PhD in Business Online

Online PhD programs in business teach how successful businesses work in the modern business environment. Through research, writing, and critical analysis, programs teach the many parts of leadership, strategy, and social responsibility.

Did You Know?

If you have $10 in your hand and no debt, you’re more rich than 25% of Americans.

Online PhD Programs in Business

Choosing to earn an online doctorate degree in business means you’re choosing to pursue the terminal degree in the field. That means it is the highest degree you can earn in business. Plus, choosing to earn your degree online provides you the chance to work on your online communication skills. Some studies also suggest that the use of multimedia, such as webinars and infographics, can help with how well you can remember things.

All online doctoral programs in business focus on providing you a complete mastery of business practices, as well as developing, implementing, and maintaining successful strategies.  

Online PhD Programs in Business

What’s the Difference Between DBA and PhD?

While similar, the main difference between a DBA and a PhD are the roles they may prepare you for upon graduation. For instance, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is normally focused on preparing students for a role in academia. DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) programs typically prepare you for leadership roles.

There are also DM (Doctor of Management) programs available, which focus on teaching you practical knowledge to solve complex business problems. The goal of each is to give you a solid base of how to run profitable businesses in the modern business world.

However, each program is different. To find a perfect match for you, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about each school.

Different Degree Concentrations

In addition to all of the types of PhD degrees, there are also a few concentrations for online PhD programs in business. Let's take a look at some of these options.

  • Organizational Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Healthcare Management
  • International Business
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Management
  • Global Operations and Supply Chain Management

When you search for a perfect program for you, keep in mind that each one will be different. Some or all of these options may be offered at some schools, while others may not have any. Get program descriptions and class names from individual schools when you click on any of the sponsored listings on this page.

Admissions Requirements

All programs have their own admissions requirements. However, most ask that you’ve earned masters degree from an accredited university. Also, most require that you keep a high GPA while earning that degree. Typically, that is a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, but it varies from school to school.

Check with each program to see its specific requirements. That way you’ll know if you are cut out for it before you apply.

Graduation Requirements

Most online doctorate in business programs take three to four years for students to complete.  Also, most are made for part-time students who now work full-time. If that’s you, choosing to earn your Online PhD Programs in Business degree could provide the added bonus of completing coursework around your busy schedule. However, all programs are different. For instance, some Online PhD Programs in Business are for full-time students.

Normally, after completing all required coursework, doctorate programs require you to propose, write, present, and defend a dissertation to a board of faculty. Check with individual schools to find a perfect match for you.

Did You Know?

The Rubik’s cube is the best-selling product of all time. The iPhone is second.

Common Courses When You Earn a Doctorate Degree in Business

Typically, courses try to give you a complete understanding of the principles of the concentration you’ve chosen. That includes, theories, best practices, and how they can be used to solve complex business problems. Therefore, specific courses vary from program to program. Some of the common courses you may take while pursuing your online doctorate degree in business include the following.

  • Business Principles and Practice
  • Quantitative Research Techniques
  • Advanced Research in Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Global Business Strategy
  • Theories of Globalization
  • Investments and Portfolio Management
  • Corporate Finance
  • Advanced Marketing Research
  • Development and Evaluation of Marketing Theory

Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about specific online PhD programs in business. This includes program descriptions, a list of common courses, and admissions rules. You can even contact schools directly to ask them more.

Possible Business Careers You Can Pursue

After you earn your online PhD in business, you can pursue a few kinds of paths. We'll break them down for you here.

  • Top Executives: $102,690 i
  • Financial Managers: $117,990 ii
  • Survey Researchers: $53,920 iii
  • Economists: $99,180 iv
  • Postsecondary Teacher: $72,470v

Most of these positions don’t require a doctorate degree, especially for entry-level positions.vi However, most of the higher-level jobs, especially with big companies, look for candidates with a masters or doctorate degree.vii Most postsecondary teachers require that candidates have earned a PhD, though some adjunct positions may only ask that you have a masters.viii

Take the Next Step!

While earning your online doctorate degree in business, programs teach you a mastery of business research, theory, and practice. Online doctoral programs in business also focus on providing you the skills and knowledge to develop strategy and evaluate the effectiveness through data and analytics.  

To find a perfect online PhD program in business for you, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual schools. This includes program descriptions, common courses, and admissions requirements. You can even contact schools directly to request more information.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-5 [ii] bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-5 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm#tab-5 [iv] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm#tab-5 [v] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5 [vi] bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-4 [vii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm#tab-4 [viii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-4