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From increased earning potential to career security and flexibility, a doctoral degree is the most important aspect of the knowledge economy. Acquired a PhD degree offers leadership benefits, higher paychecks, and social respect. The two most profitable distinctions among all the doctoral certifications are DBA and PhD. If you are here to discover the differentiating factors between DBA vs PhD, spend a few minutes reading the points below.
An overview of PhD and DBA: Discovering the similarities
A DBA degree, despite its emerging prevalence worldwide, is not easily discoverable amongst prospective scholars. On the contrary, PhD in business is a more popular educational certification. To begin with their similarities, both these degrees are doctoral-level certifications and are terminal degrees in business.
So, both DBA and PhD degrees can offer academic achievements in business administration. They are delivered through top-notch research institutions presenting research-focused curricula. However, despite having certain elements in common, a DBA degree is not similar to a PhD degree. The following pointers narrate the parameters that differentiate them:
Unlocking the differences between DBA vs PhD
Based on the following parameters, a DBA degree can be differentiated from a PhD program.
Aspirant’s profile
A PhD degree prepares graduates for an academic career. It aims to conduct theoretical research and education at the university or college level, thereby developing their research skills, knowledge, and international academic reputation. DBA, on the other hand, offers a high-achieving career to working professionals who wants to become decision leaders.
DBA graduates leverage the knowledge acquired from the degree and expand their influence as consultants to different organizations.
Research
The most significant difference between the PhD and DBA is the research focus considering the type of knowledge conveyed and the research analysis that scholars need to conduct. A traditional PhD doctoral degree focuses more on the theoretical survey, encompassing developments of new theories and refinement of the existing ones. Note that these should be relevant to human and business behavior.
A DBA scholar should concentrate more on research that emphasizes applied research instead of theory exclusively. A professional leverages academic theory and their focus is not only on extending theory but also on application. The foundation point for this research is the identification of business problems from their business experience and field.
Time engagement
Both DBA and PhD programs are available for full-time study. But owing to the DBA courses that are specifically targeted towards professionals engaged in their full-time jobs, many universities have come up with a part-time DBA course too.
A traditional PhD program is a 4-5 year course whereby students are focused on the acquisition of knowledge within the field in the first year. A DBA program aims to accommodate and facilitate family and work obligations while studying.
Cost
The last and final difference between a DBA and a PhD lies in the cost of education. PhD programs are fellowship-based courses where a student is paid a certain stipend and gets tuition costs by the academic institute. But for the DBA course, things are just the opposite.
A DBA applicant pays the costs for obtaining the degree and, at the same time, manages and pursues family and work obligations while concentrating on their education.
Career prospects with a DBA or PhD degree are endless, including the following ones:
- Project manager
- Business Consultant
- Logistician
- Organizational Development Manager and more
The comprehensive guide has outlined the key differences between DBA and PhD courses. If you want to pursue a course, it is time you gain admittance to an accredited university.
