With one of Online Ph.D. Programs‘ 34 Best Online Ph.D.s in Business Law, working students and executives alike can advance their skills and strategies in leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Online Ph.D. Programs‘ 34 Best Online Ph.D.s in Business Law encompass a wide range of degree types and business-savvy skills. The following list includes degrees in Business Administration, Business Analytics and Decision-Making, Human Capital Management, Leadership, Management, and Personal Financial Planning. Business administration duties vary, but administrators generally plan, execute, and oversee organizational operations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative services managers earned a median annual salary of $94,020 in 2017. The field is experiencing a faster-than-average 10 percent growth rate. Doctoral degrees provide advanced knowledge and skills that can advance individuals to managerial, leadership, and C-suite positions.
Finding an Online Doctoral Degree
Individuals seeking advancement in a research-based faculty or consulting career may decide to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy. Ph.D. programs are generally based more in theory and research than practice or experiential learning. Those seeking more professionally oriented advancement may choose to pursue a doctorate. Doctorate of Business Administration degrees can advance students’ competency for careers in accounting, marketing, nonprofit management, and supply chain management. While many degrees cover general business or leadership principles, others may offer specializations in areas such as finance, human resources, and information systems. Some of the programs listed can be completed entirely online, while others have residency requirements.
Ranking the 34 Best Online Ph.D.s in Business Law
Choosing a Ph.D. in Psychology is a big decision to weigh carefully. It’s important to find both a school and a program that are the right fit for your career plans, your schedule, and even your budget. Online Ph.D. Programs has developed the following 20 Best Online Ph.D. Degrees in Psychology to help you make a well-informed choice. There are three metrics used to score each program:
- Cost (IPEDs data)
- Reputation (U.S. News and World Report data)
- Return on Investment (College Scorecard data)
The ranking only includes regionally-accredited, reputable colleges with proven psychology degree programs. The programs below are offered completely online or as hybrid arrangements with low residency requirements, making them accessible to students who live far from campus or who work full-time.
34. California Intercontinental University
Doctorate of Business Administration
Irvine, CA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,763
California Intercontinental University is an online university based in Irvine, CA. Established in 1996, the university was built “by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.” It focuses on Business Administration, Information Technology, Management, and Healthcare degrees. According to U.S. News & World Report, 58 percent of the university’s undergraduates study Business Administration. The fully online university uses collaboration tools, a course management system, interactive portals, and a virtual classroom environment. Student resources are available through the university’s online LIRN Library, Math Lab, Pocket Confidant, and Writing Center. E-books are included for each course. The university was accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission in 2009.
The university generally requires a master’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA for admission to its Doctorate of Business Administration program. Alternatively, students can petition for admission based on factors including undergraduate GPA and work background. The program emphasizes decision-making, research, and writing skills. The online curriculum includes courses such as Doctoral Academic Study and Writing, Global Economy, and Marketing Research in Consumer Behavior. Students must take a comprehensive competency assessment and complete two semesters of dissertation work, including an oral defense. The program spans seven semesters and is generally completed in 44 to 60 months.
33. California Baptist University
Doctor of Business Administration
Riverside, CA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,714
California Baptist University is a private liberal arts university in Riverside, CA. Its main campus sits in the heart of Riverside’s Magnolia Avenue district. It was the first college on the West Coast to be accredited by the Association of College Business Schools and Program. The university is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, though it welcomes Christians from all denominations. According to the university, 100 percent of its faculty members are Christian. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 7th in Most Innovative Schools and 20th in Best Value Schools. It is also ranked 86th in Best Online Graduate Business Programs.
The university’s Doctor of Business Administration was designed for working adults and can be completed in three years. Students focus on one eight-week online course at a time. The DBA uses a cohort model, where students begin and progress through the curriculum together. While the program is primarily online, students must participate in on-campus experiences periodically throughout the program. Courses include Ethics in Organizations and Management, International Business in Global Markets, and Topics in Human Resource Management. Students must complete and defend a Comprehensive Experience paper answering relevant research questions. The program culminates in proposal, research, design, completion, and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
32. Columbia Southern University
Doctor of Business Administration
Orange Beach, AL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,061
Columbia Southern University is a private, family-owned university headquartered in Orange Beach, AL. The university specializes in online education and has been accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. In 2017 and 2018, learning technology company Blackboard, Inc. awarded CSU Exemplary Course Catalyst Awards. The university is also recognized for being particularly military-friendly. It is one of 140 schools to offer up-front tuition assistance through the U.S. Army portal GoArmyEd. It is also a member of the Higher Education Transfer Alliance, which supports students through significant acceptance of transfer credits.
