If you’re a business professional aiming to reach the pinnacle of your field, becoming a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) might be your perfect next step. This doctoral degree represents one of the highest levels of academic and professional achievement in the business world.
In this guide, we explain what a DBA is, why you might pursue one, and how California Intercontinental University (CIU)’s online DBA program, with its strong student support and unique doctoral research project, can help you achieve your goals. By the end, you’ll see how to take the next step toward becoming a Doctor of Business Administration.
What is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)?
A Doctor of Business Administration is a terminal doctoral degree in business, meaning it’s the highest level of education you can attain in business administration. It is equivalent in stature to a Ph.D. in Business, but generally more focused on the practical application of business theory rather than purely theoretical research.
In a DBA program, experienced professionals delve into advanced topics like strategy, organizational leadership, finance, and global business, while also conducting original research on real-world business challenges. The goal is to produce scholar-practitioners: experts who not only understand advanced business concepts but can also apply them to solve complex problems in industry.
Earning a DBA is a significant achievement that signals expertise and leadership; indeed, a doctorate is a prestigious credential held by only a small percentage of the population.
Why Become a Doctor of Business Administration?
For many ambitious professionals, a DBA is the next logical step to reach their goals. Here are a few common reasons to consider pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration:
- Advance to Top Leadership Roles – A DBA can open doors to high-level management and executive positions. Graduates may qualify to lead large teams, step into C-suite roles (CEO, CFO, CIO, etc.), or drive strategy as management consultants. The degree equips you with refined decision-making and analytical skills that are highly valued in senior leadership.
- Transition into Academia – If you aspire to teach or research, a DBA can qualify you for roles in higher education. Many DBA holders become business school professors or academic researchers, using their extensive real-world experience and doctoral knowledge to educate the next generation of business leaders.
- Gain Expert Knowledge and Credibility – Pursuing a DBA deepens your expertise in business beyond the MBA level. It demonstrates your ability to tackle complex organizational challenges with evidence-based strategies and positions you as an authority in your field. In a competitive business world, having “Doctor” in front of your name can set you apart and instill confidence in employers, clients, and colleagues.
- Personal Achievement – Earning a doctorate is also a personally rewarding milestone. It signifies dedication to mastering your field and a commitment to lifelong learning. For many, obtaining a DBA is the capstone of their educational journey – an accomplishment that brings pride and a sense of fulfillment.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
CIU’s DBA program is designed for working professionals, offering a high degree of flexibility. Because the program is delivered 100% online, you can continue in your current job and study on a schedule that fits your life.
Many students at CIU earn their DBA while working full-time – and even managing family responsibilities – thanks to this format. The standard timeline for completion is about 2.5 years.
Another benefit of CIU’s flexible approach is that if life events demand your attention, you won’t lose your momentum. Need to pause for a while? The university allows you to take leaves of absence or short breaks as necessary. In other words, the program adapts to your life circumstances, not the other way around. This level of flexibility means you can earn your DBA degree without sacrificing your career or personal commitments.
Support as You Become a Doctor of Business Administration
Earning a DBA may be challenging, but at CIU, you will never have to go it alone. The university prides itself on providing strong support to students throughout the program. Even though you might be studying from home, you’ll feel part of a vibrant academic community. Faculty and staff at CIU are highly accessible and invested in your success – a dedicated team of professors and student advisors is on hand to guide, encourage, and provide feedback.
In practice, this means you’ll have multiple layers of support. From day one, you are assigned a student success advocate who can help with everything from course selection to navigating any personal challenges that arise during your studies.
Your professors don’t just grade your assignments – they serve as mentors, especially when you begin your doctoral research project. With this comprehensive support system, you can confidently tackle the rigors of the DBA program knowing that help is available at every step.
Doctoral Research Project vs. Traditional Dissertation
One unique aspect of CIU’s DBA program is the Doctoral Research Project (DRP), which takes the place of a traditional dissertation.
In most doctoral programs, candidates write a dissertation – a lengthy, theory-based research study meant to contribute new knowledge to the field.
By contrast, CIU’s Doctoral Research Project focuses on bridging theory with practice through real-world problem-solving. As a DBA student, you will identify a specific business challenge (often one from your own industry or organization) and develop a research-driven solution. This means your doctoral work isn’t just an abstract exercise; it has a direct practical impact on business practices.
The format of the DRP also differs in scope and style. Traditional dissertations often span hundreds of pages, whereas CIU guides DBA students to produce a concise final project, generally about 70 to 110 pages in length. In essence, the DRP is a streamlined dissertation: it requires rigorous research and analysis, but without the excessive length. The emphasis is on actionable insights and applicable results, rather than on sheer volume of writing. In fact, a dissertation typically leans toward theoretical exploration, whereas a DRP prioritizes practical application of knowledge.
This hands-on approach still demands academic rigor, but it avoids the marathon writing sessions of a traditional dissertation. For many working professionals, the DRP model makes earning the Doctor of Business Administration more attainable and relevant to their careers. At CIU, it’s the primary way to earn your DBA without a traditional dissertation requirement, allowing you to achieve the doctoral credential with a project focused on real business impact.
Take the Next Step Toward Your DBA
Becoming a Doctor of Business Administration is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and with the right program and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable. CIU’s online DBA program offers the rigorous education and respected credential you seek, while fitting into your busy life and supporting you at every turn. If you’ve been considering taking your career and expertise to the next level, now is the time to act.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step – in this case, reaching out to learn more or applying to the program. Embarking on your DBA with CIU could be the key to unlocking your full leadership potential. Your DBA is within reach, and CIU is here to help you achieve it.
