List of Doctorate Degrees You Can Pursue at upGrad

Key Takeaway 

• A list of doctorate degrees helps professionals understand the highest academic qualifications available.
• upGrad offers Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs for experienced business professionals.
• The DBA combines advanced business learning with applied research to solve real-world business challenges while allowing learners to continue working.

This blog focuses exclusively on the list of doctorate degrees available through upGrad's DBA offerings. 

Explore upGrad's doctorate programmes to build advanced expertise in business leadership, applied research, strategic decision-making, innovation, emerging technologies, and AI while earning a globally recognised doctoral qualification.

List of Doctorate Degrees Offered by upGrad

For professionals exploring a list of doctorate degrees in business, upGrad offers multiple DBA programs in collaboration with globally recognised universities and business schools. These programs are designed to help working professionals strengthen their leadership capabilities, develop research expertise, and earn a doctoral qualification without interrupting their careers.

In addition to its DBA offerings, upGrad provides integrated MBA + DBA pathways and executive programs focused on AI leadership and doctoral research. 

Most programs are delivered in a flexible online format and include live faculty sessions, dissertation guidance, research support, and globally recognised credentials, enabling learners to balance their studies with professional commitments.

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from Rushford Business School

The Doctorate of Business Administration from Rushford Business School is designed for professionals who want to earn a terminal management degree without pausing their careers.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Rushford Business School
Eligibility	Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years of work experience.
Program	Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	36 months
Mode of Study	Online with a blend of self-paced learning and live university lectures
Ideal For	Working professionals seeking a doctoral qualification in business management

This degree is suitable for:

• Senior leaders looking to strengthen their leadership and industry expertise. 
• Managers and mentors who want to teach, mentor, or move into academia. 
• Consultants and entrepreneurs aiming to build credibility and expand their influence. 
• Working professionals seeking a flexible doctoral program without leaving their jobs.

 The program combines flexible self-paced coursework with live faculty-led sessions scheduled around working professionals' availability. Learners also receive 1:1 thesis supervision from experienced academic advisors and participate in a three-day immersion in Dubai. The program is delivered in association with upGrad and is supported by internationally recognised institutional memberships and accreditations.

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from ESGCI, Paris

The ESGCI Doctorate of Business Administration is a part-time program created for professionals who want to transition into senior leadership or C-suite positions.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	ESGCI, Paris
Eligibility	Master's Degree (or equivalent) or  Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of work experience. Diploma holders will be considered on a case-by-case basis with a minimum of 8 years of work experience.
Program	Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	24 months
Mode of Study	Part-time online learning with live faculty-led sessions
Ideal For	Mid and senior-level professionals aspiring for leadership roles

The curriculum combines academic research with practical business applications while offering live faculty-led sessions, peer networking opportunities, and an optional on-campus immersion in Paris.

Learners can continue working while completing their doctoral studies. This DBA is ideal for professionals with 10+ years of experience who are ready to take the next step in their careers. It's best suited for:

• Business leaders looking to strengthen their leadership and industry expertise. 
• Managers and mentors who want to teach or guide future professionals. 
• Consultants and entrepreneurs seeking greater credibility and influence.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University's DBA program follows a structured three-phase approach. Learners begin with doctoral research foundations, progress into a chosen concentration, and complete an original dissertation under dedicated 1:1 faculty supervision.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Golden Gate University, USA
Eligibility	Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of work experience.
Program	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	27 months
Mode of Study	100% online with live weekend classes, self-paced learning, and recorded lectures
Ideal For	Experienced professionals seeking doctoral research and leadership expertise

The program offers online learning with optional international immersion opportunity at GGU, San Francisco, allowing learners to network with global faculty and peers while gaining international exposure. It also includes dedicated 1:1 thesis supervision, guiding participants through every stage of their doctoral research, from proposal development to dissertation completion.

