Many professionals are looking for ways to stand out amongst their peers and secure employment in today’s competitive job market. One strategy to make yourself a highly attractive candidate to employers is to advance your education. This article discusses the best PhDs in Business Administration so you can land one of the best business administration jobs.
You’ll discover the ten best programs in the United States to earn a PhD in Business Administration, including online programs accessible anywhere in the world. You’ll also learn about some of the best business administration jobs, their salaries, and job outlooks. Finally, you’ll learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what it’s like to get a business administration PhD.
What Is a PhD in Business Administration?
A PhD in business administration is a research-based degree that trains doctoral students to contribute to the field of business education by studying and testing business theory. Students in doctorate business administration programs conduct research and use theory to solve problems in the business world. A PhD degree is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest achievable degree in the field of study. It is typically awarded to a university professor who conducts research that contributes to an institution’s academic resources.
How to Get Into a Business Administration PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The most important requirements for acceptance into a business administration PhD program is usually a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA),or in some cases an undergraduate degree. Professional experience is also sometimes required, depending on the institution. Some programs may have additional admission requirements such as proof of English proficiency for international students.
Doctoral degree in business administration programs require proof of excellence in preceding levels of education. For instance, a minimum 3.0 GPA is necessary for admission to most programs. You’ll also need to provide relevant documentation including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirements
- Graduate Application for Admission
- Official transcripts from previous institutions
- GMAT or GRE Scores
- Official proof of degree(s) from previous institution(s)
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students
Business Administration PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Business Administration?
It is very hard to get into a PhD program in business administration because most institutions only admit at most 5 candidates per year. These limited slots are dependent on funding and make programs very competitive.
To get into a PhD program, a student should have a high GPA, high scores in standardized tests, a lot of research experience, a business background, and a compelling statement of purpose expressing intent to conduct research that will be beneficial to the university.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Business Administration: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| Drexel University | Doctorate in Business Administration | Yes |
| Duke University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| Fordham University | PhD in Business | No |
| George Washington University | Doctor of Philosophy Business Administration | No |
| Harvard University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| Oregon State University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| Syracuse University | PhD in Business | No |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Doctor of Business Administration | Yes |
| University of Washington | PhD in Business Administration | No |
Best Universities for Business Administration PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Business Administration
If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in business administration, we have compiled an in-depth list of possibilities. The following list of the best universities for business administration PhDs are known for their high standard of academic excellence as well as their accomplished faculty members and cutting-edge resources. Let’s dive in.
Can You Get a PhD in Business Administration Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Business Administration online by attending a high-quality institution that offers online graduate degrees. The best institutions with online business administration degrees include Drexel University, University of Maryland Global Campus, Liberty University, Florida National University, and Temple University. These institutions have the right resources to offer online doctorate degree programs that rival in-person programs.
Best Online PhD Programs in Business Administration
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | Executive Doctorate in Business Administration | 2.5 Years |
| Florida National University | Doctor of Business Administration | 2-3 years |
| Liberty University | Doctor of Business Administration | 3 Years |
| Temple University | Business Administration PhD | 3 years |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Doctor of Business Administration Admission | Up to 7 Years |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Business Administration?
It usually takes between two and a half and seven years to complete a PhD in Business Administration, depending on the student and the program. Many of the best PhDs in Business Administration require five years of study, the first three years spent on coursework, and the last two dedicated to writing a dissertation.
However, PhDs can be completed in as little as two and a half years, as is the case at Drexel University. It’s really up to you how much time you want to dedicate to earning this advanced degree and how long it takes you to comprehend the advanced coursework.
Is a PhD in Business Administration Hard?
Yes, a PhD in business administration is hard. Because PhDs are designed to prepare students for careers in academia, courses are structured to teach research skills to scholars who then apply these skills when they choose a field of study.
Upon selection of this specialization, students focus on a topic of research that they write a dissertation on. PhD programs not only have rigorous courses, but they require intensive research and defense of this research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Business Administration?
On average, it costs $12,171 per year to get a PhD in Business Administration at a public university and $25,776 per year at a private university, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The best institutions offering a PhDs in Business Administration typically have costs between approximately $1,000 and $1,500 per credit hour.
Online degrees are often less expensive than on-campus or even low-residency programs. Whatever route you choose for your business administration PhD, there are various financial aid avenues that can help offset the cost of earning a PhD in Business Administration.
How to Pay for a PhD in Business Administration: PhD Funding Options
PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Business Administration include tuition waivers, tuition assistance, teaching assistantships, research fellowships, rates and discounts, scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, and military and veterans benefits as well as interest-free monthly payment plans.
