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.
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 |
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
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:
- Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University: This WASC-accredited degree 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)
- Doctor of Business Administration from ESGCI: This degree 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
- Doctor of Business Administration from Rushford Business School: This AACSB-accredited degree 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
You can explore more on this topic in our related article here:
- How Much Does an Online DBA Program Cost in the USA?
- Is a DBA Degree Worth it in the US in 2025?
- 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.
