2023 Best Online PhDs in Business

Liberty University (LU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering an online Doctor of Business Administration, which totals 60 credit hours. It can take three years for full-time students to complete this program. The online doctoral degree offers 17 specializations, including accounting, supply chain management, and logistics.

LU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program prepares students for corporate management roles. Sample courses include Managing the Supply Chain, Marketing for Competitive Advantage, and Understanding the Organization. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include accountants, financial analysts, and human resource specialists.

According to LU’s Student Honor Code, the university is not an LGBT-friendly institution.

Capella University is a private, for-profit university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration, requiring 90 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend three years to finish this program. The program has three specializations: (1) general management, (2) strategy and innovation, and (3) organizational leadership and development.

At Capella, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This degree has an industry-inspired curriculum that includes insights from industry leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Effective Organizational Leadership, Teaching Business in Higher Education, and Strategic Decision Making. Students must complete a capstone to graduate. Potential careers include budget analysts, executive officers, and chief operating officers.

The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit university with an online Doctor of Business Administration, equaling 54 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this degree online. Students are required to complete an eight-week online symposium instead of an on-campus residency.

Phoenix uses the learning management system Blackboard to deliver asynchronous courses. The program gives students the skills to become successful business leaders. The program’s courses are Transforming the Business, Leadership Theory and Practice, and Financial Measures of Value Added. A dissertation and a capstone are required for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like management analysts, general managers, and operations directors.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that requires 48 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. An on-site residency program is required for graduation.

At UMGC, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. This online program is designed for working professionals in executive roles. Some of the program’s courses include Data Analytics in Practice, Evidence-Based Research Methods, and Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making. Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. Future careers include financial managers, marketing managers, and management analysts.

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university that offers two online doctorates of business: (1) Doctor of Business Administration and (2) Doctor of Philosophy in Business. Each program requires 66 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend three years completing these programs. Both programs have seven specializations, such as entrepreneurship and marketing.

At UC, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The programs’ curriculums cover topics like applied research and business theory and literature. Sample courses include Comparative Economics, Inferential Statistics, and Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include healthcare administrators, chief executive officers, and C-suite executives.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration, which requires 61 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. Students must take 15 credit hours for their dissertation.

CSU facilitates online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program helps students develop decision-making, data analysis, investigative, and leadership skills. Sample courses are Small Business Management, Strategic Management and Planning, and Human Resource Management. A doctoral capstone is required for graduation. Prospective careers may include organizational managers, economists, and executive administrators.

Saint Leo University Online is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration, totaling 57 credit hours. Future students can expect to take 3-4 years to finish this degree. The university offers a flexible, student-centered learning environment to meet each student’s needs.

At Saint Leo, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brightspace. The program’s curriculum includes research courses that can improve students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. Example coursework includes Global Leadership and Ethics, Global Perspectives in Human Resources, and Organizational Behavior and Social Responsibility. Seminars, a practicum, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation are required. Potential careers may include postsecondary teachers, administrative managers, and executive managers.

At National University (NU) — a private, nonprofit university that recently acquired Northcentral University — prospective students can pursue two online doctorates in business administration, a Doctor of Business Administration (48 credit hours) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (60 credit hours). It can take between 34-38 months to complete this program. Both programs offer 10-12 specializations, like financial management and strategic marketing.

NU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. Both programs provide students with the knowledge to solve organizational problems. Sample courses are Ethics in Business, Business Strategy and Innovation, and Business Financial Systems. Students are required to complete a dissertation for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like market research analysts, sales managers, and business teachers.

Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration, requiring 60 credit hours. It can take students three years to complete this degree. The program offers three specializations: (1) healthcare administration, (2) information systems, and (3) management.

IWU uses D2L Brightspace to facilitate asynchronous and synchronous online learning. In this program, students learn to become innovative and ethical business leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Data Analytics and Research, Virtuous Marketing, and Economic Analysis for Virtuous Leaders. Seminars, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral project are required. Graduates may pursue careers like professors, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

According to their student handbook, IWU is not LGBT-friendly. The school prohibits students to engage in LGBT behaviors.

At Concordia University - Chicago (CUC) — a private, nonprofit, Lutheran-affiliated institution — prospective students can pursue an online Doctorate of Business Administration, totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years completing this degree. There are two specializations: innovation in health care management and strategic leadership and innovation.

At CUC, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard The program matches students with mentors to assist with their dissertation. Sample courses include Global Concepts in Strategic Marketing, Global Business Operations, and Business Analytics and Financial Decision Making. Students must complete residencies, a dissertation, and a professional portfolio. Potential careers are economists, program managers, and strategic planners.

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university with an online Doctor of Business Administration in Rural Business requiring 60-60 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend three years finishing this program. The program offers two tracks: (1) rural entrepreneurship and innovation and (2) rural and transformational leadership.

