When it comes to the world of academia, the end goal for many is to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in their chosen subject matter and be awarded a Doctorate. A PhD is generally pursued by those who wish to embark as an academic researcher or lecturer.
But what if you’re a corporate professional who wants to enhance your knowledge and solve real-world business-related issues? If that’s the case, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) would be a better fit. Both the DBA and the PhD are the highest achievable postgraduate qualifications.
Types of Doctorate Degrees
Academic Doctorate Degree
Academic Doctorates, such as the PhD, are awarded by institutes of higher learning to candidates who have presented original research as a thesis or dissertation in their field of choice. Pursuing a PhD usually takes around three or four years of full-time studies. Some PhD programmes also accept published papers, although they may still require a dissertation/thesis.
Professional Doctorate Degree
In comparison, professional Doctorates such as DBAs are business-orientated Doctorates that focus on providing business management knowledge that can be applied to a corporate environment. DBAs are best suited for people already in senior management positions, business owners, or entrepreneurs who want to elevate their expertise into a higher position of credibility, leadership, and influence in their profession.
Which Doctorate Degree is Best for Me?
The PhD route is for those who want to make a significant contribution to knowledge; for example, researching sustainability transitions in business. PhD candidates focus primarily on the theoretical value of their research.
Unlike the PhD, DBA candidates are driven by the professional value of their research and how they can apply what they have learned to practice in the business or industry sector they specialise in. DBA candidates consider how their work contributes to thought leadership and strengthens their influence within their profession.
Benefits of a DBA at PSB Academy
Here are some key benefits of pursuing a DBA:
- The part-time/ online nature of a DBA allows working professionals to balance professional, study, and personal commitments.
- A DBA enhances career growth by improving the credentials of graduates, especially in their domain of expertise.
- A DBA graduate contributes new, practical knowledge to the corporate world.
- Despite the differences, both DBA and PhD are highly prestigious and respected.
- Certain industries demand DBA-qualified leaders, as they are equipped to provide practical solutions grounded in academic research.
Explore PSB Academy DBA Courses
With rigorous curriculums created by our university partners, our DBA programmes equip candidates with practical knowledge and research skills to tackle real-world corporate challenges.
- University of Canberra DBA: Provides opportunities for advanced study and reflection on practice across a range of professional fields, including accountancy, business management, economics, human resource development, international management, and organisational behaviour. The programme is further strengthened through Weekend Seminars, Work-Integrated Learning, and support from a dedicated Supervisory Panel, ensuring that candidates receive both academic guidance and practical, real-world application throughout their doctoral journey.
- Edinburgh Napier University DBA (E-Learning): Delivered via 100% online learning, this programme offers working professionals the flexibility to complete their doctoral journey without relocating. With a possible completion timeline of just 3 years*, this DBA is designed for ambitious leaders who want to accelerate their careers while maintaining their professional commitments. Importantly, Edinburgh Napier University is an AACSB-accredited Business School, a hallmark of excellence earned by 6% of business schools worldwide.
*Subject to university approval.
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