The D.B.A. vs. Ph.D. in U.S. Business and Management Programs: Different by Degrees?

Abstract

Are the Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees offered by U.S. business and management programs separate and distinct from one another? We examine the history of the D.B.A. and how it is considered by regional and programmatic accrediting agencies and by the U.S. Department of Education. We then compare curriculum data for 107 doctoral business programs. Results indicate that D.B.A. and Ph.D. students receive very similar preparation and have similar program requirements. Accrediting agencies tend to treat both degrees identically; however, inconsistent doctoral degree classifications within the U.S. Department of Education send a mixed message.