Online DBA programs can help you earn your Doctor of Business Administration in as little as 2 years. With average salaries ranging from $87K to $184K (Bureau of Labor Statistics), DBA benefits can be immense.
With an eye on the horizon, you may be considering what steps you need to take to advance your career.
Now, you can leverage technology to accomplish your goals – and get the very same doctorate awarded to on-campus students – but without sacrificing your career or time with your family.
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Online Doctor of Business Administration Programs
With a variety of opportunities available to you, specializing can help you become a leader in your field as you meet your professional and personal goals. Depending on your institution of choice, you can specialize in a concentration or specific field that helps differentiate yourself from other alumni.
Each of these DBA programs offers accelerated 8-week online classes. Click on the subject area that most interests you.
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Homeland Security
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
Regardless of which – if any – concentration you decide upon, you will likely participate in seminars, fieldwork, and even advanced symposiums as you train to become a distinguished corporate leader.
Accounting
Online DBA in Accounting
For a numbers person, a DBA concentration in Accounting can be a great way to help you develop skills that go well beyond the introductory accounting classes that you took during your earlier academic pursuits.
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During your studies, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time reviewing the available literature in the field and discussing topics like forensic accounting, agency theory, behavioral accounting, and audit theory. You may also explore the role that ethics plays in accounting practice.
Business Administration
Online DBA in General Business
A concentration in Business Administration serves as a generalist approach to earning a DBA.
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You might choose this approach if, for the sake of career versatility, you want your doctoral studies to be as broad in scope as possible. Another reason to choose this type of DBA is customization.
Selecting several elective courses from different specializations can help you tailor your studies to your personal areas of interest.
Entrepreneurship
Online DBA in Entrepreneurship
If you love the thrill of startups and business launches, then a concentration in Entrepreneurship might be for you.
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Entrepreneurship doctoral candidates study creative thinking that can help them tackle business opportunities and decisions in fresh ways. They also discuss venture capitalism and other sources of funding for startups. In addition, students explore key principles that apply in nearly any business setting; these include problem-solving and organizational change.
Finance
Online DBA in Finance
Although any DBA graduate may be able to earn a position as a C-suite executive, those with a Finance concentration may be particularly well-suited to serve as an organization’s chief financial officer. Other career options include investment banking and financial planning.
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Your coursework can help you gain an in-depth understanding of budgeting, investments, mergers, financial analysis, securities, decision modeling and risk management for private businesses and public organizations.
Healthcare Management
Online DBA in Healthcare Management
The healthcare industry presents unique opportunities and challenges that other sectors don’t always face. Students who pursue a DBA concentration in Healthcare Management can work on gaining the skills necessary for leadership success in this field.
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Coursework may address topics like managing a diverse team of healthcare professionals, working within a budget, delivering quality care, and operating in a managed-care context. You may also perform an in-depth analysis of current systems for healthcare delivery.
Homeland Security
Online DBA in Homeland Security
Government and law enforcement agencies rely on the expertise of DBA holders with a concentration in Homeland Security. Public safety and disaster management are top areas of focus with this specialization.
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Students investigate the issues of terrorism and intelligence, and they discuss the ways that infrastructure affects both prevention and recovery efforts. After graduation, you might choose to seek employment with a law enforcement team, a recovery organization or a government agency.
Human Resource Management
Online DBA in Human Resource Management
Businesses rely on attracting and retaining top talent and skilled employees.
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A concentration in Human Resource Management can help you learn what it takes to ensure that your organization is making the most of its personnel resources. Students in this concentration typically study team-building concepts, learn how to foster positive interactions, and discuss ways to improve employee skills.
Your coursework may also cover employee retention, labor laws, payroll issues, and benefits packages.
Information Systems Management
Online DBA in Information System Management
Do you excel in both business concepts and computer skills? If you have a passion for both of these fields, a DBA with a concentration in Information Systems Management can help you combine these two interests.
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Studies in this concentration focus on the ways that businesses use technology to streamline their productivity and boost their effectiveness. You and your classmates may also explore how innovative uses of technology can give organizations an advantage over their competitors.
International Business
Online DBA in International Business
If you have the desire to work in a global market, then you may appreciate the knowledge and skills that you can gain from an International Business DBA concentration.
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The classes that you take for this specialization may cover topics like global ethics and worldwide finance. They can help you gain skills for operating in international markets and learn about laws that can affect business dealings in other countries.
Leadership
Online DBA in Leadership
Whether in times of success or times of trouble, organizations rely on powerful leaders to help them continue to grow and thrive.
