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Choosing Your Path: The Key Differences Between DBA and PhD Programs in Business

Business Doctorate Choices

Deciding between a DBA degree and a PhD degree can be a difficult choice for those looking to pursue higher education in business. Though they sound similar, there are some key differences between these business doctorates that you’ll need to consider carefully when plotting your career trajectory. This blog breaks down everything you need to know when choosing between a DBA versus PhD degree.

What is a DBA Degree?

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral degree focused specifically on business practice. DBA programs aim to produce graduates with both strong practical business skills and solid research capabilities. The goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the real-world business environment.

What is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a more traditional, research-focused doctoral degree that delves deep into a subfield or specialization within the business, like marketing, finance, organizational behavior, etc. PhD dissertations require conducting original research that contributes new knowledge or theories to the field. 

Key Differences Between a DBA and PhD

Though they are both terminal degrees in the field of business, there are some notable ways a DBA and a PhD differ:

  • Program Focus: DBA programs concentrate on practical business skills and strategy, while PhD programs prioritize research skills and theoretical knowledge.
  • Career Outcomes: DBAs most often pursue executive business leadership roles, whereas PhDs tend to take faculty research positions.
  • Dissertation Work: DBA dissertations solve real organizational problems; PhD dissertations involve pure academic research.
  • Cost: DBA tuition costs less than typical PhD tuition at most universities.

Let’s explore these business doctorate choices and how they impact your career path in more detail:

DBA vs PhD: How They Shape Your Career Trajectory

Choosing between a DBA and a PhD can significantly impact your career path DBA PhD after graduation. It’s essential to thoughtfully weigh your skills, interests, and professional aspirations to determine which business doctorate aligns better with your career objectives.

Career Paths With a DBA

Pursuing a DBA degree is the best choice for working business professionals who want to gain the expertise needed for senior leadership roles. Typical careers include:

  • C-Suite Executive Positions – CEO, CFO, CIO, COO
  • Functional Leadership Roles – Director of Operations, VP of Marketing, Head of Business Development
  • Management Consultancy – Partner, Principal Consultant, Strategy Consultant
  • Faculty Positions – Professor of Practice, Executive Professor, Adjunct Faculty

The applied nature of the DBA program curriculum directly prepares graduates to thrive as leaders driving business growth and strategy.

Career Paths With a PhD

Alternatively, the immersive research training of a PhD in business is designed to equip students for academic careers conducting original research and instructing graduate-level business courses, such as:

  • Professor – Tenure-Track or Clinical Professor
  • Post-Secondary Administration – Dean, Department Chair/Head
  • Researcher – Think Tank Scholar, Senior Economist, Quantitative Analyst

While it is possible for some PhDs to transition into industry leadership roles, they generally need more well-rounded practical business education provided in a DBA program.

Tips for Choosing the Right Business Doctorate

As you weigh a DBA versus PhD for your future, keep these tips in mind:

  • Reflect deeply on where you see your career in 5-10 years. Let your long-term professional vision guide which rigorous doctoral program makes sense.
  • Speak to department heads and professors in each degree program to learn more about the curriculum focus and research opportunities.
  • Look for funded PhD opportunities to help offset the higher costs of investing further in your education.
  • Leverage your work experience and seek out DBA programs that will count real business projects toward your dissertation.

The Bottom Line

When deciding between investment in a DBA or PhD, moving up the executive ranks or a career shift into academia may come down to following your true passions and talents. If you’re driven by field research and theory, developing seminal thinking as a professor may prove incredibly fulfilling. But if you thrive on strategic decision-making and influencing organizations at a high level, choosing Business Doctorate can fast-track your leadership career.