UWA facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. The program helps students become experts in rural business. Example courses include Challenges in Rural Business Management, Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Design Thinking and Innovation. An orientation course and an applied dissertation are required. Prospective careers include rural business consultants, economic developers, and chief executives.

Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration, which totals 54 credit hours. It can take students three or more years to finish this program. Students must attend an in-person residency at WilmU.

At WilmU, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The program helps students help advance their careers to become effective leaders. The program’s courses include Business Intelligence, Global Management Methods, and Managing Innovation and Change. Students must complete a seminar, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Graduates may go on to careers like management consultants, C-suite executives, and human resources directors.

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Administration equaling 55 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this program. This program has two-week breaks built between every course to allow students to refresh.

Canvas is Bellevue’s learning management system for asynchronous and synchronous online learning. This is an applied DBA, which prepares students for academic teaching careers. Sample courses include Leadership in Global Organizations, Sustainable Business Development, and Finance for Business Leaders. A doctoral research project, a boot camp, and an online residency are required for graduation. Future careers include logisticians, economists, and entrepreneurs.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (Embry-Riddle) is a private, nonprofit institution with an online Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Business Administration, totaling 62 credit hours. It can take three years to finish this degree program. Online students are still required to attend two residencies at the Daytona Beach campus.

At Embry-Riddle, online students complete courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program’s curriculum is a combination of core business administration courses and applied aviation courses. Some of the program’s courses include Advanced Air Transport Economic Modeling, Aviation and Aerospace Accounting and Finance, and Statistics and Business Data Analytics. Doctoral seminars and a dissertation are required for graduation. Prospective careers include management analysts, program managers, and professors.

Trident University International is a private, for-profit institution offering two online doctorates in business: (1) Doctor of Business Administration and a (2) Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, ranging between 36-48 credit hours. Full-time students can finish these programs within three years. The second program offers five concentrations, such as management and organizations and marketing.

Trident facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on a learning management system. Both programs help students develop the knowledge and skills to excel as leaders. Courses may include Case Study and Action Research, Innovation and Creativity in Business, and Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis. A dissertation or a doctoral research project is required. Future careers include budget analysts, C-level executives, and management analysts.

Keiser University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that totals 60 credit hours. It can take 24-42 months to complete this degree program. The program offers three specializations: (1) marketing, (2) global management, and (3) global business. Two in-person residency programs are required for this doctoral degree.

At Keiser, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This program has a curriculum that is research-based. Example coursework includes Financial Theory and Policy, The Global Economy, and Marketing Management. A dissertation is required for graduation. Prospective careers include management consultants, marketing managers, and accountants.

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 58 credit hours. This program can be finished within three years with a full schedule of classes. The program has 11 focus areas, like education and public administration.

Franklin facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system BlueQuill. The online doctoral program helps students become effective business leaders. Some of the program’s links include Advanced Quantitative Research & Design, Organizational Leadership, and Critical & Social Theory. Students must complete a dissertation and a comprehensive exam. Potential career options include sales managers, financial analysts, and project managers.

At Touro University Worldwide (TUW) — a private, nonprofit, Jewish institution — future students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 48 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing the program. Students have six start dates they can choose to start the program.

TUW uses Canvas to deliver online asynchronous and synchronous courses. The degree prepares students to assume business leadership roles across various fields. The online program’s courses include The Scholar-Practitioner Model, Contemporary Marketing in Business, and Ethics for Business Professionals. A research-based doctoral project is required. Graduates may go on to careers like healthcare managers, consultants, and sales managers.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) is a public institution with an online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration totaling 54 credit hours. It can take three years to finish the program, which offers three focus areas: (1) strategy, (2) international business, and (3) organizational behavior. An immersive residency is required for distance learners.

At UNCG, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This program is for students seeking careers in academia, research, and the government, with courses that include Advanced Topics in Management, Seminar in Organization Theory, and Seminar in International Business Theory. Doctoral research, a dissertation, and a comprehensive exam are required. Prospective careers include human resource managers, financial analysts, and economists.

Alliant International University is a private, for-profit university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that requires 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years completing this program. The program provides three specializations: (1) information and data science, (2) management, and (3) marketing.

Alliant facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This online doctorate explores business theories, practices, research designs, methodologies, and more. Example coursework includes Organizational Behavior and Development, Critical Issues in Business Management, and Creating Change and Innovation. Students must complete a dissertation, a comprehensive exam, and practical training. Future careers include project managers, operations research analysts, and chief financial officers.

Trevecca Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can take 32 months to finish their studies. The program offers five tracks, like healthcare administration and interdisciplinary studies.

Trevecca uses Blackboard to deliver online asynchronous and synchronous courses on Blackboard. This program is designed for working professionals seeking further education to propel their careers. Sample courses include Current Topics in Marketing, Managing Complex Operations, and Quality Healthcare Management. Students can complete a dissertation or an applied doctoral project. Potential careers include operations managers, senior managers, and executive coaches.

