A Doctorate in Business Administration indicates the highest educational qualification in the management field. A DBA program is a top choice for working professionals who won’t be able to pursue a PhD because of time constraints. The best DBA programs in the US have global recognition.
A DBA program involves an applied research approach to evaluate and resolve complex business problems. After pursuing a DBA program, learners have the opportunity to build stable careers in leadership positions. You can pursue the top DBA programs in the US in both online and offline modes.
But if you want to pursue a DBA program, you must do it from the top academic institutions in the nation. So, let’s talk about the top 10 choices when you are willing to pursue a DBA program in the US.
Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California
- Learning Format: Online
- Program Duration: 36 months
Golden Gate University offers one of the best online DBA programs in the US in collaboration with Upgrad. But the program also comes with optional on-campus immersion opportunities. After completing it, you will get the same US degree as awarded on-campus.
Since Upgrad is a personalized and AI-powered platform, learners of the program will get easy access to the best-in-class content. The WES-recognized program often holds global case study discussions. With a live and interactive faculty, 24*7 student support, and industry-relevant sessions, you can learn like you are in San Francisco.
DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
- Learning Format: Part-time
- Program Duration: 3 years
The largest private Catholic university in the nation offers one of the best DBA programs. The admission criteria for the program is a Master’s degree in a related field. Students can earn their DBA degree in cohorts and become ready for managerial positions in the corporate world.
The curriculum is focused on interdisciplinary business knowledge and research methodology. The topics included in the coursework include empirical research methods, data science and visualization, behavioral decision theory, organizational leadership techniques, and more. Students also get to improve their research capacity while working on the dissertation.
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Learning Format: Online
- Program Duration: 3 years
Florida International University offers one of the best DBA programs for working professionals in collaboration with the Chapman School of Business. The DBA program equips learners with the ability to perform practical-oriented research to deal with strategic and leadership responsibilities. The degree is perfect for gaining advanced knowledge to address, modify, and mitigate complex corporate world issues.
Apart from sharpening students’ analytical and critical skills, the DBA program offers the ability to develop a leadership or management career at the executive level. The DBA program from the public university offers coursework based on quantitative research methods in business. The coursework also focuses on advanced statistical analysis, advanced modeling, and structural equation modeling.
Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Learning Format: On-campus
- Program Duration: 5 years
Harvard is the best for students who wish to get a doctorate in business administration. Being one of the Doctor of Business Administration top schools, Harvard enables students to connect everything they have learned in the past with a final lesson. A DBA from Harvard enables students to explore better and bigger employment opportunities in managerial positions.
The DBA program at Harvard is continuously exceeding learners’ expectations with improvements. The faculty at the university is exceptional, with top-notch research skills. The instructors have immense training to offer the best insights to students who intend to advance in their careers.
Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska
- Learning Format: Online
- Program Duration: 3 years
Bellevue University is a nationally-acclaimed non-profit private university focusing on adult education. Several doctoral programs prepare students for a stable career in teaching. But Bellevue University’s DBA offers students the knowledge and perspective to occupy practical roles in the corporate world.
It is one of the best online DBA programs in the US to prepare students to address the complexities of modern business with vision, clarity, and knowledge. The course can be completed within three years when students transfer their MBA or equivalent credits and finish every course with good grades. After pursuing this course, you will become a thought leader in the business world.
As part of the program, the research project enables students to present and publish their topic with top-notch expertise. Students are not required to submit a dissertation at the end of their course. Instead, you can work on a research-based doctoral project like an expert and a thought leader.
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Learning Format: On-campus
- Program Duration: 2 years
Rutgers University offers the best DBA program on the east coast. The program can offer students the skills and concepts required to rise to management positions in their careers. An MBA with more than a decade of academic, technical, or business experience working in executive positions is preferable to get admission to this course.
All applicants are required to submit two letters of reference and their current resumes. Rutgers University also demands a personal statement from all applicants. The personal statement must be less than 900 words.
The coursework imparts theoretical and practical knowledge to provide learners with a solid understanding of conducting business on different levels. The excellence of the DBA program at Rutgers University is prominent from its professional faculty. The instructors can offer a valuable perspective to the learners to gain an in-depth understanding of business administration and management.
Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois
- Learning Format: Online
- Program Duration: 3 years
The DBA program is created for working professionals looking for individual professional development. The course offers leadership and management expertise beyond the master’s level. The program enables students to cultivate a global perspective and build a network via the expanding global presence of the university.
