Top 30 Best Online Doctorates in Business Administration 2020

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The Top 30 Best Online Doctorates in Business Administration 2020 can prepare you for leadership positions and career advancement opportunities.  Careers in business can be promising and financially and emotionally rewarding. While a master’s degree in business will prepare you for entry-level and mid-level positions, if you have your sights set on a leadership role, you’ll need to take the next step of earning your Doctorate in Business Administration.

The DBA degree focuses on research, analytics, and problem-solving techniques to help you identify challenges and implement creative, practical, and effective changes in the business environment. With the skills and experience you’ll gain in a DBA program, you can establish yourself as a valuable addition to a business’ operation. The Top 30 Best Online Doctorates in Business Administration 2020 are accessible to working adults, allowing you to balance both your current career and your education. 

Best Online Doctorates in Business Administration (DBA) Programs in 2020

  1. Liberty University. Doctor of Business Administration
  2. Florida National University. Doctor of Business Administration
  3. California Baptist University. Doctor of Business Administration
  4. Creighton University. Doctorate of Business Education
  5. Saint Leo University. Doctor of Business Administration
  6. Temple University. Doctor of Business Administration
  7. University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Doctor of Business Administration
  8. Bellevue University. Doctorate of Business Administration
  9. Drexel University.Executive Doctorate in Business
  10. University of Missouri-St. Louis. Doctor of Business Administration

FINDING AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The DBA degree opens up many valuable opportunities in the business industry. DBA degree holders can become leaders, executives, consultants, and more in various settings, including in commercial businesses, nonprofits, education settings, and governmental offices. These upper-level positions carry high salaries; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executive positions carried a median salary of $104,980 in 2018, while chief executives had a median annual wage of $189,600. The job outlook for these positions is expected to grow by 6% from 2018 to 2029, which is as fast as the typical job outlook. The below online DBA degree programs can give you the specialized knowledge and experience you need to be successful in these upper-level positions. 

These online DBA programs can be completed either entirely online or with minimal on-campus residency requirements. All of the programs require the completion of a significant research project, often a dissertation. Close faculty mentoring is another keystone element of many of these programs. When choosing the program that’s right for you, you should consider whether a program offers a specialization or concentration in an area that interests you. Faculty experience and research specializations are also important since faculty can contribute to the success of your dissertation and the overall quality of your education experience. Be sure to consider whether you have time to study at a full-time or part-time pace, since some of these programs allow both options, while others may require you to study full-time. 

RANKING THE TOP 30 BEST ONLINE DOCTORATES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 2020

While you’re on your way to earning your Ph.D. or Doctorate within your field, the editors at Online PhD Programs are already practicing doctors of their craft: ranking the best online Ph.D. programs. To be featured on our annual rankings online doctorates must satisfy four coinciding requirements: accreditation, research and scholarship doctorate certification, NSF recognition, and institutional association with peer-reviewed academia. 

Each degree is then ranked using information provided through the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. The data collected is scored through a series of weighted categories to represent seven crucial aspects of what makes an online doctorate valuable to future students. Online program quality and presence are joined by industry salaries, student reviews, degree exclusivity, costs, and completion rates to determine the best online doctorates available. For a comprehensive breakdown of how we categorize and source data, please visit ourmethodology page. 

#1. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Liberty University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program is a 60-credit-hour program that can be completed in about three years. The program is offered entirely online and offers students training in topics including human resources, marketing, and professional management. Students can choose from a wide range of specializations, including Accounting, Healthcare, Information Systems, International Business, Strategic Management, and more. Students also complete an applied dissertation focusing on a business program in their area of specialty. Program applicants must have an MBA and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Liberty allows students to transfer up to 15 credit hours toward this program. 

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA. The university was founded in 1971 and has since grown to include 17 colleges and schools. Over 100,000 students attend this evangelical, liberal arts university, where they can choose from more than 600 programs of study. Liberty offers more than 400 of these programs online, reaching students worldwide. These online courses are flexible and based on a Christian worldview, and with eight-week course formats, students can quickly progress through their programs. 
Format: Online


#2. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

At Florida National University, students can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree program that is offered as a hybrid format. This program is intended for senior-level professionals, or for students who desire to attain senior-level positions in their careers. This 72-credit-hour program is non-residential but combines face-to-face and online education. Students can expect to complete the program in about three years when attending spring, summer, and fall semesters. Four two-day residencies are required for the fall and spring semesters, and students must also attend a one-week on-campus orientation before the start of their first fall semester. Students progress through the program in cohorts, which creates a supportive environment. 