Trevecca is not an LGBT-friendly university. According to their 2022-2023 Student Handbook, the university encourages students to refrain from LGBT relationships.

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, nonprofit, and Christian university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 56 credit hours. Typically, students finish this program within three years. The program uses a cohort model, in which students progress through courses and dissertations together.

At CBU, online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become ethical business leaders. Some of the program’s courses include Ethics in Organizations and Management, Applying Economic Theory to Business, and Strategic Marketing. Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. Future careers are product managers, policy analysts, and purchasing managers.

CBU is not an LGBT-friendly university. According to the university’s student handbook, LGBT behaviors are prohibited.

At Johnson & Wales University - Online (JWU) — a private and nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration requiring 54 credit hours. Full-time students can take three years to finish this degree. This program’s curriculum focuses on organizational development. It is career-focused and delivers courses in an eight-week format.

JWU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. In this program, students will learn how to lead organizations across different industries. Example coursework includes Organizational Behavior, Contemporary Leadership Issues, and Problems and Methods in Marketing Management. A dissertation is required for graduation. Graduates may pursue careers like budget analysts, business operation managers, and investment bankers.

Saint Thomas University (STU) is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic university that offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Management requiring 60 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to complete this degree in three years. The program has a Management specialization course sequence.

At STU, online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on the software Canvas. This program focuses on people, policy, and product management. The program’s courses include Organization Design and Theory, Organizational Development, and Labor-Management Relations. Students can complete action research, a dissertation, or three journal articles. Prospective careers include management consultants, business managers, and management analysts.

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration, which equals 48 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years finishing this degree. The program has three specializations: (1) organizational leadership, (2) human resource management, and (3) general management.

TESU utilizes Moodle to facilitate online learning on the learning management system Moodle. The program is delivered in an adult-centric and seminar-oriented format. Some of the program’s courses are The Global Business Context: Trends, Issues and Markets; Seminar in Marketing and Entrepreneurship; and Teaching Adults: Archetypes, Tools, and Tactics. An orientation and a scholar-practitioner field project are required to graduate. Potential careers are logistics managers, sales managers, and marketing managers.

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private, nonprofit, Catholic university with an online Doctor of Business Administration equaling 45 credit hours. It can take three years to complete this degree with a full schedule of classes. The degree is delivered over 16-week semesters.

At UIW, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program builds on coursework from a master’s in business administration. Sample courses include Business Ethics, Marketing Research & Analysis, and Writing for Publication & Presentation. Students can complete a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, or work-based project courses. Prospective careers include accountants, college professors, and healthcare managers.

Taft University System is a private, for-profit institution with an online Doctor of Business Administration totaling 60 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within three years. The program is offered in two modalities: (1) independent study and (2) directed study.

At Taft, online students take courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Moodle. The program is designed for mid and senior-level managers seeking further education on managing a business. Students are required to take a qualifying exam, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Some of the program’s courses include Organizational Design, Global Business Practices & Challenges, and Business Law. Potential career options include consultants, C-level executives, and project managers.

The University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering an online Doctor of Business Administration that totals 60 credit hours. It can take three years to complete this program, and students can complete an online three-day residency or an online eight-week seminar. The program offers five specializations, like data analytics and healthcare administration.

USW’s online students use Blackboard to complete asynchronous and synchronous online courses. This degree’s curriculum has a strong focus on applied research. Example coursework includes Multicultural Leadership in Global Organizations, and Information Technology in Global Competition. Seminars and a doctoral study are required. Future careers include executive directors, management consultants, and chief growth officers.

At Baker College Online, which is a private and nonprofit college, future students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration, totaling 60 credit hours. It can take 3.5 years to finish this degree.

Baker Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This degree program helps students advance their careers to obtain higher-paying positions. Sample courses are Global Financial Economy, Enterprise Governance of IT, and Leadership Theory and Ethics. Students must complete a comprehensive exam, seminars, a dissertation, and a practicum. Prospective careers include C-level executives, business operation specialists, and business consultants.

The university offers a second option for this program, a Doctor of Business Administration All But Dissertation, requiring 28 credit hours of dissertation research.

California International University (CIU) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Doctorate of Business Administration, which requires 60 credit hours. Full-time students can spend three years finishing this program. The program is divided into 30 credit hours of business core courses, 15 credit hours of specialization electives, a comprehensive competency assessment, and 15 credit hours of dissertation courses.

At CIU, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on ClearPath. With a doctorate in business administration, students can pursue executive-level business positions. The courses include International Business, Global Economy, and Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. A comprehensive competency assessment and a dissertation are required for graduation. Graduates may pursue careers like college professors, chief financial officers, and senior managers.