By TBD Staff
February 2018
Earning an online doctor of business administration (DBA) degree is an excellent way to gain theoretical knowledge of advanced business practices and how to apply them in the business environment. A DBA is a professional doctorate that can prepare students for careers in academia, traditional management or business settings.
So why earn a DBA instead of a Ph.D? A Ph.D. is a research degree for those who want to pursue a more traditional academic career and conduct research. Students earning their DBA online are typically executive level professionals who aspire to become C-Level executives, consultants, analysts, organizational managers, and college or university educators.
We created a ranking of the top 35 online doctor of business administrative programs in the United States to highlight some of the most exceptional online DBA programs in 2018. We started with a general search of DBA programs through College Navigator and then expanded to our own online search. We narrowed our criteria to include only accredited institutions offering an actual DBA degree. We also awarded points based on additional accreditations, concentration areas, and online delivery. Each program included in this ranking is exceptional and unique in its own way.
We encourage you to review the entire list to help determine which programs might be a good fit, and then explore their website and program information for more specific details.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Accreditation:
- AACSB- 3 points
- ACBSP- 3 points
- IACBE- 3 points
Residency Requirements:
- No- 3 points
Concentration Areas:
- Yes- 3 points
#35. South University-Savannah, Georgia
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: Honorable Mention
What’s Unique
South University features an online doctor of business administration (DBA) using real-world experiences to develop skills in business practice and instruction. Students complete two on-campus residencies and teach an online course under the supervision of a South University professor. The program is ideal for students who want to pursue faculty positions, achieve senior management status in a corporation, or engage in business and management consulting. This program is included in our list because of the rigorous curriculum and close interaction with faculty and staff throughout the program. While the DBA at South University is excluded from the ACBSP’s scope of accreditation, many other business programs at SU are accredited, giving SU a solid reputation in business education.
#34. Apollos University-Great Falls, Montana
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, Apollos University offers a top online DBA with no on-campus residency requirements and a rigorous curriculum. Students take courses covering areas like leadership, strategic planning, supply chain management, project management, and organizational and group dynamics. The 61 credit hour program is designed for students with a master’s in business or a related field. The knowledge and skills acquired through the program are relevant to the global business arena and are taught using case studies, real-world business situations, and proven business research. Faculty are highly qualified professionals who are comfortable teaching in a virtual environment.
#33. Abraham Lincoln University-Los Angeles, California
Doctor of Business Administration Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
<>What’s Unique
Abraham Lincoln University is accredited by the DEAC and offers a top online DBA with no residency requirements. Students benefit from an evidence-based approach to management through a rigorous curriculum. The program uses a state-of-the-art learning platform with:
-online face-to-face lectures;
-web conferencing;
-collaboration with faculty and peers;
-applied coursework.
You will complete a dissertation project under the supervision and guidance of expert faculty. The 60 credit hour program can be completed in three to four years.
#32. University of Management and Technology-Arlington, Virginia
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The top online DBA from the University of Management and Technology in Arlington, Virginia is a 60 credit hour program open to students who are scholars, executives, or senior managers who want to expand their professional business skills. While not officially accredited by the AACSB or ACBSP, the program follows accreditation guidelines for its curriculum by including coursework on:
-ethics;
-global issues;
-political, social, legal, regulatory, environmental, and technology issues;
-demographic diversity in the business environment.
This top online DBA includes coursework and dissertation research, giving students the opportunity to design and conduct their own original research.
#31. Westcliff University-Irvine, California
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Westcliff University features an online DBA for students interested in expanding their knowledge of global business. The curriculum emphasizes advanced decision making and leadership skills, with a focus on research. The program consists of:
-class participation
-response to discussion questions;
-quizzes,
-case study analysis
exams;
-a final project/dissertation.
Most students can earn their degree in three to four years of study.
#30. City University of Seattle-Seattle, Washington
Online DBA
Accreditations and Memberships: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: Students may work with an advisor to create their own concentration area
Points: 3
What’s Unique
City University of Seattle is a regionally accredited institution offering an online DBA with minimal residency requirements and a rigorous curriculum. Students complete online coursework and are supported by an integrated online teaching model with one hour of lecture and live chat each week.