This DBA is ideal for experienced professionals, especially those with 10+ years of experience, including:

• Senior leaders and executives seeking a globally recognised doctorate.
• Experienced professionals aiming for career growth and leadership roles.
• Managers and strategists looking to strengthen research and decision-making skills.
• Aspiring academics and trainers planning to teach or mentor.
• Consultants and entrepreneurs wanting to build credibility and industry influence.

Must read: Why Senior Executives Are Turning to Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) for Career Growth?

Doctorate in Business Administration from Edgewood University

The Edgewood University Doctorate in Business Administration emphasises applied research, critical thinking, and organisational leadership.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Edgewood University
Eligibility	Valid Master's Degree
Programme	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	24 months
Mode of Study	Online
Ideal For	Professionals seeking research-focused leadership development

Learners benefit from 1:1 thesis supervision, dedicated research workshops, optional on-campus DBA immersion in the U.S. and Edgewood University alumni status upon graduation. The program is structured to help professionals investigate complex business problems while developing evidence-based management solutions.

This DBA is ideal for professionals with 10+ years of experience who want to advance their careers through research and leadership development. It is best suited for:

• Senior leaders looking to strengthen their strategic leadership and industry expertise. 
• Managers and mentors aspiring to teach, mentor, or transition into academia. 
• Consultants and entrepreneurs seeking greater credibility and professional influence.

Global Doctor of Business Administration from Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM)

The Global DBA from SSBM is designed for experienced executives who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities through applied research. 

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM), Geneva
Eligibility	Bachelor's Degree with minimum 5 years of experience or Master's degree
Programme	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	36 months
Mode of Study	Online
Ideal For	Senior professionals seeking a globally focused DBA

The programme follows a fully online learning model, allowing working professionals to pursue a doctorate without interrupting their careers. Learners receive 1:1 thesis supervision with expert mentors and personalised feedback, can choose from multiple business specialisations, and gain internationally recognised alumni status upon completion. 

Optional on-campus immersion at SSBM, Geneva offers global faculty interactions, industry visits, and valuable networking opportunities.

This DBA is ideal for professionals with 10+ years of experience who want to advance their careers through research and leadership development. It is best suited for:

• Senior leaders looking to strengthen their strategic leadership and industry expertise. 
• Managers and mentors aspiring to teach, mentor, or transition into academia. 
• Consultants and entrepreneurs seeking greater credibility and professional influence.

DBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI from Golden Gate University

The DBA in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI from Golden Gate University combines doctoral business education with emerging technologies and Generative AI.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Golden Gate University
Programme	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Emerging Technologies
Duration	27 months
Mode of Study	100% Online
Ideal For	Business leaders and professionals interested in AI-driven innovation

The programme prepares professionals to lead AI-driven business transformation while building doctoral-level research expertise. Designed for working professionals, it combines 500+ hours of live learning, expert research supervision, and flexible online study. Learners can complete a doctoral dissertation, publish their research as a book, or develop a business plan, along with gaining global exposure through immersions in Singapore and San Francisco.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree with 55% or above and 10 years of full-time work experience after graduation. 
• If your Bachelor's score is below 55%, you must have either: 
• A Master's degree with 55% or above and 10 years of full-time work experience, or 
• A 2-year Post Graduate Diploma (equivalent to a Master's) with equivalency from AIU, WES, ICAS, or another recognised body, along with 10 years of full-time work experience. 

Note: Degrees must be from a UGC-recognised or equivalent accredited institution. Internships, traineeships, apprenticeships, freelance, part-time work, and experience overlapping with your bachelor's programme are not counted toward work experience.

This DBA is ideal for professionals with 10+ years of experience who want to advance their careers through research and leadership development. It is best suited for:

• Senior leaders looking to strengthen their strategic leadership and industry expertise. 
• Managers and mentors aspiring to teach, mentor, or transition into academia. 
• Consultants and entrepreneurs seeking greater credibility and professional influence.