The university’s Doctor of Business Administration program emphasizes skills in data analysis, decision-making, investigation, leadership, and problem-solving in business settings. Major requirements include courses in Business, Government and Society; Doctoral Writing and Inquiry Into Research; and Technology and Innovation Management. Students must pass a final examination and complete their dissertation research and defense. For the dissertation, students can choose either a theoretical-based study or research project-based study. Textbooks are included in the program fees. For maximum online flexibility, the university uses a model called LifePace Learning. The model allows students to progress through coursework at their own pace, with no set start or completion dates.
31. Felician University
Doctor of Business Administration
Lodi and Rutherford, NJ
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,225
Felician University was founded in 1923 as the Immaculate Conception Normal School by the Felician Sisters. It experienced several name changes throughout its history before claiming its current name in 2015. As of 2017, the private Roman Catholic university has a student body comprised of 71 percent women. It has two campuses in New Jersey, in Lodi and Rutherford. Both campuses are approximately 12 miles from New York City. The Rutherford campus includes the historic Iviswold Castle.
The university’s Doctor of Business Administration program is self-paced, allowing students to move through the material as quickly or slowly as they choose. Each student has a faculty mentor throughout the program. Students demonstrate competency by teaching a university-level course or taking a recognized certification or licensure exam. The curriculum is formatted in four phases. The first phase includes foundational courses and an on-site residency requirement with a statistics course. The second focuses on core knowledge projects. The third phase emphasizes “Concentration Mastery Demonstration.” The fourth and final phase involves an on-site residency and dissertation work. Course offerings include Contemporary Management Theory, Contemporary Decision Theory, and Historical Perspectives in Marketing. Students can complete teaching assistantships or practica, or independent studies or field demonstrations in business.
30. Argosy University
Doctoral Degree in Business Administration
Phoenix, AZ
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,225
Argosy University was born from a merger of the American School of Professional Psychology, the Medical Institute of Minnesota, and the University of Sarasota. Argosy has operated as a college system since 2001. Today, it has one of the largest communities of grad students in the United States. The university operates 27 national learning locations, though 68 percent of its students choose online education. Among Argosy’s online resources is on-demand tutoring, which is available 24/7 via its Campus Common site. Campus Common is an online community with news, events, student support, and career resources. Students can also access the university’s Online Library, which includes eBook access, interlibrary book loans, and over 350 databases.
The university’s doctoral Business Administration program provides six concentrations: Accounting, Customized Professional, Information Systems, International Business, Management, and Marketing. Core courses include Corporate and Global Finance; Holistic Management in Organizations; and Strategy Formulation, Implementation, and Evaluation. Students must complete 12 credits of research classes and pass a doctoral qualifying examination. Many students in the program seize full- or part-time college teaching opportunities. The degree program is designed to last 50 months.
29. Case Western Reserve University
Doctor in Management; Ph.D. in Management
Cleveland, OH
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,973
Case Western Reserve University came together in 1967 through the Federation of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University. Today, it is a private research university in Cleveland, OH. Its campus lies five miles from Cleveland’s University Circle, home to the nation’s greatest concentration of cultural, educational, and medical institutions. The university leads in research in electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. It is ranked 42nd in both Best Value Schools and National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
The university’s doctoral Management program is based in theory rather than practice. The program offers three specialization areas: Accountancy, Design & Innovation, and Designing Sustainable Systems. The four-year Accountancy program is grounded in research reading and writing, plus a dissertation. The four- to five-year Design & Innovation specialization combines information systems, marketing, and strategy. The goal of its curriculum is to help graduates design innovative products and services. The Designing Sustainable Systems specialization lies in the university’s three-year Doctor of Management program. Course offerings include Leading Change and Technology and Social System Design. The program requires three research papers, a reflection paper, and a capstone exercise.
28. Rollins College
Executive Doctorate in Business Administration
Winter Park, FL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $35,522
Rollins College is a private liberal arts college located on the shores of Lake Virginia. In recent years, Princeton Review has ranked the college among the country’s most beautiful campuses. A distinct campus feature is its Walk of Fame, lined with stones from the homes of historical figures including Confucius and Martin Luther King, Jr. U.S. News & World Report ranks the college 2nd in the Southern region, 11th for innovation, and 19th for best value.