FIU is the first and only public research institution in Miami. It first opened its doors in 1972 to a class of 5,667 students. Today, the university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to nearly 54,000 students and is also home to over 200,000 alumni. The student body at FIU is diverse, with 61% of students being Hispanic and 13% being black. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked 15 of FIU’s programs in the top-50 best programs in public universities. FIU’s Undergraduate International Business Program was also ranked No. 2 in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. 
Format: Online


#3. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

California Baptist University offers a Doctor of Business Administration degree program that is designed to prepare working professionals to hold executive or professional leadership positions. This 50-unit online degree can be completed in three years and includes a dissertation. Students take one online class every eight weeks, allowing them to progress through the program quickly. Classes focus on important topics in today’s business environment such as human resources, marketing, and professional management, and program faculty have professional experience in public, non-profit, and private sectors. Students progress through the program in cohorts and periodically participate in on-campus residencies. CBU offers financial aid to qualifying students. 

CBU was founded by the California Southern Baptist Convention in 1950. The university offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees taught by its 100% Christian faculty and staff. CBU educates nearly 10,500 students each year, and in 2017, the U.S. News & World Report included CBU in its Best Regional University ranking. While its 160-acre main campus is located in Riverside, CA, CBU offers 40 degrees online through CBU Online. The U.S. News & World Report has included CBU Online in the top-50 online bachelor’s degree programs in the country ranking for the past seven consecutive years. CBU Online is designed so that students earn their degrees faster, which helps to save them money. 
Format: Online


#4. CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

With Creighton University’s Doctorate of Business Education degree program, students can prepare for their professional careers with the flexibility of a hybrid program. This research-oriented DBA allows students to study part-time for three years. Most instruction is provided online, and students attend a total of 14 on-campus residencies, including seven residencies per year for the first two years of the program. No residencies are required during the third year. Students can specialize in areas including marketing, accounting, finance, analytics and IT, and organizational behavior. As students focus on their dissertation research, they receive mentorship and guidance from faculty who are active researchers.  

Located in Omaha, NE, Creighton University was founded in 1878 and is one of just 27 Jesuit educational institutions in the country today. Creighton educates over 8,900 students each year through its nine schools and colleges, and the university’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to receive support from faculty. Creighton has received national recognition for the quality of its programs. The U.S. News & World Report recognized Creighton as a top-100 national university for veterans for 2020. Additionally, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Creighton No. 20 in its Best Online Graduate Business Programs listing and No. 9 in its Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans ranking. 
Format: Online


#5. SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY

Students can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree program online at Saint Leo University, enjoying a flexible, outcome-driven learning experience. This degree program prepares students with valuable research, critical analysis, and application skills they’ll regularly use as business professionals. This program is designed with adult learners in mind, and students can reach out to support professionals who are available to ensure student success. During this program, students can expect to take classes such as Global Leadership and Ethics, Analytics for Decision Making, Applied Research, and a Doctoral Success Lab. Program graduates will be prepared to hold a variety of positions, including consultant, executive manager, investment analyst, economist, and financial management roles.

Saint Leo University was established in 1889 by order of Saint Benedict of Florida and is the oldest Catholic higher education institution in the state today. Located in Saint Leo, this university also has 35 regional locations and a total enrollment of 15,000, with 41% of the student body consisting of underrepresented populations. Saint Leo offers more than 50 undergraduate degrees in addition to master’s and doctoral degree programs. Since the university’s establishment, it has worked to educate and serve, and today it educates nearly 6,000 men and women who are in the armed forces, along with veterans and their family members. The U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes Saint Leo as being one of the best universities in the South. 
Format: Online


#6. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Temple University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to ignite change in a business environment. Intended for executive-level professionals, this DBA program focuses on applied theory and data-driven research to prepare students to solve the challenges that today’s businesses face. Students progress through this program in cohorts and have access to the school’s mentorship program during their education. This program can be completed in three years on a part-time basis, and students attend six, on-site weekend residencies each year for the first two years. These in-person residencies are complemented by online learning. 