You may have natural leadership talent, but a DBA with a concentration in Leadership can help you refine those skills to become a leader whom businesses entrust with their top positions.
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Your studies can help you gain a better understanding of change navigation, personnel management, critical thinking, and sustainability.
Management
Online DBA in Management
If you’re a strong leader, then you probably have experience with being in management positions. However, there’s always room for growth; a Management concentration can help you obtain advanced skills for managing people and organizations.
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Classes in this concentration typically explore the areas of human resources, ethical leadership, organizational change, and business development. You may also take classes that can help you learn to manage teams in international settings.
Marketing
Online DBA in Marketing
Although many DBA students take some marketing classes, a concentration in this area can help you dive even deeper into this field.
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Marketing students explore consumer behavior; studying psychology and sociology can help provide a foundation for developing effective marketing techniques.
Faculty may also present information on marketing through online channels, increasing the exposure of non-profit organizations, and considering the role that culture plays in consumer decisions. Doctoral candidates also practice conducting marketing research.
Project Management
Online DBA in Project Management
When the responsibility for an entire business project rests on your shoulders, it’s critical that you are confident in your abilities.
A concentration in Project Management can help you obtain advanced leadership and organizational skills that you can depend on time and again as you see a project from start to finish.
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Coursework for this concentration typically covers topics like budgeting, team management, cost predictions, and the responsible use of financial resources.
Supply Chain Management
Online DBA in Supply Chain Management
To turn a concept into a consumer-ready product, businesses often need to oversee a number of steps and coordinate with multiple suppliers. Carrying these processes out in an efficient manner is the goal of a Supply Chain Management concentration.
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Your coursework in business degree may focus on maintaining ethical business practices and relying on information technology. Because the supply chain often involves resources from multiple countries, you will probably study international business principles.
What is a Doctor of Business Administration?
Earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) signifies that you are capable of successfully handling the rigors of business and public administration careers that require advanced research skills and the application of high-level business theory.
Generally, established business executives and corporate officers pursue a DBA as an academic “capstone” that complements their practical accomplishments and real-world experience. As far as actual time in school goes, this program of study generally requires about 84 credit hours to complete.
Online DBA Curriculum
DBA degrees focus on equipping students to become world-changers through leadership and strategic courses.
Typical Online DBA Classes:
- Accounting
- Applied Statistical Analysis
- Becoming an Applied Researcher
- Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage
- Contemporary Challenges in Business
- The Craft of Research and Writing
- Doctoral Colloquium
- Finance
- Leadership and Followership
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice
- Qualitative Methods for Diagnosis and Assessment
- Qualitative and Case Study Methodology for Business Analysis Research
- Supply Chain Management
- Technology Entrepreneurship
Completing a business degree online with a transcript that includes classes such as these can help you become a distinguished leader in your professional field.
Doctor of Business Administration Career Outlook and Salary Information
With the option to earn a standard DBA or specialize in a particular concentration or area of specialty, the career outlook for graduates of this kind of program is wide open. However, the common thread between these specializations – from accounting to finance – is the ability to capably step into upper management and executive positions.
As with any degree, salaries vary and depend on your prior work experience, the industry in which you are seeking employment, and your location.
That being said, in terms of salary potential, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that chief executive officers (CEOs) make an average salary of $184,460, while operations managers and other general management positions lay claim to an average annual salary of $105,660.
Chief financial officers (CFO) and chief operating officers (COO) each earn average salaries of $145,280 and $100,780, respectively.
Differences between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration
If you’re wondering what the difference between a DBA and an online PhD in Business Administration is, the answer to this question is actually fairly simple.
While both fall into the classification of terminal degrees, a DBA stands as a professional advancement for an individual who works in the corporate or private sector. A PhD is usually reserved for someone who remains in academia seeking tenure as a professor or otherwise engaging in theoretical research.
As far as your salary potential goes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the average wage for management occupations was around $105,660, and that securing an advanced degree, such as a DBA, will have the best job prospects. On the other hand, pursuing a PhD in this field and taking on the role of a professor at an institute of higher education brings average salary to $87,200.
Are Online DBA Programs Accredited?
Yes. The majority of online DBA programs are accredited.
Different universities have varying levels ranging from National accreditation (which is acceptable, but not preferred) to Regional accreditation, which is the gold standard of accreditation.
Regional Accreditation
You’ll want to attend a university that is regionally accredited to ensure the highest standards of quality.
Here’s a list of the regional accreditors:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Business School Accreditation
These three governing bodies oversee and accredit business schools.
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Attending an accredited university can provide you with an extra level of quality assurance and accountability as you move through your professional career.