The college’s Executive Doctorate in Business Administration is suitable for executives with master’s degrees in business or a related field. Though it is primarily an online program, students take on-campus classes for two consecutive days per month, on a Friday and Saturday. The on-campus Friday evening is spent on research colloquia. Each student in the program works closely with a faculty advisor. The plan of study includes Theory & Contemporary Thought courses in Economics, Global Business, and Marketing. Students also complete two research practica and two integrative experiences. The final year is spent completing a doctoral dissertation in the executive’s area of business interest. The degree program generally takes three years to complete.
27. Johnson University
Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies
Kimberlin Heights, TN
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,639
Johnson University is a private Christian institution with the main campus along the French Broad River in Kimberlin Heights, TN. It has an additional campus in Kissimmee, FL. Through its ExtendEd Adult program, students can take classes at church sites in Indianapolis, Knoxville, and Louisville. Its ExtendEd Residency program allows students to combine classroom and church learning experiences in Indianapolis, Orlando, and Phoenix. The university is a member of a consortium called the “Center for Global Studies.” The consortium is comprised of eight independent Christian institutions focused on providing strong doctoral degrees.
Johnson’s Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is built on four leadership dimensions: global systems, individual and personal systems, organizational systems, and research. The holistic program encourages self-reflection and is grounded in principles of service. It offers four concentrations: Educational Leadership, Missional Leadership, Organizational Leadership, and Philosophy & Theology of Leadership. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses in areas such as Intercultural Behavior, Worldview & Communication; Leadership & Personal Ethics; and Organizational Studies & Theory. Students are required to spend around 20 hours per week on coursework. Doctoral students may choose to participate in Research Summits, which provide networking opportunities with faculty and peers. The degree must be finished within seven years.
26. Walden University
Doctor of Business Administration
Minneapolis, MN
Graduate Tuition/Fees:
Walden University is a fully online, for-profit university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It was established in 1970 by teachers Bernie and Rita Turner, who wanted to create doctoral programs for working adults. The first classes, held in Naples, FL, focused on training school administrators. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was previously an Honorary Chancellor of Walden’s parent company and was a keynote speaker at Walden’s 2011 commencement. The company’s current Board Advisory Committee on Education includes notable figures such as Condoleezza Rice.
Walden’s Doctor of Business Administration degree provides 13 different specialization options. These include, but are not limited to Global Supply Chain Management, Leadership, Marketing, and Social Impact Management. Students can alternatively design their specialization track. The program also offers two study options: traditional doctoral study or a consulting capstone option. The consulting capstone option is an alternative route which allows students to work as consultants for real clients. The program consists of two required residency experiences and one optional intensive retreat. The university’s doctoral faculty members provide student support as DBA Student Advocates. Walden also supports students through its Doctoral Capstone Resources website.
25. Baruch College
Doctor of Professional Studies in Business
New York, NY
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,544
Baruch College was named for the financier, political consultant, and businessman Bernard Mannes Baruch. It is a public research university in New York City and a constituent of the City University of New York system. Baruch is ranked 20th in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report. The university’s Doctor of Professional Studies in Business is offered in a hybrid format, combining distance learning and on-campus residencies. Each course involves 25 hours over three residencies and 20 hours of online education. Each semester includes three residencies each lasting four days.
Baruch’s Doctor of Professional Studies in Business is designed for professionals with 7 to 10 years of executive business background. The program consists of experiential learning and research methods tailored to individual interests and objectives. Course offerings include Human Capital and the Triple Bottom Line, Technology-Driven Organizational Changes, and Understanding the Consumer Journey. Students must produce and defend both a position paper and a doctoral dissertation, along with a qualifying exam. Executives’ research and dissertation work are completed under mentorship from experienced doctoral faculty members. The program takes three years to complete.
24. University of Phoenix
Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership
Phoenix, AZ
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,913
The University of Phoenix, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, was founded in 1976 where its first class consisted of only eight students. As of 2018, the university had around 100,000 students enrolled both online and in its 40 campuses nationwide. At its peak, it had over 500 learning sites across the United States. UOPX has an open enrollment policy, meaning it accepts any student with a high school diploma or GED.
