Doctor of Business Administration vs. PhD: Key Differences for Singapore Learners

A Doctor of Business Administration and a PhD in Business are advanced degrees that equip you with an in-depth understanding of business management and administration. However, both these degrees come with their fair share of differences, catering to different professional aspirations. 

While a DBA is a professional doctorate, a PHD is an academic doctorate. DBA focuses on applied research and deployment of those findings to address real-world business challenges. A PhD, on the other hand, involves theoretical research, designed to address gaps in existing theories and develop new theories in academia. 

DBA vs PHD – how do you decide between the two? Read on to learn more about the key differences, suitability, and other essential details to make informed decisions ahead.

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DBA vs PhD – Understanding the Key Differences in Business Education

Broadly speaking, both DBA and PhD help you develop a sophisticated understanding of the theories, foundations, and developments in the fields of business. However, there are definitely more nuanced differences in the coursework. 

Understand these differences to determine which degree is more closely aligned with your career goals. While a DBA in Business is designed for working professionals looking to transition to C-suite roles, a PhD is advised for those looking to become faculty members in higher business education. 

Sharing a quick look at the key differences between the two: 

Feature	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)	Doctor ofPhilosophy (PhD)
Orientation	Applied, Professional	Academic, theoretical
Research Focus	Solving Business Problems	Developing new theories
Career Path	Industry Leadership, Consulting	Academia, research
Target Audience	Mid-career professionals	Early-career researchers
Program Format	Part-time, flexible	Full-time, structured
Duration	3-5 years	4-6 years
Dissertation Support	Industry-focused, led by a supervisor	Academics-focused, peer-reviewed

Purpose and Orientation of Each Degree

A PhD is an intensely research-focused doctorate, suitable for those seeking to pursue academic careers through the application of theoretical knowledge. A DBA, on the other hand, involves advanced business know-how, helping professionals address real-world business challenges through improved strategic insights: 

• A PhD involves the application of theoretical research to address gaps in existing theories and develop new theories. In contrast, a DBA involves applied research deployed to address real-world business challenges. 
• While the former is theoretical and highly research-oriented, the latter relies on practical, business-focused approaches. 
• A PhD often results in the expansion of academic literature within a specific field of business, while a DBA leads to improved data-driven decision-making.

Research Focus and Methodology

The two degrees vary significantly in terms of their research methodologies as well. Here’s a look: 

• A PhD focuses on original in-depth research, while a DBA utilises applied research and case studies. 
• The former involves original research for the creation of new theories, and the latter focuses on solving business problems. 
• The former primarily aims at thesis publication, while the latter involves addressing immediate business challenges.

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

Target Audience

Should you consider a DBA or a PhD? The answer lies in your interests and current profile: 

• Consider a PhD if you’re more interested in contributing to the field of business research- a DBA, on the other hand, is better suited to those looking to solve real-world business challenges.
• A PhD is advised for aspiring researchers and university professors; a DBA is better suited to mid-level working professionals.

Career Outcomes and Industry Relevance

Find out about the different career outcomes below to understand which degree is better aligned with your career goals: 

PhD: 

• Researchers
• Professors
• Upper-level consultants
• Public Policy-makers

DBA

• C-Suites
• Business Consultants
• Entrepreneurs
• Business Leaders

Program Structure and Flexibility

The program structures may vary based on the university. Here is how they generally look: 

PhD:

• Most of the courses are available full-time.
• Targets early-career researchers.
• Learning format backed by limited flexibility.

DBA:

• Most of the courses are available part-time or online.
• Target full-time working professionals.
• Backed by better flexibility.

Also read: DBA or PhD: Decoding the Distinctions for Your Doctoral Journey

Choosing Between a DBA and PhD: What Singapore Learners Should Consider

Now that you have a fair understanding of what a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) entail, make sure you’re considering the following factors closely before choosing  coursework: 

• Consider your professional aspirations. 
• Research the credentials of the college. 
• Learn about the quality of the faculty. 
• Check employability. 

Elevate Your Career with DBA Programs via upGrad

Looking to give that perfect start to your career? Explore the top-notch DBA programs that upGrad’s partner universities are offering: 

• Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University
• Doctor of Business Administration in Emerging Technologies with Concentration in Generative AI from Golden Gate University
• Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (Edgewood University) 
• Dual Degree MBA and DBA from Edgewood University 
• Doctorate of Business Administration (ESGCI)
• Doctor of Business Administration (Rushford Business School)

Must read articles:

• Singapore’s Top-Ranked Doctorate Degree Programs That You Should Not Miss
• Is a Doctorate Degree Your Next Career Move?
• Why Pursuing A DBA Is Becoming Popular Among Executives

Get all the mentorship and programme assistance you require from the highly credentialed upGrad support team. 

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