Online DBA Programs – AACSB Accreditation
If you’ve reached the point in your career where you are considering a Doctorate of Business Administration, you don’t want to stumble across the academic finish line with a garbage degree-mill certificate; you want a DBA from one of the top online DBA programs.
You should be ready for the academic rigor with the accompanying prestige and willing to go the extra mile to succeed.
These exacting standards are incredibly beneficial if you have aspirations for a CEO position. According to the 2016 Financial Times article, From MBA to CEO, 96% of chief executives attended an AACSB-accredited school.
You don’t necessarily have to attend an AACSB-accredited school to get a good education. In many cases, AACSB universities are much more costly while providing the same level of education as other institutions. The question is what position you want when you graduate and whether the prestige of AACSB can help you achieve it.
Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Admission Requirements
A Doctor of Business Administration program sets the bar high, preparing you to take on new business challenges and complex situations.
Typical requirements for admission in a DBA include:
- A master’s degree from an accredited university
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- Proof of English Proficiency (if English is not your native language)
- A copy of your resume
- GMAT (some universities require GMAT scores, while others do not)
As you search for suitable DBA programs, begin compiling the necessary documents for your DBA admission so that you can move efficiently through the enrollment process.
Graduation Requirements for Doctoral Business Degrees
Completing your DBA can feel like a cherry on top of your corporate sundae. But to get that final seal of approval, there are a few graduation requirements.
The specific requirements will vary from school to school, but there is generally an expectation of a minimum GPA of 3.0, successful completion of all courses, and submission of a final project or dissertation. All these requirements usually must be completed within 8 years unless you petition for an extension.
Financial Aid
Though doctoral students might not have as many opportunities for financial aid as undergrads, the federal government does still offer aid to graduate students. Options may include deferred-payment loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Other avenues to explore include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and tuition reimbursement from your university, employer, or other private organizations. Many of these sources of funding are merit-based or rely on demographic matching.
How Do You Get a Doctor of Business Administration?
Similar to online MBA programs, earning your DBA can occur through two primary paths of learning, the traditional route that keeps you on campus and in the classroom and via an online program.
While sticking to conventional campus-based learning is perfectly fine, this method doesn’t always line up with the group that is most likely to work toward this kind of degree – established business professionals who want to conquer a new intellectual challenge and bolster their resumes for future leadership opportunities.
Online programs cater more toward this audience and provide the flexibility needed to accomplish this goal, all while balancing the myriad other responsibilities that come with maintaining daily job requirements.
Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a Residency Requirement?
At this stage of the game, being a part of the campus environment may feel like more of a distraction than a benefit. Going to campus to complete your classes may feel like something you have to endure so that you can move on with your degree.
But there is hope!
Fully online DBA programs allow you to complete your entire DBA without ever stepping foot on campus. Because they do not have a residency requirement, a fully online DBA program provides a degree of flexibility if you are still working full-time or trying to juggle other responsibilities.
What Are Executive DBA Programs Online?
If you are looking to take your business leadership to the next level, an Executive DBA may be a great fit for you. An executive DBA can help equip you as an executive leader to broaden your knowledge and performance while building a deeper understanding of how to address complex business challenges as a thought leader and recognized expert in your field.
An executive DBA is a part-time doctoral program designed to increase understanding in both standard business practices as well as complex industry and organizational challenges. A potentially great way to utilize your 10+ years of business leadership is through a hybrid online/on-campus DBA through an AACSB-accredited university like Drexel University.
As an experienced business professional, an Executive DBA can help you distinguish yourself as you move towards C-suite leadership.
What Are the Cheapest Online DBA Programs?
You may be ready to embark on your online DBA adventure, but just like every student ever, the question is: what will be the most affordable DBA program worth getting?
The problem is that choosing an affordable online DBA program is not a cut-and-dry solution with only one answer. A lot of the cost will depend on the university, but several universities, such as Liberty University, offer lower tuition for those who have served in the military. Their discounted rate could put them below the cost of another university that charges less than Liberty’s normal cost per credit.
As you’re narrowing down your school choices, be sure to check into their costs, discounts, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.
Do Online DBA Program Rankings Matter?
If you have spent any time researching the best online DBA programs, you are probably well aware of the U.S. News Best College Rankings, the prestigious list of top universities and those that didn’t measure up.
U.S. News ranks 1,400 colleges and universities based on key metrics, including graduation rates, faculty resources, expert opinions from top academics, financial resources, student excellence, and alumni giving.
With such an extensive list of colleges and universities, you may be wondering if the U.S. News rankings are actually a valuable resource or just a popularity contest?