A unique feature of the DBA program is that the dissertation procedure begins when a learner picks a preliminary topic before starting their program of study. The two specializations offered by the DBA program include Strategic Leadership and Innovation and Innovation in Healthcare Management. Learners pursuing the DBA program will be able to positively impact organizational goals.
Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
- Learning Format: Part-time
- Program Duration: 3 years
The private liberal arts college offers one of the best DBA programs in the US for executives with an MBA or equivalent degree. Learners in the program become proficient as thought leaders and develop the required skills to drive a business forward. The program is highly suitable for executives with at least a decade of experience.
The program learners learn how to apply research techniques and theoretical knowledge to resolve issues in a contemporary business environment. Degree-seekers need to meet once every month at the Winter Park campus. They can attend seminar-style interactive sessions with top faculty members.
Before every class, students must read detailed articles related to the discussion topics. A faculty advisor works with the students to help with their research projects and a final dissertation.
All students need to self-fund their education because there are no applicable scholarships. Despite their residency status, learners are required to afford the same tuition fee. All applicants must submit a resume, but Rollins does not demand standardized test scores during admission.
University of Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky
- Learning Format: Online
- Program Duration: 3 years
The University of Cumberlands is one of the Doctor of Business Administration top schools to offer a military-friendly program. The Doctorate in Business Administration program can help students gain detailed knowledge of business theory and practice. The program demands 66 credit hours and can be pursued at a competitive price.
The program curriculum prepares students to apply their skills and theoretical knowledge to real-world corporate scenarios. The practical approach of the course is ideal for executives and managers with considerable leadership and strategic responsibilities. Learners of the DBA program can specialize in seven areas: project management, strategic management, marketing, healthcare administration, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship.
Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Learning Format: Part-time
Program Duration: 3 years
The 54-credit DBA prepares students for executive-level positions. The curriculum enables students to apply research theories to mitigate complex business problems. Students are required to attend six residencies on weekends and can complete the remaining requirements of the program online.
The DBA coursework explores topics like scientific inquiry through applied research, the global marketplace, innovation and entrepreneurship in the modern economy, and more. The program teaches students quantitative as well as qualitative research methods.
The program culminates with a dissertation like several other DBA courses. Throughout the course, students can access resources in the research centers of the business school. Applicants should have an MBA and ten years of professional experience to qualify for the program.
Ending Note
The top DBA programs in the US enable students to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and an ability to research ethical and theoretical topics. A DBA program ensures students can pursue their interests, including finance, business strategies, or international business. It ensures that students can apply their acquired skills in a variety of fields and various real-world business scenarios.
So getting a Doctorate in Business Administration will enhance your resume and upgrade your career. Moreover, you can expand your skills and get a higher salary. Remember that research skills and knowledge will be crucial in other aspects of life outside your career prospects.
FAQs:
What are the typical requirements of a DBA program?
The specific requirements of a DBA program usually vary according to the university. But usually, students need to have an MBA or an equivalent qualification. Every university attaches a number of credits in particular subjects, approximately 30.
Several universities also require applicants to have relevant work experience in leadership positions in the corporate sector. Some academic institutions also substitute educational requirements with relevant work experience. You may be required to show your GPA and GRE scores if you lack practical experience in the business world.
You also need an outstanding thesis proposal to impress the selection committee. Besides, you will have to submit some documents like a resume and letters of recommendation with the application form and fee. Some academic institutions also require students to write a statement of purpose.
How can you choose the best DBA program?
Deciding to get a DBA is a major decision in your academic career. But another important decision is finding the best institution to pursue your DBA. Some factors that you need to consider to find the best DBA program for yourself are as follows:
- Accreditation: You need to ensure that a top agency accredits the academic institution. Accreditation will ensure that the program meets the internationally-recognized standards of academic programs.
- Faculty: You must check out the faculty members teaching the program before pursuing it. When the faculty members have in-depth research capacity and have published in leading journals, they will have valuable insights to offer you.
- Learning Format: You must check out the learning format before enrolling in a DBA program. If you are a working professional, you might not be able to attend a full-time course. In that case, you should look for an online or part-time DBA program to keep up with the requirements while working a full-time job.
How much time does it take to complete a DBA program?
Usually, you will need between three to five years to complete your DBA. But the time can vary depending on various factors, like the time you take to complete your thesis.
Are DBA programs valuable?
Enrolling in a DBA program can be great for your professional career. After getting a DBA, you will become suitable for executive and senior management positions. The program will teach you how to practically deal with complicated business problems.
Can I get a real doctorate after completing my DBA?
Both PhD and DBA will help you become doctorates in business. But while a PhD is more research-oriented, a DBA helps you find a place in the corporate world with practical knowledge.
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