Trying to decide between a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can be both confusing and difficult. Many potential DBA candidates approach me with the question of which one is best for them. My answer is always the same – it depends – mostly on you.
To answer this question, we must understand that while the two degrees may seem similar, they are quite different. Just like the degree themselves, the candidates for the degrees are equally different. Understanding the differences is the key to making the correct choice.
Differences Between the DBA and the MBA
Let’s look at the basic characteristics of the two business administration degrees.
The MBA is a general management degree that focuses more on the practical side of advanced business concepts. Here, you will be exposed to – and develop – the necessary skills to identify and solve fundamental, business-related problems. The goal of the MBA degree presents the student with business knowledge and concepts that are deemed to be best practices throughout the business community. Through lectures, discussion, reading, and practical exercises, the MBA graduate develops an expertise in basic business concepts along with an advanced understanding of their application.
The DBA curriculum takes the business professional (and MBA graduate) to an entirely new rung on the knowledge and understanding ladder. Here is where students are trained to become business research scholars such that they become skilled at advancing our understanding of complex business problems through scientifically grounded research. Rather than focusing on how to generate and maximize profits, for example, the DBA student develops the tools and methods necessary to understand where those profits came from and how to identify and remove complex barriers to business growth, leadership and sharper strategic decision-making.
OK, Which One is for Me?
It really all comes down to your level of business experience and your personal career goals.
Both the DBA and the MBA are targeted at working business professionals who want to advance their understanding and continue to develop their business careers. The MBA, however, tends to be the better choice for those who perhaps want to start their own business and open new opportunities for themselves beyond those afforded to them by their employer. The MBA is not limited to this career path; however, many MBA graduates use the knowledge and prestige gained through their studies to advance to higher levels of responsibility within their organization. Either way, the MBA unlocks opportunities for the successful graduate.
In contrast, the DBA degree is better suited for an already successful business professional who seeks to challenge herself to achieve personal success and development beyond her current business career. Most DBA candidates have already completed a post-baccalaureate degree, and it is not necessarily the case that this degree is an MBA.
An admissions officer once questioned me about how I determine that an applicant is qualified for a terminal degree in business without having an MBA degree. The candidate in question held a master’s degree in music. I pointed out to the admissions officer that while the candidate did not have an MBA, he was the president of an international musical equipment manufacturer and likely did not achieve such levels of success without understanding the business concepts normally taught in an MBA program. Knowledge comes in many forms and from every direction.
The DBA is the highest level of academic achievement in the business world.
It offers the opportunity not only to advance one’s understanding of complex business relationships but a chance to create new knowledge and become a contributor to advanced thinking and concepts that will benefit all business endeavors. The successful DBA graduate becomes a practitioner-scholar who is equally skilled in applying existing business knowledge and creating new business knowledge and understanding. The MBA graduate becomes skilled in applying business theory and practices to complex business problems. The DBA graduate becomes skilled in developing new business theories and practices.
In short, the two degrees are different approaches to a goal. There is no right or wrong approach to selecting the best degree for you, but there are some simple guidelines. If you have not yet completed a post-baccalaureate degree and you aspire to a leadership position in the business world, then the MBA is likely the best choice. If you have completed a master’s degree and have a passion for learning and advanced thinking, then the DBA is likely the better choice. Both carry credibility amongst your peers, but each provides a set of opportunities that build upon your specific career goals. More to the point, both degrees create great potential for highly attractive salaries and career opportunities.
If you have not yet completed a post-baccalaureate degree and you aspire to a leadership position in the business world, then the MBA is likely the best choice. If you have completed a master's degree and have a passion for learning and advanced thinking, then the DBA
DBA
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or (DrBA) is a terminal degree in business administration. The DBA is classified as a research doctorate or professional doctorate depending on the granting university and country where the degree was awarded.
DBA stands for Doctor of Business Administration. It is technically the highest level graduate business degree out there – higher even than an MBA. While an MBA focuses more on general management studies, a DBA is more specialized, research-based, and practical.
Should you earn a DBA or PhD in Management? The answer depends on your interests and career goals. Both business management degrees represent the highest level of academic achievement, and both degrees are highly respected in both the academic and business worlds.
Professionals with a B.A. in Business Administration earn an average salary of about $69,000, compared to MBA holders at roughly $88,000. Although there are too many specifics to address in any given situation, the decision to earn an MBA can pay off significantly in terms of salary and career possibilities.
There are several factors that influence the earning potential of an individual. Education qualification, experience and skills sets are among the top influential factors in determining the income of an individual. So yes, a DBA degree definitely helps in increasing one's salaries.
If you have not yet completed a post-baccalaureate degree and you aspire to a leadership position in the business world, then the MBA is likely the best choice. If you have completed a master's degree and have a passion for learning and advanced thinking, then the DBA is likely the better choice.
Generally, those with a DBA degree earn more than those with an MBA degree. According to PayScale.com, the median salary for someone with a DBA degree is $128,000 per year, while the median salary for someone with an MBA degree is $85,000 per year.
According to the AACSB (accreditation body for business schools), a doctor is a doctor. DBA stands for Doctor of Business Administration. Anyone who's earned the degree has earned the right to be called “Doctor.” Same for those who have earned a degree labeled as “Ph. D.”
To begin, both degrees are doctoral-level degrees and are considered terminal degrees in business. This means they both represent the highest academic achievement awarded in business administration.
If you're a business professional looking to enhance your career, a doctor of business administration (DBA) can offer a robust intellectual framework for navigating industry trends and organizational management.
Large companies often provide management or leadership development programs tailored toward young professionals. Certificate programs such as CFAs, CPAs, and CMAs offer an alternative education to an MBA.
The average salary for an individual with an MBA is 17% higher than the average salary for a master's degree-holder. 91% of global recruiters hired MBA graduates in 2022 compared to just 74% who hired master's degree graduates.
First and foremost, getting a DBA does not establish personal asset protection for your business, because your entity status does not change. This means that if your sole proprietorship or general partnership is sued, your creditors can pursue your personal assets and your business assets.
Is it stressful to work as a Database Administrator? Database Administrators often face high-stakes situations, managing critical data that can affect entire organizations. Stress levels can peak during database outages or security breaches.
A DBA can help someone transition a career into consulting work, achieve a promotion into executive leadership, or pivot into the world of academia as a faculty member at a private university or directional school.
A PhD, the highest academic degree achievable, can open numerous doors in the job market, enabling graduates to advance in their careers. Unlike an MBA, which primarily focuses on corporate and management aspects, a PhD offers expertise in a specific field through rigorous research and study.
To begin, both degrees are doctoral-level degrees and are considered terminal degrees in business. This means they both represent the highest academic achievement awarded in business administration.
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) sits on the highest level of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (level 8 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and level 12 in Scotland). The DBA is an award which meets the qualification descriptor for this level in full.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
