online phd programs in business management

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Online PhD in Business Management

School of business, technology, and health care administration.

Solve real-world business management problems and go deep into the latest research to develop your expertise for today’s challenges in business.

PhD in Business Management

Build professional skills that fit your career goals with a PhD in Business Management

Our online PhD in Business Management program helps you prepare for business and organizational challenges and develop research skills. Choose from seven specializations that can help you build skills and knowledge in a specific area of focus.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

PhD in Business Management program overview

The online PhD in Business Management is for experienced professionals who want to build on existing management theories, conduct original research and learn to lead in business.

Courses that help you develop advanced business management skills

As a PhD in Business Management student, you’ll begin with 11 core courses to lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of business practice. You’ll move into coursework for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and work toward your dissertation.

An online PhD in Business Management degree program from an accredited university

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited Capella University business programs and select specializations. The full accreditation statement and the list of accredited programs and specializations is available here. Established in 1988, the ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs.

PhD in Business Management admission requirements

Applicants to the PhD in Business Management program must provide the following information for admission:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.

View full admission requirements for PhD in Business Management specializations: General Business Management , Accounting , Human Resource Management , Information Technology Management , Leadership , Project Management , Strategy and Innovation .

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions .

PhD in Business Management program costs

The total cost of your PhD program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.

View detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for PhD in Business Management specializations:  General Business Management ,  Accounting ,  Human Resource Management ,  Information Technology Management ,  Leadership ,  Project Management ,  Strategy and Innovation .

Choosing a PhD in Business Management specialization

Every doctoral journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced business management expertise for the next phases of your career.*

• Learning outcomes
• Career exploration

General Business Management

• Evaluate the efficacy of business principles and systems theories to effect change in global and diverse environments
• Synthesize emerging trends
• Evaluate evolving conceptual models, theoretical frameworks, technologies and organizational systems
• Evaluate ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks that guide accounting theory and practice

Human Resource Management

• Synthesize emerging trends and technological influences to advance the theory and practice of global human resource management.

Information Technology Management

• Foster a culture of technological innovation to support changing business needs
• Evaluate ethical, international and legal frameworks that guide IT management today

Learn more »

• Develop a personal view of leadership with an emphasis on connections to others in the organization, and to the broader community.

Project Management

• Synthesize multidisciplinary theories that inform and shape the theory and practice of project management
• Fuse research and practice to contribute new knowledge to the field

Strategy and Innovation

• Apply strategy and innovation theories to define best practices, generate new knowledge and drive organizational change
• Assess, identify and access critical information sources for innovation strategy
• This program can help you prepare to pursue leadership roles across multiple industries
• Explore job titles such as full-time business faculty and director
• This program can help you prepare to pursue leadership roles in a range of business, nonprofit, academic and government settings
• Research roles such as financial officer, controller and senior accountant
• Employment settings to consider include a variety of opportunities in the public and private sectors
• Explore roles such as director of human resources and full-time human resource management faculty 
• A doctorate in this field can help build skills and knowledge to pursue leadership in fast-paced technology environments
• Explore roles such as chief information officer and chief technology officer
• This program can help you prepare to lead in corporate, nonprofit or government settings
• Explore roles such as full-time business faculty, business researcher and program director 
• The skills and knowledge to lead projects can help you prepare for leadership in a range of business environments
• Explore roles such as senior project manager and business faculty member 
• Skills in this program can apply to diverse areas, from manufacturing and retail to banking and government
• Explore roles such as director of strategy and operations, business consultant and CEO

*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.*

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Why choose the PhD in Business Management at Capella University?

Quarterly tuition maximum.

You pay a $5,000 flat-rate tuition maximum when taking six or more credits or $965 per credit when taking up to five credits. *

A mentor for you

You’ll be matched with a post-comprehensive exam program mentor, who will assist and support you as you progress forward.

Virtual residencies to develop expertise

You’ll begin work on your dissertation during your first doctoral project seminar, completing 2 of 16 dissertation milestones before your comprehensive exams.

Transfer up to 12 credits

You may be able to save time and money by transferring credits from regionally accredited or internationally recognized institutions.

* Cost of each residency is included in the $5,000 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, travel, lodging, meals and other expenses are not included.

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Best Online Ph.D. in Business and DBA Programs

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

ASO Rankings Team

Updated September 20, 2023

Hannah Muniz

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Krystal Covington

Contributing Reviewer

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Management jobs pay the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.

While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school . With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you'll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?

• You'll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
• An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
• You'll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
• You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
• Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
• You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Did You Know?

• Business is one of the most popular graduate degrees — nearly a quarter of all master's degrees awarded in 2020 were in business.
• Compared to those with a master's degree, the median salary for those with a doctorate is around $17,000 higher per year.
• Professionals with a doctorate report the lowest unemployment rate for any education level.

Get More Options With Our Featured Business Programs

Top online business ph.d. and dba programs.

Read About Our Methodology Here

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

Baker College

• Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $750

Credits to Graduate: 60

Baker's online DBA program prepares you for leadership roles and to become a business consultant or analyst. The curriculum includes 33 credits of core courses in subjects like leadership theory and ethics, organizational theory and behavior, enterprise governance of IT, and quantitative research.

The online program emphasizes interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge, research techniques and designs. To apply, you'll need to have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit an application, a resume, and an admissions essay.

