DBA vs Ph.D. Decision Tool
Which Doctoral Degree is Right for You?
This interactive tool will help you decide between a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) and a Ph.D. in Business based on your career goals and experience.
Answer 3 questions to get a recommendation
Ph.D. in Business is Your Best Fit
Based on your answers, a Ph.D. in Business is likely your best option. This degree is designed for those who want to pursue academic careers in teaching or research. You'll focus on creating new business theories and knowledge through rigorous academic research, preparing you for roles like university professor, research analyst, or think tank expert.
This path typically requires 4-6 years of full-time study and is ideal if you're passionate about publishing in academic journals and contributing to business knowledge. While it may involve leaving your current corporate role, it can lead to significant long-term opportunities in academia and research-driven positions.
Everyone knows an MBA opens doors. But if you’ve already got one-and you’re wondering what comes next-you’re not alone. Thousands of professionals hit that wall after their MBA: MBA is impressive, but is there something even higher? The answer isn’t just yes-it’s a few very specific paths, each designed for different goals.
Yes, There Are Degrees Higher Than an MBA
Let’s cut through the noise. An MBA is a master’s degree. That means, by definition, there are degrees above it. In most countries, including Australia, the U.S., and the U.K., the next level is a doctoral degree. These aren’t just longer versions of your MBA-they’re research-driven, specialized, and built for people who want to lead at the highest levels, teach at top universities, or shape business theory.
Two main doctoral degrees sit above the MBA: the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the Ph.D. in Business. They’re often confused, but they serve very different purposes.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): The Practitioner’s Doctorate
If you’re still working full-time, leading teams, running departments, or managing companies, the DBA is your natural next step. It’s designed for experienced executives who want to solve real-world business problems with deep research-not just theory.
Unlike a Ph.D., which asks you to create new knowledge for academia, a DBA asks: How can we make this business practice better? You’ll study things like organizational change, strategic leadership, or global market dynamics-but you’ll apply your findings directly to your own organization or industry.
Most DBA programs require:
- A minimum of 5-10 years of professional leadership experience
- An MBA or equivalent master’s degree
- A research proposal tied to a current business challenge
- A dissertation that’s practical, not purely theoretical
Top schools like Melbourne Business School, INSEAD, and Wharton offer DBA programs that take 3-5 years part-time. Graduates often become senior consultants, corporate strategists, or executive educators.
Ph.D. in Business: The Academic Path
Now, if your goal is to teach at a top university, publish in journals like the Harvard Business Review or Academy of Management Journal, or influence how business is taught globally, then the Ph.D. is the route.
A Ph.D. in Business is not about fixing your company’s supply chain. It’s about discovering new models of leadership, consumer behavior, or financial markets. You’ll spend years collecting data, running statistical analyses, and writing papers that other academics cite.
Here’s how it differs from the DBA:
- Focus: Theory creation vs. practical application
- Output: Academic publications vs. organizational impact
- Typical career path: Professor, researcher, think tank analyst
- Time to complete: 4-6 years full-time
Many Ph.D. students receive funding through teaching or research assistantships. But they often leave the corporate world behind. If you’re still working full-time and want to stay in industry, a Ph.D. might not be the right fit.
Other High-Level Degrees That Sometimes Come After an MBA
While DBA and Ph.D. are the clear next steps, there are a few other credentials people confuse with doctoral degrees. Let’s clear the air.
Executive Education Programs (Like Harvard’s AMP or Stanford’s Executive Program)
These are not degrees. They’re short, intensive courses-usually 6 to 12 weeks-that give you advanced skills. They look great on your LinkedIn, but they don’t carry the same weight as a doctorate. No dissertation. No formal academic credential. Just a certificate.
Doctor of Management (DM) or Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
These exist, but they’re niche. A DM is similar to a DBA, often offered by schools focused on management practice. A DPA is for people in government or nonprofit leadership. They’re valid, but far less common than the DBA or Ph.D. If you’re in public service, a DPA might be more relevant than an MBA or DBA.
Who Should Pursue a DBA? Who Should Go for a Ph.D.?
Here’s a simple decision tree:
- Choose a DBA if: You’re a senior leader who wants to deepen your expertise, solve complex problems in your company, and possibly teach in executive education programs. You still want to work in business.