Take a recent article by Jay Matthews in the American Council on Education, where he passionately argued that a high-ranking college does not set you up for success, nor does a middling one decrease your worth. According to Matthews, what determines your success after college is not a U.S. News ranking, but what you do with your life.
But then Forbes suggests that a college ranking system can be valuable as it allows potential students to gather information about a plethora of schools without personally visiting and researching each school. A quick glance of the rankings can reveal how the schools in proximity to you fared, or what your odds of being accepted into MIT are for example.
Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a Dissertation?
Completing your Doctorate may feel unending when you consider the time and effort you will put into writing a dissertation.
However, some universities allow you to complete an online DBA program without a dissertation! Some universities allow students to complete a final project (that is often more practical) instead of a more theoretical and time-consuming dissertation. Check the list of schools below.
Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a GMAT Requirement?
Does the thought of writing a long exam like the GMAT make you feel anxious? Or are you wondering if your GMAT scores will prevent you from getting into a DBA program?
Some universities do not require a GMAT or GRE exam for admission, or they will even waive the GMAT if you have a specific minimum GPA from your previous academic records. Check the list of schools below to see if they require test scores or not.
Is a Doctor of Business Administration Worth It?
At the end of the day, answering this question is about understanding your professional and personal goals. Are you driven to overcome every educational hurdle in your path? Do you need this type of degree to reach the next level of your professional career?
The important thing to keep in mind here is that answering these questions now can save you unnecessary expense and effort down the road.
Similarly, if you’re just looking to get your foot in the door of the academic world and teach introductory courses, a master’s degree in business is often enough to accomplish this goal.
List of Online DBA Programs
Methodology: Each of the below universities appears on our list because they are accredited institutions offering DBA programs that students can earn primarily online.
We’ve separated the following list of universities by accreditation level, starting with regional accreditation, followed by those universities accredited by the AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE.
Universities Offering Online DBA Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Alliant International University is privately owned and managed. It was founded in 2001 through a merger of two existing academic institutions, the California School of Professional Psychology and United States International University. Current enrollment figures reach more than 3,800 per semester. Most of these are postgrads at about 3,500. There are six Alliant campuses in the States.
- Online DBA – Marketing
- Online DBA – Management
- Online DBA – Information and Data Science
Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Baker College is a privately owned American college operating out of Flint Township, Michigan. It was established in 1911 as the Baker Business University.
More than 50 years later, this precursor university was acquired by Muskegon College. This merger brought about a name change to Baker Junior College. They soon dropped the “Junior” and now currently operate under their present name.
The school offers more than 150 programs through its eight campuses and online university component.
- Online DBA
Baker is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The California Baptist University is a privately operated academic institution that has a strong focus on liberal arts. This university is also called Cal Baptist or CBU. It runs a 160-acre suburban campus in Riverside, California.
On average, about 11,000 students enroll per semester. CBU is religiously affiliated with the Baptist denomination through the California Southern Baptists Convention. Its sports teams are called the “Lancers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA
CBU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
California Southern University is privately owned and operated academic institution. This university was established in 1978 originally as the Southern California University for Professional Studies and offered programs and courses through the traditional correspondence method.
As online technology improved, it gradually transitioned its programs into their current online degree programs. Its current headquarters is in Costa Mesa, California.
- Online DBA
CalSouthern is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Baruch College, also known officially as Bernard M. Baruch College, is a publicly administered educational institution that has an urban campus in New York City. It is a member of the City University of New York System.
It was founded in 1919 originally as City College School of Business and Civic Administration. Current figures have the total student population at more than 18,400. More than 3,000 of these are postgrads.
The Baruch College sports teams are called the “Bearcats.” They wear blue and white and play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online Executive DBA
Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Concordia University Chicago is a privately owned and managed liberal arts university that has a 40-acre suburban campus in River Forest, Illinois. It was founded in 1864 originally as Addison Teachers Seminary.
It was founded by Saxon German immigrants who ran the school with Lutheran values. Today, as a member of the Concordia University System, it is still affiliated with the Lutheran Church. Its sports teams wear maroon and gold and play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online DBA – Innovation in Health Care
- Online DBA – Innovations in Human Resources
- Online DBA – Leadership and Innovation
- Online DBA – Marketing Innovations
CU Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University is a privately owned and administered academic institution with a strong research focus. It has a 77-acre main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1891 originally as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry.
Current data on enrollment has the total census of students at about 24,000. Undergrads make up about 15,500, with the rest being postgrads. Its sports team is called the “Dragons.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online Executive DBA
Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Felician University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that has two campuses in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was founded in 1942 as the Immaculate Conception Normal School.
