# Online Doctor of Business Administration
> | Program Level | Field of Study | Program Name | Average Program Length | Total Credits | Course Length | Credits per Course | Estimated Cost per Course | Programmatic Accreditation |
| -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- |
| Doctorate Degree | Business | Doctor of Business Administration | Varies | 54 credits | 8 weeks | 3 credits | $2,635 | ACBSP |
[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=DBA)
## Doctor of Business Administration
### Guided every step of the way, from research idea to dissertation defense
Turn insight into impact with an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Designed for experienced professionals, this program helps you strengthen your leadership capacity and expand your strategic vision to solve complex business challenges. With guidance from our experienced faculty, apply new insights to business practice, produce solution-focused research and influence your field – all while achieving the milestone of earning a doctorate.
### PROGRAM DETAILS
Designed for busy professionals — learn online on your schedule.
54 credits
Minimum credits required
54 credits
Minimum credits required
68 credits
Maximum credits required
68 credits
Maximum credits required
Up to 27 credits
May be transferred/waived
Up to 27 credits
May be transferred/waived
8 weeks
Course length
8 weeks
Course length
[Start your application](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)
## Courses for your online Doctor of Business Administration
### Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup
Pursuing your doctorate in business administration is more than earning a degree – it’s achieving a lifelong goal or achievement. The coursework in this program is designed to cultivate in-demand, industry business skills while building research competencies for scholarly contribution. You’ll learn about key business disciplines such as strategic, marketing, financial and operations management, including how to lead in a competitive business environment.
### Core Courses
### General Education Courses
### Electives
---
### Doctoral degree program requirements
- The minimum credit to obtain your doctoral degree is 54 credits.
- The doctoral degree program length can vary by specific program requirements.
- Students may be required to complete extension courses to allow ample time to satisfy the dissertation and project requirements for their program of study. Additional courses may require additional cost and time.
Our doctoral support team is here to guide you every step of the way. Speak to a dedicated doctoral enrollment representative for questions on your program timeline.
[602-544-3737](tel:16025443737)
[602-544-3737](tel:1-602-544-3737)
#### What will you learn?
- When you earn your online DBA degree, you can develop practitioner-focused skills that can help you create and apply positive, impactful and purposeful change in your industry, community and workplace. You’ll learn how to:
- Integrate the[Scholar Practitioner Leader (SPL) Model](/research/resources/the-scholar-practitioner.html)throughout the doctoral journey and beyond.
- Cultivate a leadership identity that reflects a mature and strategic understanding of the tenets of effective management praxis.
- Develop doctoral research that identifies and addresses opportunities for innovation in complex managerial contexts.
#### What is the colloquium?
The Doctoral Journey Colloquium enables students and alumni to come together, network and engage with peers and faculty. You can learn about the framework of your dissertation. Topics include selecting a research topic, developing your research question, using the university library and preparing for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission.
**The colloquium is intended to:**
- Build lifelong relationships between our students, alumni and the college.
- Create networking opportunities to strengthen our doctoral community.
- Identify opportunities to improve our programs and support systems.
- Provide additional support to our students and alumni.
- Share updates, resources and information.
The colloquium is an optional, zero-credit, zero-tuition/fee in-person or virtual event. For the in-person option, it will be a two and a half day (over a weekend) event on the University campus in Phoenix, Arizona. You are responsible for your own travel costs associated with the trip.
[Learn about the third annual colloquium](/press-release/college-of-doctoral-studies-holds-third-annual-colloquium-supporting-doctoral-students-2024.html).
#### What are the symposiums?
While some doctoral programs require on-campus residency, our doctorate in business administration includes two required, eight-week online symposium courses.
These immersive online experiences are designed to cover the tenets of doctoral socialization. You’ll receive a detailed overview of each milestone in the doctoral journey, allowing you to understand what the University expects from you and what you can expect from the University.
## Two dissertation pathways. One rigorous doctoral experience.
University of Phoenix doctoral students may complete their DBA dissertation through one of two pathways: traditional or applied. Both follow the same curriculum, credit hours, academic rigor, faculty guidance, Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and oral defense process. The primary difference is the type of research conducted and how the findings are communicated.
