Doctoral degrees have grown in popularity in recent years, with a 20% increase in conferrals from 2012 to 2022. Not all doctoral degrees are the same, and a clear distinction exists between research and professional doctorates. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research doctorate, while the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) are professional degrees. A relatively new entrant in doctoral education is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), which is designed for business professionals.

A DBA may be right for you if you want teaching, research, and executive roles in the future. You may wonder if a DBA is worth it as you consider the next steps in your career. Answering the question, “What is a DBA degree?” is a good starting point in considering the degree’s value.

What is a DBA Degree?

The first DBA was conferred in 1955 and has become increasingly important as graduate business education expanded. This degree is the terminal degree for business as an academic discipline, but isn’t restricted to Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates. Graduate degree holders in education, finance, and other disciplines learn how to apply research to organizational challenges through the DBA.

The DBA differs from the Ph.D. in its focus on professional practice rather than academic research. DBA holders conduct research for use in the workplace, while Ph.D. graduates focus on research for the benefit of their academic disciplines. Ph.D. programs attract recent graduate students in their disciplines, while DBA programs are aimed at experienced business professionals.

The most comparable doctoral program to a DBA is the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), with the key difference in program focus. DBA courses focus on business processes and challenges, while most Ed.D. programs address classroom and educational administration issues. The DBA is better suited for aspiring business school faculty and consultants than the Ed.D. for this reason.

Benefits of a DBA

DBA programs build skills in data-driven decision-making that are essential in the business world. A 2025 Salesforce survey of business leaders found that 86% felt their careers were reliant on data literacy, but 54% weren’t confident in their ability to interpret data. DBA coursework and doctoral research centered on data analysis alleviate these concerns.

Experienced professionals understand the importance of relationships in the business world. DBA programs foster relationships between students and faculty focused on advancing business education. These connections may lead to mentoring, collaboration, and networking opportunities as careers progress.

DBA holders distinguish themselves from the competition for executive and organizational leadership roles. The degree opens opportunities to lead the next generation of thought leaders and innovators. Graduates can teach business school courses, publish academic articles, present their research at industry events, and seek executive roles

Career Paths for DBA Graduates

A DBA is worth the investment of time, energy, and money because it unlocks more career options than other degrees. DBA holders demonstrate their commitment to innovative leadership when seeking promotion from managerial to executive roles. They open university teaching roles by obtaining a terminal degree and expand their reach as consultants through applied doctoral level research.

The competition for high-level executive roles in the business world is high. A DBA from a reputable university shows other executives a strong commitment to growth and innovation. The combination of a doctorate and professional experience makes executive roles like the following more accessible:

• Chief Digital Officer
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Marketing Officer

DBA graduates don’t need to chase top executive roles to make the most of their education. They can teach college courses as adjunct faculty members, thus imparting their experience and knowledge to future business leaders. The DBA experience also translates well into the change management and operational improvement responsibilities of consultants.

Exploring the DBA Return on Investment

All of these roles come with above-average salaries, which is the clearest return on investment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found a median salary of $105,350 for all executives in 2024, with CEOs earning an average of $206,420. The following roles all feature median salaries well above the $49,500 average for all occupations:

• Training and Development Managers ($127,090/$219,990 for top 10% of earners)
• Management Analysts ($101,190/$174,140 for top 10% of earners)
• University Professors ($83,980/$199,520 for top 10% of earners) 

There are plenty of returns on investment for a DBA education beyond annual salary and bonuses. Completing a DBA program leads to improved career flexibility and opportunities to shift into other industries in the future. DBA holders are also held in high esteem by colleagues and leaders because of their commitment to continual improvement.

Perhaps the most important return on the investment in a DBA is professional satisfaction. Leading others and changing the way people think about business is exciting. Doctoral research allows DBA candidates to explore workplace or industrial issues personal to them. All of these factors contribute to a fulfilling educational experience.

Who Gets the Most Out of a DBA?

The number of DBA programs and program enrollment is poised to grow due to the degree’s value in the job market. Eighty-three percent of university leaders surveyed by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Global and the Executive DBA Council anticipate future growth in the DBA market. Doctoral programs aren’t designed for everyone, however, and it’s important to consider if a DBA is the right fit for your needs.

Potential DBA candidates must have master’s degrees before admission, whether they are MBAs or degrees in related fields. They should be interested in tackling new and persistent challenges facing organizations in a rapidly changing world. The ideal DBA candidate wants to move into roles that will best use their education and experience, whether that’s as an executive, professor, or consultant.

The DBA is a good fit for mid-career and senior business professionals who want to raise the ceiling on what they can do. DBA candidates are humble enough to know that they need to continue learning and challenge themselves to grow. They also want to incorporate past experiences and lessons into new solutions that break down obstacles to organizational success.

Work toward Long-Term Career Goals with an Online DBA from Saint Leo University

The answer to the question, “Is a DBA worth it?” depends on where you are and where you want to go. Experienced business professionals seeking high-level leadership positions are well-served by a DBA education. The DBA isn’t simply for corporate boardrooms, however, as it can open teaching and consulting opportunities.

Employers' educational expectations will only grow over time, so a DBA is a good way to anticipate future career choices. Earning a DBA not only builds skills for the future, but it also shows decision-makers that you are committed to professional growth. Saint Leo University’s Online DBA program can help you advance into the next step in your career.

The program’s 57-credit curriculum can be completed in 32 months of part-time study. Students customize their DBA experiences with a two-course concentration in teaching or consulting. They also work with experienced faculty and fellow students to understand real-world challenges, including:

• Analytics for Decision Making
• Global Perspectives in Human Resource
• Strategic Management in Global Organizations

DBA candidates start their research project on their first day at Saint Leo University. They complete a doctoral success lab, a seminar, and a practicum. The program also requires one virtual residency to immerse DBA students in the challenges facing the business world.