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Doctorate in Business Administration

Advance your career with a globally focused online DBA built for working professionals, taught by the universities we partner with through upGrad.

Admissions open

Hello, doctor-to-be

Don't wait for someday. Submit the enquiry form and we'll help you take your next confident step.

  • Rushford Business School
  • ESGCI, Paris
  • Golden Gate University
  • Edgewood University
  • Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva

By submitting, you confirm you hold a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of work experience.

  • 100% online Flexible learning
  • No GMAT/GRE Not required
  • C-suite Career roles
50+
Successful batches
5K+
Doctoral candidates
2500+
Global CXOs
90%
Career growth

Difference between Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and PhD

Online DBA

Focus
Business focused, deepening domain expertise through industry-centric research.
Inputs
Medium effort, medium cost.
Outcome
Dr. title, plus career broadening.
Support
Mentors matched to your role, with an option to swap.

PhD

Focus
Academic focused, building scholarly depth through field-centric research.
Inputs
Higher effort and higher cost.
Outcome
Dr. title, plus a career in academia.
Support
You find your own guide; no changing mid-course.

What people at your level are actually researching

Senior professionals in upGrad's DBA cohorts, and the problem each one took on. Names, roles and employers are as upGrad publishes them; the descriptions are ours.

  • Without stepping away from your career These are part-time doctorates, 24 to 36 months depending on the university, designed around a full-time role.
  • Research a problem you already live with A DBA is applied research: your thesis takes on a real problem from your own industry, not a purely theoretical question.
  • A supervisor, not a reading list Every one of these programmes assigns 1:1 thesis supervision for the length of the research journey.
Vivekanand Avasarala Deputy General Manager, Maha Cement

17 years of experience

Pursuing a doctorate in Supply Chain gave him a structured way to research something he had long wanted to understand: how global petroleum supply chains connect to macro-economic indicators. A deep dive into supply chain and macro-economics at a global scale, built on years of practitioner experience.

Mohan Kancharla Director, TCS Business, Tata Consultancy Services

30 years of experience

Completed his DBA from the Swiss School of Business and Management in 18 months and 18 days, with his research focused on Design Thinking in Consulting in the Indian IT industry, a topic drawn directly from his own decades in the field.

Khaled Hamlaoui Datacenter Technician, Microsoft

5 years of experience

Valued the depth of the programme's quantitative-research content and the chance to work with proper statistical analysis tools. The real challenge was balancing time between work, education and life, and that balancing act pushed him to keep improving.

Selina Dias Vice President, Marketing, Brahmavarta Industries Private Limited

5 years of experience

Found it encouraging to meet a fellow learner in his 50s pursuing a Doctorate at Golden Gate University as part of an academic bucket list, a reminder that doctoral education stays reachable for working professionals at any age or career stage.

See what your own research could be

Tell us where you are and we'll send the handbook covering all 11 programmes, with the entry requirements for each.

100% online

Doctorate options from top international universities

11 programmes, exactly as upGrad lists them. Duration and structure are set by each university and upGrad, not by us, and none of them publish a fee.

Rushford Business School Top-Pick

10 specialisations, including Data Science

Rushford Business School

Doctorate of Business Administration

Live lectures from university faculty
Type
Doctorate
Duration
36 months
ESGCI, Paris Most-Preferred

Specialisation in Leadership & AI Strategy

ESGCI, Paris

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

1:1 thesis supervision
Type
Doctorate
Duration
24 months
Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

1:1 thesis supervision
Type
Doctorate
Duration
27 months
Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva Popular

Swiss School of Business and Management

Global Doctor of Business Administration from SSBM

1:1 thesis supervision
Type
Doctorate
Duration
36 months
Edgewood University

Edgewood University

Doctorate in Business Administration by Edgewood University

100% flexible learning
Type
Doctorate
Duration
24 months
Golden Gate University

Specialisation in Applied & Agentic AI

Golden Gate University

Doctor of Technology in Applied & Agentic AI

Type
Doctorate
Duration
27 months
Golden Gate University

Specialisation in Generative and Agentic AI

Golden Gate University

DBA in Emerging Technologies with a concentration in Generative and Agentic AI

Type
Doctorate
Duration
27 months
Edgewood University

Edgewood University

Edgewood MBA & DBA

100% flexible learning
Type
Doctorate
Duration
30 months
University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Chief Technology and AI Officer Program

Type
Doctorate
Duration
6 months
Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University

Master + Doctor of Business Administration (MBA+DBA)

Type
Master's degree
Duration
36 months
IIIT Bangalore and IIM Udaipur

IIIT-B & IIM, Udaipur

Chief Technology Officer & AI Leadership Programme

Type
Certification
Duration
6 months

Other online DBA specialisations

Specialisations available across our DBA university partners, spanning core business functions and a few named industry tracks.

