Why Pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree?

If you're aiming to elevate your career in the business world, earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is a strategic move. A doctorate in business administration provides you with advanced expertise in leadership, business theory and research. This guide will walk you through the details of this degree program, from understanding its usefulness to navigating the curriculum and requirements.

What is a DBA?

A DBA is a terminal professional degree that focuses on advanced business concepts and practices. It’s designed for individuals who want to take on leadership roles in business, consulting, academia or research. Unlike a Ph.D. in business administration, which is more research-focused, a DBA is a practice-oriented degree program that prepares graduates to apply business theories to solve real-world problems.

By equipping you with in-depth knowledge and skills in business management, strategy and leadership, a DBA can enhance your career prospects and pave the way to higher-level positions. Graduates can pursue executive roles in corporations, work as management consultants or become professors and researchers in academia. Many also venture into entrepreneurship and start their own businesses.

Choosing the Right DBA Program

Selecting the right DBA program is pivotal for your future opportunities. Consider these factors in making your decision:

Accreditation and Reputation

Ensure the DBA program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. An institution’s accreditation helps ensure that its programs meet high-quality standards and that your degree will be respected in the business world. Research the program's reputation and faculty expertise to get insights into its credibility.

Specialization

DBA programs often offer various specializations, allowing you to focus on a specific business administration area. Align your career goals and interests with a program offering your desired specialization, whether it’s artificial intelligence, healthcare administration, higher education or another field.

Flexibility and Transferring

Flexibility is crucial, especially for working professionals and students with other commitments. Look for programs offering online options to balance your studies with existing responsibilities. Flexible delivery can significantly impact your ability to complete your DBA successfully.

If you’ve already earned any credits at the doctoral level, you may be able to transfer those credits into your DBA program, depending on the institution. It's important to review the program’s transfer credit policies since each school has its own guidelines about what types of credits are eligible and how many can be transferred.

Ethical Alignment

Perhaps most importantly, you should look for a university and a program that align with your personal values. Consider the ethical standards upheld by the institution. The values of the university should resonate with your personal beliefs, whether it’s a focus on religion, diversity or transparency. Understanding the ethical framework of your program can help ensure your education aligns not just with professional goals, but also with your values as a future business leader.

DBA Admissions and Application Process

Once you’ve selected the right program for you, the process of applying and being admitted may look similar to this example from Trevecca’s DBA program.

1. Application: Complete the free online application.
2. Financial Aid: Submit the FAFSA for financial aid consideration.
3. Transcripts: Request official transcripts from your previous graduate institution.
4. Requirements:
   1. Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
   2. A minimum 3.4 GPA in prior graduate coursework.
   3. Submit a résumé and complete an interview with the program director.
   4. Provide a government-issued ID.
5. Prerequisites: If your background is not in business, you may need to take two introductory courses before starting the DBA program.
6. International Students: Must submit a TOEFL score of 550 or higher.
7. Program Length: 60 credits are required to earn the DBA at Trevecca. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses if their prior degree is not in business.