The university’s doctoral Organizational Leadership program emphasizes effective business management. Students have the option to specialize in Information Systems and Technology. Core courses include Architecture of Leadership, Ethnomethodology and the Study of Culture, and Management Philosophies. The curriculum consists of doctoral projects, seminars, and a dissertation. The program also includes required on-campus residencies in Phoenix for networking and collaboration. Each course spans eight weeks at most, and the full program spans approximately four years. The university’s online support system allows students access to experienced researchers, dissertation resources, writing tools, and financial support options.
23. Eastern University
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
St. Davids, PA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,675
Eastern University is a private Christian university in St. Davids, PA, in the suburban Philadelphia area. The university is affiliated with the American Baptist Church, though it has an interdenominational Christian student body and faculty. Its campus facilities include the Mazie Hall African American History Room, the Warner Memorial Library, and the Edison Room, which houses artifacts which formerly belonged to Thomas Edison. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 74th in Regional Universities North and 76th in Best Value Schools.
The university’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program offers three concentration tracks: Business Management, Educational Administration, and Nonprofit and Public Administration. It follows a cohort model, with communities of approximately 20 peers progressing through the program together. Students attend three residencies per year on campus in Pennsylvania. Foundational courses include Capacity Building in Human Resources, Leadership in Global Contexts, and Leadership Theory and Practice. Three years of coursework are required, along with a phase of dissertation work. Students can complete the degree program in four to ten years.
222. Indiana Wesleyan University
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
Marion, IN
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,008
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university headquartered in Marion, IN. It is an evangelical Christian institution affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is the largest member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the largest private university in Indiana. The university’s campus has undergone extensive renovation and expansion over the past 25 years. Campus facilities include the state-of-the-art Wildcats Stadium and Chapel Auditorium, one of the largest theaters in the Midwest. U.S. News & World Report ranks IWU 32nd in Regional Universities Midwest and 67th in Best Value Schools.
The university’s doctoral Organizational Leadership program can be completed fully or partially online. Hybrid students take some classes online and attend others on campus once per term, in January, April, and September. Fully online students virtually tune into the on-campus sessions live and attend a week-long Summer Institute. All online sessions incorporate live discussions. Students are expected to actively engage in all interactive learning activities. The program of study consists of courses in Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship; Ethics and Leadership; and Organizational Theory and Design. The program culminates with a doctoral dissertation. The degree can be completed in as few as 40 months.
21. George Fox University
Doctor of Business Administration
Newberg, OR
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,038
George Fox University is a Christian liberal arts university in Newberg, OR, near Portland. It was founded as Friends Pacific Academy by Quaker pioneers in 1885. The university mascot is the Bruins, named for a bear cub found in the nearby Coast Range foothills in 1887. The school’s name was changed to George Fox University in 1949 to honor the founder of the Quaker movement. Today, it is the second-largest private university in Oregon, with approximately 4,000 students throughout the state. U.S. News & World Report ranks George Fox 24th in Regional Universities West.
The university offers a Business Administration doctorate in a hybrid format, involving mostly online coursework along with two on-campus residencies per year. Students choose to concentrate in accounting, management, or marketing. The core curriculum is comprised of business, education, and research courses. The education core includes teaching or consulting practicum. Course offerings include Ethics and Moral Decision-Making in Business, Faith and Spirituality in Business, and International Business. Students also take seminars in Accounting and Consumer Behavior. The program is designed to be completed in four part-time years, including three years of coursework plus a year of dissertation work.
20. Trident University
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Cypress, CA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,417
Trident University is a private, for-profit, fully online university headquartered in Cypress, CA. The university focuses on programs in business, education, health sciences, and information systems. It was formerly a branch of Touro College and University System but now stands alone. In 2014, military students made up 75 percent of Trident’s enrollment. The university has an open-enrollment policy, accepting 100 percent of its applicants.
The university’s Business Administration program requires students to select one of five concentrations. Students can concentrate in Accounting/Finance, Information Systems/Information Technology Management, Leadership, Management, and Organizations, or Marketing. Each student must complete ten core classes, including four in research, four in theory, and two in their selected area of concentration. The curriculum also consists of four dissertation courses. The program’s comprehensive qualifying exam includes written and oral portions. The university’s online Doctoral Positioning System helps students track their degree and dissertation progress. The program is fully online, with no residency requirements.
19. Grand Canyon University
Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Management
Phoenix, AZ
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,912
Grand Canyon University is the largest Christian university in the world. The private, non-profit university is located in Phoenix, AZ, about four hours from the Grand Canyon. Originally located in Prescott, GC was established in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Convention. It has since ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptists, though it is still a Christian institution. It briefly became a for-profit institution before returning to non-profit status in recent years.