### How do the dissertation pathways differ?
**How do the dissertation pathways differ?**
| | Traditional dissertation | Applied dissertation |
|---|---|---|
| Typically appropriate when Typically appropriate when | Typically appropriate when The study explores problems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literature | Typically appropriate when The study investigates a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting |
| Research focus Research focus | Research focus Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding | Research focus Research explores problems of practice to generate evidence that informs professional practice and decision-making |
| Study context Study context | Study context Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context | Study context Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional setting |
| Final deliverable Final deliverable | Final deliverable Five-chapter dissertation manuscript | Final deliverable Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables |
| Primary audience Primary audience | Primary audience Scholarly and academic audiences | Primary audience Academic or professional audiences |
Traditional dissertation
**Typically appropriate when**The study explores problems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literature
**Research focus**Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding
**Study context**Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context
**Final deliverable**Five-chapter dissertation manuscript
**Primary audience**Scholarly and academic audiences
Applied dissertation
**Typically appropriate when**
The study investigates a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting
**Research focus**
Research explores problems of practice to generate evidence that informs professional practice and decision-making
**Study context**
Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional setting
**Final deliverables**
Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables
**Primary audience**
Academic or professional audiences
This comparison is intended as a general guide. The appropriate pathway depends on your research topic, methodology and the feasibility of your study. Doctoral faculty can help determine which pathway best aligns with your research.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)
### The dissertation journey: step by step
Both dissertation pathways follow the same five-phase process for developing and completing doctoral research. The activities and deliverables within each phase vary based on the pathway.
1. 1. Identify the problem
2. 2. Refine the study
3. 3. Develop the framework
4. 4. Finalize the design
5. 5. Analyze, communicate findings
1. Identify the problem
#### 1. Identify the problem
Establish a strong foundation for your research by identifying a meaningful problem of knowledge or practice and start drafting your research plan.
Traditional Dissertation
Identify a research problem grounded in scholarly literature and draft your research plan.
Applied Dissertation
Identify a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting and draft a research plan aligned with that context.
Faculty guide you as you establish alignment among your research problem, purpose, research questions, study design, conceptual framework and the feasibility of your proposed study.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)2. Refine the study
#### 2. Refine the study
Continue developing your study by refining key research elements, validating alignment and confirming your research is ready to move forward.
Traditional Dissertation
Refine your research problem, purpose statement and research design while strengthening the scholarly foundation for your study within existing literature.
Applied Dissertation
Refine your applied research plan while validating organizational alignment, research feasibility and ethical readiness.
Faculty guide you as you refine your study and confirm it’s aligned, feasible and ready for the next phase.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)3. Develop the framework
#### 3. Develop the framework
Strengthen the conceptual foundation for your study by synthesizing research and demonstrating why your research problem matters.
Traditional Dissertation
Develop your literature review and theoretical framework by synthesizing scholarly research related to your research problem.
Applied Dissertation
Develop a concept manuscript that positions your problem of practice within broader professional, disciplinary and systemic contexts.
Both pathways strengthen the conceptual foundation for rigorous doctoral research while preparing you to conduct ethical research through Human Subjects Protection training.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)4. Finalize the design
#### 4. Finalize the design
Finalize your research design by preparing your study for ethical review, required approvals and data collection.
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation proposal, obtain the necessary approvals and prepare your study for IRB review before beginning data collection.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research methods package and prepare your study for IRB review and implementation within the approved research setting.
Working with your dissertation committee, you'll finalize your research design and prepare your study for ethical review and data collection.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)5. Analyze, communicate findings
#### 5. Analyze & communicate findings
Analyze your findings, communicate your research and complete the final requirements of your doctoral study.
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation manuscript, interpret your findings and defend your research before the dissertation committee.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research report, executive summary and dissemination plan before defending your research and communicating findings to scholarly, professional and organizational audiences.
