NOTE: A version of this article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on January 18, 2018. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in March 2026.   

This article was reviewed by Elwin Jones, PhD, Columbia Southern University's Dean of the College of Business and Technology.

Returning to college is such an important decision, especially if you have already earned your graduate or undergraduate degree.  Business leaders who want to expand their professional impact may consider the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), one of the highest levels of education available in the industry. 

If you bring years of industry experience to the table, a DBA can provide the opportunity to deepen your expertise, tackle business challenges and position yourself for higher levels of leadership. 

In this article, we will define and explore four reasons why earning a DBA is worth it. 

What Is a DBA?

For many people, a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, represents the culmination of their formal business education. However, some may wonder "Can I earn a doctorate in business?" Yes you can. There are two options for business professionals seeking to earn a doctorate: the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) a or a Doctor of Business Administration. 

The primary difference between these programs lies in their focus. A Ph.D in business typically prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills for careers in academia, where they contribute to the theoretical foundations of business and conduct scholarly research. A DBA is designed for experienced professionals who want to apply advanced research to apply advanced research to real-world business challenges.   

Ultimately, both require expanding on existing knowledge, but the applications of that new knowledge differ. The DBA emphasizes applying that knowledge to improve business practices and organizational outcomes. 

Why Should I Earn a DBA?

Not sure if earning a doctorate in business is for you? Here are three reasons why you may consider pursuing your DBA.  

1. Strengthened Professional Credibility

Earning a doctoral degree gives students a new perspective on the business world, earning them more credibility in their field among their peers, potential employers and the business industry. A DBA not only reflects academic achievement but also demonstrates a commitment to advancing business knowledge and solving complex industry problems. 

“For students who have earned their DBA, they have learned a new way to communicate,” said Dr. Elwin Jones, dean of the College of Business and Technology, and vice provost for the Doctoral Center at Columbia Southern University. “It impacts the way they think, the way they write and how they talk. It’s those new learned ways of absorbing information that give students the competitive advantage within a career opportunity.”  

 While MBA programs often provide a broad foundation in business disciplines, DBA programs, on the other hand, allow professionals to focus deeply on a particular topic or challenge.  Not only could you hone your skills in research, writing and presentation, but your specialized research gives you in-depth knowledge that can position you as a subject-matter expert within your industry. 

2. Expanded Career Opportunities

DBA programs communicate valuable business management, leadership and organizational effectiveness, empowering graduates to put their skills to good use in a variety of industries and job titles. Where an MBA boosts your management skills, a DBA prepares you to analyze complex business issues and generate new insights that can guide organizational strategy.  

In many cases, MBA students study existing case studies to learn from past decisions. DBA students often develop their own research projects that examine business models, processes or leadership challenges and propose solutions grounded in data and analysis. 

This ability to generate new insights can open doors within academia and towards a variety of career opportunities. Here are some roles that DBA graduates might pursue upon earning their degree: 

• Professor or academic administrator 
• Business consultant or strategist 
• Entrepreneur 
• Chief operating officer 
• Senior management or executive leadership roles 
• Government contractor 

Many of these positions involve high-level strategic decision-making. Because DBA degrees are less common than MBAs, they can also help professionals distinguish themselves in competitive fields. Modern business is moving quickly and evolving more than ever before.

Many industries are attracted to individuals who have taken the time to stay ahead of new theories, concepts and tools and gain a better understanding of the complexities of modern business. A DBA gives you the tools to anticipate the needs of an organization, and that’s appealing to employers. 

3. Position Yourself for Leadership Opportunities

Many companies require senior management professionals to hold advanced degrees. Earning your DBA requires advanced research skills and sharpened business acumen, and it taps into superior decision-making skills. These newly acquired proficiencies could help you stand out when being considered for leadership roles.

Earn Your DBA at Columbia Southern University

Our graduate programs were designed to meet working professionals where they are in their life and career. That’s why CSU offers highly flexible course scheduling, online courses, and a pace of coursework and live lectures that may work better with your schedule.    

CSU requires a concentration selection for the doctoral programs. Concentrations include Business Management, Emergency Management, Occupational Safety and Health, and Organizational Leadership. 

For more information about pursuing your Doctor of Business Administration at Columbia Southern University, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/DBA.

NOTE: A version of this article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on January 18, 2018. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in March 2026.