Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a Doctoral degree awarded to students after they complete the theoretical coursework along with their dissertation. If you have completed your Master’s and are interested in enhancing your career in the research field, this might be a good fit for you.
A very confusing question for prospective students is ‘How long does a DBA degree take?’ as there are different durations on websites. We will clear all the confusion in this blog. The duration actually varies depending on the university and the type of program chosen. In this blog, we will discuss the types of programs, duration, and options available on the upGrad USA platform.
What Is the DBA Program?
- In the United States, a doctor of business administration (DBA) program is a professional doctoral degree. These programs are usually designed for executives, business leaders, and consultants.
- Unlike a doctor of philosophy (PhD) program that emphasizes developing new theories for the academic sector, a DBA program focuses on applied research. It aims to use existing theories to solve real-world, complex business issues.
- The target audience for these programs is typically seasoned professionals with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or an equivalent degree, along with 5-10 years of managerial or leadership experience.
- Many of these programs are offered in flexible, online-hybrid, or part-time formats, so working executives can be accommodated as students.
First Year DBA Program
The first year of a DBA program in the US is the phase when you do the program coursework. This phase is supposed to help experienced managers become practitioner-scholars. Unlike an MBA, which emphasizes broad management skills, the first year of a DBA focuses on theoretical depth and research methodologies.
The core curriculum of these programs at this stage usually includes:
- Advanced Research Methods
- Strategic Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Data-Backed Decision-Making
This is also the stage when you get ready for the next stage – research – with the following steps:
- Identifying a Research Problem
- Drafting a Proposal
- Scholarly Writing
DBA Program Research Phase
In the US, the research phase of a DBA program typically follows the first year and lasts 2-3 years. Unlike conventional PhD programs, in a DBA program, the defining feature of the research phase is applied research aimed at solving practical, specific business challenges within professional settings.
The following are the key milestones of the phase:
- Research Proposal
- Ethics Approval
- Data Analysis and Collection
- Capstone or Dissertation
- Final Defense
These are the top DBA research topics now:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability
- Future of Work
Understanding How Long a DBA Degree Takes in the USA
We will answer the first question ‘How long does it take to get a DBA?’ in this section. It depends on the program format and can vary from 2 to 6 years. Let’s check different formats with their pros and cons.
| Program Format | Duration | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
| Full-time | 3-4 years | Career switchers | Networking | Tight schedules |
| Part-time | 4-6 years | Working professionals | Moderate flexibility | Extended duration |
| Online | 3-6 years | Working professionals | Complete flexibility | Limited networking |
| Executive | 2-3 years | Senior professionals | Moderate flexibility | Moderate travel |
DBA Program Focus
Right now, in the US, DBA programs focus on developing practitioner-scholars capable of solving complex, immediate business challenges through applied research. Unlike the theoretical focus of a PhD, DBA programs emphasize the direct application of current business theories in professional practice.
The core focus areas of these programs are:
- Methodology and Applied Research
- Strategic Leadership
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Typical Duration of a DBA Program
DBA programs in the US can take around 2-6 years, depending on the program chosen.
- Full-time programs: 3-4 years completed on campus.
- Part-time programs: 4-6 years completed on campus.
- Online programs: 3-6 years completed in online format.
Factors That Influence DBA Completion Time
Several factors influence the DBA completion time. They are:
- Program format, such as full-time or part-time.
- Course delivery format, such as on-campus, online, or hybrid.
- Academic credits that can be used to remove some modules.
- Pace of completing the dissertation work.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time DBA Programs
Full-time and part-time programs have their own set of pros and cons that can make it easy to decide.
- Advantages of pursuing Full-time programs are ample networking opportunities and face-to-face classes, where students can easily get their doubts cleared.
- Disadvantages of pursuing Full-time programs are limited flexibility and having a break in employment.
- Advantages of pursuing Part-time programs are better work-life balance and flexibility of schedules.
- The disadvantage of pursuing Part-time programs is the extended program duration.
Online DBA Programs and Flexibility
Online DBA programs are a preferred choice for working professionals who don’t wish to have an employment gap in their resume. Key benefits of pursuing DBA courses are:
- Can be completed in 3-6 years.
- Low tuition fees and saving money on accommodation expenses.
- Some universities offer the same alumni status as on-campus students.