Temple University was founded as a night school in 1884 and has since grown into a research institution in Philadelphia. Today, Temple educates approximately 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students each year. Temple consists of 17 schools and colleges and, in addition to its on-campus and online offerings, offers study abroad opportunities on six continents, including on its international campuses in Tokyo and Rome. At Temple, students can choose from over 400 academic programs, including several online degrees and certificates that students can access from any location. The university is known as one of the largest educators in the dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and podiatry fields, today. 
Format: Online


#7. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN WHITEWATER

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s Doctorate of Business Administration degree program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to solve real-world business problems. While the majority of the courses are delivered online, students must attend one on-campus weekend per month. During these face-to-face weekend, classes start on Friday afternoons and end on Sunday evenings. During the rest of the time, students participate in virtual instruction online, through Skype and Webex. The university will only admit students who share research interests with faculty members’ areas of expertise, allowing faculty to serve as valuable mentors and advisors. Through mentorship, faculty help students to identify a dissertation topic and complete their dissertation while simultaneously teaching students how to become independent researchers.  

Located in Whitewater, WI, UW-Whitewater has been educating students for over 150 years. UW-Whitewater was founded in 1868 and became a part of the University of Wisconsin system in 1971. Today, the university serves over 13,000 at its main Whitewater campus as well as at its Rock Country campus. Students can choose from more than 50 majors leading to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. UW-Whitewater is known for providing affordable education, and its textbook rental program is included in tuition costs and covers 95% of course material expenses. The university also offers certain undergraduate and graduate degrees online, and students can choose to take just a few online courses without taking an entire degree online. 
Format: Online


#8. BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY

Students who pursue Bellevue University’s Doctor of Business Administration program will be able to earn this degree without ever having to travel to campus. This program prepares students to deal with the challenges that modern business executives face daily. Unlike many other DBA programs, students are not required to write a dissertation but rather to identify a business challenge that interests them and design an applied research-based doctoral project with the goal of finding a solution to that project. This project is integrated into the entire program and, upon completing the program, students will be thoughtful leaders in the industry. The program can be completed in three years, and students enjoy a two-week break in between every course, allowing them to rest and recharge before advancing.  

Bellevue University was founded in 1966 and is located in Bellevue, NE. Today, this non-profit educational institution is home to more than 50,000 alumni and is known for being military-friendly. Bellevue University’s Real Mastery® approach helps students to learn how to apply their education to real-world situations, teaching them how to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. Washington Monthly has recognized Bellevue University as a Top 10 College for Adult Learners for three years in a row. Additionally, Bellevue University has been recognized with a Military Friendly School Designation for ten consecutive years. 
Format: Online


#9. DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Drexel University offers an Executive Doctorate in Business degree program that provides executives and senior managers with the knowledge and skills they need to address challenges in the business world. This program is intended for professionals who already have at least ten years of industry or leadership experience. Students progress through the degree in a small cohort of between 12 and 18 students, which creates a supportive environment. Rather than traditional programs that are completed in three years, this program can be completed in just 2.5 years when students follow a ten consecutive-quarter progression. Because the program is delivered through both online-virtual modules and on-campus residencies, students can continue their full-time employment while working toward their degree. 

Located in Philadelphia, Drexel is a global research university that was founded in 1891. Though the university may be located in Pennsylvania, it regularly engages with communities and students all over the world through research partnerships in China and Israel, regional sites throughout Philadelphia, and Drexel Online. Drexel offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its 15 colleges and schools, and its adult education program helps adults to start, advance, or change their careers. Drexel Online offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in a convenient online format, and students who earn their degrees through Drexel Online receive the same degree as their peers who earn their degrees on campus. 
Format: Online


#10. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS

The University of Missouri-St. Louis Doctor of Business Administration program prepares senior managers to solve high-level business problems in their careers. Students progress through this three-year program in cohorts. While most of the coursework is offered online, students do make three weekend trips to campus during each term. These on-campus sessions are held one weekend per month and allow students to engage with faculty and their peers face-to-face. Students also collaborate with other students through the online learning platform. In the third year of the program, students focus on developing their dissertations. This program is intended for students who work full-time and who have between ten and 20 years of management experience. Program applicants should also have an MBA or post-baccalaureate degree. 