Complete your doctoral journey by demonstrating the quality and impact of your research through a successful oral defense.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)
### Dedicated doctoral support
Questions about our dissertation pathways? The College of Doctoral Studies has a dedicated team of enrollment representatives and academic counselors who are ready to answer all your questions.
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)
## Tuition and savings
### Paying for school
Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.
[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#doctoral)
### Doctoral cost per course
$2,635 / course
Cost breakdown
Cost per credit
Credits per course
Resource fee
**$810**
x3
+ $205
---
Estimated cost per course
$2,635
**What affects the overall cost of my program?**
Your full program cost can vary by:
- **Savings opportunities.** With our Tuition Guarantee commitment, you can count on fixed, affordable pricing for your entire postgraduate degree program. You can apply for the Doctoral Scholarship, which offers up to $3,000 for new students and alumni pursuing their doctoral degree at University of Phoenix.
**Earn your doctoral degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:**
[Explore doctoral degree scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html)
---
[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#doctoral)
### Other ways to save on time and tuition
Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.
#### Transfer credits
Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.
[Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)
#### Employer tuition benefits
Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.
[Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html)
#### Military savings
If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.
[Get military savings](/military.html)
#### We can help you get started
Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext
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Budget & borrow
## How to pay for college
Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.
[Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html)
### Keep moving forward with your education
Whether you’re in your program now, coming back for another degree or exploring tuition benefits as a member of our staff, we’re here to help you take the next step in your journey.
#### Current students
Explore research resources, events and support tools to help you progress confidently through your dissertation journey.
[View CDS central](/doctoral-studies.html)
#### Phoenix alumni
Continue your educational journey with the_Forever a Phoenix® Scholarship_, created to help you pursue your next degree.
[View scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/alumni-doctoral.html)
#### Faculty and staff
Achieve your educational goals, or help a family member with theirs, with tuition assistance for a degree at the doctoral level.
[View tuition assistance](https://apolloedu.sharepoint.com/sites/HumanResources/SitePages/Tuition-Assistance-Program--Updated-Policy.aspx)
---
## Careers and outcomes with an online DBA
Earning an online Doctor of Business Administration is more than an academic milestone – it’s building a personal and professional legacy. Our program emphasizes lifelong learning, leadership and the ability to create positive change in your organization and community. You can apply what you learn to solve problems and drive impact where it matters most.
### Career-relevant skills
Skills learned in this program:
- Business transformation
- Communication
- Leadership
- Organizational strategy
- Performance leadership
- Research development
- Scholarship
[Learn about career skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html)
### Career opportunities
An online DBA can prepare you to be a:
- General manager
- Executive director
- Operations director
- Chief operating officer
- Chief executive officer
- Chief financial officer
[Learn about Career Navigator](https://www.phoenix.edu/career-services.html#career-navigator2)
### Work environments
You may work in:
- Companies and enterprises
- Construction and manufacturing
- Professional and technical services
- Retail and wholesale trade
[Browse our career guides](/career-guides.html)
### Career outlook
4% growth
According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm), job growth for top executives is projected to be as fast as average between 2024 and 2034.
---
The BLS Projected Growth for 2024-2034 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
## Why Phoenix?
### A doctoral journey built on support, research and community
In the College of Doctoral Studies, you’ll join a program designed for working professionals who want to make a lasting impact. From day one, you’ll gain access to research opportunities, actionable learning experiences and a supportive[alumni network](/alumni.html).
#### Join a community of leading researchers
Our Research Hub is home to a community of scholars committed to academic excellence and innovation. You can browse publications, explore our centers and[Career Institute](/career-institute.html)and attend events like our Research Summit or various workshops and webinars designed to support your work.
[Go to research hub](/research.html)
#### Drive change with actionable learning
Our doctoral programs incorporate lifelong learning, social and workplace contribution and the ability to exert positive influence. As you develop the core concepts of scholarship, practice and leadership, you can solve issues and make a positive impact on your organization and community.
[Explore our learning model](/research/resources/the-scholar-practitioner.html)
#### Gain support through dedicated mentorship
Our alumni mentor program connects you with an experienced alum who can help you navigate the challenges of your doctoral journey. As you balance work, family and your studies, a mentor can help you create a game plan for the year ahead and even begin to build your doctoral network.