Also read: What is the DBA Degree Format - Coursework, Research, Dissertation

MBA + DBA Degree Edgewood University

The integrated MBA + DBA program from Edgewood University allows learners to earn both postgraduate and doctoral business qualifications without GMAT/GRE through a single structured pathway.

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Edgewood University
Eligibility	Min. 50% score in Bachelor's degree
Programme	MBA + Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	30 months
Mode of Study	Online
Ideal For	Professionals seeking both master's and doctoral qualifications through one integrated pathway

Designed for mid to senior-level professionals, it develops business management expertise. The integrated MBA + DBA pathway allows learners to earn both master's and doctoral qualifications while specialising in a research domain of their choice. The programme includes 200+ hours of learning, and awards Edgewood University alumni status. It is backed by HLC and ACBSP accreditations, ensuring globally recognised academic quality.

This integrated MBA + DBA programme is ideal for professionals who want to earn both master's and doctoral qualifications while advancing their careers. It is best suited for:

• Mid and senior-level professionals aiming for leadership roles.
• Business managers and executives seeking strategic and research-driven expertise.
• Consultants and entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their industry credibility.
• Aspiring academicians and corporate trainers interested in teaching, research, and knowledge creation.

Master + Doctor of Business Administration (MBA + DBA) from Golden Gate University

This integrated MBA + DBA programme from Golden Gate University combines advanced business management with doctoral-level research in a single learning pathway. 

Feature	Details
University/Institution	Golden Gate University
Programme	MBA + Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration	36 months
Mode of Study	Online
Ideal For	Professionals seeking an integrated master's and doctoral business education

Learners can choose from five specialisations, participate in live interactive sessions, and benefit from Harvard Business Publishing Education simulations and English-subtitled recorded content for flexible learning. 

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 55% marks.
• If your Bachelor's score is below 55%, you must have either:
• A Master's degree with 55% or above, or
• A 2-year Post Graduate Diploma (equivalent to a Master's) with equivalency from AIU, WES, ICAS, or another recognised body.
• Learners with below 55% in their Bachelor's degree must submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP). No SOP is required for those with 55% or above.

Note: All qualifications must be from a UGC-recognised or equivalent accredited institution.

The programme also includes an optional on-campus immersion in San Francisco and grants Golden Gate University alumni status.

These programs cater to different career goals, from earning a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthening executive leadership and research capabilities. Whether you want to specialise in business strategy, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, or doctoral research, upGrad offers flexible online learning options that fit around professional commitments. 

Nine of the eleven programs above are DBA variants or DBA-adjacent tracks. upGrad positions the DBA as a Ph.D.-equivalent credential aimed at leaders who want research depth without walking away from their careers. 

What Is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)?

A DBA is a professional doctoral degree. It's built for people who've already spent a decade or more in the field and want to turn that experience into rigorous, applied research rather than starting from theory.

Here's what that looks like day to day. You'll study core subjects such as:

• Digital leadership
• Marketing
• Finance
• Business analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare management

Your research work will contain common project areas, including strategic decision-making in global markets, organisational change, innovation and technology management, financial modeling, consumer behavior, corporate governance, and ESG practices. You'll usually pick your own topic too, so it can map directly onto a problem you're already dealing with at work.

That's a genuine strength of a DBA. It's also, honestly, a bit of a trap for some learners. When your research topic is your day job, workplace politics and shifting priorities can bleed into your dissertation timeline. Plan for that.

Do read: DBA Course Syllabus: Complete Guide

What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic or professional qualification awarded by a university. It is designed for individuals who want to develop advanced expertise, conduct original research, or solve complex real-world problems in their field.

Doctorate degrees generally fall into two categories. Research doctorates, such as a PhD, focus on creating new knowledge through extensive research and a dissertation. Professional doctorates, such as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), emphasise applying research to industry challenges, leadership, and strategic decision-making.

Earning a doctorate can open opportunities in academia, research, consulting, executive leadership, and specialised professional roles across industries.