If the financial burden of education is prohibitive, you can always seek support from endowment funds available at many institutions. For instance, Harvard, Duke, Drexel, and Syracuse often fund high-achieving students pursuing PhDs.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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What Is the Difference Between a Business Administration Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a business administration master’s degree and PhD lies in program design and purpose. A master’s degree program provides training for students who want to pursue a successful career as a business leader. PhD programs teach research skills that empower students to study real-world challenges and develop scientific solutions in academic careers.
Therefore, while master’s programs focus on cultivating leadership skills helpful for securing executive positions, PhDs offer research experience necessary for success in academia. Masters programs are also generally shorter than PhD programs. Masters usually require two to three years of study while PhDs take around three to five years to complete, potentially even longer.
Both degrees have minimum credit requirements for graduation, but a Master in Business Administration culminates in a thesis, while a PhD in Business Administration culminates in a dissertation. PhDs programs are also typically somewhat more rigorous as this is the terminal degree in the field.
Master’s vs PhD in Business Administration Job Outlook
The Master’s in Business Administration job outlook is good. There are many potential high-paying and interesting jobs you can get with this degree such as computer and information systems manager, medical and health services manager, and human resources manager. Professions such as management analyst and accountant also require MBAs.
The PhD in Business Administration job outlook is also great. If you want to be an executive, economist, or analyst a PhD can help you achieve your goal. Also, because of the emphasis on research and education, PhD holders are equally prepared to become post-secondary education administrators, training and development managers, and professors.
Difference in Salary for Business Administration Master’s vs PhD
The average salary of a professional with a Master’s in Business Administration is $92,000, while the average salary of a business administration PhD holder is $101,000, according to PayScale. This difference in salary can be attributed to the types of careers graduates of these different degrees are qualified for. A PhD holder is likely to have better job prospects than a master’s degree holder.
Nevertheless, the salary difference is not huge. Many companies consider candidates with master’s degrees for top executive positions in business. Research-based academic institutions prefer to hire PhD holders to spearhead research projects.
Related Business Administration Degrees
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Business Administration
You should get a PhD in business administration because it gives you the opportunity to explore your passion for business at the highest level. With a PhD, you can delve into specific areas of research in business that benefit the field at large and even potentially your own organization.
You will gain the skills and expertise to approach business with a practical mindset rather than a theoretical one. A business management PhD gives you a competitive edge when applying for executive-level corporate leadership positions because it shows you are committed to the advancement of the field.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Business Administration
- Better Job Opportunities. Most jobs in business and management require a degree in business or a related field. Therefore, most people entering the job market today have at least a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees are also becoming more common. A PhD sets you apart from other job candidates and improves your career prospects.
- Higher Salaries. According to PayScale, a business administration PhD holder on average earns $9,000 more than a master’s degree holder. Most jobs attainable with a PhD offer higher salaries than those attainable with a master’s degree. If you want to earn more, try pursuing a PhD with a specialization like business management.
- Achieve a rewarding career. You might be interested in an area like business ethics, corporate social responsibility, or nonprofit management. If so, pursuing a PhD in Business and specializing in an area you’re passionate about can lead to a more fulfilling career.
- Hone your skills. A PhD in Business Administration will teach you strategies for leading people in the business world. You’ll gain special skills by tackling research projects and will be empowered to make an impact as a business leader.
Getting a PhD in Business Administration: Business Administration PhD Coursework
Getting a PhD in business administration prepares students to solve complex business challenges. So, it’s no surprise that most of the courses required deal with strategy and research. Core business administration PhD coursework covers research methods in management, strategic management, organizational behavior, business leadership, and data analytics in practice.
Research Methods in Managementment
This core course is the backbone of a business administration PhD because it lays the foundation for effective research. It involves the review and evaluation of the performance of management research strategies. It trains students to interpret both qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply business research tools when advising organizations.
Strategic Management
Strategic management teaches the analysis and implementation of strategy. Students develop strategic and systemic problem-solving skills that will help them excel as strategic leaders at top businesses and organizations. This course prepares anyone who takes it for corporate success in both the public and private sectors.
Organizational Behavior
Organizational behavior is the study of people and groups in organizations, and the role of organizations in shaping the social and economic life of a society. Subtopics you’ll learn about in this course include power and influence, leadership, organizational identity, and negotiation. Essentially, this course helps students understand how to interact with people so they can make businesses operate effectively.
