Many students and professionals are inclined toward pursuing online PhD programs due to the flexibility of the learning format, lower tuition costs when compared to in-person graduate degrees, and added convenience. This is the main reason students search for the best online PhD in Business Administration to complete their higher education.
After getting an online PhD in Business Administration, you can get a higher salary at your current job and increased career opportunities. In this article, we’ll investigate the best places to get a business administration PhD online and lay out some high-paying business administration jobs you could get after completing your online doctorate program.
Can You Get a PhD in Business Administration Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Business Administration online. An online program in business studies allows you to explore niche business areas and specialize your field of study. You can complete all your studies at home and get a doctoral degree from an online school after fulfilling the respective degree requirements, like completing core courses and a capstone project.
Is an Online PhD Respected?
Yes, an online PhD is respected, but only the accredited online PhD degrees are considered and respected. Institutions and degree programs get accredited if they meet the standard requirements of national and regional accrediting bodies. Accreditation helps you locate quality online education, keeping you away from scams that award worthless degrees to students.
What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Business Administration?
The best online PhD program in business administration is the PhD in International Business offered by Southern New Hampshire University. The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and it offers a comprehensive learning program in international business that leads students to an appropriate career path in the business industry.
Why Southern New Hampshire University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University has the best business administration PhD program because of its flexible scheduling format and low tuition rates. The university offers a PhD in International Business through a hybrid program, making it suitable for both full-time students and business executives. It allows them to complete the program in a speedy four years.
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Online PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirements
Some common admission requirements for an online PhD in Business Administration include the submission of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, recommendation letters, standardized test scores, and a statement of purpose. Some business schools may also require shortlisted candidates to attend an interview before the final admission decision is made.
Online PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- Standardized test scores
- Interview
Best Online PhDs in Business Administration: Top Degree Program Details
| School | Program | Estimated Length |
|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | Doctor of Business Administration | 3 years |
| Franklin University | Doctor of Business Administration | 3 years |
| Hampton University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration | 3.5 years |
| Johnson University | Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies | N/A |
| Keiser University | Doctor of Business Administration | N/A |
| Northcentral University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration | 38 months |
| Regent University | Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership | 5 years |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Doctor of Philosophy in International Business | 4 years |
| University of Dallas | Doctor of Business Administration | 3 years |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Doctor of Business Administration | Maximum 7 years |
Best Online PhDs in Business Administration: Top University Programs to Get a PhD in Business Administration Online
The top university programs to get a PhD in Business Administration are offered by Regent University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Keiser University. These programs allow you to get the highest qualification in business administration while staying at home. The following list contains the best online PhDs in Business Administration that you can pursue.
Online Business Administration PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Business Administration?
It is not very hard to complete an online PhD program in business administration. A research study about doctoral program students’ attrition rate reveals that the attrition rate among online doctoral degree students is between 50 and 70 percent. This high attrition rate shows that it is slightly hard to complete an online business administration doctorate degree program.
However, according to Statista, in 2019, around 101,799 females and 85,769 males graduated with a PhD in the US. This figure is projected to grow to 103,000 females and 87,000 males graduating annually by 2029. This shows an increasing trend of doctoral students getting a PhD degree through different modes, meaning that an online business administration PhD is attainable.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Business Administration Online?
It takes about three to five years to get a PhD in Business Administration online. The typical structure of a PhD program consists of coursework and a dissertation based on extensive research. After successfully completing the coursework, you have to write and defend your dissertation.
Choosing a topic for your research, getting it approved by the supervisor, and preparing your final dissertation is a time-consuming process. The earlier you complete your research work, the earlier you can get your degree. It typically takes online students three years of concentrated effort to earn their PhD degree quickly.
How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Business Administration?
An online doctorate in business administration program is not very hard. It is simply the online or hybrid version of an on-campus program that requires students to access the learning material online and complete all the coursework. You can interact with your instructors online to discuss your research work and complete your dissertation.
You must first complete the coursework, typically comprising 50 to 70 percent of the total credit load. After completing it successfully, you’ll choose a research area and get it approved by a supervisor, then extensively research the selected topic to prepare your dissertation. The dissertation process may be the most tedious and challenging part of your PhD.
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What Courses Are in an Online Business Administration PhD Program?
The courses in an online business administration PhD program include courses in your concentration area and minor area, plus research-focused courses. The most common courses in a typical online business administration PhD curriculum include courses on economics, management, evidence-based research methods, and decision-making.
Main Areas of Study in a Business Administration PhD Program
- Managerial decision-making
- Evidence-based research methods
- Data analytics
- Dissertation courses
How Much Does Getting an Online Business Administration PhD Cost?
It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Business Administration, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). This is the average tuition fee across all PhD degrees. If you are admitted to a public school, the average cost will reduce to about $12,171 a year because public schools offer education at a lower cost than private academic institutions.
On the other hand, if you pursue your degree program in a private school, it might cost you around $25,929 a year. This can be further classified into for-profit and non-profit schools. Getting a PhD from a for-profit institution might cost around $14,208 per year, while a non-profit school has an average tuition fee of around $27,776 per year.
How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Business Administration
You can pay for an online PhD program in business administration by seeking federal and private scholarships, educational grants, fellowships, and annual stipends exclusively for PhD students. An annual stipend encourages PhD students to focus on their studies, despite working external jobs to cover their costs of attendance.
How to Get an Online PhD for Free
You cannot get an online PhD for free, but you can get enrolled in a partially-funded or fully-funded online PhD program to reduce your educational expenditures.
Many schools offer financial aid programs for PhD students to be able to complete their doctorate degree. You can learn about them on your chosen school’s official website. You can also search through websites like the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Education USA to explore any financial aid options available for you.
What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Business Administration Degree Program?
