Doctor of Business Administration

What Do You Learn in a Doctor of Business Administration?

Completing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is often the last step in the educational path for those in this field. This type of program usually prepares students to be business professionals with a higher level of skill and knowledge of the industry. Many times, these individuals have already completed a master’s degree and are pursuing a higher level of education.

This type of program typically teaches a range of topics to cover the needs of students in the business world. That may include technology and business process. It may also include a significant amount of business-specific research. This program typically works to help students to be ready to work as leaders in the industry, but some may also wish to become professors.

Doctor of business administration programs (DBA)

Featured DBA Online Programs

DBA Courses May Include

Completing a Doctor of Business Administration typically requires 36 to 48 credit hours of study. Some schools provide students with the ability to gain a lot of that through electives that interest them or relate to the career or path they wish to take. Universities differ on what types of courses may count towards this degree path.

Completing a doctoral degree in business administration may be necessary for some career paths. Other times, students aim to complete this type of education because it fits their long-term educational goals or interests. Still in other situations, employers may request or desire applicants to have a higher level of education to fill their specific needs. In all cases, a DNP may be a desirable path for those who want to obtain the highest level of education in business management.


Take a look at some of the courses and expectations of the DBA program. This may not apply in all situations but provides a good overview of what to expect.

1st course Interpreting and Translating Management Theory in Practice

Interpreting and Translating Management Theory in Practice

Typically, this course goes over and evaluates management theories. Typically, many types of theories and their effects are analyzed based on individual, group, and societal interpretations. Connecting these theories with practitioner systems and strategies may also be a topic.

2nd course Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making

Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making

Typically, this course covers how to review and perform research and incorporate it into decision making. Applying business tools to assist in interpreting and applying the results of the research and to interpret the data is also often a part of this program.

3rd Course Evidence-Based Research Methods

Evidence-Based Research Methods

In this course, students typically use search strategies based on previous research that has been verified. Students may also learn how to defend qualitative choices and the application of these evidence-based solutions discovered through their research.

4th Course Data Analytics in Practice

Data Analytics in Practice

In this course, students may learn how to apply analytical skills in their decision making. Tools such as data mining, forecasting, and predictive models may also be a topic covered in this course.

5th Course Designing Evidence-Based Management Solutions

Designing Evidence-Based Management Solutions

Typically, in this course, students go over how to design and implement the management solutions they have discovered or created. Analyzing the data from the decision as well as looking at the results that the decision has produced may also be covered.

6th Course Producing Original Management Ideas That Influence: Publishing and Conferencing

Producing Original Management Ideas That Influence: Publishing and Conferencing

Typically, in this course, students create and defend an evidence-based approach for management solutions. They may need to present their data and defend their theory or reason for choosing to take the path they did for resolving their problem.

5 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a Doctor of Business Administration

Those who complete a doctoral degree in business administration may receive education and skills to prepare them for senior leadership roles in organizations including in corporations, government organizations, and nonprofits. They may have specific skills designed to help support the company’s needs.

It is not a requirement to obtain a master’s degree (MBA) prior to completing a doctoral degree. Some universities offer a path that allows individuals to complete both or just complete the doctoral degree over a period of time.

It may be beneficial to many people for multiple reasons. For example, some people may wish to focus on research and developing solutions in the field, which this degree path may help them do. Others may wish to become a professor to teach this type of material to others. Still others may need to complete this path because it is necessary because an employer wants them to have this degree.

A DBA is the highest academic degree a person may obtain in management education. It is often focused on practically-oriented research instead of theoretical research, which makes it a bit different from the traditional PhD.

Typically, a student may finish a DBA within two years. This is dependent, many times, on their previous education level. Those with a bachelor’s degree may need to spend more time working on their DBA.

Top 6 Schools Graduating Students with a Doctor of Business Administration

According to the NCES, these are the top graduating schools for those who earned a Doctor of Business Administration based on the number of graduates in 2018/2019 they had.

College / UniversityGraduatesAcceptance Rate
Temple University2860%
Duke University228%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte1765%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities1657%
Georgia State University1576%
Fordham University446%

Find Funding

Covering the cost of a doctoral degree may be challenging to some students. For the 2019 to 2020 graduate year, students paid an average of $19,792 for their master’s degree education, according to NCES data.

Because the cost of this type of education may be so high, it may be beneficial for students to seek out funding options that may help to supplement these costs or cover them fully. There are several potential options to take into consideration.

Scholarships

For those working to complete their doctoral degree, it may be helpful to tap into scholarships. These are typically funds that do not have to be repaid. There may be some limitations and stipulations on how these funds are used as well as in who is able to gain access to them. Those rules are all broken down in the scholarship terms.

Take a moment to look for scholarships for business administration degrees to get started.

Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Who Can Apply: High school juniors and seniors, college students, and graduate school students are eligible. You must be currently enrolled in school or planning on enrolling within 24 months. Click to learn more and apply today!

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 31

SERC Endowment Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This award is available to U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Southern state. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Amount: $775

Deadline: February 1

“$1,000 Equal Opportunity” Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The “$1,000 Equal Opportunity” Scholarship exists to support two motivated high school, undergraduate, or graduate school students who want to improve their life and the lives of the people around them.This award is available to U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Southern state. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Amount: $500 each. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $12,000.

Deadline: March 1

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This award is available to U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Southern state. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.This award is for U.S. high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students must submit a short response and be selected as a semi-finalist to compete for the available scholarships.

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: January 30

Federal Loans

Federal student loans are one of the options some students have for paying for their graduate degree. These are loans often backed by the U.S. federal government. That means these lenders have to stick with the federal government’s rules for lending to college students. These loans are a bit different at the graduate level than they are at the undergraduate level. However, they may still be accessible to those working on grade school. Here are a few options to consider.

  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
  • Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
  • Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are another way to potentially cover the cost of your education. These loans are not backed by the U.S. federal government, which means these loans may have different terms and conditions than federal student loans. That means that borrowers should pay close attention to the terms and conditions by reading through and making sure they understand these rules. It may be important to consider factors such as:

  • When the loan payments are due
  • Whether paying during education is necessary
  • If there are benefits related to forbearance or forgiveness
  • The cost of borrowing
  • Credit score requirements
  • Income requirements for borrowing

Is economist a good career?

An economist is typically a person that conducts research, creates repairs, and provides planning to address economic conditions or problems. This may include how economic conditions impact production and distribution of services or goods or how fiscal policy and monetary policy may be impacted. They may also collect and process data related to the economy using various sampling techniques.

The day-to-day work of an economist may include studying economic and statistical data that relates to their specific area of interest such as labor, agriculture, or finance. They then research economic issues and use the findings to create technical reports or articles. Some may also report data to explain economic conditions and forecast market trends by applying mathematical models to that data. In some cases, they may also supervise research projects and teach theories and principles related to the field.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) , important skills for economists
  • Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Mathematics – Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Many economists spend their days reviewing professional literature to maintain their professional knowledge, supervise trainees, and work to prepare scientific or technical reports and presentations. They typically forecast economic, political, and social trends using the information available.

To do this type of work, many employers require a person to have a graduate degree. This may include at least a master’s degree and, in some cases, a PhD. There is little education provided on the job but rather employers typically expect employees to already have this information and skill.

2023 Median Salary for an Economist

The mean salary for a person working as an economist in each of the states is listed below. This 2023 data is provide by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateSalaryStateSalary
Alabama$108,660Alaska$101,560
Arizona$99,330Arkansas$79,220
California$133,790Colorado$106,040
Connecticut$123,160DelawareN/A
GeorgiaN/AFlorida$104,730
Idaho$66,610Hawaii$100,850
Indiana$89,860Illinois$119,870
Kansas$103,600Iowa$96,720
Louisiana$109,520Kentucky$82,000
Maryland$136,370Maine$88,040
Minnesota$107,440Massachusetts$139,720
Montana$99,020MichiganN/A
Nevada$80,060MississippiN/A
New Jersey$103,550Missouri$127,900
New York$144,780Nebraska$72,540
North DakotaN/ANew Hampshire$118,300
Oklahoma$111,420New Mexico$79,220
Pennsylvania$102,700North Carolina$109,770
South Carolina$53,680Ohio$117,170
Tennessee$93,070Oregon$108,110
Utah$96,060Rhode IslandN/A
Virginia$145,070South DakotaN/A
Wisconsin$79,270Texas$131,480
Washington$113,280Vermont$72,300
West VirginiaN/AWyomingN/A

Is postsecondary business teacher a good career?

A postsecondary business teacher is a person who typically teaches business administration and management courses at the secondary level. This may include topics such as finance, accounting, human resources, labor and industrial relations, operations research, and marketing. These individuals may do both teaching and researching in the field.

The work they do may include preparing and delivering lectures to students, which typically includes undergraduate and graduate students in a college or university setting on the topics listed here. They evaluate and grade student work and papers. They may also moderate and initiate classroom discussions. Many business teachers also prepare course material including a syllabus, handouts, and homework. It is also typically important for these teachers to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry.

Work activities typically include evaluating student work, guiding classroom discussion, attending training sessions and professional meetings, and staying informed about the industry. To do well, many need to have specific skills in teaching and engaging with students. They may also need to develop instructional material. Those who work as a postsecondary business teacher typically need to complete graduate school and hold at least a master’s degree. Some employers, such as colleges and universities, require applicants to have a doctoral degree in the field in order to teach it.

Doctor of Business Administration , important skills for postsecondary business teachers
  • Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Instructing – Teaching others how to do something.
  • Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2023 Median Salary for Postsecondary Business Teacher

The median salary for those working as a postsecondary business teacher in 2023 are listed below based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateSalaryStateSalary
Alabama$101,560Alaska$144,600
Arizona$108,260Arkansas$87,090
California$123,400Colorado$89,140
Connecticut$110,340Delaware$103,080
Georgia$91,280Florida$92,140
Idaho$88,420Hawaii$91,210
Indiana$108,210Illinois$109,440
Kansas$114,520Iowa$97,120
Louisiana$109,040Kentucky$96,730
Maryland$117,550Maine$100,740
Minnesota$112,810Massachusetts$123,590
Montana$109,930Michigan$120,580
Nevada$108,140Mississippi$90,550
New Jersey$136,020Missouri$110,480
New York$138,990Nebraska$106,110
North Dakota$105,570New Hampshire$123,010
Oklahoma$96,840New Mexico$88,600
Pennsylvania$111,970North Carolina$97,370
South Carolina$111,170Ohio$102,310
Tennessee$114,320Oregon$114,380
Utah$137,400Rhode Island$132,410
Virginia$108,740South Dakota$75,990
Wisconsin$115,410Texas$114,340
Washington$105,580Vermont$106,170
West Virginia$102,840Wyoming$92,380
Sandy B CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sandy Baker

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sandy has extensive experience writing educational articles for topics ranging from online education to college degrees. She’s worked with several Ivy League colleges to create blogs, newsletters, sales material for recruiting as well as “how to manage” college lifestyle pieces. Additionally, she’s written for well-respected study abroad programs helping students to find international opportunities spanning the globe from South America to Africa and Asia.

Sandy’s experience also includes writing about financial aid, FAFSA, scholarship searches, and managing college loans and grants. This includes aiding both students and parents in managing the application and financial aid process from start to finish. Her writing in this area has been featured in The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and several blogs.

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