A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is the highest level of academic achievement for business professionals. As an experienced professional, pursuing a DBA opens doors to upper management positions, consulting gigs, and teaching opportunities.
With the flexibility of online platforms, getting a DBA is easier now for working people than ever before. Top schools across offer DBA programs tailored to fit working schedules.
This blog reviews the best online dba programs to pursue in 2024. We discuss rankings, program features, and other details to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Why Get a DBA in 2024?
The business landscape in 2024 will likely see growth in analytics, AI integration, sustainability practices, and virtual work cultures. As a senior professional, having an advanced degree like a DBA helps you lead organizations through these emerging trends.
Some key reasons to get a DBA degree in 2024 include:
- Career advancement: A DBA boosts your credibility and opens up senior leadership roles in business
- Higher salary: Average wages for DBA grads in executive tracks exceed $103,919 per year
- Skill development: DBA will help you build important skills like data analysis, research, and critical thinking. These abilities will be really valuable for jobs in the future.
Methodology for DBA Program Rankings
Choosing an online DBA requires careful evaluation of schools on many parameters. We ranked all major DBA providers based on these key criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Flexibility for working professionals
- Industry-relevant specializations offered
- AI and analytics-focused curriculum
- Average tuition fee and scholarships
- Admission selectivity
Using this system, we have compiled rankings of the best online doctorate programs in business for working professionals to pursue in 2024.
1. Golden Gate University
- Trains for industry leadership and academic roles
- Supports publishing books/papers and filing patents
- Offers faculty interview opportunities after completion
- No prior tech/AI experience is required for this university
- Builds tech, business, and research skills from scratch
- Integrated with Generative AI modules
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 10+ years work-ex
- English language proficiency scores for international students
Duration
- 3 Years Duration
- 56 required credits
2. ESGCI
- Founded in 1986, the accredited online DBA program
- French National Accreditation by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
- Qualiopi certified for high-quality training and skills development
- 36-month program
- 100% online format
- Terminal business degree allows using “Dr.” title
- Write a doctoral thesis on the business problem of choice
French Business School Education
- Benefits of top French business schools like HEC, INSEAD
- Optional Paris immersion blends learning and exploring
Faculty and Supervision
- Live faculty sessions and 1:1 supervision with an advisor
Admission Requirements
- Minimum Master’s degree + 3 years experience
- Or Bachelor’s degree + 3 years experience
- Diploma holders considered case-by-case with 8+ years of experience
3. Rushford Business School
- Online
- Up to 36 months duration
- Recommended 15hrs/week
Accreditation
- EduQua certified, IACBE member, AACSB member
About the DBA
- Tailored for working professionals
- Balance of self-paced and interactive faculty sessions
Live University Lectures
- Interactive sessions scheduled for global time zones
1:1 Thesis Supervision
- Personalized supervision from experienced advisors
- Live, interactive sessions with assigned supervisor
Minimum Eligibility
- Master’s degree + 3 years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree + 3 years of experience
Conclusion
This blog gave you useful insights on the best online DBA programs to pursue in 2024 as a working professional. A doctoral degree in business is a big investment, so evaluate options wisely based on teaching quality, flexibility, support services, and career outcomes.
FAQs
1. What is a DBA degree?
A DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a terminal degree in business, similar to a PhD in business. It is designed for experienced business professionals who want to pursue advanced study of business theory and practice.
2. How is a DBA different from an MBA?
A DBA focuses more on research and academics, while an MBA is more centered around practical business skills and management training. The DBA is a longer program and requires a dissertation.
3. What kinds of jobs can you get with a DBA?
Typical DBA careers include university professor/researcher, senior leadership roles in business consulting firms, top corporate executive positions, and advanced business analysts/strategists.
4. What are the requirements to apply for an online DBA program?
Common requirements are a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in business, 3-5 years of professional work experience, competitive GMAT/GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
5. How long does it take to complete an online DBA?
Most online DBA programs designed for working professionals take 3-5 years to complete. Some accelerated options are finishing in 2 years if you can commit full-time.