[Read about alumni program](/blog/alumni-mentor-program)
## Doctor of Business Administration program overview
[Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/5H_ywB9sMjQ?rel=0&controls=1&fs=0&modestbranding=1&cc_load_policy=0)
×
00:03 Advanced business leadership often begins with asking better questions, [music] analyzing complex challenges, and developing strategies that drive 00:12 organizational success. In this [music] video, we'll explore the Doctor of Business Administration, or DBA, from University of Phoenix, including what 00:20 [music] you'll study, the skills you can develop, and how this online doctoral program [music] supports working professionals. This program is designed 00:29 for experienced professionals who want to deepen their expertise in business leadership, applied research, and organizational strategy. Whether you're 00:38 interested in solving complex business challenges, strengthening executive leadership skills, or contributing to evidence-based business practices, 00:46 [music] 00:47 the DBA provides advanced doctoral-level study focused on practical application. 00:53 The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, [music] or ACBSP, has accredited University of Phoenix's 01:01 Doctor of Business Administration offered through the College of Business and Information Technology [music] and the College of Doctoral Studies. 01:09 Throughout the curriculum, you'll explore topics such [music] as organizational leadership, strategic management, applied business research, 01:17 innovation, organizational change, decision-making, ethics, global business, and data-informed leadership. 01:25 Coursework emphasizes evaluating complex business [music] problems, interpreting research, and applying analytical frameworks to support organizational improvement and strategic planning. 01:36 You'll also develop skills in critical thinking, [music] research methodology, communication, leadership, and 01:43 organizational problem-solving. As you progress through the program, you'll complete applied doctoral [music] research that allows you to investigate 01:51 a business challenge relevant to your professional [music] interests while demonstrating advanced analytical and decision-making abilities. The 02:00 curriculum [music] is designed to help professionals apply scholarly research to real-world business environments for roles [music] like a professor or chief 02:09 executive officer. Because the program is delivered primarily online, it's designed to support professionals who 02:16 are continuing their education while managing careers, family commitments, [music] and other responsibilities. The doctoral experience also includes 02:25 immersive learning experiences that support collaboration, [music] professional development, and applied research. A Doctor of Business 02:33 Administration can help you build advanced [music] knowledge in leadership, organizational strategy, applied research, and business 02:41 decision-making [music] that applies across a variety of industries and organizational settings. 02:46 The program focuses on developing practical solutions to complex business challenges through research-informed 02:53 leadership. If you're interested in expanding your leadership expertise through advanced business study and 03:00 applied research, the Doctor of Business Administration from University of Phoenix is worth exploring. 03:08 Whether you're gathering information or ready to take the next step, our enrollment representatives are happy to help you [music] learn more about the 03:15 program, discuss your goals, and understand the options available to you. 03:20 If you're ready to move forward, you can also apply at phoenix.edu.
### Dean spotlight
#### Learn from accomplished business professionals
“
My beliefs about teaching are strongly influenced by a learning philosophy shaped by fundamental educational principles encompassing cognitive functioning, adult learning theory and curriculum design and assessment.”
**Herman van Niekerk**
Associate Dean, College of Doctoral Studies
[Learn more about van Niekerk](/about/academic-leadership/associate-dean-herman-van-niekerk.html)
## Programmatic accreditation
### Count on the quality of your education
Our DBA has been reaffirmed for accreditation until 2027 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring the quality of your education.
What does that mean in real life? [ACBSP-accredited](/about/accreditation.html) business programs are committed to quality standards. The quality of the program is regularly benchmarked against specific criteria that prepare students for the business industry. Accreditation occurs on a 10-year cycle with regular quality reviews.
View the [student achievement report](/content/dam/edu/about/doc/acbsp-datasheet.pdf) (PDF) for the University of Phoenix ACBSP-accredited business and accounting programs.
[Learn more](/about/accreditation.html)
## Apply 100% free and easy
### Admissions for doctoral students
Getting started on your doctorate should be simple – and with us, it is. We’ve simplified the process by removing obstacles.
