How to Select the Best Doctorate in Business Administration for You

Earning the ultimate business degree is no small feat. Whether you want to contribute more to your organization or pivot into roles like consulting or academia, a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree can significantly impact your professional life.

Regardless of which path you plan to choose after graduation, selecting an institution with a strong reputation and recognition will add credibility to your degree and open doors to new opportunities.

In this article, we'll explore critical factors to consider when comparing DBA programs, as you'll find that they can vary widely.

Here are some essential program aspects to evaluate:

College Accreditation

Accreditation is a crucial factor in all higher education programs, as it serves as a means of validating the credibility and quality of an institution. The gold standard of accreditation for schools of business in the world is the AACSB Accreditation. AACSB only accredits the top 5% of business schools worldwide. For a university to qualify for AACSB accreditation, a school must comply with several standards regarding faculty qualifications, curriculum, and overall program quality. A DBA program with this accreditation assures you that the education you will receive meets global standards of excellence.

University's Research Activity

Research training and skill development are the essence of a terminal degree program like the DBA. Hence, a university with high research activity indicates a robust academic environment with world-class researchers that will support and enhance your scholarly development.

Institutions classified as R1 by the Carnegie Classification are recognized for conducting top-tier research. Choosing a DBA program at an R1-accredited university means you'll have a role in cultivating cutting-edge research projects that translate to real-world impact.

The Carnegie Classification system includes the following three categories for doctoral universities:

• R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity
• R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity
• D/PU: Doctoral/Professional Universities

Curriculum: Quality, Flexibility, and Experiential Learning

As with any educational experience, the curriculum is at the heart of the program. That said, it's essential to consider a DBA program that offers flexibility to your learning style and the ability to participate in an experiential learning journey with a research focus.

The key here is a focus on research methods, statistical tools and analysis, and hands-on research training. Without emphasizing these curriculum areas, you are likely looking at more of an "MBA on steroids" program than a genuine research terminal degree program. Unfortunately, far too many of these types of programs are masquerading as DBA degree programs.

Credit Hours and Course Format

A well-balanced curriculum should be one of your top criteria. So, what does a well-balanced curriculum look like?

A top-tier DBA program should include:

1. A strong emphasis on advanced research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, is essential. This prepares students to conduct high-level research that contributes new knowledge.
2. Advanced courses in fundamental business research areas like strategy, leadership, finance, marketing and operations. These courses should go beyond basic knowledge and explore complex, real-world business research challenges, theories and methods.
3. A dissertation or capstone project that shows the student's ability to conduct independent, original research contributing to business administration.
4. The ability to tailor your research to your area of interest to then be able to use the findings and skills to solve real-world business problems.
5. One-on-one collaboration with and mentoring by world-class research faculty in person and online to receive guidance.
6. Another factor to pay attention to is the length of the program and the credit hours. If the program takes less than three years to complete and has fewer than 50 credit hours, this might be another sign of an "MBA on steroids" program lacking the rigorous academics and research training you deserve.

DBA Program Format

A flexible program format is crucial, especially if you balance a full-time job, family obligations, and school. Most high-quality DBA programs offer a hybrid modality, combining online learning with rigorous in-person sessions. However, the frequency of in-person residencies can vary widely by institution.

Below are some of the most common:

• Weekend Residencies (typically once a month for 2-3 days, most beneficial to quality learning)
• Extended Residencies (each residency may last an entire week, 2-4 times per year, more convenient, perhaps, but often less effective)
• Annual Intensive Residencies (once a year for 1-2 weeks, least effective for quality doctoral education)

Weekend residencies can be convenient for those who prefer not to take time off from work or use their vacation hours. However, extended or annual residences might be a better fit if your institution is far away and monthly travel is challenging. Remember that more contact with faculty and fellow cohort members is critical to lifelong learning and skill development.

Faculty Qualification and Mentoring

As you progress through your DBA program and approach the dissertation stage, there will be moments when you may get stuck and need prompt guidance. During these times, it's crucial to have experienced faculty available to advise you on the best course of action.

One-on-one mentoring is an immensely valuable part of a DBA program, so make sure the program you choose offers easy access to faculty members.

Additionally, look for a DBA program where the faculty not only hold a Ph.D. from respected institutions but also have extensive experience in the corporate world or have owned businesses. With both academic and real-world experience, they'll be able to thoroughly understand and help you tackle the complex problems you're trying to solve.

Program Rankings

Currently, there are no formal rankings for DBA programs. Additionally, ranking methodologies often prioritize factors that may not align with your needs. However, rankings can still be a valuable benchmark for comparing different programs. One of the most comprehensive sources for identifying prestigious DBA programs worldwide is the CEO Magazine Global DBA Rankings, which considers accreditation, faculty quality, geography, and international standing.

Evaluating the Value of the Program

When considering the value of a DBA program, think beyond the monetary implications. A valuable DBA program can provide a significant return on investment (ROI) regarding career trajectory.

A valuable DBA program should offer the following: career advancement opportunities, networking prospects, and advanced research initiatives.

We all know price is important, but value for the money is what you are looking for in finding the right DBA.

Networking Avenues

Depending on the opportunities presented by the program, you may enjoy connecting with other students and alumni, which will facilitate your experience during and after the program. A strong network can provide support, advice, and potential career opportunities.

Getting all the Facts and Comparing them

The table below could help you compare some of the factors mentioned in this article across the universities on your shortlist.

Finding the perfect DBA program to continue your business education is a big job. Once you find the perfect fit, you will be well on your way to experiencing a new world of knowledge and skills.

Best of luck in your pursuit of the degree!