The program boasts a 92% satisfaction rate with the overall student experience while at CityU. Most students can earn their degree in just three to four years. Graduates have gone on to work as CEOs, CFOs, Business Consultants, and Directors.
#29. Felician University-Rutherford, New Jersey
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: Students must demonstrate competency in an area of concentration during Phase III of the program.
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Felician University, the Franciscan University of New Jersey, offers an online DBA with minimal on-campus residency requirements. Students move through the program at their own pace and are not restricted by a course or semester schedule. During the program, students are paired with a faculty member who works with them as a personal mentor. The four phase approach includes:
-foundational course;
-core knowledge projects;
-concentration demonstration;
-a dissertation.
All four phases of the program are relevant and incorporate the latest evidence based practices in business.
#28. Alliant International University-San Diego, California
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Alliant International University in San Diego is one of the few regionally accredited universities with no residency requirements. The 60 credit hour program takes four years to complete and is flexible enough for full time working adults. Students begin working on their dissertation during the first year, resulting in stronger, more viable dissertations. The program is kept small to allow for personalized attention from faculty which results in better student outcomes.
#27. University of the Cumberlands-Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Whether you are a recent MBA graduate or a seasoned business professional who has been out of school for a while, the online DBA program at the University of the Cumberlands can help you meet your professional goals. Students attending full-time can earn their degree in about three years, while part-time students take about five years. Courses are offered in an 8-week bi-term format. Each course aligns with the goals and objectives of the DBA program.
Courses cover areas like strategic marketing, corporate finance, comparative economics, and ethics.
Students must complete a dissertation and pass a comprehensive examination to meet graduation requirements.
#26. Johnson and Wales University-Providence, Rhode Island
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Johnson and Wales University is a regionally accredited university featuring an online DBA with no on-campus residency requirements. The curriculum is relevant and career focused, taught by faculty with years of experience in the industry. Courses are eight weeks long and students complete one course at a time, moving quickly through the program. Most students can earn their degree in about three years. An innovative lock-step dissertation model allows students to move smoothly through the process. This 54 credit hour accredited online DBA program costs $850 per credit, or $45,900 for the entire program.
#25. California Southern University-Costa Mesa, California
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Accreditations and Memberships: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission; California Southern University is a candidate for accreditation of its business programs through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The School of Business at California Southern University offers an online DBA with no on-campus residency requirements. This applied doctorate program is both focused and personalized. Students spend up to 25% of the program working on a doctoral project of their own choice related to their professional and personal interests. The program outcomes include
-critical thinking;
-cultural and social understanding
-information literacy;
-personal development;
quantitative and scientific reasoning;
understanding of ethical, legal, and professional issues;
-enhanced communication skills.
#24. Concordia University-River Forest, Illinois
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; Member of the AACSB International; candidate for accreditation by ACBSP
Concentration Areas: Innovation in Health Care; Leadership and Innovation
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The online doctor of business administration at Concordia University is a60 credit hour program that can be completed over three years of study. One of the outstanding features of this top DBA program is that the dissertation process begins at the start of the program, allowing students to select a preliminary topic of study as soon as their first course. Students are matched with a mentor during the second term of their study, building a personal and professional relationship over the course of the program. There are three on-campus residency requirements, each lasting four days, which enhances the online experience.
#23. Saint Leo University-Saint Leo, Florida
Doctor of Business Administration Degree
Accreditations and Memberships: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; IACBE
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University has a long standing reputation for providing quality education both on campus and online. The top online DBA program at Saint Leo University provides students with personalized attention from caring faculty with practical experience in the field.
The program includes three-one week seminars on-campus, while the rest of the coursework is delivered through an innovative online learning platform. Most students can earn their degree in three to four years, although students have up to seven years to complete the program.