The founders were the Felician Sisters who administered the school in the Franciscan tradition, and it is still affiliated with the Catholic Church. There are currently about 2,000 students attending the university.
Its sports teams are called the “Golden Falcons,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online DBA
Felician is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Florida International University, also known as FIU, is a public state-run education institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It manages a 573-acre urban campus in University Park, Florida.
It was established in 1965 with the signing into law of the Senate Bill 711. Current enrollment figures have the total census at about 57,000. Undergrads make up more than 48,000 and the rest is comprised of postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Panthers.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA
FIU Business is accredited by the AASCB.
George Fox University is a privately administered academic institution that runs a 108-acre suburban campus in Newberg, Oregon. It was founded in 1885 originally as the Friends Pacific Academy. It was founded by Quakers, and as such, it is affiliated with the Christian faith.
It is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Christian College Consortium. The current census has the student population at about 3,800. The majority of these are undergrads at a little over 2,300, and the rest are postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Bruins,” and they play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online DBA – Accounting
- Online DBA – Management
- Online DBA – Marketing
George Fox’s College of Business is accredited by the ACBSP.
Grand Canyon University, also known as GCU, is a privately administered university that has a 100-acre urban campus in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 1949 as the Grand Canyon College by an Evangelical Christian assembly called the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.
Current student numbers have the total census at about 90,500. A big majority of these are online students at 70,000. The rest are enrolled in on-campus programs.
Its sports teams are called the “Antelopes” or the “Lopes.” They in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA – Data Analytics
- Online DBA – Management
- Online DBA – Marketing
Business programs at GCU are accredited by the ACBSP.
Marymount DBA is highly personalized, allowing students to conduct applied research directly related to their career goals. There are no residences for DBA and no GRE or GMAT required and students can advance their careers in fully online and part-time formats.
- Online DBA
Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, CA. It is dedicated to providing quality, flexible education for busy adults.
NU was founded in 1971 and now has over 30,000 students enrolled and more than 220,000 alumni from around the world.
- Online DBA – Advanced Accounting
- Online DBA – Financial Management
- Online DBA – General Business
- Online DBA – Global Business Management
- Online DBA – Health Services
- Online DBA – Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy
- Online DBA – Human Resources Management
- Online DBA – Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Online DBA – Information Technology
- Online DBA – Organizational Leadership
- Online DBA – Project Management
- Online DBA – Strategic Marketing
National University‘s business administration programs are accredited by ACBSP.
Rollins College is a privately owned and operated academic institution for higher learning that has an 80-acre suburban campus in Winter Park, Florida. It was established in 1885 as a liberal arts college by the Congregationalists in New England. It is a non-sectarian college.
Current enrollment data has the total number of students at about 3,000. More than two-thirds of these are undergrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Tars,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online Executive DBA
The Department of Business at Rollins is accredited by the AASCB.
Saint Leo University is a privately administered liberal arts academic institution for higher learning. It operates a rural campus in Saint Leo, Florida. It was established in 1889 but traces its roots to the establishment of a Roman Catholic community in Florida eight years prior.
It is still presently affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church through the Order of Saint Benedict. Current student enrollment is at about 12,000 students. Most of these are online at a little over 7,000.
Its sports teams are called the “Lions,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online DBA
Saint Leo is accredited by the ACBSP.
Temple University, also known as TU, is a publicly administered educational institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It manages a 115-acre urban campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It was founded in 1884 by a Boston lawyer and Baptist minister by the name of Russell Conwell. Current figures have the total student census at 40,000. About three-quarters are undergrads, and the remaining quarter is composed of postgrads.
Their sports teams are called the “Owls.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online Executive DBA
Temple is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Dallas is a privately owned educational institution that operates a 744-acre urban campus is Irving, Texas. It was founded in 1956 with 96 students, but it traces the history of its charter back to 1910.
It is presently affiliated religiously with the Roman Catholic Church. Current student enrollment figures have the total census at over 2,000. More than half of these are undergrads.
The University of Dallas sports teams are called the “Crusaders” and play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online DBA
UDallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Missouri – St. Louis is a public state-administered educational institution for higher learning with a strong focus on research. It manages a 35-acre urban campus in St. Louis County, Missouri.
It was founded in 1960 as a junior college named the “Normandy Residence Center under the auspices of the University of Missouri.” Current data on enrollment has the total number of students at about 16,000. More than 13,000 of these are undergrads, with postgrads making up the remaining 3,000.
Their sports teams are called the “Tritons.” They play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online DBA
The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the AASCB.