California Baptist University

• Riverside, CA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $800

Credits to Graduate: 56

CBU Online's DBA program emphasizes innovation and sustainability and trains you to lead public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The cohort-based curriculum consists of eight-week online courses.

Coursework includes foundations of organization and management, economic theory, strategic marketing, and human resources management. To apply, you must have a bachelor's degree and send official transcripts. You may be asked for additional documents for GPA verification.

City University of Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $770

Credits to Graduate: 91

CityU's ACBSP-accredited DBA emphasizes organization interventional thinking, agile business practices, critical thinking, and leadership. You can choose between online and on-campus formats. In the online format, you'll have one live, hour-long, interactive session every other week. 

You can also choose your own specialization. The curriculum includes organizational development theories and trends, financial decision-making, and industry analysis and market innovation.

To get accepted, you must have a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Concordia University-Chicago

• River Forest, IL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $960

Accredited by ACBSP, CUC's online DBA emphasizes innovation, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, with a foundation in research and theory. The 100% online curriculum offers two specializations: innovation in healthcare management and strategic leadership and innovation.

The curriculum covers social responsibility and ethical decision-making, doctoral research design for business, strategic thought leadership, and innovative best practices in healthcare management.

For admission, you'll need a master's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. You must also submit official transcripts, a resume, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation.

Felician University

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,030

Credits to Graduate: 61

Felician's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and cutting-edge research. The self-paced online curriculum includes courses on statistical and quantitative analysis, historical and contemporary management theory, applied marketing theory, and applied decision theory.

You'll have the chance to engage in transformative research efforts designed to contribute to professional knowledge and practice. To apply, you need an MBA and must submit a resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.

Franklin University

• Columbus, OH

Credits to Graduate: 58

Franklin's 100% online DBA offers eight focus areas, including accounting, IT, public administration, marketing, human resources management, and healthcare management.

The curriculum includes courses like statistics; quantitative research; organizational leadership; and strategic thinking, decision-making, and innovation.

To apply, you'll need an accredited master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must have at least 30 hours of graduate coursework in a business-related field or three years of relevant work experience.

Gardner-Webb University

• Boiling Springs, NC

Avg. Cost per Credit: $930

Gardner-Webb's online DBA program prepares you to lead strategic initiatives, build a healthy work culture, and effect change in your community. You can choose from among five concentrations: accounting, finance, international business, management, and marketing.

Courses include foundations for ethical reasoning in business, advanced business statistics, marketing theory, and a doctoral dissertation.

To get in, you'll need an MBA or other master's degree in a business-related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also submit a resume, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation.

Johnson & Wales University-Online

• Providence, RI

Avg. Cost per Credit: $990

Credits to Graduate: 54

JWU's online DBA equips you with the skills you'll need to ​​conceptualize, investigate, and solve complex business problems. The cohort-based asynchronous program focuses primarily on organizational development.

Coursework includes organizational and strategy design, research design, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, contemporary leadership issues, and a dissertation.

To apply, you'll need to submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. You'll also need to participate in a video conference interview.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $980

Keiser's online ACBSP-accredited DBA combines theory and applied research so you can make a meaningful impact on business administration or academia. The program offers three specializations in global business, global marketing, and management.

You'll take classes in subjects like financial theory and policy, marketing management, and micro and macro organizational behavior.

To apply, you must have a relevant master's degree from an accredited institution. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you'll need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program.

Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $600

Accredited by ACBSP, Liberty's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and training for the highest level of the corporate world. The program offers 17 specializations, including nonprofit leadership, strategic management, international business, and executive coaching.

Coursework varies by specialization but typically includes current topics in business administration, strategic allocation of financial resources, and applied research.

For admission to Liberty's DBA, you'll need at least 30 graduate-level business credits and a master's degree in business or a business-related field. The DBA information systems specialization has additional requirements for admission.

Lincoln Memorial University

• Harrogate, TN

Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP

Avg. Cost per Credit: $730

Program Website

Saint Leo University

• Saint Leo, FL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $970

Credits to Graduate: 57

St. Thomas University

• Miami Gardens, FL

Credits to Graduate: 90

University of Maryland Global Campus

• Adelphi, MD

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,090

Credits to Graduate: 48

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Greensboro, NC

Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In State | $350

Out of State | $1,130

University of West Alabama

• Livingston, AL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $630

Credits to Graduate: 60-66

University of the Cumberlands

• Williamsburg, KY

Avg. Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 66

University of the Incarnate Word

• San Antonio, TX

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 45

University of the Southwest

Wilmington university.

• New Castle, DE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $680

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs

Accreditation matters when you're choosing an online doctoral program in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school's accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation .

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs :

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?

• General application
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate)
• Test scores, usually from the GMAT or GRE
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement(s) of purpose

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Business Cost?

Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.

Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you're full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.

The main factors that affect how much you'll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:

• The length of your program
• Whether you enroll in a private or public school
• How much financial aid you qualify for
• Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
• Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.

Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you're eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.

In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.

Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Management Information Systems

How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?

With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.

As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs

What can you do with an online ph.d. in business.

An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.

While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.

How many years does it take to get an online Ph.D. in business?

Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.

In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.

Are business Ph.D.s in demand?

A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , college professors are in demand, with a projected 12% growth rate from 2021-2031.

What's more, business professors tend to earn high salaries .

Is a DBA better than a Ph.D. in business?

A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.

As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.

Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

Is a DBA worth it?

A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner's degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.

DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team .

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