The university offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Management. The curriculum covers areas including big data analytics, e-commerce, geopolitical conflict, and mobile technology. It also includes an Integrative Case Study experience, which gives students an opportunity to build a business and assess success strategies. Core course offerings include Contemporary Business Law, Contemporary Issues in Financial Management, and The Sustainable Future. The program incorporates interaction with peers and faculty through online discussions and two four-day residencies. One residency focuses on an introduction to the dissertation process, while the other addresses on presenting dissertation progress.
18. Baker College
DBA in Business Administration
Flint Township, MI
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,983
Baker College is a private career college based in Flint Township, MI. It has eight locations throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Founded in 1911, Baker started as Baker Business University before merging with Muskegon College. The college’s IT students are the only back-to-back winners in the history of the National Student Cyber Defense competition. The college has a “right-to-try” admissions policy, along with an extensive financial aid support system.
Baker’s Business Administration program offers five specializations: finance, human resources, leadership, management information systems, and marketing. The program combines classes, seminars, residencies, research papers, and a doctoral dissertation. Core courses requirements include Corporate and Personal Ethics, Leading 21st Century Organizations, and Managing in a World-Wide Context. Additional requirements include doctoral specialization seminars, a professional residency, a comprehensive essay, and a qualifying paper. Students must also complete a doctoral dissertation. The program is structured to be completed in three and a half years.
17. Capitol Technology University
Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences
South Laurel, MD
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,122
Capitol Technology University is a private university in South Laurel, MD. Founded in 1927 by a former U.S. Navy Radioman, it was originally called the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute. The university is located near both Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The surrounding metropolitan area has one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and government agencies in the nation, which can help students with internship and postgraduate opportunities.
The university’s Business Analytics and Decision Sciences program focuses on building skills in data-driven business decisions. The program’s curriculum encompasses dissertation work, leadership ethics, a literature review, and research, theory. Required courses include Analytics and Decision Analysis, Big Data Warehousing and Analytic Systems, and Management Theory in a Global Economy. Students must also attend residencies in Contemporary Research in Management, Dissertation Presentation and Oral Defense, and Management and Security of Information.
16. Hampton University
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Hampton, VA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,031
Hampton University is a historically black university in Hampton, VA. It was founded after the Civil War by leaders of the American Missionary Association and was originally intended to educate freed former slaves. The university’s campus is home to the Hampton University Museum, the nation’s oldest African diaspora museum. A large oak tree on campus was the site of the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and is now a National Historic Landmark called Emancipation Oak. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 27th in Regional Universities South and 52nd in Best Value Schools.
The university’s doctoral Business Administration program is offered mostly online, with two required summer residencies. Each residency is held on the university’s main campus and spans four weeks, from mid-July to mid-August. The program follows a cohort model, with each group of students beginning coursework in the first summer residency. Online course requirements include Advanced Computer Applications, Advanced Leadership Concepts, and Empirical Research Methods. Coursework includes a comprehensive test, doctoral dissertation, and research article submission. All students must complete dissertation requirements within six semesters of enrollment. The program is designed to take three and a half years to complete.
15. Wilmington University
Doctor of Business Administration
New Castle, DE
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,955
Wilmington University is a private research university with the main campus in New Castle, DE. It is named for its location near the town of Wilmington. The historic main campus is also in convenient proximity to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., as well as within driving distance of beaches and ski resorts. Along with its New Castle campus, Wilmington has additional learning locations in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. The university allows admission to all who apply. According to the school’s most recent report, its College of Online & Experiential Learning serves 44 percent of the student population.
The university’s Doctor of Business Administration coursework can be completed 100 percent online. One two-day residency is required near the end of coursework completion and the beginning of the dissertation period. The degree program follows a cohort model, with groups of students pursuing the same academic timeline. The curriculum emphasizes communication skills, critical thinking, disciplined inquiry, ethics, and leadership management. The course sequence consists of classes in Executive Decision-Making, Global Management Models, and Managing Innovation and Change. Students partner with organizations and gain hands-on field experiences for their dissertation project. The coursework is designed to be completed in two and a half years, with the dissertation work spanning an additional year or two.