The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a state-run educational institution for higher learning that operates a 1,913-acre urban campus in Tampa, Florida. It was established in 1956, but the first class was not held until 1960. It is part of the USF system of universities.
Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 50,000. Most of these are undergrads at more than 37,000, and the rest of the 11,000 are postgrads.
Their sports teams are called the “Bulls,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA
The USF Muma College of Business is accredited by the AASCB.
The University of Phoenix, also known as UOPX, is an educational institution for higher learning that provides online courses. It operates out of its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It was established in 1976 with only eight students.
It was 13 years after its launch that the University of Phoenix first offered its online courses. Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 100,000. The highest recorded enrollment was back in 2009 with 443,000 students.
- Online DBA
Nine UOPX business programs in the School of Business and School of Advanced Studies are accredited by the ACBSP.
The University of the Incarnate Word, also known as UIW, is a privately owned and managed academic institution for higher learning. It operates a 154-acre urban campus in San Antonio, Texas. It also has satellite campuses in China, Mexico, and Germany.
It was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word originally as the Incarnate Word School. Current census has its total number of students at about 11,000.
Its sports teams are called the “Cardinals.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA
All business programs of the UIW, except the Master of Health Administration, are accredited by the ACBSP.
The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater is a state-run educational institution for higher learning that has a 440-acre rural campus in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1868 originally as the Whitewater Normal School.
Today, current enrollment figures have their total number of students at more than 12,000. A big majority of these are undergrads, with more than 11,000 students.
Their sports teams are called the “Warhawks.” They play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online DBA
The UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics is accredited by the AASCB.
Walden University is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that offers courses online.
Walden University operates out of their headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970 by two teachers from New York who wanted to offer doctorate degrees to adult learners. Its first online courses were offered in 1995.
A current census of their student enrollment has the figures at a little less than 50,000.
- Online DBA – Accounting
- Online DBA – Energy Management
- Online DBA – Entrepreneurship
- Online DBA – Finance
- Online DBA – Global Supply Chain Management
- Online DBA – Healthcare Management
- Online DBA – Homeland Security
- Online DBA – Human Resource Management
- Online DBA – Information Systems Management
- Online DBA – International Business
- Online DBA – Leadership
- Online DBA – Marketing
- Online DBA – Project Management
- Online DBA – Self-Designed
- Online DBA – Social Impact Management
- Online DBA – Technology Entrepreneurship
Walden’s DBA programs are accredited by the ACBSP.
Wilmington University is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It has a suburban campus along DuPont Highway, New Castle, Delaware.
It was established in 1968 originally as the Wilmington College. It was only in 2007 that it became a university. The current student census has the total number of students at about 20,000. Around 12,000 of these are undergrads, and the rest are postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats.” They play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online DBA
Wilmington’s College of Business is accredited by the IACBE.
List of Universities Offering Online DBA Programs with Regional Accreditation
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Alliant International University is privately owned and managed. It was founded in 2001 through a merger of two existing academic institutions, the California School of Professional Psychology and United States International University.
Current enrollment figures reach more than 3,800 per semester. Most of these are postgrads at about 3,500. There are six Alliant campuses in the States and four at international locations (Hong Kong, Mexico City, Mexico, Nairobi, Kenya and Tokyo, Japan).
- Online DBA – Marketing
- Online DBA – Management
- Online DBA – Information and Data Science
Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bellevue University is a privately managed non-profit academic institution that runs a suburban campus in Bellevue, Nebraska. This university was founded in 1966 originally as the Bellevue College. Their primary mission was to provide a means for working adults to get continuing education.
The current student census has the total student population at more than 10,000. Undergrads make up about 7,000 of these, and the rest are postgrads. The Bellevue University sports teams are called the “Bruins.”
- Online PhD in Human Capital Management
Bellevue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University a privately owned and managed online academic institution that operates out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1993 as the Graduate School of America.
To date, there are close to 40,000 students enrolled. These students come from all over the US and 61 other countries around the world. Almost a quarter of the enrolled students are taking up doctorate degree programs, about half taking up their master’s and a little over a quarter taking up bachelor degree programs.
- Online DBA – General Management
- Online DBA – Organizational Leadership and Development
- Online DBA – Strategy and Innovation
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capitol Technology University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that runs a 52-acre suburban campus in South Laurel, Maryland. It was founded in 1927 originally as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute, a traditional correspondence learning school.
Seventy years after its founding, it began offering distant learning courses over the internet. Capitol Technology University courses are designed for adult learners who are employed in a full-time capacity. Today, current data has the total student census at about 840 students. About 400 of these are postgrads.
