Is a DBA Degree Worth it in Singapore?

To keep pace with the fast-evolving business landscape in Singapore, working professionals are constantly striving to gain a competitive edge in leadership and strategy. This is where a specialised professional degree, such as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), adds value, bridging academic insight with real-world application. 

However, the key question here remains – “Is a DBA degree worth it” in terms of the time and money investment? This blog helps you explore the answer to this by assessing how DBA courses in Singapore can impact your career, credibility, and earning potential in Singapore’s competitive professional landscape.

Is a DBA Degree Worth It?

Absolutely. A DBA degree can be of immense value to professionals in Singapore aspiring to progress to senior roles in their respective industries, such as executive leadership, academia, or consulting. The professional degree not only imparts advanced knowledge and skills for these roles but also enhances your credibility and decision-making ability in a competitive business landscape.

However, if you’re still on the fence about whether a Doctorate in Business Administration is worth it, here are some benefits of the degree to take into consideration:

1. Career Advancement

This is one of the top advantages of pursuing a DBA degree. The professional advanced qualification enables professionals in Singapore to take their careers to the next level, unlocking doors to higher roles and pay packages. A few examples include consulting, senior management roles, and academic positions.

2. Salary Potential

Graduates with a DBA degree are entitled to command relatively higher pay packages than most other positions in their respective industries. The salaries are particularly high for consulting, executive, and academic roles. This is attributed to their advanced expertise and research skills.

Also read: Salary Expectations After Completing a DBA in Singapore

3. Academic vs Practical Value

When evaluating the value of a DBA degree, it is essential to assess its academic and practical value upon completion. A DBA is the perfect combination of academic research and real-world business application, offering learners both intellectual depth and practical leadership insights. 

Also read: Why Pursuing A DBA Is Becoming Popular

4. Professional Credibility

A DBA degree boosts your professional credibility by highlighting the advanced expertise that you now possess upon course completion in fields of research and business strategy. The degree showcases analytical and problem-solving capabilities along with strong leadership potential. All of these skills are highly valued by top employers in Singapore.

5. Global Recognition

This is yet another reason pursuing a DBA degree is totally worth it. The qualification holds global recognition, as it is awarded by accredited universities that have substantial research and industry partnerships. Completing the degree unlocks lucrative career opportunities worldwide, not just in Singapore.

Also read: DBA Accreditation in Singapore: What Matters and Why It’s Important

Career Opportunities & Outcomes After DBA

Singaporean learners graduating with a DBA degree can look forward to exciting career roles in varied industries and sectors across the country. Some of the popular career opportunities that are likely to open up for DBA graduates with their advanced research skills and expertise are highlighted below:

Expected Career Role	Job Description	Average Salary Range (Approx)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	Managing operationsSetting the strategic direction for the companyMaking big corporate decisions	SGD 108,000 – SGD 326,000 per annum
Senior Vice President	Overseeing everyday operations in the companyStrategic planning and executionDriving the company’s overall financial performance	SGD 200,000 – SGD 262,000 per annum
Consultant	Offering expert advice and guidance to individuals & organizations on smooth business operationsImproving performance efficiencyFostering profitability and growth	SGD 230,000 – SGD 350,000 per annum
Policy Analyst	Suggesting improvements for improved growthEvaluating current policies and making suitable recommendationsConducting research and analyzing data	SGD 71,000 – SGD 82,000 per annum
Professor	Carrying out research in a specific field of studyTeaching students in a specific disciplineDesigning and delivering courses	SGD 78,120 – SGD 221,500 per annum

Sources: Glassdoor, Morgan McKinley, Payscale, World Salaries

Also read: DBA Jobs: Unleashing Opportunities and Thriving Careers

How upGrad Helps Professionals Advance Their Business Leadership Journey

Advance your business knowledge and expertise with online DBA programs facilitated by upGrad Singapore, designed to empower ambitious Singaporean professionals to take their career path to the next level. The DBA degrees on the platform are globally recognised, while offering the flexibility to continue working while upskilling.

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

• Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University
• Dual Degree MBA and DBA by Edgewood University
• MBA to DBA Pathway by Golden Gate University

FAQs on the Value of DBA Degree