UMSL is situated on a 470-acre campus in suburban St. Louis County, MO. The university is home to almost 17,000 students, making it the largest public research university in the eastern part of the state. UMSL is home to over 73,000 alumni who are located in all 50 states as well as in 63 countries. INSIGHTS into Diversity Magazine has awarded UMSL the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award three times, and the Military Times has included UMSL in its Best for Vets ranking for five consecutive years. Additionally, Forbes has recognized UMSL as one of America’s Best Colleges, according to factors such as teaching quality, career prospects, and low levels of student debt. 
Format: Online


#11. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

Concordia University Chicago’s Doctorate in Business Administration degree program is intended for professionals who wish to focus on real-life business problems while learning how to blend research with business management techniques. Students can choose from specializations in Innovation in Health Care Management, Innovations in Human Resources, Strategic Leadership and Innovation, and Marketing Innovations. Unlike other DBA programs, this program incorporates the dissertation process throughout its entire three-year timeline. Students choose their preliminary dissertation topic at the beginning of the program, allowing them to make continuous progress on this project. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to hold executive and leadership or consultant positions and can also pursue scholarly positions in higher education. 

Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia-Chicago was founded in 1864 and was originally a college for teachers. Today, this university is a Christian liberal arts-based institution and is one of the most affordable universities of its kind in the Midwest. Concordia-Chicago has five colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs and doctoral degrees. In addition to traditional on-campus degrees, the university also offers many online degrees, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Because Concordia-Chicago is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, you’ll find that its Christian values are incorporated into its education programs. This university has 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports teams, and students can also participate in 13 intramural sports. 
Format: Online


#12. HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

Students who enroll in the Ph.D. in Business Administration degree program through Hampton University can access a program designed with the flexibility that busy professionals require. While most of the coursework is offered online, students must complete two summer four-week-long residencies during the first and second years of the program. To satisfy the requirements of the research preparatory skills courses, students will write a publishable paper during their first year and must also complete a dissertation proposal online. It is preferred that program applicants have a master’s degree, and applicants must have GMAT scores of at least 400. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, students will enter the program as a cohort with the summer residence in July and August. 

Located in Hampton, VA, Hampton University was founded in 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Situated on a 314-acre campus, Hampton U is home to over 4,300 students, including 649 graduate and professional students. Hampton U offers 98 programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs. In addition to offering these degrees through a traditional on-campus setting, Hampton U offers many of these programs to online students through its Hampton U Online platform. With Hampton U Online, students can pursue undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and professional development programs, even if they’re unable to meet the scheduling or geographic requirements of a traditional Hampton U degree. 
Format: Online


#13. UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD

The University of the Incarnate Word offers a Doctor of Business Administration degree program that builds on the knowledge and skills students acquired in earning their master’s degree. While this program is traditionally delivered with a blend of face-to-face instruction and technology delivery, students may also choose to complete the D.B.A. entirely online. This program also incorporates a supervised culminating experience during which students produce a peer-reviewed publication, a conference presentation, or a work-based project. Students can expect to take courses such as Qualitative Research, Business Operations & Process Improvement, Writing for Publication & Presentation, and Practical Econometrics & Decision-Making. 

UIW is located in San Antonio, Texas, and was founded to educate young women by the Sisters of Charity in 1881. The university first admitted males in 1970 and today educates both men and women with programs that incorporate the values of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Approximately 14% of UIW students are international students from more than 70 countries, and the university is a Hispanic-serving institution under Federal guidelines. At UIW, students can access 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students receive plenty of support from faculty. Seventy-five-percent of UIW students receive financial aid, and the majority of UIW students are the first students in their families to ever attend college. 
Format: Online


#14. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

At the University of Maryland University College, students can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree program online. All of the courses in this 48-credit-hour program are offered online, but students must attend one on-site residency in Rockville, MD, during each term of the program. These residencies are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays and include activities like guest lectures, instructor-led lectures, cohort discussions, and class assignment presentations. Students progress through the program in cohorts, which helps to facilitate close partnerships between peers. Program graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including for-profit, non-profit, governmental, and higher administration settings. Program applicants should have supervisory management experience as well as a background in management or business. 