#22. Temple University-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Executive Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; AACSB International
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The flexible online DBA atTemple University is a rigorous program featuring individualized mentorship from world-class faculty. Temple is ranked in the top 1% of institutions worldwide for citations in business and economics. The online DBA format is structured for busy executives and combines online coursework with weekend intensives. Students can earn their degree in just three years of study. One of the program’s highlights is the ability to tailor the program to meet personal and professional interests.
#21. University of Missouri-Saint Louis, Missouri
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; AACSB
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of Missouri-Saint Louis features an AACSB accredited online DBA with limited monthly visits to campus. The three year, cohort- based program is designed to train management professionals who want to take their career to the next level. Faculty are world class, with ties to business and research in the field.
Students meet face-to-face one weekend a month and complete coursework through a dynamic online learning platform. The first two years of the program are spent learning business and management concepts. The third year is spent conducting dissertation research. The online accredited DBA from UMSL is a member of the Executive DBA Council.
#20. California Baptist University-Riverside, California
Doctor of Business Administration Online
Accreditations and Memberships: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); ACBSP
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The 60 credit hour online DBA at California Baptist University is a cohort program that can be completed in just three years. Courses are offered in eight week sessions with residencies at key points during the program. Faculty have professional experience in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. The program includes a dissertation project, allowing students to benefit from feedback as they progress together through the program. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
#19. The University of Wisconsin Whitewater-Whitewater, Wisconsin
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; AACSB
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is home to an AACSB accredited online DBA that can be completed in just three years. The 60 credit hour program combines online coursework with in-person sessions one weekend a month for two years. Students use a state-of-the-art online learning platform to have discussions with faculty, submit assignments, and participate in other online learning activities. Program graduates are prepared to work in a variety of roles, including consulting, teaching, or high level business executive roles.
#18. Creighton University-Omaha, Nebraska
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; AACSB Accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
Creighton University is considered one of the best regional universities in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. The Heider College of Business is accredited by the AACSB, an indicator of exceptional business school quality. Creighton is a Jesuit, Catholic University. This means students are able to incorporate “Ignatian reflection and formation” in their business education. The three year hybrid program is ideal for working professionals. Students are required to come to campus eight times over the first two years and complete the rest of the program online. The cohort format allows students to learn from each other and form a professional network.
#17. University of South Florida-Tampa, Florida
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; AACSB
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of South Florida is a regionally accredited institution with business programs accredited by the AACSB. Students move through the three year program as a cohort with other professional business executives. While the majority of coursework is completed online, students need to visit campus one weekend each month for 6 five month semesters. Weekend sessions allow students to continue working and applying their knowledge and skills in a day-to-day business setting.
#16. Grand Canyon University-Phoenix, Arizona
Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Management
Accreditations and Memberships: The Higher Learning Commission; ACBSP
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The 60 credit hour accredited DBA online program at Grand Canyon University is focused on management. Students develop a solid foundation in strategic management theory and transformative business practice. Coursework covers areas in:
-financial management;
-planning;
-marketing;
research;
-mobile technology.
The dissertation process is unique to GCU by providing students with feedback and mentoring from faculty as early as the first course. Two four-day residencies are required during the program to network, exchange ideas, and engage in mentorship activities.
#15. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; ACBSP
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The top ACBSP accredited online DBA program at Colorado Technical University is 96 credit hours available almost entirely online. Students are able to apply their knowledge and learning to day-to-day and long term business success. Students should have a background in business and want to advance their career in their current profession or become an agent for change. Coursework is based upon proven research and theories related to optimization, supply chain management, and marketing. A dissertation is also part of this program.
#14. Drexel University-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Executive Doctorate in Business (DBA) Degree Program
Accreditations and Memberships: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; AACSB Accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
Drexel University definitely stands out from the pack with its AACSB accredited online DBA program. The program can be completed in just 30 months, saving both time and money. The blended delivery method allows students to have the benefit of face-to-face contact maintaining their full-time employment. Students move through the program as a cohort of 12-18 doctoral students, providing them with a support network from day one. The mentored dissertation model is another outstanding program feature. Each student works with a dissertation chair who guides them through the process beginning in the first year of study.