Academic Doctorate vs Professional Doctorate

Both academic doctorates and professional doctorates are doctoral-level qualifications, but they serve different career goals.

Feature	Academic Doctorate (PhD)	Professional Doctorate (DBA, EdD, DNP, etc.)
Primary Focus	Original academic research	Applying research to solve real-world challenges
Purpose	Advance knowledge in a discipline	Improve professional practice and leadership
Best For	Aspiring researchers and university faculty	Working professionals, executives, and industry leaders
Research	Extensive theoretical research with a dissertation	Practice-oriented research addressing industry problems
Career Outcomes	Academia, research institutions, scientific roles	Senior leadership, consulting, policy-making, executive roles
Learning Format	Often full-time and research intensive	Frequently designed for working professionals with flexible learning
Examples	PhD, DPhil	DBA, EdD, DNP, PsyD, EngD

Explore upGrad's Chief Technology Officer & AI Leadership Programme to build executive expertise in AI strategy, platform engineering, cloud architecture, enterprise technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, boardroom leadership, technology governance, and AI-driven business innovation.

What Is the Difference Between a Doctoral Degree and a PhD?

A doctoral degree is an umbrella term for the highest level of academic and professional qualifications awarded by universities. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is one specific type of doctoral degree. In other words, every PhD is a doctoral degree, but not every doctoral degree is a PhD.

The main difference lies in their purpose. A PhD focuses on generating original knowledge through in-depth academic research, making it ideal for those pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, or scientific fields. Other doctoral degrees, often called professional doctorates, are designed to apply research and advanced knowledge to solve practical challenges in specific professions.

For example, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) helps experienced business professionals tackle organisational problems using research, while a Doctor of Education (EdD) focuses on educational leadership and policy. Similarly, degrees such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) prepare professionals for advanced clinical and leadership roles.

Doctoral Degree vs PhD

Feature	Doctoral Degree	PhD
Definition	Broad category of the highest academic and professional degrees	A specific type of doctoral degree focused on research
Focus	Research, professional practice, or applied leadership depending on the programme	Original academic research and knowledge creation
Goal	Advance expertise in a profession or academic field	Contribute new theories or discoveries to a discipline
Ideal For	Industry professionals, executives, educators, clinicians, and researchers	Aspiring researchers, scientists, and university faculty
Research Approach	Can be applied or research-based	Primarily theoretical and research intensive
Examples	DBA, EdD, DNP, PsyD, EngD, PhD	PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Career Paths	Leadership, consulting, healthcare, education, policy, academia	Academia, research organisations, universities, R&D

Also read: DBA Training and Placement: Advance Your Executive Career

PhD vs EdD

Both a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) are doctoral degrees, but they are designed for different career paths. A PhD is research intensive and focuses on creating new knowledge, while an EdD applies research to improve educational practice, leadership, and policy.

If your goal is to become a researcher or university faculty member, a PhD is typically the better choice. If you want to lead schools, universities, or educational organisations and solve practical challenges in education, an EdD may be a better fit.

Feature	PhD	EdD
Full Form	Doctor of Philosophy	Doctor of Education
Primary Focus	Original academic research	Educational leadership and applied research
Best For	Researchers, university faculty, scientists	School leaders, administrators, policymakers, education professionals
Research Style	Theoretical and discipline-focused	Practice-based and solution-oriented
Typical Dissertation	Original research contributing to academic knowledge	Research addressing real-world educational challenges
Career Outcomes	Professor, researcher, academic consultant	Principal, superintendent, education leader, policy advisor
Industries	Higher education, research institutions, R&D	Schools, universities, government, nonprofit organisations

PhD vs DBA

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) are both doctoral degrees, but they are designed for different career goals. A PhD focuses on advancing academic knowledge through original research, while a DBA applies research to solve complex business and leadership challenges.

