while advancing their degree.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin
For students desiring to advance their knowledge and career, the DBA program at the University of Wisconsin is an applied program that helps students with real-world business problems. The coursework is online with a requirement of one weekend per month in person for the first two years. Students will be guided through their dissertation the last year with the help of highly qualified faculty. Students gain knowledge and skills that enable them to fulfil senior level executive positions, transition to teaching or consulting. Students will complete the program with a cohort of other professionals.
School Overview
Indiana Wesleyan University
At Indiana Wesleyan University students don’t just gain the knowledge of those who have gone before, but rather they are the ones forging the new knowledge and skills of tomorrow. This is especially true of the online DBA program at Indiana Wesleyan University, that is designed for business professionals that are ready to reach the next level in leadership, prepare to teach in business education at the highest levels, and learn how to navigate an evolving global market in an ethical and culturally responsible manner. Students can choose to specialize in one of the fours areas; accounting, healthcare administration, information systems, or management.
School Overview
Pace University
At Pace University DBA seeking students are able to advance their education without interrupting their career as they broaden their knowledge and skills through the online DBA program. Professional executives are guided and mentored by expert faculty members that have extensive experience in business leadership and conduct current research. Participants will develop analytical skills, gain theoretical knowledge, explore innovative concepts, and more. Students are part of a cohort that enables extensive networking. Graduates can advance their career in executive positions, enter consulting practices, or even become faculty members of universities.
School Overview
University of Missouri
Business professionals that are seeking to advance their career without disrupting can enroll in the online DBA program at the University of Missouri and accomplish those professional goals. This program gives students the knowledge and skills to solve complex high level business problems within their industries. Students learn how to utilize research based evidence as they solve these problems and how to use evidence based methods throughout executive leadership practice. Participants move through the program as a cohort both online and during their monthly face to face meetings. This allows for increased networking and collaboration with other business professionals.
School Overview
City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle has been educating adults and working professionals for decades and has a working and engaging platform to help students meet their education goals while they continue their professionals endeavors. Those seeking to take their knowledge and gain advanced skills will find the online DBA program to be a good fit. Students will complete coursework online at their convenience and meet virtually once a week with their faculty members and cohort of other DBA students. This allows for regular collaboration and networking while students engage in research and finding evidence based solutions to solve roadblocks within their business. Graduates are able to qualify for executive positions, advance their business, and improve the ethical moral of their workspace.
School Overview
Trident University
Trident University is a unique 100% online university that knows how to engage students and promote their success through online learning. As more business professionals are seeking to advance their knowledge and gain valuable leadership skills, online degrees have been a realistic way for them to obtain those goals while maintaining their professional endeavors. The online DBA program at Trident University equips students with the skill and experience to face the challenges of an ever-evolving global market. This is one of the few programs that is 100% online and allows students to use their professional workspace for their doctoral research. Students may also waive up to 12 units with a conferred MBA.
School Overview
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online DBA program that is specifically designed for working professionals that have experience in business leadership but are desiring to advance their career to c-level leadership. This program will walk students through designing, conducting, and evaluating research to enhance decision making. Students will learn how to develop ethical solutions for complex global problems that face their company or organization. Students participate as a cohort and will have opportunities to collaborate and network with one another throughout their time in the program.
School Overview
California Baptist University
If you are someone that is seeking to leave an impact on public, private, and nonprofit organizations then earning a DBA is where to learn the skills and gain the global knowledge to make that impact. This program at California Baptist University allows for working professionals to maintain their career and prepare to impact the future. With coursework done online and the last year focusing on their dissertation under the direction of faculty members this program will be a journey students will never forget. Participants enter in a cohort and have multiple networking opportunities and collaboration opportunities that they would not have otherwise.
School Overview
Liberty University
Designed for industry leaders, executive leaders, and other business professionals, the online DBA program at Liberty University will open new doors and opportunities for all business professionals alike. Courses prepare students for leadership positions at the highest levels in organizations. Participants are mentored by respected business professionals that are actively involved in current business trends and strategies both domestic and global. As liberty is a private Christian institution students will learn skills and practices that are based on a Christian foundation.
School Overview
Florida International University
As a top ranking institution in Business Degrees it is no surprise that Florida International University offers a well-respected online DBA program that is designed for top level executives. The flexibility of the online DBA allows professionals to continue their career and personal goals while advancing their education. Participants will deepen their critical and analytical skills that will make it possible for them to solve complex business problems that arise in an efficient manner. Students of this program will learn to apply advanced business theory, analytics, research and quantitative skills.