#13. University of Phoenix-Tempe, Arizona
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; ACBSP Accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The 62 credit hour top DBA online program at the University of Phoenix is accredited by the ACBSP and includes the opportunity to participate in active research communities. Students can expect to gain knowledge in areas including:
-finance;
-business;
-operations;
-marketing.
Up to six credits of coursework can be transferred in for students who have a master’s from an accredited university, and up to 39 credits for doctoral students with doctoral level coursework completed at another institution. The dissertation process allows students to work with faculty mentors on a project of professional interest.
#12. University of Dallas-Irving, Texas
Doctor in Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; AACSB-accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Points: 3
What’s Unique
The University of Dallas boasts the only AACSB accredited DBA program in the state of Texas. The 61 credit hour program is rigorous and research-based to prepare students to apply sound business solutions in today’s dynamic business environment. Students can complete their degree in just three years of study and move through the program as a cohort with other business executives. There are residency requirements, but the program is flexible enough to accommodate working full-time professionals.
#11. LIGS University-Honolulu, Hawaii
Doctor of Business Administration Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: Management; Project Management; Finance; Marketing; HR Management
Points: 6
What’s Unique
The 100% online DBA at LIGS University features five different specializations to meet your professional and personal needs. While there are no on-campus residency requirements. However, students feel supported by a personal study counselor, and faculty and tutors who get to know their students and share their knowledge and experience. Students can adjust the program to meet their needs and interests by taking courses that are both interesting and relevant. The program offers flexible payment options so students can divide up their tuition payments over the course of the program.
#10. Anaheim University-Anaheim, California
Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: Management, International Management, Global Sustainable Management, or Entrepreneurship
Points: 6
What’s Unique
Anaheim University offers an online DBA with no on-campus residency requirements and four different concentration areas. The 60 credit hour program uses HD webcams to deliver content from international industry experts. Students can earn their degree in about three years while continuing to work full time. The highly interactive program includes live online webcam seminars for each course and a daily discussion forum. Students come from countries around the world, making this program a rich, culturally diverse learning environment.
#9. California Intercontinental University-Irvine, California
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: General; Entrepreneurship and Business Management (ECM); Global Business and Leadership (GBL); Healthcare Management and Leadership (HCML); and Information Systems and Enterprise Resource Management (ISERM)
Points: 6
What’s Unique
California Intercontinental University is a small, private, for-profit university specializing in on-line education. The top accredited online DBA at CIU is a 60 credit hour program that allows professionals to earn their degree without having to put their work and personal life on hold. The program’s flexibility also makes it possible for those serving in the military to earn their degree. Coursework includes:
-30 credit hours of general business courses;
-15 credits in an area of emphasis;
-15 credits focused on the dissertation.
#8. Liberty University-Lynchburg, Virginia
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Accreditations and Memberships:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: Accounting; Finance; Healthcare Management; Human Resources; Information Systems; International Business; Leadership; Marketing; Non-Profit Leadership and Management; Project Management; Strategic Management; Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Points: 6
What’s Unique
Liberty University is a regionally accredited institution offering a 100% online DBA with no required on-campus residencies. This 60 credit hour program includes cognates in 12 different areas. Students complete an applied dissertation related to a problem or issue in the selected cognate area of study. Up to 15 credit hours of coursework can be transferred in, saving both time and money. Optional on-campus intensives are available to students with the flexibility to attend and want to experience face-to-face instruction and networking.
#7. Wilmington University-New Castle, Delaware
Doctor of Business Administration Program
Accreditations and Memberships: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; IACBE Accredited
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Points: 6
What’s Unique
The online IACBE accredited DBA program at Wilmington University is designed for business professionals who want to build upon their master’s level skills. The program is offered in two formats:
-a hybrid format incorporating online and face-to-face time;
-100% online program.