Located in Largo, MA, the University of Maryland University College offers more than 90 degree programs and specializations available as online degree programs and hybrid programs. UMUC was founded over 70 years ago and is an online state university designed with the needs of working adults and servicemembers in mind. Most courses include online course materials at no cost to students, helping to keep the cost of these programs affordable. UMUC admissions do not require any SAT or GRE scores, and students can even earn credit for prior learning and life experiences or by testing out of lower-level courses. UMUC offers multiple start dates each year, so students don’t have to wait to begin their degree programs. This university also offers tuition assistance and benefits for veterans and has served the armed forces since 1947.  
Format: Online


#15. UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

The University of the Cumberlands offers a Doctor of Business Administration program online that requires no on-campus residencies. This program is designed with the understanding that professionals can have schedules that quickly change and frequent long days at the office. The online delivery gives students the flexibility that they need to balance their careers and their education, and students have the option of studying full-time or part-time. Students who opt to study full-time will earn 24 credits per academic year and can complete the program within three years. Students who study part-time will earn 12 credits per academic year and can complete the program in five years. During this program, students can choose to specialize in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, Project Management, or Strategic Management. 

The University of the Cumberlands has a main campus Williamsburg, KY, with a second campus located in Florence, KY. The university was founded by Baptist ministers in 1888, acquired Highland College in 1913, and became the University of the Cumberlands in 2005. The university’s enrollment is nearly 12,000 students today, including over 9,000 graduate students. The student body is diverse and includes students from 36 states and 38 different nations. Graduate students choose the University of the Cumberlands because of the flexibility the graduate degree programs offer. Students can complete the programs at their own pace, and tuition fees are priced to be accessible within most budgets. 
Format: Online


#16. CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE

At the City University of Seattle, students can take a Doctor of Business Administration degree program that gives them the flexibility to choose an on-site or an online format. Students who opt to complete the degree online can take all of the coursework without coming to campus, though they can choose to attend in-person residencies. Online courses feature an interactive teaching model that includes one hour of live interaction with the professor and peers every-other-week. This program can be completed in three to four years, and students can transfer up to 12 credits to reduce the amount of time that the 91-credit-hour program takes to complete. 

Founded in 1973, CityU offers education programs that are flexible and accessible to working adults and transfer students alike. This private, non-profit university offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs delivered onsite, online, and in mixed modes. This global university welcomes over 500 international students to its Seattle campus each year and has partnerships with educational institutions in many different locations, including Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam. All CityU students have the opportunity to learn from highly qualified faculty and can network with CityU alumni who are currently employed by some of the top companies in Seattle. 
Format: Online


#17. WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY

Wilmington University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program is available as a face-to-face program, or students can opt to take the program entirely online. The online courses feature interactive webinars, discussion boards, videos, and other tools to create an engaging learning environment. This program provides students with the skills and knowledge they will need to become thought-leaders within the business industry. During this program, students will work with an organization and industry leader as they develop a dissertation, and faculty closely mentor and support students as they work on their capstone projects. Students can complete this 54-credit-hour program in just three years, and cohorts start three times per year, allowing students to begin their education promptly. 

WilmU is a private, non-sectarian university that was chartered in 1968 and has since grown to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in many fields. Over 20,000 students are currently enrolled at WilmU. The university has six locations in Delaware and five locations in New Jersey, but with the university’s online programs, students can study from any location. WilmU offers day, evening, and weekend classes that provide flexible scheduling. Most classes follow a 15-week, seven-week, or weekend format. In 2005, WilmU began to offer its Fusion program, which blends online and face-to-face learning so that students can complete their degrees faster than a traditional in-person format would allow.  
Format: Online


#18. GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY

George Fox University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program is available as a hybrid program. This program focuses on integrating Christian faith and ethics and prepares business leaders and teachers for the challenges they’ll face in their professional lives. Most of the coursework is offered online, and students attend two on-campus residencies each year. This flexible format allows students to continue full-time employment while pursuing this degree on a part-time basis. Students can choose from concentrations in Accounting, Management, or Marketing. Program graduates currently work in a variety of settings, including higher education, corporate leadership, and consulting capacities. 