School Overview
Creighton University
Creighton University is a private Jesuit institution that offers a respectable online Doctorate of Business Administration program that is research oriented and strengthens analytical skills. This program leads participants to tenure tracks as faculty members at a university or to improve organizations and business consulting, and much more. This program allows students to continue their professional careers and personal pursuits while they participate in online coursework as well as have opportunities to gather during weekend residencies with their cohort a few times per semester. Students are exposed to areas of accounting, marketing, finance, business information systems, and organizational behavior; and then choose one to specialize in.
School Overview
Drexel University
A private institution, Drexel University provides an engaging approach for students that are seeking to advance their education to a DBA. Students learn from world-class faculty in a cohort format that takes them through a blended program where in the first 5 quarters of the program students have two three-day weekend residencies each quarter coupled with asynchronous meetings in small group sessions in the intermediary weeks. In those 5 quarters students attend content seminars that are co-taught by several faculty and learn applied methodology. In the remaining quarters the students are guided by their dissertation chair through the chapters of their dissertation. This unique cross-disciplinary approach as taught by professors many of whom came from the industry and are now internationally acclaimed is designed to coach senior industry leaders in applying also the mindset of a social scientist. Every student is assigned a personal dissertation chair.
School Overview
Concordia University Chicago
At Concordia University Chicago, students broaden their knowledge and learn the skills to critically examine and apply research in business and innovate business designs for a competitive global economy. Participants have four areas to specialize in; Innovation in Healthcare Management, Innovation in Human Resources, Strategic Leadership and Innovation, and Marketing Innovations. Upon completion of this program graduates are prepared to hold advanced leadership roles, or pursue consulting or even faculty positions within a university.
School Overview
Northcentral University
Why wait, at Northcentral students can enroll weekly to begin advancing their career immediately. As an online institution, Northcentral University has designed engaging and pertinent courses for working professionals that are ready to take the next step in career advancement. The DBA program is entirely online and places a heavy focus on using research to develop strategies in resolving problems and road blocks within businesses and organizations. With mentoring professors students learn from those actively working in the field. Participants have 12 areas they can specialize in to hone their skills and knowledge even more to meet their goals.
School Overview
Hampton University
If becoming a consultant or a business faculty member at a university is in your career goals then earning the DBA at Hampton University will be the vehicle that takes you to that destination. With an online delivery method and two summer residencies this program is enticing for business professionals and those seeking to enhance their leadership roles within organizations. Students seeking to apply to this program should have completed an MBA program prior to applying, though this is not required it is strongly encouraged.
School Overview
Felician University
A truly flexible and self-paced online DBA program is available at Felician University. This unique program makes it possible for executive professionals to continue their career goals while advancing their education at a pace they choose. Along with courses, students will engage in transformative research efforts and gain critical skills that are necessary for C-level executives. Participants are equipped with both academic knowledge and managerial skills that are imperative in today’s evolving and global business world. Not only are the faculty highly qualified at Felician University they also become personal mentors.
School Overview
University of the Incarnate
Those who have completed a MBA or other advanced degree in a similar field that are seeking to continue their education through the doctorate level will discover a comprehensive online DBA program delivered by the University of the Incarnate Word. Participants build on previous knowledge and experience as they become scholar-practitioners that are equipped to provide meaningful contributions to business and organizations through research and evidence based models. Students also learn how to efficiently and effectively utilize technology within their fields as well as demonstrate ethical leadership.
School Overview
Johnson and Wales University
As economies shift to a global market, it has never been more important for companies and organizations to utilize evidence based research in their policies, perspectives and how they approach solving problems that arise. For executives that are seeking to gain the knowledge, experience and skills to meet these challenges, Johnson and Wales University offers an online DBA program that equips students to meet specific needs across many sectors. The curriculum is comprehensive and career focused and is taught by experienced expert faculty that are actively engaged in today’s market. Students begin dissertation guidance at the end of their first year and will have faculty advisors throughout the experience.
School Overview
University of South Alabama
At the University of South Alabama business executives can enroll in the DBA program to advance their career potential and education. This particular program is designed for professionals that have at least 5 years of experience and an MBA or equivalent degree in a related field. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills that can qualify them to become consultants or enter the academic side of business and teach at a university. Students will be required to attend residency on weekends Friday through Sunday. Applicants are admitted once per year with the academic program beginning in May.