14. Northcentral University
Doctor of Business Administration
San Diego, CA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $
Northcentral University is a fully online, non-profit university headquartered in San Diego, CA. It was founded in 1996 by Donald Hecht, who had previously established California Southern University. Today, Northcentral is part of the National University System. It is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Foundation. The program uses a one-to-one mentorship model, so students work closely with faculty experts.
The university’s DBA program emphasizes organizational strategizing and problem-solving, ethical practices, and emerging technologies. The degree offers 18 specialization areas, including a General Business track. The general track explores topics such as corporate finance, global business, and supervisory techniques. The curriculum is comprised of 18 courses totaling 54 credit hours. Course requirements include Ethics in Business, Research Methods, and Scholarly Literature Review. Recommended General Business electives include Corporate Finance, Global Economic Environment, and Supervising in the 21st Century. The program takes an estimated 39 months – just over 3 years – to complete.
13. City University of Seattle
Doctor of Business Administration
Seattle, WA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: N/A
The City University of Seattle is a private nonprofit university based in Seattle, WA. It is a member of the National University System. Though its main campus is located in downtown Seattle, CityU has campuses around the world in cities such as Beijing, Prague, and Tijuana. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 104th in Best Online Graduate Business Programs.
The university’s DBA program emphasizes agile business practices, critical thinking, interventional thinking, and leadership. Students can complete the program completely online if they choose to. The program boasts a highly interactive teaching model, integrating an hour of live interaction between faculty and classmates every other week. Faculty members also support online students through a Professor Live Chat feature. The program’s Business Administration core features courses such as Organizational Identity and Culture and Technology Implementation and Change Management. The program also features a broad Research Core and three onsite residencies. All students follow a structured path to doctoral dissertation completion. The degree program generally takes between three and four years to complete.
12. University of Charleston
Doctor of Executive Leadership
Charleston, WV
Graduate Tuition: $12,786
The University of Charleston is a private university based in Charleston, WV. Founded in 1888, the school was originally called Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church, and later Morris Harvey College before claiming its current name in 1978. Today, the school is independent of the Methodist faith, and its current Charleston campus sits on the National Register of Historic Places. The university employs an outcomes-based education model. It is comprised of six competency areas: citizenship, communication, creativity, critical thinking, ethical practice, and science.
The university’s Doctor of Executive Leadership Program is offered online, with one-week residencies each year. The rigorous program takes three years to complete. The curriculum examines topics such as business theory, leadership, presentation, research methodology, and strategy. It is a research-based program, combining group work and individual study. It follows a cohort model, with groups of 12 to 15 students completing the course sequence. Course requirements include Collaborative Leadership, Complexity, and Sustainability; and Leadership Research and Design Logic. The program culminates with a doctoral research dissertation. The online education experience incorporates the Moodle platform and web conferencing. The degree can be completed in as few as three years.
11. Keiser University
Doctor of Business Administration
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,730
Keiser University is a private nonprofit university based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The university began as a career college, the Keiser School, established by a mother and son. Today, it is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. The university has branch campuses throughout Florida, and internationally in Carazo, Nicaragua, and Shanghai, China. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 56th in Regional Universities South.
The university’s DBA program offers three specialization areas: global business, global management, and marketing. Business Administration core courses include Financial Theory and Policy, The Global Economy, and Marketing Management. The marketing specialization includes seminars in Global Marketing, Marketing Models and Theory, and Research Analysis for Marketing. Specialized Global Business classes include Cross-Cultural Management & Negotiations and Global Supply Chain Management. Course offerings within the Global Management specialization include Emerging Management Theories and Organizational Leadership. All students must complete a doctoral dissertation. Each course lasts eight weeks, and students typically enroll in one or two courses concurrently. Two Florida residencies are required.
10. Pepperdine University
Executive Doctor of Business Administration
Malibu, CA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $36,372
Pepperdine University is a private research university overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, CA. It was founded during the Great Depression by Christian philanthropist George Pepperdine. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The university has seven campuses in southern California, a learning center in Washington, D.C., and international campuses in Argentina, China, England, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 46th in National Universities.
The university’s Executive DBA program is a rigorous program designed for established business executives. A minimum of ten years of business experience is required for admission. Each program cohort is assembled per executives’ background and interests. The first year includes research seminars in Innovation, Leadership in the 21st Century, and Measuring Global Impact in Business. The program is offered in a blended format, with six residential sessions in the first two years and the third year free for independent research. Residential sessions span six days and are typically held in October, February, and June. All executives must complete a dissertation and defend it in Malibu. The program culminates in a DBA conference in Calabasas, CA. The program takes three years to complete.