Located in Newburg, OR, George Fox University offers a supportive environment and personal attention to all of its students. For the 2018-2019 school year, George Fox’s enrollment totals over 4,000 students, including 1,442 graduate students. The university employs 196 full-time faculty and offers a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows students to develop relationships with faculty. The student body represents 32 states, and George Fox has an 82% acceptance rate. At George Fox, students can choose from over 40 majors, 45 minors, and six pre-professional programs. The university is often nationally recognized, and Forbes included George Fox in its top 10 Best Religiously Affiliated Colleges in the country ranking. 
Format: Online


#19. SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY

Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Business Administration in Finance degree program is a low-residency program that gives working professionals the flexibility they need to earn their degrees while meeting their career responsibilities. During this three-year program, students progress through courses in a cohort model, which makes for a supportive environment. This program gives students access to hands-on learning laboratories as well as blended meeting formats that encourage students to collaborate and network. Students also have access to the library, the learning finance library, research materials, equipment, and databases through the university. Program graduates will be prepared to hold leadership positions in a variety of settings, including in academic institutions, investments, risk management, regulatory compliance, government, and more. 

Founded in 1963 as an independent Catholic University, SHU is the first Catholic University in the country to be both led and staffed by staff and faculty who aren’t necessarily members of the church. SHU is located in Fairfield, CT, and educates over 8,500 students each year, including nearly 3,000 graduate students. The student body represents more than 30 countries and has access to SHU’s 80+ academic programs. Each year, SHU students complete more than 100,000 volunteer hours. This university frequently receives national recognition, and the U.S. News & World Report has included SHU in its Top Universities in the North, Best Value Schools in the North, Best Undergraduate Business Programs, and Best Colleges for Veterans rankings. 
Format: Online 


#20. UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS

The University of Dallas offers a Doctor of Business Administration degree program that blends in-person and online learning. Designed for senior-level business executives, this 61-credit-hour program can be completed in three years. Students progress through the program in cohorts and learn how to find solutions to the challenges facing the modern workplace and business industry. During the program, students will take courses such as The Engagement Factor, Leadership and Followership, The Sustainable Enterprise, Applied Statistical Analysis, and Designing Applied Research. Students also prepare and defend a dissertation. The courses are taught by faculty who have extensive managerial and organizational consulting experience, and the applied research curriculum is rigorous to prepare students for career success. 

The University of Dallas is located in Irving, Texas, and was founded in 1956. This private, Catholic, liberal arts institution educates over 1,400 undergraduate and more than 1,000 graduate students each year. The graduate student body represents 45 states and 39 countries, and University of Dallas students can choose from 30 different majors. Students learn from 140 full-time faculty, and approximately 92% of faculty hold a doctorate or a terminal degree in their field. The University of Dallas frequently receives national recognition. The U.S. News & World Report included the university in its 2019 ranking of the Best Value Schools for Regional Universities West, and Forbes included the university in its 2019 ranking of America’s Best Colleges. 
Format: Online


#21. KEISER UNIVERSITY 

Keiser University offers a Doctorate in Business Administration – Administracion de Empresas online in Spanish. This program provides students with the skills and knowledge they will need to improve the dynamics of business organizations. During the program, students will take courses such as Theory and Financial Policy, Global Business, Leader in the 21st Century, Global Strategic Management, and Survey and Research Methods. 

Keiser University’s flagship campus is located in West Palm Beach, FL, and the university also has campuses in 21 of the mid-sized and major metropolitan areas in the state. Today, Keiser University has approximately 20,000 students, making it the third-largest non-profit university in Florida. Keiser University students received nearly $76 million in scholarships over the last two years, and the university has been recognized nationally for the quality of the programs it provides. The U.S. News & World Report included Keiser University in its Best Regional Universities South and its Best College for Veterans 2019 rankings. 
Format: Online


#22. FELICIAN UNIVERSITY

Felician University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program takes an innovative approach that gives students concrete experience and skills to apply to their careers. During the program, students will prepare and teach a university-level course to demonstrate their mastery of the program material. Additionally, students will study and pass a certification or licensure exam, such as the Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Auditor, or Certified Management Accountant exams. The program is offered mostly online and follows a four-phase model. During the fourth phase, which focuses on the development of a dissertation, students perform a brief residency, which is a requirement for two of the courses.