- Online PhD in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences
CapTechU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Baruch College, also known officially as Bernard M. Baruch College, is a publicly administered educational institution that has an urban campus in New York City. It is a member of the City University of New York System.
It was founded in 1919 originally as City College School of Business and Civic Administration. Current figures have the total student population at more than 18,400. More than 3,000 of these are postgrads.
The Baruch College sports teams are called the “Bearcats.” They wear blue and white and play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online Executive DBA
Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
City University of Seattle, also known as CityU, is a privately owned and administered academic institution with campuses all over the world. They have campuses in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam.
They also have partnerships with the State colleges of Washington as well as a host of partnerships with colleges around the world, such as in Romania, Cyprus, Greece, and Australia.
CityU was founded in 1973 originally as City College. The current census has the total student population at about 6,700.
- Online DBA
CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Opening its doors in 1902, Franklin University has expanded into a large private educational entity that serves students worldwide through online and campus-based curriculums.
Students seeking an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree through Franklin University has a range of academic areas to choose from, including business, administration, and healthcare.
- BS in Public Administration
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hampton University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that operates a 314-acre suburban campus in Hampton, Virginia.
It was established in 1868 by the American Missionary Association for the benefit of freed slaves. As such, Hampton University is a historically Black college.
Current figures on student population have the total number of students at about 4,600. More than 800 of these are postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Pirates.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online PhD in Business Administration
Hampton is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Humboldt International University, also known as Humboldt State or HSU, is a publicly administered educational institution that operates a 144-acre rural campus in Arcata, California.
It was founded in 1913 as the Humboldt Normal School. Current data has the total student population at about 7,700. The majority are undergrads at about 7,200, and the remaining 500 are postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Lumberjacks” and play in the NCAA Division II.
- Online DBA
HIU is accredited by the Confederation of International Accreditation Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a privately administered educational institution for higher learning that operates a 320-acre suburban campus in Marion, Indiana. It also has several education centers all over the Midwest.
It was founded in 1920 as Marion College by the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Today, this religious affiliation remains. Current data has the total student population at about 13,800.
Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NCCAA Division I.
- Online DBA – Accounting
- Online DBA – Healthcare Administration
- Online DBA – Management
IWU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Johnson and Wales University is a privately administered education institution for higher learning with a strong focus on careers. Its urban campuses are located in Providence, Rhode Island; Miami, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina; and Denver, Colorado.
It was founded in 1914 as the Johnson & Wales Business School. In the beginning, there was only one student and also online typewriter. Today, current data has the total student population at just under 13,000.
Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats.” They play in the NCAA Division III.
- Online DBA
JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (CIHE).
Kansas State University, also called KSU, or K-State, is a publicly administered educational institution for higher learning with a strong focus on research. It has a 668-acre urban college town in Manhattan, Kansas.
It was founded in 1863 through the Morrill Act, making it a land-grant college. Current enrollment figures have the total students at about 21,000.
Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online PhD in Personal Financial Planning
K-State has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1916.
Liberty University, also known as LU, is a privately administered university with a 7,000-acre suburban campus in Lynchburg, Virginia.
It was founded in 1971 originally as the Lynchburg Baptist College by a pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. While not officially affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, they do share some members of the board.
Current enrollment census has the total population at over 100,000. Approximately 95% of these are enrolled in online programs. Their sports teams are called the “Liberty Flames” and the “Lady Flames.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA – Accounting
- Online DBA – Finance
- Online DBA – Healthcare Management
- Online DBA – Human Resources
- Online DBA – Information Systems
- Online DBA – International Business
- Online DBA – Leadership
- Online DBA – Marketing
- Online DBA – Non-Profit Management
- Online DBA – Project Management
- Online DBA – Strategic Management
- Online DBA – Strategic Media and Digital Content
- Online DBA – Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
LIGS University is a privately operated online educational institution that is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The name is an acronym of the university’s vision of Leadership, Innovation, Growth, and Success.
LIGS touts itself as a modern university that utilizes American and European educational systems. The current iteration of this online university is a merger between American LIGS University and European LIGS University.
It was originally established in 2006 in Prague, Czech Republic and only relocated to Hawaii in 2011. Its mission is to give its students access to affordable yet high-quality education.
- Online DBA – Financial Management
- Online DBA – Global Marketing
- Online DBA – Human Resources Management
- Online DBA – Management
- Online DBA – Marketing Communication
- Online DBA – Planning and Development of Human Resources
- Online DBA – Risk Management
- Online DBA – Strategic Management
- Online DBA – Team Management
LIGS is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities.