Feature	PhD	DBA
Primary Focus	Original academic research	Applied business research
Best For	Researchers, university faculty, scientists	Business leaders, executives, consultants
Research Style	Theoretical and discipline-focused	Practical, industry-focused
Typical Dissertation	Contributes new academic knowledge	Solves real-world business problems
Career Outcomes	Professor, researcher, academic consultant	CEO, Director, Consultant, Entrepreneur
Learning Format	Often full-time	Commonly designed for working professionals

Do read: How to Choose the Best Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Program

PsyD vs PhD

A PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) and a PhD in Psychology both prepare graduates for advanced careers in psychology, but they differ in focus. A PsyD emphasises clinical practice and patient care, while a PhD focuses on psychological research and academic scholarship.

Feature	PsyD	PhD in Psychology
Primary Focus	Clinical practice	Research and academic study
Best For	Aspiring clinical psychologists	Researchers and university faculty
Research Requirement	Applied research with less emphasis on theory	Extensive original research and dissertation
Training	Assessment, diagnosis, and therapy	Research methods, data analysis, and teaching
Career Outcomes	Clinical Psychologist, Therapist	Professor, Research Psychologist, Scientist
Work Settings	Hospitals, clinics, private practice	Universities, research centres, healthcare organisations

Must read: DBA Course Duration: How Long Does a DBA Degree Take?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Meaning

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic research degree awarded by universities. Despite its name, a PhD is not limited to philosophy. It is offered across a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, business, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and technology.

A PhD focuses on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field. During the programme, candidates identify a research problem, conduct an in-depth study under faculty supervision, and present their findings in a doctoral thesis or dissertation. This research is then evaluated by experts before the degree is awarded.

A PhD is ideal for individuals who want to pursue careers in academia, research, scientific innovation, policy development, or specialised research roles. It also equips graduates with advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are valued across industries.

Examples of Doctoral Degrees

If you're wondering what fields offer doctorate degrees, you'll find doctoral programmes across a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. These doctoral degrees by subject may focus on original research, advanced professional practice, leadership, or applied research, depending on the field.

Doctorate Degree Abbreviations	Full Form	Primary Focus	Common Career Paths
PhD	Doctor of Philosophy	Original academic research	Professor, Researcher, Scientist
DBA	Doctor of Business Administration	Business leadership and applied research	CEO, Consultant, Business Leader
EdD	Doctor of Education	Educational leadership and policy	School Administrator, Education Leader
DNP	Doctor of Nursing Practice	Advanced nursing practice	Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Executive
PsyD	Doctor of Psychology	Clinical psychology	Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Practitioner
MD	Doctor of Medicine	Medical practice	Physician, Surgeon
DDS/DMD	Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine	Dentistry	Dentist, Dental Specialist
PharmD	Doctor of Pharmacy	Pharmacy practice	Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist
JD	Juris Doctor	Legal education	Lawyer, Legal Advisor
EngD	Doctor of Engineering	Applied engineering research	Engineering Manager, Industry Researcher
DrPH	Doctor of Public Health	Public health leadership	Public Health Director, Policy Specialist
DSc (ScD)	Doctor of Science	Advanced scientific research	Senior Scientist, Academic Researcher

These examples show that doctoral degrees extend far beyond the PhD. Depending on your career goals, you can choose a research-focused doctorate or a professional doctorate that combines advanced knowledge with practical industry applications.

Conclusion

A doctorate degree is the highest academic or professional qualification you can earn, offering opportunities to deepen your expertise, advance your career, and make meaningful contributions to your field. Whether you're considering a PhD for academic research or a professional doctorate such as a DBA, EdD, or PsyD for industry leadership and applied practice, choosing the right programme depends on your career goals, interests, and experience.

Before applying, compare different doctoral degrees, understand their eligibility requirements, research focus, and career outcomes. With the right choice, a doctorate can open doors to leadership roles, academia, research, consulting, and specialised professions across industries.

Ready to start your journey? Book a free consultation with upGrad today to find the best path for your career.