What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration?
Feb 10, 2023

 

People opting for a higher degree in business can do so for different reasons. They can want better employment possibilities, need a fresh intellectual challenge, or just want to increase their knowledge and education.

A PhD in Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program are the two choices available if you plan to pursue a doctorate in business administration. Both of these options can help you to expand your research possibilities and, consequently, your career options.

What is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree?

A DBA degree is the highest academic degree one may achieve in business administration. Only those who work in the field of business administration are eligible for a DBA. Students who complete a DBA degree are given the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle practical business administration problems.

What is a PhD Degree in Business Administration?

The greatest qualification you may obtain in business administration is a PhD. You can find teaching opportunities at most universities if you have a PhD. A PhD can take you three to five years to complete and be earned in practically all fields, unlike a DBA, which is only conferred in business management. And if of any interest you also get to be a part of the ever-growing PhD community that strives to inspire and support each other in this long academic journey.

However, if you are confused about which course to choose for your higher education, this article sheds light on the features and major differences between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration, thus helping you make a prompt decision.

· Research

A PhD candidate chooses a research project with theoretical significance for the academic setting that centers around a gap in knowledge of existing theories. While a DBA candidate chooses a research project that has a real-world business application. A DBA topic will typically center on creating a new theory or creatively enhancing a preexisting one.

· Career Opportunities

Most people who desire to continue their academic careers get PhD degrees. PhD holders can undertake research that adds to business management knowledge and theory. A DBA is more frequently chosen by professionals who aspire to climb into senior managerial roles or obtain consulting positions across several industries. However, a DBA graduate can also choose to pursue further research if they aspire to take up teaching positions.

· Course Structure

Both management degrees can be pursued full-time. However, you can also find part-time DBA programs, especially for people who are engaged in full-time jobs.

The duration of both management programs can range from three to six years. The degree programs and their enrollment requirements determine the course's duration. DBAs take longer to finish than PhD programs since they are typically pursued full-time.

· Salaries

Both degrees can lead to professions with comparable earning potential. The only distinction is that a PhD opens career options in academia or research, such as business professors, management analysts, or scientific authors, whilst a DBA opens up more practical career options, such as CEO, Managing Director, and Operation Manager positions.

The two degrees are meant to bring students up to the level of scholarly research and understanding, but the differences allow for a far wider range of students and customization of the degree to a wider set of goals and objectives. Whatever path you take, the degree will be the means by which you accomplish your intended goals.

 

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EDAMBA aims to achieve its mission through three pillars of activity:
1. The Annual Meeting
2. The Summer Research Academy
3. The EDAMBA-EIASM Consortium of Doctoral Supervision


EDAMBA engages in global collaboration across networks
1. European Code of Practice
2. EQUAL
3. AACSB

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