Located in Rutherford, NJ, Felician University was founded in 1942 by the Felician Sisters. Today, it is the only Franciscan university in the state. The university’s Rutherford campus is included in the National Register of Historic Places, and the university has a second campus in Lodi, NJ. Each year, Felician University educates over 2,100 students. Seventy-three-percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows faculty to provide students with individualized support. At Felician University, 67% of faculty hold a doctorate or terminal degree in their field. Students can choose from over 55 majors, minors, and concentrations in business and marketing, the health sciences, education, and more. 
Format: Online


#23. JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

At Johnson & Wales University, students can pursue an online Doctor of Business Administration degree program that prepares them to become executive leaders, innovators, consultants, and policymakers. This program is designed to apply to many sectors of business, the government, military, higher education, non-profits, and more. This degree is offered fully online with no residency requirements, making it accessible to students anywhere in the country. Students focus on just one course at a time, and the eight-week course length allows students to quickly move through the content and earn their degree in three years. 

Johnson & Wales University was founded in 1914 as a business school with a campus in Providence, RI. As the university grew, it established additional campuses in North Miami, Denver, and Charlotte, NC. Students can choose from more than 80 majors, and each year students participate in more than 3,400 internships in 48 states and more than 21 countries. JWU offers a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring students receive plenty of support from faculty. The U.S. News & World Report ranked JWU No. 80 in its Regional Universities 2019 ranking, No.48 in its Best Colleges for Veterans 2019 ranking, and No. 21 in its Best Undergraduate Teaching 2019 ranking. 
Format: Online


#24. GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Data Analytics program is available both as an online program and as an in-person program through evening, on-campus classes. The program is designed to equip students with the leadership skills they’ll need to navigate the modern-day challenges of the business world. During this program, students start the dissertation process immediately and receive mentoring from faculty as they progress through the development of their dissertation. Students who pursue this program online will learn from full-time faculty and adjunct professors, and frequent class starts mean students don’t have to delay beginning this program. Students who decide to take this program in-person attend night classes that meet just once a week.

Located in Phoenix, GCU is a Christian university that educates traditional, evening, and online students. The university has educated scholars for over 65 years and has recently undergone significant growth with the addition of an engineering building, the Jerry Colangelo Museum, and three apartment buildings for upperclassmen. In addition to the physical growth the campus has undergone, the student body has also grown. In 2009, fewer than 1,000 students attended GCU, but by 2017 over 19,000 students attended the university. Over 75% of the traditional students in 2016 were enrolled in STEM and business programs, and over 60,000 students pursue online degrees at GCU currently. 
Format: Online


#25. BAKER COLLEGE

The Baker College Doctor of Business Administration is offered online and prepares students to solve problems at the highest level of business. The flexible online courses allow students to balance their current careers with their education, and students learn from faculty who have years of experience in business. This program consists of classes, seminars, professional residences, research papers, and a final dissertation, all designed to educate students on high-level business theories while also giving them the chance to apply them in real business environments. Students may also choose from six specialization areas, or they have the option of designing a specialized field of study. 

Baker College is located in Flint, MI, and has been educating students for more than a century. Today, Baker College is the largest independent, non-profit college in the state. In addition to its main campus, Baker College has many campuses throughout Michigan, making an in-person education more accessible for working adults. Additionally, Baker College offers many degrees online with flexible scheduling. The college offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs online, and these online programs do not require any on-campus meetings. Students can log in at any time of the day, which allows them to focus on their studies on their schedule. This flexibility makes Baker College’s online programs ideal for working adults as well as for adults completing military service. 
Format: Online

#26. FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

At Florida Institute of Technology, students can pursue a Doctor of Business Administration program offered mostly online. This 42-credit-hour program takes three years to complete, and in addition to taking courses online, students meet on campus one weekend each month. With the campus located close to the airport, students can easily fly in to attend these weekends. Program graduates often go on to hold positions as chief executive officers, operations managers, university faculty, senior managerial consultants, and more. A variety of top employers– including AuthenTec, Symantec, Siemens Energy, and NASA – have all hired Florida Tech graduates. 

