DBA, PhD or Executive MBA?

DBA

To develop practitioner scholars.

PhD

To develop academic researchers.

Executive MBA

To deepen your business skills and enhance leadership qualities.

DBA

Senior executives who want to advance their careers by deepening their problem solving skills through advanced critical reasoning:

• Hold an MBA or relevant business-focused degree
• Currently working full-time
• Will use the knowledge acquired to address problems and issues in contemporary business

PhD

Individuals with limited work experience who want to prepare themselves for a research career in an academic institution:

• May or may not hold a post-baccalaureate (MBA or MSc) degree
• Enrolls as a full-time student
• Seeks to position themselves for careers in academia

Executive MBA

Senior professionals who are looking to advance their career as a leader.

DBA

A Master’s degree such as an MBA or a relevant business-focused Master’s degree.

PhD

Master’s degree normally required.

Executive MBA

All academic backgrounds encouraged.

DBA

At least 10 years of senior management experience, including at least seven at the executive level; or at least five years experience as a full time lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university.

PhD

Relevant research experience preferred but not required.

Executive MBA

At least 7+ years of progressive work experience.

DBA

Full-time program with in-person and blended pre- and post-course work. Students are required to complete their course work and defend a dissertation in four years, maximum six year duration.

PhD

Four-to six-year program.

Executive MBA

20 months, each semester starts with a block week (Monday to Saturday) and shifts to two-day weekends every second week.

DBA

This is a blended program with required time in the classroom and online.

PhD

Full time, in-person for the duration of the program.

Executive MBA

In-person, two-day weekends every second week. There is a block week (Monday to Saturday) at the start of each semester. The program kicks off with a block week in the mountains and culminates with a 10-day international study tour.

DBA

Students are required to take eight courses with additional learning opportunities available.  

PhD

Students are required to take a minimum of 12 courses.

Executive MBA

Students are required to take 20 courses, 17 required and 3 elective courses.

DBA

• Interdisciplinary, focusing on general management, business and social issues, such as globalization and leadership
• Application of quantitative or qualitative research methods to contemporary business problems

PhD

• Specialized studies, generally within a single, specific business discipline
• Heavy emphasis on a variety of research methodologies and their application to develop new theories

Executive MBA

• Core courses in finance, accounting, hr, marketing, strategy, leadership, global business and more
• Past electives have included business analytics, negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, sustainable development and more

DBA

Applied research

PhD

Theoretical research

Executive MBA

No research

DBA

Doctor of Business Administration

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Management

Executive MBA

Master of Business Administration

DBA

Graduates advance within their organizations to senior executive positions. Some graduates may also teach in a university setting.

PhD

Graduates aim to have careers in a university setting as full-time faculty members. Research and teaching will be their primary focus.

Executive MBA

Graduates are able to advance their existing careers, change careers, or assume leadership roles.

DBA

Approximately $100,000.00 plus fees. As a professional doctorate program there are very few funding opportunities. Applicants must be prepared to self-fund the program. To learn more about tuition, click here.

PhD

Tuition is covered by the program.

Executive MBA

For up-to-date information on program tuition and fees, please click here.