The most affordable online PhD in Business Administration degree program is the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration offered by Hampton University. Its tuition cost is $695 per credit, which is lower than the costs for many other academic programs, which charge between $795 and $995 per credit.
Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Business Administration: In Brief
| School | Program | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration | $695 per credit |
| Bellevue University | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Management | $795 per credit |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership | $881 per credit |
| Capella University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management | $965 per credit |
| Trident University | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration | $990 per credit |
Why You Should Get an Online PhD in Business Administration
You should get an online PhD in Business Administration because certain business management occupations rank among the fastest-growing occupations between 2020 and 2030, as projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Getting a higher education in this field can open new doors for career growth for you, and online education offers flexibility.
Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Business Administration
- Research opportunities. If you want to enhance your business research skills or have the acumen for efficient business research, you should go for a PhD program in Business Administration (BA). A major part of a PhD in Business Administration consists of a dissertation that requires in-depth research work and opens up a number of career opportunities for you.
- Increased job opportunities. Getting a PhD in Business Administration leads to increased job opportunities. According to BLS, business and financial occupations will have 750,800 new jobs during the period of 2020 to 2030. You can expect to land a prestigious job with a higher degree in business administration.
- Advanced knowledge. You can unlock specialized knowledge of advanced business areas with a PhD in Business Administration. The business program allows you to explore your learning interest and invest your time into studying the field in detail.
- Higher salaries. BA occupations are usually paid well, and getting a PhD in this field can increase your earning potential substantially. In May 2021, business and financial occupations had a median salary of $76,570 per year, which was higher than the median salary for all other careers, as reported by BLS.
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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Business Administration PhD and an Online PhD in Business Administration?
The difference between an on-campus business administration PhD and an online PhD in Business Administration is the format of learning and some other key aspects, like scheduling flexibility and access to resources. Below are some key differences that you might face when studying for an online PhD as compared to an on-campus PhD in Business Administration program.
Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences
- Access to university resources. When taking an on-campus PhD program, you can access the learning resources at your university campus. Many schools have well-developed, on-site libraries to help students with their research, while online courses lack this facility.
- Scheduling flexibility. An online university program offers more flexible scheduling to students to easily adapt their learning routine. This makes it more convenient for working professionals. On the other hand, on-campus academic programs have a fixed schedule for all students that everyone must follow.
- In-person contact. You can approach your instructors and interact with them in person in an on-campus PhD degree program. On the other hand, online courses involve virtual interaction between teachers and students most of the time.
- Cost efficiency. The lack of need for traveling for an online PhD degree cuts considerable costs that are otherwise incurred in an on-campus program. This makes it more suitable for distance learners. Pursuing a degree from an online university saves their time and cost.
How to Get a PhD in Business Administration Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
To get a PhD in Business Administration online, you need to follow some simple steps, including admission, the completion of your coursework, a major research project, and other degree requirements. Below is a series of simple steps that you need to follow to get an online PhD in Business Administration.
Online PhD in Business Administration Salary and Job Outlook
An online PhD in Business Administration opens doors to many high-salaried jobs in prestigious organizations and educational institutions. PhD holders in business administration can earn an annual salary of $80,000 to $150,000. The projected job growth rate for BA occupations is also high, creating more job opportunities for new entrants and experienced business professionals.
What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Business Administration?
With an online Doctorate in Business Administration, you can get a variety of jobs in the academic and corporate sectors. You can become a professor to teach students at the highest level of education, or seek advanced positions, such as the chairman or dean of a department. You may also get top managerial and executive-level posts in different organizations.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Business Administration
- Professor
- Management analyst
- Economist
- C-level executive
- Department director
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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Business Administration?
The average salary for an online PhD holder in business administration is $104,000/year as reported by PayScale. The annual salary represents an average amount that might vary depending on the job and the organization you are working for. Along with the highest qualification, experience also affects your salary which increases with the increase in experience.
Highest-Paying Business Administration Jobs for PhD Grads
| Online Business Administration PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010/year |
| Marketing Manager | $133,380/year |
| Financial Manager | $131,710/year |
| Human Resources Manager | $126,230/year |
| Sales Manager | $127,490/year |
Best Business Administration Jobs for Online PhD Holders
The best business administration jobs for online PhD holders are all high-level management positions in sectors like sales, finance, and IT. After getting a PhD in Business Administration, you can qualify for the highest paying jobs in business, including the top executive positions. Some high-paying jobs and lofty career goals for business admin PhD holders are listed below.
Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Business Administration Online?
Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Business Administration online because it is the highest qualification you can get in the field of business administration. Getting an online PhD will allow you to discover in-depth knowledge about various principles, theories, and ideas in business administration. It enhances your business acumen and also increases your employability.
So, if you are wondering what to do after getting your business administration master’s degree, you can opt to do an online PhD in Business Administration. It will help you stand out from the crowd based on your level of knowledge, understanding of the subject, and expertise in the field.
Additional Reading About Business Administration
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Online PhD in Business Administration FAQ
Yes, you can teach with an online PhD in Business Administration. Earning a PhD qualifies you to teach students at the higher education level. You are also eligible to do research work as well as get a position within a school’s administration. Online PhD program graduates usually get advanced positions in different institutions easily.
Yes, you can get enrolled in an online PhD program in Business Administration without having a master’s degree, but you will likely need to have over 10 years of exceptional professional business experience. Having a master’s degree might reduce the number of years involved in completing the PhD degree, but it is not mandatory for some doctoral degree programs.
No, you cannot complete your online PhD in Business Administration in one year. Pursuing an online business administration doctorate usually requires three years. With strong and focused efforts, you might be able to complete a three-year program with distinction.
The popular specialization options for an online PhD in Business Administration include entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, accounting, international business, and information systems management. The specialization options vary across schools, depending on their policy and doctorate structure.
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