DBA vs. Ph.D.

An Executive DBA and a Ph.D. are similar in a few ways, but also differ in terms of program length, structure, candidate profile, curriculum and expected outcomes. The Executive DBA was created with senior-level managers, C-suite executives and professionals with extensive experience in mind. These individuals are typically looking to evolve business practices, develop new perspectives through applied research and create flexibility for future career change (including the possibility of entering academia either part- or full-time). Ph.D. students, in contrast, typically pursue full-time, research-focused careers in academia.

The research focus also differs between the two terminal degree programs. Executive DBA students learn research methods and business theory through applied research and address real-world issues within their dissertations. Ph.D. research is typically theory-based and addresses broad, discipline-specific topics.