No application fee, no obligation
We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)
No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)
No application fee, no obligation
We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)
No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)
[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=DBA)[See admission requirements](https://www.phoenix.edu/admissions.html)
## Frequently asked questions about the online Doctor of Business Administration
### How does a DBA degree differ from a PhD or MBA?
While there are some subject matter similarities in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, you must take into consideration what each program offers and the differences between them before choosing which might be right for you. We’ll explain the three programs so you can determine which might meet your goals.
A Doctor of Business Administration is a specialized degree with a practical focus that incorporates a multidisciplinary and systems thinking approach. Our online DBA attracts business professionals who want to improve their administrative and managerial skills. They want to contribute to the practice of management and solve real-world organizational and business problems. Our DBA degree combines scholarship, practice and leadership to prepare students for lifelong learning, social and workplace contribution and the ability to exert positive influence in organizations and in life.
A Doctor of Philosophy is a specialized degree with an intensive theoretical research focus. A PhD attracts students who want to pursue a career in academia or conduct research that advances business knowledge or theory. A PhD program will have you conducting research with the goal of addressing a gap in knowledge or a need in business management. University of Phoenix doesn’t offer PhD programs.
A [Master of Business Administration](/online-business-degrees/master-business-administration-degree.html) is a graduate degree with a focus on theoretical and practical training for general business management functions. Our MBA program attracts business professionals who want to work in a managerial capacity or follow their entrepreneurial aspirations. Earning an MBA may be ideal if you have less time to devote to a program. Our program length for an MBA degree is 16 months, and for our competency-based MBA, it is 12 months.
### Who is an online DBA degree designed for?
Our online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed for business professionals who want to contribute to the practice of management and solve real-world organizational problems. Our online DBA will equip you with working knowledge based on the latest business research, theories and trends. You can sharpen your administrative, managerial and decision-making skills to help ensure organizations remain sustainable in a competitive environment while positioning yourself as an experienced professional in the field.
### What are the admission requirements for a doctorate in business administration?
To be eligible for our online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), you must have a graduate degree from a regionally or an approved nationally accredited college or university or equivalent graduate degree earned at a recognized foreign institution. You’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA on your graduate degree posted transcripts as well as a record of current or past employment.
International applicants, or applicants without appropriate previous academic experience in an English language environment, must pass English Language Proficiency Test. Other eligibility requirements may apply. Please contact an enrollment representative to learn more about program-specific admission requirements.
### Is a DBA degree just for academic research?
Similar to most doctoral programs, our online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can help you develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills. Unlike Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs that focus on theoretical research, our online DBA degree emphasizes applied research where academic theory helps you devise solutions to practical business problems.
As part of the online DBA program, you’ll take three research focused courses:
- [Research Conceptualization and Design](/online-courses/res709.html)
- [Statistical Research Methods and Design I](/online-courses/res710.html)
- [Qualitative Methods and Design](/online-courses/res724.html)
These courses give you a foundational understanding of research methodology and theoretical frameworks. You can learn how to critically analyze scholarly literature, interpret data, create an effective research plan and generate actionable interventions. These courses are also designed to support the research required as part of your dissertation.
### Is the online DBA programmatically accredited?
Yes, our online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) has been reaffirmed for accreditation until 2027 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring the quality of your education. [Learn more about accreditation at University of Phoenix.](/about/accreditation.html)
## Articles related to the online DBA
- [Differences in MD, PhD,. Professional Doctorate](/articles/online-college/differences-between-md-phd-and-professional-doctorate) — Online Degrees | June 22, 2023 • 8 minutes
- [What is a Doctoral Candidate vs. Doctoral Student](/articles/online-college/what-is-a-doctoral-candidate-vs-doctoral-student) — University Life | April 26, 2023 • 7 minutes
- [Dissertation Help Workshops](/blog/dissertation-help-workshops-can-jump-start-your-doctoral.html) — University Life | September 28, 2022 • 5 Minutes
While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
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