- Choose a Ph.D. if: You’re fascinated by research, want to publish in academic journals, and dream of becoming a professor. You’re okay with leaving corporate life behind.
There’s no shame in either path. But mixing them up leads to frustration. I’ve seen too many professionals spend years on a Ph.D. only to realize they hate writing for journals. And I’ve seen others enroll in a DBA thinking it’s a shortcut to academia-only to find they can’t get hired as professors without a Ph.D.
Is It Worth It? The ROI of Going Beyond an MBA
Let’s talk money. A DBA or Ph.D. won’t give you an instant salary bump like an MBA might. In fact, many people take a pay cut to enroll-especially if they’re leaving their job to study full-time.
But the long-term returns are real:
- DBA holders in Australia often move into C-suite roles with 20-40% salary increases after graduation
- Ph.D. graduates in business can earn $120,000-$180,000+ as university professors in Australia, with tenure and research funding
- Both degrees open doors to board appointments, consulting gigs with Fortune 500 firms, and speaking opportunities at global conferences
It’s not about the title. It’s about the authority. When you hold a doctorate, people listen differently. Investors, boards, and senior teams treat you as a thought leader-not just a manager.
What You Need to Know Before Applying
Applying for a DBA or Ph.D. isn’t like applying to an MBA. It’s more like applying to a research lab.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A clear research interest-something you’re obsessed with
- Strong academic writing samples (your MBA thesis counts)
- Letters of recommendation from senior leaders or professors
- Proof of professional experience (for DBA) or academic potential (for Ph.D.)
- A proposal that shows you understand the gap in current knowledge
Many programs require you to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Don’t just send an application. Reach out. Ask if they’re taking students. Show you’ve read their work.
What Comes After the Doctorate?
There’s no degree above a Ph.D. or DBA. But there are next steps:
- Becoming a tenured professor
- Leading a business school or research center
- Starting your own consultancy or think tank
- Joining a government advisory panel
Some people even write best-selling business books. Others become keynote speakers at global events like Davos or TEDx. The doctorate doesn’t end your journey-it changes the runway.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Hierarchy-It’s About Purpose
There’s no trophy for having the highest degree. The real question isn’t “What’s higher than an MBA?” It’s “What do you want to do with your life next?”
If you want to build better companies, lead with evidence, and influence how businesses operate-go for the DBA.
If you want to build better theories, teach future leaders, and change how business is understood-go for the Ph.D.
Both are harder than an MBA. Both take years. Both demand sacrifice.
But if you’re ready for them, they’ll give you something no MBA ever could: the authority to shape the future of business itself.
Is a DBA higher than a Ph.D.?
Neither is higher-they’re different. A Ph.D. is focused on creating new academic knowledge, while a DBA is focused on solving real business problems. Both are doctoral degrees and sit at the same level in academic hierarchies. Employers and universities treat them as equivalent in rank, but they value them for different reasons.
Can I do a Ph.D. after an MBA without work experience?
Yes, but it’s rare. Most Ph.D. programs in business prefer applicants with 2-5 years of professional experience. Without it, you’ll need an outstanding academic record, strong research skills, and a compelling research proposal. Some programs accept students straight from master’s degrees, but they’re competitive and often funded through teaching assistantships.
Is a DBA worth it for someone working full-time?
Absolutely-if your goal is to move into executive leadership, consulting, or teaching in executive education. Many DBA programs are designed for working professionals, with weekend classes, online modules, and flexible deadlines. You’ll apply your research directly to your job, making the ROI immediate. Most graduates report promotions or new roles within 1-2 years of starting the program.
Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE for a DBA or Ph.D.?
Usually not. Most DBA and Ph.D. programs waive standardized tests for applicants with an MBA and significant work experience. Instead, they focus on your research proposal, writing samples, recommendations, and interview performance. Some may ask for GRE scores if you’re applying straight from a master’s without professional experience.
Can I teach at a university with a DBA?
Yes, but mostly in executive education, part-time, or professional programs. If you want a full-time tenure-track professor role at a research university, a Ph.D. is typically required. However, many business schools hire DBA holders to teach MBA and executive courses because of their real-world experience. It’s a different kind of teaching-but still valuable.
