Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral degree for experienced professionals wishing to enhance their leadership career. But, before you embark on this educational journey, it is essential to check if it’s an accredited Online DBA with global recognition.
Accreditation matters because it ensures quality and reliability as the program meets the required standards. It brings global recognition and improves employers’ trust. Different accreditation bodies regulate and create frameworks.
In this blog, we will discuss different options for a online DBA in Singapore along with their accreditation details. We will understand different accreditation bodies and how they can impact your career.
Understanding Accredited Online DBA Programs in Singapore
An accredited DBA is essential if you want to succeed in your career and want a return on your investment. Singapore employers value an accredited Online DBA as it ensures the students are ready to tackle complex business issues.
What Accreditation Means for DBA Programs
If an online DBA degree is accredited, it means the program meets the standards set by the regulatory bodies. An accredited DBA is essential because it:
- Ensures the program curriculum is of high quality and the research work aligns with the latest business practices.
- Proves that the program has global recognition, allowing graduates to work anywhere in the world.
- Students know applied research and can solve real-world problems.
Differences Between Accredited vs. Non-Accredited DBA
Accredited DBAs are:
- Globally recognised by employers, as they trust the program.
- Expensive, as it requires maintaining the standards set by regulatory bodies.
Non-accredited DBAs are:
- They are not trusted or recognised by the employers.
- Less costly as compared to accredited courses.
Who Regulates DBA Accreditation in Singapore and Globally
DBA accreditation varies, as there are several regulatory bodies.
- The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore is responsible for managing higher education.
- Council for Private Education (CPE), which comes under the MOE, handles the private institutions in Singapore with DBA programs.
The global regulatory bodies include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
Accreditation and Employability for Senior Leaders
Accreditation is beneficial for senior leaders with work experience as it enhances their career growth. It helps them by:
- Improving their strategic planning skills that benefit the business in the long term.
- Enabling leaders to adapt to change in the organisation.
- Improving networking with industry experts and mentors.

Key Accreditation Bodies and What They Represent
There are several accreditation bodies globally that regulate the quality and structure of the courses. They can have an impact on a career. In this section, we will discuss the key regulatory bodies and their relevance.
Regulatory body | Region | Relevance |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) | Global | High quality is respected by organisations and institutions |
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) | Global | Reviews business schools for their quality and governance |
Association of MBAs (AMBA) | Global | Accredit the top 2% business schools on 5 continents |
Council for Private Education (CPE) | Singapore | Ensures Singapore’s private institutions meet the required standards |
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a global regulatory body for business schools. We are one of the oldest and prestigious regulatory bodies because:
- Over 90 academic research papers have been published from AACSB-accredited schools in the last 15 years.
- We represent over 1,000 business schools.
- We focus on research quality and faculty experience.
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) is a regulatory body that reviews management and Business schools. We are relevant because we:
- Assess the school’s strategies.
- Ensure the school has resources and administration capabilities.
- Ensure that the school follows ethics and social responsibility.
- Association of MBAs (AMBA) accredits MBAs, DBAs, and Master’s degree programs.
Our rigorous testing standards ensure high quality. We assess institutions by ensuring they:
- Have ample resources and research facilities.
- The supervising team has the required number of staff.
- Supervisors have a Doctorate or sufficient research experience.
- Council for Private Education (CPE) is a regulatory body under the MOE, Singapore. It assesses the private institutions in Singapore. It ensures that schools maintain their quality and standards by following all the legal requirements.
Also Read: Salary Expectations After Completing a DBA in Singapore
Elevate Your Leadership Journey with DBA Programs via upGrad
If you are interested in pursuing a DBA program but want to continue with your career at the same time, then our Online DBA programs are your best option. Here are some of our best programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University: This is a WASC-accredited course that can be completed in 36 months. Key highlights of this course are:
- Around 5000 students are eligible for up to 50% scholarships.
- Live and recorded sessions with English subtitles.
- Students can choose from any four available concentration options.
- MBA to DBA Pathway from Golden Gate University: This 40-month starts with an MBA and proceeds to the DBA discipline. It has WASC accreditation and offers on-campus immersion in San Francisco. Key highlights of this course are:
- A mix of 50% Live and 50% recorded sessions.
- Five concentrations to choose from.
- Cost-efficient and time-saving.
- Dual Degree MBA and DBA from Edgewood University: This dual degree HLC-accredited program can be completed in 2.5 years. Key highlights of this course are:
- Option for on-campus classes.
- Career coaching and mentorship support.
- Two concentration options to choose from.
- Doctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School: This program can be completed in 36 months and offers students the option of a 3-day campus immersion in Dubai. Key highlights of this course:
- Live lectures
- Thesis supervision
- 10 concentrations to choose from
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FAQs on DBA Accreditation in Singapore
Ans: DBA accreditation means that the program meets the required academic standards as set by the regulatory bodies. It ensures employers’ trust in the program.
Ans: An accredited Online DBA in Singapore is essential as it ensures:
~ Curriculum is up-to-date with the required business practices
~ Research work is impactful and of the required standard
~ Teaching faculty have a strong academic background
Ans: No, not all DBA programs are accredited. This makes it challenging to find an accredited DBA program that will actually benefit your career.
Ans: Some regulating bodies that accredit DBA programs globally are:
~ Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
~ European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
~ Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Ans: You can check for DBA accreditation in the following ways:
~ Check the website of the regulating body (if mentioned).
~ Search for the certification on different regulatory body websites.