School Overview
Sacred Heart University
For all business executives or anyone seeking to enter academia, earning a DBA is the most logical step to opening those doors of opportunity. Sacred Heart University offers an online DBA program with low residency with a cohort model to promote student success not only after completing the program but beginning their first year. Students will have opportunities to collaborate and network with other business professionals and be mentored by expert faculty members. Each student will have the opportunity to perform independent research and defend their dissertation upon completing the program.
School Overview
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is an online school that has been educating adults and professionals for decades. If flexibility is needed while earning an advanced degree, this is the program that will provide that while still helping students progress. Students take 8-week long courses, one at a time, allowing them to meet their professional obligations while they earn their degree. This degree provides students with advanced knowledge in many areas of subject matter pertaining to businesses and organizations. Students will also learn and carry out their design for research as they seek to solve problems and find solutions using evidence-based methods.
School Overview
Wilmington University
If you are seeking a transformative degree or the best path to make your business more competitive in the ever evolving global market, then earning a DBA through Wilmington University would be the next step to make those dreams a reality. Participants not only learn from engaged business professionals they learn alongside them as they participate in research. Individuals are enrolled in cohorts that will collaborate with one another and enrich their experience as they engage in diverse problem solving associated with students’ professional careers. Students will also gain valuable field experience through partnering with an organization ro industry leader as they explore, develop, implement, and reflect on their research project/dissertation.
School Overview
Jacksonville University
At Jacksonville University students of the online DBA program will find a program that works for them. Prior to applying, students’ experience and previous MBA credentials are acknowledged. Applying students that have experience do not need to submit a GMAT or GRE score, and those that have already completed an MBA can write off the first 12 credit hours of a concentration. What about professionals that have a bachelor’s degree but desire to go straight for the DBA? There is a program pathway for that too! This program prepares students for positions as faculty members at universities as well as corporate level executives.
School Overview
Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University offers an online DBA program that equips students with expertise and advanced research skills to design, execute, and evaluate advanced business approaches to problem solving. Participants of this program are already business professionals that are seeking to advance their knowledge, analytical capabilities, and ability to apply innovative solutions within organizations. Graduates can pursue faculty positions teaching business at universities, advance to executive positions within organizations, or even pursue new business opportunities.
School Overview
St. Leo University
LoLooking for a private institution experience at a cost lower than many public institutions? St. Leo University delivers that and so much more, especially in their online DBA program that is open to executive professionals that are ready to take the next step in leadership and education. The online DBA prepares students with advanced knowledge, opportunities to perform research, hone analytical skills, and make intellectual contributions to their field. This program is flexible, student centered, and application oriented. THis means that students don’t just gain knowledge but the necessary leadership skills to traverse the evolving landscape of a global market.
School Overview
Keiser University
As the marketplace of businesses and organizations have evolved and become global entities, professionals that run them and are part of the decision making processes need to be knowledgeable and skilled. The online DBA at Keiser University delivers the courses, knowledge base, leadership building opportunities, and more to help executive professionals meet the demands of today’s businesses. Students learn how to make decisions based on research, case studies, and analyzing others work through literature to help them better lead their organization through current and new challenges.
School Overview
Baker College
Searching for other opportunities in business? Becoming a C-level executive, becoming a faculty member in academia, or maybe starting a new business is what you are looking to do, whatever your reason for enrolling in a BA program, the online DBA program at Baker College can help you get there. With a flexible online schedule that takes students through courses, seminars, residencies, and a final dissertation, students are adequately prepared to reach their goals. Graduates gain knowledge through evidence based research models, study high-level business theories, and gain managerial skills for large organizations.
School Overview
Points Methodology
- Cost: Entire Program Under $50,000 Points: 5
- Entire Program Between $50,000 and $100,000 Points: 3
- Entire Program Above $100,000 Points: 1
- Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1 and Under Points: 5
- Between 10 and 20 to 1 Points: 3
- Above 20 to 1 Points: 1
- Acceptance Rate: Above 75% Points: 5
- Between 50% and 75% Points: 3
- Under 50% Points: 1
- Graduation Rate: Above 75% Points: 5
- Between 50% and 75% Points: 3
- Under 50% Points: 1