Can You Work Full-Time in Singapore While Pursuing a DBA?

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral degree suitable for experienced executives who want to progress to higher management roles. Most universities offer this course part-time. It is a blend of research with advanced management techniques. It builds research skills and teaches professionals to manage real-world business challenges.

This blog details a DBA for working professionals, the challenges of working and studying together, skills gained from this program, career trajectory, salary range after completing the course, and how upGrad can support your education plans. Follow this blog to get all your answers.

Can You Work Full-Time While Pursuing a DBA?

Yes, you can work full-time while pursuing a DBA. However, you need to ensure that your chosen university allows it. Some factors should be considered while making a final decision:

• The program format is part-time, which allows time for a job
• The program has flexible session schedules that allow for a full-time job
• If you are on a visa, check the hours of employment allowed

1. Understanding the DBA Structure

Most universities offer a part-time format to make the course suitable for working professionals. The course framework varies by university. The basic course structure is as follows:

• Live or recorded sessions
• Research work for dba dissertation
• Workshops or seminars

2. Flexibility of Study Formats

A DBA program for executives offers a flexible format that allows professionals to continue their careers while pursuing their studies. They are flexible as they allow:

• Time to handle work and study commitments
• Options to choose from different specialisations
• Students can complete the course at their own pace if it aligns with the institution’s policies

3. Employer Support and Sponsorships

Many employers support the decision to pursue a DBA as they know it can benefit their organisation by talent retention. If you want your employer’s sponsorship, you need to:

• Ensure that your requirements align with the company’s objectives
• Make a proposal for DBA research that can help the organisation
• Discuss the funding options that align with your needs

4. Common Challenges Working Professionals Face

Working professionals who are also managing a DBA course often face challenges. Some of these challenges are:

• Managing time for research, job, and personal life is tough
• A stressful life, along with a period of isolation due to research, can lead to mental health issues
• Striking a balance between theoretical and practical work can be difficult

Also Read: How to Choose a DBA Research Topic

Career Advancement Opportunities After a DBA Course

A DBA program opens up a range of career advancement opportunities. This section focuses on job roles in the industry and insights about industries that value DBA professionals. 

1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO): A CEO is responsible for handling daily operations and making essential decisions. 

2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO): A CFO manages the organisation’s financial decisions, such as budgeting, risk management, and cash flow management.

3. Chief Operations Officer (COO): A COO manages daily operations by tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and creating strategies for improvement.

4. Chief Technical Officer (CTO): A CTO oversees the organisation’s technology to align it with its policies.

Job Title	Approx Annual Salary (in SGD)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	108,000 – 326,000 (as of 17 Oct 2025)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	158,000 – 332,000 (as of 28 May 2025)
Chief Operations Officer (COO)	72,000 – 180,000 (as of 1 Oct 2025)
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)	120,000 – 250,000 (as of 6 Nov 2025)

Source: Glassdoor 

Also Read: CEO vs Managing Director – Who Holds More Power in 2025-26?

Some of the industries that hire DBA professionals are:

• Consulting
• Academia
• Entrepreneurship

Also Read: Salary Expectations After Completing a DBA in Singapore

Key Skills and Competencies Gained Through a DBA

A well-designed DBA for working professionals is a perfect mix of research focused on business challenges and an advanced theoretical structure. The DBA curriculum is designed to develop soft and technical skills. Some of the skills gained are:

1. Communication skills: Professionals develop this soft skill, which top executives require. They learn to communicate verbally as well as in writing, which is required to work effectively with a diverse team.

2. Leadership skills: This program helps develop leadership skills suitable for top-level managers who must manage teams and lead them through challenges.

3. Research skills: One of the main focus areas of this course is strengthening research skills that will help professionals make well-informed decisions after conducting thorough research. 

4. Business Analytics: Professionals develop the skills required to analyse complex data and interpret it in simple language to support strategic decision-making.

Also Read: Is a DBA Degree Worth it in Singapore?

Accelerate Your Professional Growth with upGrad’s Doctorate Programs

upGrad offers flexible DBA programs for professionals in collaboration with various reputable universities. Let’s explore some of the best DBA courses offered through upGrad.

Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University

This WASC-accredited DBA can be completed in 36 months in an online format. It is suitable for senior managers or consultants looking to enhance their business skills.

Highlights of this course are:

• Around 5,000 students are eligible for up to a 50% scholarship
• Option to choose any one of the five available concentrations
• Real-world case studies relevant to the concentration chosen

Doctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School

This EduQua-certified DBA course can be completed in 36 months. This institution is also a member of AACSB and IACBE.

Highlights of this course are:

• A 3-day Dubai campus class for students
• Option to choose from 7 specialisations
• Frequent workshops to help in preparing for exams and the dissertation

Doctor of Business Administration from Edgewood University

This HLC-accredited DBA can be completed in just 24 months. It is suitable for mid to senior-level professionals.

Highlights of this course are:

• Option to attend on-campus classes
• 2 concentrations available- Finance and Leadership
• Access to over 200 hours of recorded lectures

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

Some of the most popular online DBA programs available on upGrad are:

• Dual Degree MBA and DBA by Edgewood University
• MBA to DBA Pathway by Golden Gate University

FAQs on Working Full-Time in Singapore While Pursuing a DBA

References

1. https://www.eimt.edu.eu/comprehensive-guide-for-doctorate-in-business-administration-salary
2. https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/ceo-salary-SRCH_KO0,3.htm
3. https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/singapore-singapore-cfo-salary-SRCH_IL.0,19_IM1123_KO20,23.htm
4. https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/singapore-chief-operating-officer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM1123_KO10,33.htm
5. https://www.glassdoor.sg/Salaries/chief-technology-officer-cto-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm