PhD vs. DBA: Which is Better

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• DBA and PhD: Similarities and Differences
• Why pursue a PhD or a DBA?
  • Which Program is Right for Me?
• Final Thoughts 
• Bonus Points

Introduction

Despite some similarities, a DBA degree is considerably different from a PhD degree. While both degrees are the highest academic qualification in the field of Business and equip their holders with a ‘Doctor’ prefix, the differences lie in each program’s focus and career opportunities. 

In the PhD vs DBA debate, which one is better? The answer will depend upon your career goals! In this blog, we will detail the key differences between a DBA and a PhD, their unique contributions, and which program will suit your professional ambitions the best. 

DBA & PhD: Similarities and Differences

As previously mentioned, both PhD and DBA are doctoral-level terminal programs. As a result, both include a rigorous level of original research and scientific inquiry into business theories and subsequently, are academically challenging undertakings. But the similarities end here. 

Given below are the key differences between a Doctor of Business Administration and a PhD in Business Administration:

• Program Focus: A PhD will guide Learners to address the existing body of Business Knowledge, identify gaps in theory, and fill them with original research. A DBA, on the other hand, will focus on applying existing knowledge to solve complex business challenges. 
• Industry: As an extension of the previous pointer, a PhD is considered an academic doctorate, while a DBA is considered a professional doctorate degree. The former adopts an exploratory approach, while the latter adopts a problem-solving approach. 
• Career Pathways: Doing a PhD is a great choice for anyone pursuing a career in academia, policy-making, university teaching positions, and other research-oriented roles. A DBA, on the other hand, is more suited to aspirants for Executive Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Policy, Consulting, and other related practices. 
• Target Audience: Most PhD Learners are aspiring young scholars who wish to pursue a career in academia and research. DBA Learners, on the other hand, are Business Professionals with years of experience under their belt, aiming to reach senior roles. 
• Course Design: PhD programs can extend for as long as 6 years, demanding an intensive time commitment. On the other hand, DBA programs are usually 3-4 years long and designed for working Professionals with limited leisure hours. 

Why pursue a PhD or a DBA?

A DBA and a PhD are highly prestigious qualifications that set the holders apart from the crowd. These graduates promise a world of potential, discovery, and innovation. Generally, holding a terminal degree is often key to unlocking higher roles, better compensation packages, and greater career opportunities. Despite the heavy academic and financial commitment, these programs are often worth the investment. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

To know this, take a good look at your professional ambitions. Do you prefer to work in academia, exploring theoretical perspectives and pioneering original research? How about entering University teaching positions, or policy-making bodies? If your overarching goal is to contribute to the existing body of Business research and literature, then the PhD in Business is a clear winner for you. 

Do you prefer to work in Business settings, tackling challenging corporate conundrums by applying key theoretical insights? Or perhaps you might enjoy being in Executive Leadership roles, or even beginning your own business venture? If this is the case, DBA degree programs are what you should be looking for. In fact, DBA holders can also pursue teaching positions at University, so if you prefer to keep your options open, this might be the right choice for you. 

Online DBA Programs for Working Professionals

Unlike most PhD students, DBA Learners are often full-time senior Professionals with many personal and financial commitments. As a result, Online DBA programs have been increasing in popularity, mainly due to their flexibility and affordability. If you are in the market for a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration, choosing an online platform with reputed partner universities is key.

UniAthena ticks all these boxes! Our DBA Program is offered in association with the prestigious Universidad Catolica De Murcia of Spain. In addition to being 100% Online, Learners can earn their Doctorate in 3 years affordably and with the help of a personal Tutor. 

If you are eager to complete your Doctorate sooner, a rigorous 2-year DBA is also available. With the right blend of flexibility, affordability, and academic assistance, UniAthena’s DBA program is a notch above the rest. You can try it out yourself, with a free 7-day Trial!

Final Thoughts

If the question is ‘Which one is better, DBA or PhD?’, the answer is quite simple, ‘It depends’. This blog details the key similarities and differences between the two degree programs, explores the opportunities both provide to careers and outlines how to select the right program for you. If you lean towards a DBA, UniAthena’s online DBA program is a highly recommended qualification. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which program best suits your ambitions. 

Bonus Points:

• The DBA was first offered by Harvard Business School in 1953, before being internationally recognized in the 1990s. 
• While DBA Programs are open to flexibility, PhD programs are not. They are rigorous, intensive, long and demand to be prioritised over all else.