Difference between PHD and DBA

Should you pursue a DBA or a PhD? The answer is contingent on your interests and career
objectives. Both degrees reflect the pinnacle of academic achievement, and they are highly
regarded in both academic and corporate circles. There are, however, distinctions.  A
professional doctorate is the DBA, while an academic doctorate is the PhD.  Both are advanced
research degrees that require original research, data analysis, and the production of significant
findings.

PHD

The Ph.D. (sometimes known as a PhD or a Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest level of
postgraduate education available in universities. People who have received a PhD are usually
permitted to teach at a university.
The Ph.D. is a scientific research doctorate or doctorate study that lasts three to five years on
average. Despite its name, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is granted in a wide range of fields,
not just philosophy

DBA

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctorate focused on business. It
is, like a PhD, the highest degree of postgraduate qualification offered from a university.
The degree program focuses on providing practical and cutting-edge business management
skills that may be applied in any environment. DBAs are for experienced professionals who
want to improve their technical skills, such as senior managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

DBA and Ph.D. programs differ considerably in their focus, candidate profile, and career
outcomes.

Research Topic

A noticeable difference between a PhD and a DBA is the research topic.
PhD research focuses on building theories, filling gaps in the broader body of knowledge, or

bridging gaps between theories. If you want to work as a professor in higher education or as a researcher in a research institution, a PhD may be a better option

DBAs, on the other hand, concentrate on real-world organizational and business problems, conducting both primary and secondary research to investigate, assess, and solve them. The DBA is designed for people who want to pursue a career in business or consultancy. Many DBAs, on the other hand, teach at colleges and universities. 

Management Career Differences

While both a PhD in Management degree and a DBA degree can help you achieve your
professional goals, those who earn these degrees usually take slightly different career
paths. For example:


PhD Careers
● University teaching
● Professional researcher
● Consulting
● Upper-level public policy making
● Leadership
● Policy advocate


DBA Careers
● Organizational leadership
● Upper-level corporate policymaking
● Consulting
● Entrepreneur/business owner
● College and university teaching


DBA grads typically earn more than PhD business management graduates. Because a DBA
focuses on the practical aspects of business management, what students learn can be
implemented in professional practice in their field.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Samra Razi

Samra Razi

Digital Marketing Executive

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore More

Need Help?

We're here To Assist You

Something isn’t Clear?

Feel free to contact Us, and We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Contact us now for
Corporate Training

Upskill your employees, foster a culture of performance, and unleash the potential of leadership. Find out how GCP can help your business.

Open chat
Hello 👋🏼
How can I help you?