Opening its doors in 1937, Pepperdine University is a private Christian College That sits in the heart of Malibu, CA. Pepperdine University gives students the opportunity to participate in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 70 academic areas of study.
- Executive Doctor of Business Administration
Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Regent University is a privately owned and administered educational institution that operates a 70-acre suburban campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1977 originally as the Christian Broadcasting Network University.
It is currently religiously affiliated with the Evangelical Christian ideology. Current data on their student enrollment has the total number of students at about 8,600. This is almost evenly distributed between the undergrads and the postgrads.
The Regent University nickname is the “Royals.”
- Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South University is a privately owned and administered academic institution for higher learning that manages campuses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. It was founded in 1899 originally as the Draughan’s Practical Business College.
Seventy-five years later, it was bought by the South family. It started offering online programs in 2004. More than half of the enrollment is entirely online.
- Online DBA
SouthU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, also known as The Chicago School, is a privately owned and managed educational institution for higher learning that operates campuses in Chicago, Illinois; Richardson, Texas; San Diego, California; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles, California.
It was originally established in 1979 to serve as a school to train students in professional psychology. Today, The Chicago School has other programs in different fields of study and professions. Current data on enrollment has its total student census at 4,500.
- Online PhD in Business Psychology
The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Trident University is a privately owned and managed academic institution for higher learning that conducts its courses purely online. It operates out of Cypress, California.
It was founded in 1998 originally as the Touro University International, which itself was only a branch campus of a much larger school system at the time, the Touro College and University System.
It was later acquired by Summit Partners in 2007 but is currently an independent, standalone institution. The current student census has total student numbers at about 6,000.
- Online DBA
Trident is the only fully online university regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The University of Charleston, also known as UC, is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that operates an urban campus in Charleston, West Virginia. It was founded in 1888 originally as the Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church.
Current data on enrollment has its total student numbers at about 1,500. About a thousand of these are undergrads, and the remaining 500 or so students are postgrads.
Its sports teams are called the “Golden Eagles.” They play in NCAA Division II.
- Online Doctor’s in Executive Leadership
UCWV is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
The University of Maryland, College Park, also known as University of Maryland, UMD, or even simply as just Maryland, is a publicly administered educational institution that has a strong focus on research. It runs a 1,340-acre suburban campus in College Park, Maryland.
It was founded in 1856 originally as the Maryland Agricultural College. Current data on enrollment has the total student census at more than 41,000. About three-quarters of these are undergrads, with the remainder comprised of postgrads.
Their sports teams are called the “Terrapins.” They play in the NCAA Division I.
- Online DBA
UMD is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Phoenix, also known as UOPX, is an educational institution for higher learning that provides online courses. It operates out of its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It was established in 1976 with only eight students.
It was 13 years after its launch that the University of Phoenix first offered its online courses. Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 100,000. The highest recorded enrollment was back in 2009 with 443,000 students.
- Online DBA
UOPX is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Cumberlands is a privately administered educational institution for higher learning that manages a rural campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was established in 1888 originally as the Cumberland College. It operated under this name until 2005, when it became a university.
Current enrollment data has the total student census at more than 13,000. The majority of these are postgrads, with more than 10,000 students.
Their sports teams are called the “Patriots,” and they play in the NAIA.
- Online DBA
UCumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Southwest is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that has a campus in Hobbs, New Mexico. It traces its origins to 1956 when the Hobbs Baptist College was founded.
It originally ran as a Baptist college but this was changed into an interdenominational private college in 1961. It was christened its current name in 2008. Current census of students has the total number at about 1,000. Postgrads make up more than 600 of these, and the rest are undergrads.
Their sports teams are called the “Mustangs,” and they play in the NAIA.
- Online DBA in Leadership and Organizational Development
- Online DBA in Self-Design
- Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation
USW was granted accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 1980 and has maintained continuous accreditation.
Westcliff University, also known as Westcliff, is a privately owned and administered education institution for higher learning. It has two campuses in California, the Irvine Campus and the Cerritos Campus.
It was founded in 1993 originally as training grounds for students who wanted a career in education or business. Enrollment figures currently have the total number of students at more than 1,300 students. Students from about 60 countries are enrolled at Westcliff University.
Its sports teams are called the “Warriors.”
- Online DBA
Westcliff is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Check each university’s costs and curriculum schedule before applying to make sure that the program meets your budget and timeline for graduation.
Take the Next Step
Getting your Doctor of Business Administration online can help you set yourself apart in the corporate world while still managing your commitments in your workplace and at home.
But first, choosing your area of specialty and the school you’ll attend from the wide variety of online DBA programs will require careful thought and research.