Also read: DBA Programs for Working Professionals in the US
Fast-Track and Executive DBA Options
Fast-track or Accelerated DBA programs can be completed in 2-3 years. They are suitable for:
- Experienced professionals
- Students with credits from a previous course
- Prior research experience
An Executive DBA (EDBA) can be completed in around 2-3 years. They are suitable for:
- Senior executives with hectic schedules
- Professionals who wish for flexible learning options
DBA Career Opportunities
The following table shows the career opportunities you can avail of in the US after completing a DBA and the salaries you can earn in those roles:
| Job Role | Annual Salary Range |
| Chief Information Officer | USD 93,303 – USD 283,846 |
| Chief Executive Officer | USD 78,025 – USD 283,241 |
| Chief Financial Officer | USD 100,442 – USD 280,119 |
| Chief Strategy Officer | USD 99,999 – USD 278,219 |
| Chief Operating Officer | USD 88, 160 – USD 275,043 |
| Business Transformation Director | USD 117,000 – USD 266,000 |
| Entrepreneur | USD 50,121 – USD 217,308 |
| Policy Advisor | USD 72,016 – USD 185,511 |
| Dean | USD 59,628 – USD 180,054 |
| Independent Consultant | USD 50,967 – USD 177,452 |
| Research Director | USD 78,000 – USD 171,000 |
| Strategy Consultant | USD 72,000 – USD 153,000 |
| Professor | USD 25,390 – USD 130,072 |
Sources: Indeed, December 13, 15, 20, and 22, 2025; Payscale, as of July 13 and August 18, 2025
Key Considerations Before Starting Your DBA Journey
DBA is a big commitment, and you need to do extensive research on course duration, program delivery mode, and your ambitions to decide if the program is a fit for your career or not. In this section, we will discuss key factors to consider when making a decision.
- Eligibility: You need to ensure that you are eligible for the program you have chosen. Some programs have eligibility requirements of a Master’s degree, while some might also require specific work experience to be considered for admission.
- Financial stability: Are you financially secure, and can you live without earning for a few years? If yes, then you can choose a full-time program. If you have some financial instability in life, an online or part-time program might be a better fit.
- Time commitment: Do you intend to invest several hours a day in your degree? If yes, then you can opt for a full-time program. If you are not able to invest more than 2-3 hours a day due to personal or professional commitments, then opt for online or part-time programs, which offer you the needed flexibility.
- Specialization: If you have a specific specialization in mind, then ensure that the university you have chosen offers that. Otherwise, this might not fit your career ambitions.
Also read: DBA Eligibility Criteria in the USA
Elevate Your Career with upGrad’s Online DBA Program
upGrad offers several universities that provide an online DBA program that can be beneficial for your career. Some of the reputed universities are:
1. Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University
DBA from GGU can be completed in 36 months. Key highlights of the course are:
- Up to 50% scholarship option for selected students
- Live sessions and the option to attend classes at the San Francisco campus
- Option to choose any four concentrations
- Course fees: USD 30,000 (56 credits)
2. Doctor of Business Administration from ESGCI
DBA from ESGCI can be completed in 36 months. Highlights of this course are:
- Curriculum focused on academic and research
- Online learning with the option to attend classes at the Paris campus
- Specialization option for any area of choice
- Course fees: USD 10,000
3. Doctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School
DBA from Rushford Business School can be completed in 36 months. Highlights of this program are:
- Online Live classes with optional 3-day campus classes in Dubai
- Workshops to guide on the Dissertation and exams
- Option to choose from any 10 concentrations available
- Course fees: USD 10,000
DBAs Usually Take Longer Than MBAs, and This Is Why
In the US, DBAs usually take longer than MBAs – 3-6 years for a DBA compared to 1-2 years for an MBA. This is because they both represent different stages of academic rigor and professional development. The following are the major reasons why DBA programs have such a longer duration:
- Dissertation and Extensive Research
- Greater Academic Workload
- Professional Balancing
- Breadth vs. Depth
- Degree Level
The definitive difference between these two programs is that in a DBA, you need a prominent applied research project or a doctoral dissertation.
Must read articles:
- How Much Does an Online DBA Program Cost in the USA?
- Is a DBA Degree Worth it in the US in 2026?
- Best Online DBA Programs in the US Explained
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FAQs on Duration of DBA Program in USA
Ans: Yes, you can complete a DBA in under three years at certain universities. Universities on the upGrad platform can help you in completing this degree in 36 months (3 years).
Ans: A part-time DBA program can take around 3-6 years to complete. The duration depends on the time taken out for exams and research work.
Ans: An Executive or Accelerated DBA can be completed in 2-3 years. It is suitable for working professionals who want to manage both their career and studies simultaneously.
Ans: The duration of the DBA program depends on whether it’s part-time or full-time. Online DBAs can be completed in less time than on-campus programs in some universities.
Ans: Yes, in some cases, prior credits reduce the DBA program duration. Some initial modules can be removed with the help of credits. This can depend on the university policies.
