PhD vs DBA: Top Reasons to Earn a DBA Instead of a PhD in Business

21-Aug-2024

Doctorate in Business Administration vs. PhD in Business: Let's resolve the paradox

There is a pertinent question among aspirants pursuing a doctoral-level degree in business regarding the differences between the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Business Administration (PhD). Interestingly, the query arises just as frequently from business faculty as prospective students. In this brief discussion, we'll explore the glaring distinctions between these two degrees from many perspectives to help clarify why a DBA is better than a PhD in business. 

Is a DBA equivalent to a PhD?

DBA is not equivalent to a PhD in business administration. At first glance, it might seem that there are few dissimilarities between a Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) and a PhD in Business Administration. Although both are doctoral degrees, the differences have a lot of contrast, especially once you start fragmenting them.

DBA is a business-focused doctorate program suited for executives who dream of enhancing their careers in leadership positions. This program includes applied research to mitigate complex business problems. On the contrary, a PhD in business administration is a more academic, research-oriented program. It is inclined towards a theoretical approach to test existing theories or develop new ones.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD in Business and a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Program?

If you are considering doctoral degrees as your future pathway, here are five prominent differences between a PhD in Business and a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Program:

1. Outcome of the doctoral program: The outcomes of a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration differ significantly. A PhD is a research-focused degree that trains you to develop and share ideas within the academic community. On the contrary, a DBA is a more application-oriented program that equips you with advanced skills to apply whatever concepts you have learned in practice. 

With a PhD, you are primarily prepared for a career in academia, where you will devote your time conducting research, teaching, and serving the academic community through roles like journal editing or conference organizing. The ultimate goal is often to become a professor at a business school or university. While a DBA program can also lead to teaching roles, especially at the undergraduate or MBA level, it is less unlikely to result in a tenure-track position. However, Harvard's DBA program is an exception, as it is considered a research degree with expectations similar to those of a PhD in business administration, including academic training and research commitment.

2. Contrasting processes: Research studies are inherently unpredictable and complex, with answers that are more plausible than definitive. Since a PhD in Business Administration is research-oriented, it is more challenging and requires more time than a DBA program. In a PhD in a business program, you make theoretical contributions, often leading to significant personal and professional strain whereas a DBA is more curriculum-based infused with a practical project, resulting in a shorter and less intensive experience. Usually, time engagement in a PhD program involves coursework of 2 years followed by research that stretches from 2 to 4.5 years, while a DBA includes coursework of 2 years and 1 year of applied research.

3. Requirement for transit: If you pursue a PhD in Business Administration, be prepared to transit around campus locations. These programs require relocation to benefit from being close to other PhD scholars, faculty members, and researchers, which enhances learning and productivity when you interact with like-minded individuals. Being in close proximity to faculty supervisors and professors allows for expeditious learning and increased motivation through competition with peers. You will also pick up on subtle academic norms, which can be crucial for success.

Contrastingly, executive DBA programs often recommend online options that are suitable for those professionals who do not plan to focus on longer periods of research studies. While this online DBA program allows you to work from home or the workplace, it can be challenging and overwhelming due to the substantial study material and extended durations ranging from 3-to 4 years or more. Due to this reason, aspirants pursuing executive DBA might face motivation issues, however, it might be worth considering if it aligns with your career goals.

4. Course structure: You can pursue both doctoral programs full-time. However, there are working professionals who are interested in these programs. They have the option to explore part-time DBA courses as well. The scholars may find a PhD in Business Administration slow and frustrating. This is usual in research, where tasks take a long time to complete. It may take 1-2 years to complete a paper, followed by a lengthy review process with potential rejections before getting published. Hence, it is important to be patient as the process can be challenging.

In contrast, a DBA is swifter and more practical than PhD program, making it the best decision for those aiming to advance in consulting or executive positions. If you aspire to enter the business world, a DBA offers immediate benefits compared to the cumbersome and unsure path of a PhD in business administration.

5. Competitive aspect: -The academic research environment is highly competitive, often surprising those from outside academia. It is often noticed that the dedicated work hours in academic research programs can be more extensive than in the corporate sector. This aggressive competition arises because B-schools attract the finest talents, including skilled professionals from diverse fields. Furthermore, academic performance is intensely monitored and compared through publication metrics. Consequently, the competitive atmosphere in a PhD program is extreme and persists throughout the research process.

PhD vs DBA Salary: which is more beneficial?

DBA program helps you in your corporate aspirations and the rewards multiply as you climb towards senior executive positions. Large corporations, such as finance and consulting firms, hire DBA-qualified professionals at higher packages. In the case of PhD in business administration, since it is more about research work and academia, scholars may find jobs in fields of technology and intensive research organizations. However, the packages for PhD may not match that of DBA qualified person.

Top 10 Reasons to Pursue a DBA Rather Than a PhD in Business

Here are the top 10 reasons for you to select a DBA degree over PhD in business administration:

1. When you go for a DBA degree, it is more of a practical, approach-oriented program inclusive of applied knowledge of business concepts. The course emphasized practical competencies in addition to theoretical support.

2. Aspirants are equipped with business knowledge that is more advanced and simulates complex real-world business problems. This helps the scholars enhance their management acumen, which is important for working in executive positions.

3. A DBA is often attached to expeditious career growth and provides a pathway to senior-level corporate positions, including executives, senior management, and chief executive posts among others.

4. When compared to a PhD which is research-oriented, a DBA degree confers you with leadership skills that remain highly relevant and create an impact in the organizational landscape. A DBA degree enhances management skills such as prudent decision-making, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. DBA holders are much better prepared to drive transformational changes in the companies.

5. Since a DBA degree attracts executives and working professionals from diverse fields, it allows network building and access to business insights. It helps in alumni interactions where people share ideas and collaborate with business leaders. 

6. Opting for a DBA also attaches a sense of credibility to your professional career. It provides enough information about your high level of management expertise that can prove beneficial for recruiting firms that are seeking consultants and executives for their companies.

7. If you are a DBA degree holder, it opens up the horizons for you as the program is your passport to higher packages. Whether you are hired by a government organization or a private player, you are bound to get lucrative salaries in accordance with your potential and experience.

8. One major advantage of a DBA degree is that it can be attained through online mode. With such ease of access, it allows aspiring professionals the privilege to work and study simultaneously without hampering their job obligations.

9. As a professional with a DBA degree, you will become an expert in a specified topic as the program allows the option to select specialization subjects. This leads to an intensive understanding of the topics involving research components. It may be beneficial for industry innovation practices through the development of new frameworks and improved methodologies.

10. A DBA degree not only provides professional growth but also fosters personal development. The program is rigorous and challenges your competence, thereby improving aspects such as resilience and thinking capabilities.

To Wrap Up

In today's competitive business world, career advancement is vital. Pursuing doctoral programs helps you gain expertise, knowledge, and practical experience, providing rapid growth and successful career prospects. Through this article, we have furnished enough information to resolve the puzzle surrounding a DBA degree and a PhD in business administration to some extent. 

PhD vs DBA Reasons to Earn a DBA Earn a DBA over PhD