The 100% online program is just as rigorous as the hybrid program, but is ideal for students who cannot attend a more traditional program. Courses are seven weeks long and students take two courses at a time. Online classes use an innovative virtual format through webinars with lectures, discussions, debates, and presentations
#6. Baker College-Flint, Michigan
Online Doctor of Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: The Higher Learning Commission; IACBE
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: Leadership; Finance; Human Resources; Management Information Systems; and Marketing
Points: 6
What’s Unique
At Baker College, students in the online DBA program learn to solve problems at every layer of business. Students take courses taught by industry experts through a mix of classes, seminars, short residencies, and a final dissertation. Course content focuses on real-world problems facing business executives and managers. Most students can earn their degree in about three-and-a-half years of study.
#5. Walden University-Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditations and Memberships:Higher Learning Commission; AACSB-accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: Finance; Global Supply Chain Management; Healthcare Management; Homeland Security; Human Resources Management; Information Systems Management; International Business; Leadership; Marketing Project Management; Self Designed; Social Impact Management; Technology Entrepreneurship
Points: 6
What’s Unique
The top online DBA program at Walden University is ACBSP accredited and offers an extensive selection of concentration areas to meet just about any professional need. Students can transfer up to 30 credit hours of doctoral level credits, saving both time and money. Students get personalized support throughout the program and can access the Doctoral Capstone Resources website to track their accomplishments as they work toward their degree. Faculty use real-world case studies from around the world to help students gain a global perspective. Face-to-face residencies support online content and study, allowing students to develop a professional network outside the classroom.
#4. Capella University-Minneapolis, Minnesota
Doctor of Business Administration Program
Accreditations and Memberships: Higher Learning Commission; ACBSP
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: General Management, Organizational Leadership and Development, and Strategy and Innovation
Points: 6
What’s Unique
Cappella University features a top DBA flexible online program for working executives. Students benefit from a tuition of $3,265 per 12-week billing session (FlexPath) or $765 per credit (GuidedPath), which covers the cost of courses and residencies. During the two required residencies, students gain expertise and insights which are beneficial during the program and in the business world. Faculty are industry experts who can also serve as mentors to guide and assist students throughout the program. With three different areas of focus, the program can be tailored to meet the needs of a variety of career paths.
#3. George Fox University-Newberg, Oregon
Doctor of Business Administration Online
Accreditations and Memberships: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; ACBSP accredited
Offered Entirely Online? No
Concentration Areas: Accounting; Management; Marketing
Points: 6
What’s Unique
George Fox University is a top ranked Christian college by both Forbes and U.S. News and World Report. It is accredited by the ACBSP. The program is designed for students who want to continue their employment while working work on their degree part-time. The majority of coursework for this DBA program is completed online, with two on-campus residencies each year to work with fellow students and professors in person. Concentration areas are available in accounting, management, or marketing.
#2. Northcentral University-San Diego, California
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Accreditations and Memberships: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission; ACBSP
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: Financial Management; Criminal Justice; Computer and Information Security; Applied Computer Science; Advanced Accounting; General Business; Health Care Administration; Homeland Security Leadership and Policy; Human Resources Management; International Business; Management; Management Information Systems; Management of Engineering and Technology; Marketing; Organizational Leadership; Project Management; Public Administration
Points: 9
What’s Unique
The top online doctor of business administration program at Northcentral University is for students who want to train for executive leadership positions. The program is one of the most flexible on our list, offering weekly course starts and no GRE or GMAT requirements for admission. Students can select from 18 different specializations and can earn their degree in just over three years of study. The curriculum consists of 18 courses (54 credit hours). There are no on-campus residency requirements.
#1. Argosy University-Phoenix, Arizona
Doctoral Degree in Business Administration
Accreditations and Memberships: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission; ACBSP Accredited
Offered Entirely Online? Yes
Concentration Areas: Accounting; Customized Professional Concentration; Information Systems; International Business; Management; Marketing
Points: 9
What’s Unique
Argosy University features one of the best online DBA programs with six different concentration areas and no on-campus residency requirements. Students take a mix of coursework in finance, management, and ethics in addition to specialized coursework in their area of interest. The 60 credit hour ACBSP accredited online DBA includes extensive coursework in doctoral level research, allowing students to conduct action research. The program is ideal for students with a master’s in a business or management related field and at least three years of professional work experience.