One common question prospective students often ask is: Can you earn a DBA without an MBA? The short answer is: it depends. Let us explain.
The succession from a Master’s in Business Administration into a Doctorate in Business Administration is a rather obvious one, so it makes sense to go from one to the other. However, that’s not the case for all students. Every journey is different because every student is different.
Dr. William Talboys, PhD, was consulted for this article.
What To Consider to Figure Out – Can You Earn a DBA without an MBA?
The first question you should ask yourself is: do you have a master’s degree, even if it’s not an MBA? If yes, is it in a discipline closely related to business?
Let’s explore the scenario brought up by those questions.
Scenario 1: I hold a Master’s Degree in a Business Field
If you already hold a master’s degree, even if it’s not an MBA, you can still pursue a DBA, especially if your degree is in a business-related field. For instance, having a master’s in areas such as marketing, human resources, or economics can make you eligible.
Other fields that align well with a DBA program include accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, operations management, organizational leadership, or supply chain management.
In these cases, you can likely begin your DBA journey without any major obstacles, assuming you meet other requirements for the program.
Scenario 2: I hold a Master’s Degree in a Non-Business Field
If your master’s is in a different discipline, such as biology or architecture, you might still be eligible to earn a DBA!
However, do consider that you may be required to complete certain prerequisite courses before starting the DBA program. This is to ensure that you have a solid foundation in business concepts before diving into doctoral-level studies.
Also, consider that your chosen program may have requirements beyond holding a master’s degree. See below for more.
Scenario 3: I Do Not Hold a Master’s Degree At all.
For those fresh out of undergraduate programs without a graduate degree, the typical recommendation is to first pursue an MBA. An MBA provides a broad understanding of business principles and prepares students for the advanced study of a DBA. (You can also check our article on the difference between a DBA and an MBA for more details.)
However, you might still be eligible to enter a DBA program directly under certain conditions. These include:
- A bachelor’s degree in a field related to the chosen DBA specialization.
- Documentation of at least 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework.
- Between 3 to 5 years of professional business experience.
- A strong letter of application highlighting your professional experience and career goals.
These criteria show that your practical experience and any prior academic work in business can sometimes offset the need for a master’s degree.
Other Requirements for Starting a DBA
Aside from whether or not you hold an MBA, there are other standard requirements to consider when applying for a DBA program. These include:
- Application form: The basic form detailing your background and academic history.
- Admissions interview: A step to assess your fit for the program and your goals.
- Application fees: As with most graduate programs, fees are required.
Additionally, DBA-specific requirements include:
- CV: Outlining your professional experience.
- 3 to 5 years of professional experience: Most DBA programs expect applicants to have significant experience in business roles.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher: A minimum GPA requirement is often set to ensure academic readiness.
Conclusion
While having an MBA might smooth the path to earning a DBA, it’s not strictly required. Your previous academic background, professional experience, and any additional graduate-level coursework can open doors to a DBA, even without an MBA. Each case is unique, so it’s important to check the specific entry requirements of the DBA programs you’re interested in. Whether you’re coming from another master’s discipline or have years of work experience, there’s more than one route to achieving a DBA.