Florida Tech’s campus is located in Melbourne, FL, and the institute was founded in 1958. Today, the institute offers over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across its four colleges. Florida Tech is also home to the Aldrin Space Institute, which performs research in hopes of eventually settling on Mars. Over 60,000 students have graduated from Florida Tech so far, and faculty members Buzz Aldrin, Samuel Durrance, and Winston Scott have all been to space. The Fiske Guide to Colleges has ranked Florida Tech as one of the top 20 technical institutes in the nation, and The Wall Street Journal recognized Florida Tech as being a top-50 Southern university. 
Format: Online


#27. CAPELLA UNIVERSITY

Capella University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program prepares students to take on leadership positions in business. Capella’s online DBA provides concentrations such as general management, strategy and innovation, and organizational leadership and development. Students begin working on this capstone early on during the program and focus on solving a real-world problem that their organization faces. Capstone milestones during the degree program help ensure that students make regular progress toward completing the project. 

Capella University was established in 1993 to provide ambitious adult students with a quality, accessible education. Today, over 38,000 students pursue 53 online degree programs through the university. Capella students average 39 years in age and can choose from two learning formats to ensure that the degree program suits their schedules and learning styles. Capella’s GuidedPath format includes weekly deadlines and group discussions to provide students with a structured format. Students may also choose Capella’s FlexPath format, which allows students to determine their own pace, finishing a course and starting the next course when they’re ready. 
Format: Online


#28. FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY

The Doctor of Business Administration degree program at Franklin University is offered online and can be completed in three years. Students may transfer up to 24 credit hours of previously completed coursework so that they can finish the program sooner. All of the courses are offered entirely online, allowing students to earn their degree around their schedule, and students can customize their program to their interests with elective courses. Program applicants must have a master’s degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Factors such as an applicant’s work history, references, and personal qualities will also be considered when determining admittance into the program. To earn this degree, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. 

Franklin University has specialized in educating adult learners for more than 115 years. Although Franklin has a main campus in Columbus, Ohio, the university has many additional campuses located throughout Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, the university offers many online classes and even partners with over 230 community and technical colleges throughout the country. These partnerships help to increase graduation rates and better serve local communities. Today, Franklin University is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, and almost 45,000 students have graduated from the university. Franklin University’s accelerated programs allow students to graduate sooner, helping to reduce the cost of the degrees to keep education accessible and affordable. 
Format: Online


#29. NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY

Northcentral University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program that trains students to hold senior leadership positions. This online degree program emphasizes research and teaches students how to create effective and ethical solutions in a business environment. This 48-credit-hour program consists of 18 courses, and with weekly start dates, students don’t have to delay beginning their education. Students can choose from 18 different specializations, including financial management, advanced accounting, organizational leadership, public administration, homeland security leadership and policy, marketing, international business, industrial/organizational psychology, and more. Classes are a size of one, meaning students receive unparalleled one-on-one support from faculty during this program. 

NCU offers the unique flexibility that working adults need in an education program, and with no physical residency requirements, students all over the world can access an NCU education. NCU follows a learning model that’s based on mentoring, with students engaging with faculty in a one-on-one online setting. NCU has formed strategic partnerships with a variety of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to community colleges and public and private colleges. These strategic partnerships offer partnering organizations discounted tuition rates for their employees wishing to study at NCU. 
Format: Online


#30. TRIDENT UNIVERSITY

Trident University’s Doctor of Business Administration degree program is offered entirely online. The program is intended for business professionals who seek executive and consulting careers and builds on the knowledge students have acquired while earning their master’s degree. This program focuses on evidence-based decision making and applied research skills. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, students complete an applied doctoral study joint project with an organization that the student selects. While this degree program is delivered online, students still establish close academic mentoring relationships with faculty, making for a supportive environment that helps students to improve their research skills and overall academic knowledge, positioning them for successful careers. 

Trident University is located in Cypress, CA, and offers degree programs that are fully accessible online, making the university an ideal choice for busy working professionals all over the country. Trident University focuses on keeping tuition costs as low as possible, making education affordable. Students can manage their schedules, ensuring their education fits in around their work and family obligations. Over 27,000 students have graduated from the university, which was established in 1998. Most of Trident University faculty hold doctoral degrees, and staff responds to any student questions or concerns within 24 hours, making for a supportive, remote learning environment. 
Format: Online