9. Colorado Technical University
Doctor of Management
Colorado Springs, CO
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,888
Colorado Technical University is a for-profit university headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. Founded in 1965 as Colorado Technical College, the school originally focused on career training for military personnel. In 2013, 2014, and 2016, Military Times magazine ranked CTU #1 Best for Vets in its online and non-traditional education category. CTU receives nearly all of its funding from the U.S. government, including from the Department of Defense and the G.I. Bill. As of 2017, 92 percent of CTU’s students were fully online.
The university’s Doctor of Management program gives students 13 concentrations to choose from. Options include, but are not limited to Executive Leadership, Global Leadership, Nonprofit Leadership, and Project Management. Students may alternatively select a General Management track. General core studies include Management and Ethics, Organization Innovation and Scenario Thinking, and Strategic Thinking and Organizational Alignment. Along with the student’s chosen concentration, the program focuses on Leadership and Change Management and Research and Writing. The General core also consists of eight doctoral research courses leading to the dissertation. Once the dissertation is complete, the program culminates in two in-person Doctoral Symposiums. Completing the program in three years is possible.
8. Kansas State University
Doctor of Philosophy in Personal Financial Planning
Manhattan, KS
Graduate Tuition: $17,465
The university’s Personal Financial Planning Ph.D. program is offered in a hybrid format. Students take online courses in the fall and spring semesters and participate in intensive 10-day residencies each summer. For the final summer session, the student cohort group travels abroad to observe global markets as they relate to comprehensive financial planning. Core courses include Investing for the Family’s Future, Personal Income Taxation, and Retirement Planning. Professional courses include Family Resource Management and Financial Counseling. Elective offerings include Applied Behavioral Finance and Money and Relationships. The curriculum also includes research methods and statistics courses along with the culminating dissertation.
7. University of Missouri – St. Louis
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
St. Louis, MO
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,150
The University of Missouri – St. Louis is a public research university in St. Louis County, MO. It is the newest member of the four-member University of Missouri System. It is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse universities in the state. It has been recognized by Insights into Diversity three times with the publication’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. The campus is home to the St. Louis Mercantile Library, the oldest library west of the Mississippi River. The university’s College of Business Administration is accredited by the AACSB, which is the highest accreditation a business school can achieve.
The university’s Business Administration Ph.D. program emphasizes Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Its curriculum features key themes of analytical modeling and international business. Business & Research foundational classes include Contemporary Marketing Concepts; Law, Ethics and Business; and Managing People in Organizations. Logistics & Supply Chain courses include Business Logistics Systems and Management Science Methods. Students must complete nine credits within a supporting field, and take a supporting field examination along with a comprehensive exam. Each student is required to submit a paper to an academic journal and present a paper at a conference. Students who work onsite as graduate assistants will receive a stipend and have their educational fees waived.
6. Saint Leo University
Doctor of Business Administration
Saint Leo, FL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,552
Saint Leo University is a private non-profit university primarily located in Saint Leo, FL, 35 miles north of Tampa. The university and its affiliated Saint Leo Abbey were named for Pope Leo the Great, bishop of Rome from 440 to 461. Saint Leo was the first Roman Catholic college in Florida and is one of the five largest Catholic colleges in the U.S. The university began educating military personnel in 1973 during the Vietnam era and was one of the nation’s first universities to provide distance learning opportunities. U.S. News & World Report ranks Saint Leo 47th in Regional Universities South and 14th in Best Value Schools.
The university’s DBA program prepares graduates for business-related academic leadership, consulting, or teaching positions. To begin the program, students take an orientation course and skill assessment. Students then move on to a Doctoral Success Lab, which provides an introduction to program resources, facilities, and faculty. Core courses include A History of Applied Management Theory, Global Leadership, and Ethics; and Organizational Behavior and Social Responsibility. Students complete a comprehensive written exam and a dissertation seminar, research, and defense. The program culminates in a Management Learning Seminar and Management Teaching Practicum, followed by a Best Practices course and practicum in Consulting.
5. Concordia University Chicago
Doctorate in Business Administration
River Forest, IL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,846
Concordia University Chicago is a private liberal arts university in River Forest, IL. It was established in 1864 as the Addison Teachers Seminary to provide religious teacher education. Today, the university maintains its ties to the Lutheran heritage. Its business programs are built upon four “Pillars of Knowledge”: Communication and Human Relations, Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurial Mindset, Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Global Interconnectedness and Inclusiveness. U.S. News & World Report ranks CUC 72nd in Regional Universities Midwest and 44th in Best Value Schools.
