DBA Research vs. PhD Research: What’s the Difference?

In 2025, Singapore is seeing strong growth in business administration programs. Advanced doctoral options like the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and PhD are gaining popularity for those pursuing further studies. Understanding the differences between these paths is essential for MBA graduates to choose the best fit for their career goals and aspirations.

This blog will explore the key differences between DBA vs. PhD programs, helping students make informed decisions that best align with their career goals and personal aspirations.

Also Read: Best Online DBA Programs in Singapore

DBA vs. PhD – How Do They Differ? 

Choosing a higher degree in management can be an excellent step for candidates looking to work in that domain. A doctoral degree can open new doors to research and, thus, various career opportunities. Candidates also need to know different things about DBA and PhD programs, such as is DBA easier than PhD? Having the knowledge and consequent clarity can help them make the right decisions.

Scope of Research

In PhD research, students develop a new theory or propose a new approach to an existing one. This is especially true when they are looking to publish their thesis. On the other hand, in DBA research, students contribute by combining actual business problems with research. For example, they can deal with a problem they are facing at their workplace.

Career Orientation

PhD courses are research degrees that are usually for candidates looking to take up a career in academia as professors and researchers, and carry out research that contributes to theory or knowledge in a particular domain. DBA programs are more suitable for working professionals looking to advance to higher management positions or work as consultants in different business domains. However, DBA graduates are qualified to publish in academic journals and work as guest professors. When you compare PhD vs. DBA salary, the difference in career orientation also becomes more evident.

Also Read: Best Online DBA Programs in Singapore

Time Engagement

Both these programs are usually available for full-time study. However, part-time DBA programs are also available since the DBA courses are meant primarily for working professionals already engaged in full-time jobs.

Target Audience

DBA programs primarily target mid-to-senior-level executives and professionals with significant industry experience. Ph.d. programs, on the other hand, are meant for early-career professionals and recent graduates with commendable academic backgrounds.

Course Durations

Both these management program variants can last anywhere between three and six years. However, since students are required to pursue PhD programs full-time, these courses normally take less time than DBA programs.

Also Read: Why Should You Apply For DBA In Singapore?

DBA vs. PhD – Choosing the Right Path between Them

The choice between DBA and PhD depends on the student’s personal goals. First, they need to clarify the DBA vs. PhD difference. If they wish to make more of a practical impact on the organisations where they work, they should go ahead with a DBA program. On the other hand, if they want to explore the academic aspects of business administration studies further, they should choose a PhD program. Apart from these, they also need to consider each choice’s time constraints and determine what they are more passionate about.

If they are more interested in theory, a PhD is the right choice, and if they want to be more involved in practice, they should opt for a DBA program.

Also Read: How To Choose The Right Online DBA Program In Singapore

Advance Your Business Administration Career: DBA Courses through upGrad 

The DBA degree programs through upGrad are from the world’s top B-schools. Earning this degree is equivalent to getting a PhD, and that too in just 36 months and less! A DBA is the highest degree in the domain of Business Administration.

Explore upGrad’s DBA programs today and transform your experience into expertise!

• DBA, Golden Gate University
• DBA in Emerging Technologies with a concentration in Generative AI, Golden Gate University
• DBA, Edgewood University 
• Dual Degree MBA and DBA, Edgewood University
• DBA, ESGCI

Have questions? Email us at query@upgrad.com or call +65 6232 6730

FAQs on DBA Research vs. PhD Research

Q: What is the main difference between DBA and PhD research?
Ans: The main difference between DBA and PhD research is that DBA students need to combine research with actual business problems, while Phd students have to either work on a new theory or apply a new approach to an existing one.

Q: Which is more prestigious: a DBA or a PhD in Business Administration?
Ans: There is no apparent superiority between DBA vs. PhD in terms of prestige, as both are considered immensely prestigious in business education. However, they differ in terms of the career aspirations they cater to.

Q: Is a DBA considered a doctoral degree like a PhD?
Ans: Yes, a DBA degree is equivalent to a doctoral degree, just like a PhD degree program, but with a different emphasis. Both these degrees represent the highest levels of academic achievement and confer the title of doctor on the recipient.

Q: Who should pursue a DBA vs. a PhD?
Ans: DBA programs are for mid-to-senior-level professionals who want to address practical challenges in their domains. PhD programs, on the other hand, are for recent graduates and early-to-mid-career professionals who wish to work in research institutions and academia.

Q: Is DBA research less rigorous than PhD research?
Ans: A DBA program requires similarly rigorous research as students have to perform in a PhD program. In both these types of programs, candidates have to combine thorough research with a detailed presentation.