Business Leadership
Business leadership is the ability to manage a company so that it achieves its goals. Being a strong leader requires decisive action when necessary, as well as the ability to inspire others to perform at their highest capacity.
Business leadership as taught in a business administration PhD context prepares students to take charge of business operations, steer employees to work efficiently, and enable organizations to meet their business goals.
Data Analytics in Practice
This course involves the review and refinement of the quantitative methods necessary for effective leadership. Doctoral candidates explore data mining and forecasting and predictive models that enable evidence-based decision-making for senior-level professionals. This course enables business professionals to give recommendations for strengthening business intelligence.
Best Master’s Degrees
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How to Get a PhD in Business Administration: Doctoral Program Requirements
Doctoral program requirements to get a PhD in Business Administration include advancement to candidacy, coursework completion, research requirements, examination excellence, and completion of a dissertation. In addition, unless it’s an online program, scholars might be required to fulfill normal residency. Let’s find out more.
Potential Careers With a Business Administration Degree
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PhD in Business Administration Salary and Job Outlook
PhD in Business Administration salary and job outlook is very good because holders of this PhD are eligible for important jobs with lucrative salaries. For instance, C-level executive jobs pay around $100,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those who want to pursue careers in academia, salaries of DBA holders are significantly above average.
The job outlook for business administration doctorate holders is above average, which suggests an increase in job opportunities over the course of the next decade. For instance, jobs for information system managers, one of the highest-paid roles for someone with a PhD in Business Administration, will increase by eleven percent. Jobs for top business executives will grow by eight percent over the next 10 years, according to the BLS.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Business Administration?
With one of the best PhDs in Business Administration, you can pursue a career in academia as a professor of business at a leading research university. Alternatively, you can pursue a career in the private sector. If you have a passion for finding solutions to real-world business challenges, you can become an analyst.
The skills acquired through the pursuit of a PhD are applicable in every industry and discipline. So, the job opportunities you can pursue are limitless. Considering your added specialized skills and experience, you will be equipped to successfully manage most businesses. If you choose to start a business, you’ll have the know-how to ensure it thrives. The job market is your oyster.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Business Administration
- C-Level executive
- Professor
- Research analyst
- Business consultant
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Business Administration?
The average PhD in Business Administration salary is $101,000 per year according to PayScale. On the upper end, information systems managers with PhDs earn around $160,000 per year, while on the lower end, university professors take home around $80,000 per year. The salary of a business administration PhD holder also depends on many other factors including industry, company, experience, and more.
Highest-Paying Business Administration Jobs for PhD Grads
| Business Administration PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Financial Manager | $131,710 |
| Human Resources Director | $126,230 |
| Business Economist | $105,630 |
| Top Executive | $98,980 |
Best Business Administration Jobs with a Doctorate
The best business administration jobs with a doctorate include information systems manager, financial manager, human resources director, business economist, and top executive. All these jobs guarantee a lucrative professional career. These positions also offer an array of challenges and opportunities to learn, ensuring you’ll never be bored at your job.
Is a PhD in Business Administration Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Business Administration is worth it. It can make a significant improvement in your salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PhD professionals across all industries make on average $110,160 annually while master’s graduates earn $76,800 and bachelor’s graduates make $78,020. This means a PhD can add $32,000 to your salary annually.
Secondly, a PhD in Business Administration gives you the opportunity to pursue more than just a career. As a PhD program graduate, you will become instrumental in finding solutions to business problems. Because of this advanced skill, you will be able to pursue a fulfilling career and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.
Additional Reading About Business Administration
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PhD in Business Administration FAQ
No, a Doctor of Business Administration is not the same as a PhD, but they are only slightly different. A Doctor of Business Administration is more focused on theory, and is aimed toward teaching skills most relevant in practice of business. A PhD is a more research-oriented program. There are slight differences between a doctorate degree vs a PhD.
A PhD is best for you if your goal is to pursue a career in higher education or as a research expert in business. On the other hand, a DBA is appropriate for those who want to focus on business and organizational challenges that require research to find solutions. Either way, both doctoral degrees improve your chances in the job market.
Yes, a master’s degree is not an admission requirement for most PhD programs in the United States. However, you cannot be admitted immediately after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a few years of professional experience and a compelling explanation of your reason for pursuing a PhD. Keep in mind that certain institutions do only admit students with master’s degrees.
Yes, you can do a PhD while working. Most PhD programs are designed for working professionals. Depending on the program there are different options, such as part-time or full-time and online, hybrid, or on-campus. If you wish to maintain your current job while advancing your education, you can definitely find a plan that fits your schedule or consider an online degree.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