The university offers two specializations within its DBA program: Health Care, and Leadership and Innovation. The curriculum includes courses in Disruptive Innovative Execution, Global Business Operations, and Strategic Leadership Thought. The program consists of three mandatory residency experiences and several Mentor Course Rooms leading to the dissertation. Before defending their dissertation proposals in the final Mentor Course Room, students must present a comprehensive professional portfolio. The program is designed to be completed in three years.
4. Creighton University
Doctorate in Business Administration
Omaha, NE
Graduate Tuition: $31,481
Creighton University is a private Jesuit Roman Catholic university in Omaha, NE. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1878, it is named for its benefactor, philanthropist Mary Lucretia Creighton. The university is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. According to U.S. News & World Report, Creighton is the #1 university in the Midwest, and the best college for veterans in the country.
The university’s DBA is a research-based program designed for students hoping to work in tenure-track college faculty positions. Seven on-campus residencies are required in each of the first two years of the program. The program also follows a cohort model, so students can build a solid support network in residencies and beyond. Course requirements include Applied Data Analytics Research, General Linearized Models, and Ignatian Reflection and Formation. The curriculum also includes an Innovative Pedagogical Mentorship and Practicum, and a dissertation with an accompanying research mentorship and seminar. The program is designed to be completed in three years.
3. Liberty University
Doctor of Business Administration
Lynchburg, VA
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,954
Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, VA. Based on student enrollment, it is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Most of the student population is enrolled in the university’s online programs. All academic programs are based in Christianity, and the university plays an active role in Republican politics. U.S. News & World Report ranks Liberty’s graduate business programs 98th in the nation.
The university’s DBA program is offered entirely online. The program trains students in skills including human resources, management, and marketing. It offers 13 specializations, including but not limited to Accounting, Healthcare Management, International Business, and Strategic Media and Digital Content. Core courses across all specializations include Advanced Business Research Methods, Human Resource Development, and Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making. Each course spans eight weeks. All students must also complete an orientation seminar, DBA colloquium, and doctoral dissertation. The degree program takes three and a half years to complete.
2. University of the Cumberlands
Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership
Williamsburg, KY
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,212
The University of the Cumberlands is a private Kentucky Baptist university in Williamsburg, KY. It was established in 1889, and previously called the Williamsburg Institute, Highland College, and Cumberland College. The university regularly brings accomplished writers and conservative politicians to lecture on campus. The campus’ Cumberland Inn Museum houses the Carl Williams Cross Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of Christian crosses. The Ruby Gatliff Archer President’s Home was built as a replica of the “Kentucky Home” at the 1904 World’s Fair.
The university’s doctoral Leadership program takes a theory- and research-intensive approach. The program examines administration, leadership, and teaching methods. It is ideal for students seeking roles in schools or community organizations. Leadership core courses include The Change Process, Learning in Adulthood, and Program Planning and Assessment. Students must also take professional research and specialty classes. Specialty areas include Criminal Justice, English, Health Science, and Psychology. Though students can incorporate applied research into their dissertation, it should be based in theory. Students have the option to complete additional coursework to obtain a Kentucky Rank 1 certification.
1. Bellevue University
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Management
Bellevue, NE
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,359
Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university in Bellevue, NE, just outside of Omaha. Since its establishment in 1966, the university has focused primarily on flexible education for working adults. Its student population ranges in age from 18 to 65 and over, with most between the ages of 25 and 34. Bellevue often ranks among the nation’s most military-friendly institutions. It ranks #1 among Online Ph.D. Programs‘ 35 Best Online Ph.D.s in Business Law.
The university’s Human Capital Management Ph.D. program is designed to build skills in creating human capital development programs, measuring human capital investment effectiveness, and collaborating with organizational leaders. The curriculum is built upon literature, research, and expertise from the university’s faculty and scholars. Coursework is divided into four modules: Human Capital Leadership and Introduction to Measurement; Linking Human Capital to Organizational Outcomes; Measuring, Analyzing, and Assessing Human Capital Effectiveness; and Strategic Human Capital Management and Productivity. Courses include Human Learning and Decision Making; Seminar in Technology, Social Learning and Innovation; and Seminar in Performance Management. The program culminates with a comprehensive exam and dissertation.