Top Online Doctoral Programs in Business
You are a business professional and want to achieve the highest academic level than Online PhD in business administration or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) online can be the most affordable, fast and flexible path to achieve your career targets. Here we offer you the opportunity to explore some of the Top Online Doctoral Programs in business or top online doctoral programs in business, with AACSB-accredited options, no dissertation requirements, fully online degree programs and of course fast and cheap too.
No matter you are in search of cheapest online DBA Programs or a fully funded DBA online or want accredited and affordable online PhD in business management, we cover it all- as per your career goals, requirements, budget and schedule.
Whether you’re seeking the cheapest online DBA programs, a fully funded DBA, or an online PhD in business management, we’ve got everything you need to make the right choice.
PhD vs DBA – Which One is Right for You?
Before going further in details, first we want to discuss a little what is the difference between in Business PhD and DBA, so you can choose the right degree program according to your career goals.
| Feature | PhD in Business Administration | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Academic & research careers | Applied business & executive leadership |
| Dissertation Requirement | Usually required | Many offer DBA degrees without dissertation |
| Duration | 4–6 years | 3–4 years (some accelerated) |
| Cost | $40,000–$90,000+ | $15,000–$70,000 |
| Format | Often structured, may require residency | Fully online DBA programs available |
TIP: If you want to focus more on business leadership then DBA project management online specialization can be more suitable choice to achieve your career goals.
Top Online DBA and PhD Programs in Business
For your review and convenience, we listed some of the top ranked online DBA programs and accredited online PhD programs in business that are affordable, fully online and career focused- for more programs you can check our by subject or by country sections as per your preferences.
Purdue University Global
- Degree: Online DBA
- Format: Fully Online
- Duration: 3 years
- Cost: ~$49,920
- Dissertation: ✅ No dissertation required (Capstone project)
- Accreditation: Regionally accredited
- Highlights: Great for working professionals seeking cheap DBA online options
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Capella University – FlexPath
- Degree: Online DBA or PhD in Business
- Duration:5–3 years (Self-paced)
- Cost: ~$2,500 per term
- Dissertation: ✅ Optional / Project-based
- Accreditation: ACBSP
- Highlights: Excellent choice for those seeking an online DBA program no dissertation
🔗 [Explore FlexPath Options]
University of the People
- Degree: Online DBA
- Cost: Tuition-free (Only fees: ~$3,000–$4,000 total)
- Format: Fully Online
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Dissertation: ✅ No dissertation (applied project format)
- Accreditation: DEAC
- Scholarships: Full and partial available
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Hampton University Online
- Degree: Online PhD in Business Administration
- Cost: ~$695 per credit
- Duration: ~3.5 years
- Dissertation: Required
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Highlights: One of the few accredited online PhD programs in business offered by an HBCU
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University of Essex Online (UK)
- Degree: Online DBA
- Format: Fully Online
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Cost: ~£21,000 total (approx. $26,000)
- Dissertation: Capstone research project
- Accreditation: UK Government-recognized (QAA)
- Highlights: Ideal for international students seeking a respected European business doctorate
🔗 [Explore Essex Online DBA]
University of Southern Queensland (Australia)
- Degree: PhD in Business Administration (Online)
- Format: 100% Online with remote supervision
- Duration:5 to 6 years
- Cost: ~$27,000 AUD (approx. $18,000 USD)
- Dissertation: Required research thesis
- Accreditation: TEQSA (Australia)
- Highlights: Great option for self-paced international learners
🔗 [Explore USQ PhD Business]
Popular Specializations in Online DBA & PhD Programs
Most of the top online doctoral programs in business covers all in-demand and popular concentrations. No matter you are emphasis on research-based PhD online or a professional DBA online these specializations are tailored to help you in achieving your goals.
| Specialization | Description |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Advanced focus on auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. Great for CFOs and professors. |
| Management | Ideal for strategic planning, leadership, and organizational behavior roles. |
| Human Resources (HR) | For professionals focused on talent acquisition, development, and labor law. |
| Marketing | Research consumer behavior, branding, and global digital strategies. |
| Entrepreneurship | Learn how to build, scale, and lead innovative business ventures. |
| Finance | Focus on investment strategies, financial modeling, and capital markets. |
| Project Management | Perfect for leading global teams and managing complex initiatives. |
| Healthcare Management | Business strategy applied in hospitals, systems, and global health sectors. |
Compare Online Business Doctoral Programs
| University | Degree | Cost | Duration | Dissertation-Free? | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | DBA | ~$49,920 | 3 yrs | ✅ Yes | Regional (U.S.) |
| Capella FlexPath | DBA/PhD | Varies | ~3 yrs | ✅ Optional | ACBSP (U.S.) |
| University of the People | DBA | ~$4,000 | 3–4 yrs | ✅ Yes | DEAC (U.S.) |
| Hampton University | PhD | ~$55,000 | ~3.5 yrs | ❌ No | SACSCOC (U.S.) |
| University of Essex Online | DBA | ~$26,000 | ~3.5 yrs | ✅ Yes | QAA (UK) |
| Univ. of Southern Queensland | PhD | ~$18,000 | ~4 yrs | ❌ No | TEQSA (AUS) |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most of the reputed and accredited universities around the world are not only offering cheap and affordable online DBA and PhD business programs but also offering handsome scholarship ad funding facilities.
- University of the People – Need-based and full scholarships
- Capella University – Up to $5,000 scholarship for new students
- Purdue & Liberty – Military discounts + employer reimbursement
- Hampton University – Eligible for FAFSA and private aid
- Scholarships for Online DBA Programs are often offered on a rolling basis
Though the criterial of best online DBA program is more depends on your career goals, budget and schedule, but in general Capella Flexpath and Purdue Global considered top choices as per affordability and flexibility.
Yes, most of the accredited online colleges and universities are offering Online DBA programs with dissertation but with capstone or applied projects.
AACSB online PhD or AACSB-accredited online DBA programs are recognized globally and increase you academic or executive career options.
Yes! Several universities offer DBA project management online specializations.
Yes, many are fully online PhD business administration programs with no on-campus requirements.