  • Finance
  • Financial Management
  • Healthcare Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Marketing
  • Operational Management
  • Quality Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business & Data Analytics
  • Leadership & Strategy
  • General

And many more…

Which specialisations are available depends on the university. These are the ones our partner universities publish; a doctoral advisor will confirm which apply to the programme you are considering.

Online DBA to advance your leadership career

Go beyond conventional business learning. Work on advanced concepts and apply them to real problems inside your own organisation.

  • 100% online Learn without relocating
  • No GMAT/GRE No entrance test required
  • Structured thesis A staged research journey
  • C-suite focused Leadership and strategy
  • 1:1 supervision Your own thesis supervisor
  • 24/7 access Study around your job

Learn from global experts and industry leaders

17 named instructors across our DBA university partners, as published by upGrad.

  • Dr. Josip Burušić is a leading academic in education and human capital studies. He is the Head of the Research Centre for Knowledge, Education, and Human Capital Studies at the Ivo Pilar Institute for Social Sciences and directs the Research Unit for School Effectiveness at the Croatian Scientific Center of Excellence. A full professor at the University of Zagreb and associate member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), his research covers school effectiveness, STEM education, and policy evaluation. With over 100 publications and 60+ research projects, he has also contributed to Croatia's National Development Strategy 2030.

    Josip Burušić PhD Swiss School of Business and Management

  • Dr. Hrvoje Volarević has over two decades of experience in finance and accounting. Since 1997, he has served as a Senior Advisor at the Croatian National Bank. He lectured at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) from 2003 to 2021, teaching courses like "Mathematics for Economists" and "Financial Accounting." Since 2018, he has been a lecturer at Libertas International University. Dr. Volarević earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Split in 2010. Additionally, he has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in banking, accounting, finance, and mathematical optimisation.

    Hrvoje Volarević PhD, Faculty of Economics Swiss School of Business and Management

  • Dr. Derrald Stice is an Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), specialising in capital markets, particularly debt markets. Prior to joining HKU in 2019, he served as a professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for eight years. His research, published in top journals like The Accounting Review and Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, has been cited by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. Dr. Stice has taught university courses in Hong Kong, the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, and has provided corporate training for Goldman Sachs employees.

    Derrald Stice Ph.D Swiss School of Business and Management

  • Dr. Victoria Palmisano is an esteemed academic leader with a robust background in higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, an MBA, and a Master's in Legal Studies. Dr. Palmisano's scholarly work includes a dissertation on student retention at less selective universities, emphasising the impact of institutional practices on student success. She has served in various administrative roles, including Associate Dean of Business, Communication, and Innovation at Edgewood College. Her expertise encompasses small business management, intellectual property, and educational administration. Dr. Palmisano is dedicated to fostering innovation and student success within academic institutions.

    Dr. Victoria Palmisano Associate Dean Edgewood University

  • Tenured Professor & Chair of Business Innovation & Technology, Ageno School of Business. 35+ Years in Tech Management & Consulting. BA, MBA, DBA. Certified PMP. MS Degree Developer. Key Committee Chair. Major Conference Presenter.

    Dr. Judith Lee Department Chair Golden Gate University

  • Dr. McGee, Associate Dean and DBA Program Director at Golden Gate University, brings 21+ years of academic and leadership experience, specializing in higher education management.

    Dr. Mick Mcgee Director, DBA Program Golden Gate University

  • Prof. Anthony, DBA from GGU, is a senior adjunct marketing professor with 18 years of consulting experience, including leadership roles at Accenture and Booz Allen.

    Prof. Anthony De Leon Former Partner, Accenture Golden Gate University

  • Professor at GGU since 1995. Founder of Cushing Group Recruiters. Specializes in Tech & Engineering Talent Recruitment.

    Thomas Cushing Adjunct Professor Golden Gate University

  • Teaches Analytics, Intelligence, Security & Privacy. 40+ Years in Information Security (AT&T, Fujitsu). 5 Patents. Published Author. Turing Centenary Conference Presenter.

    Rao Mikkilineni Adjunct Professor Golden Gate University

  • Dr. Sonia Bendimerad is a Senior Lecturer in Management at ESLI Paris, specialising in social entrepreneurship, social and technological innovation, and the social and solidarity economy (SSE). She holds a Ph.D. in Management Sciences and has taught at institutions like the University of Paris Descartes and Polytech Angers. Her research focuses on using SSE models to promote socially innovative actions and applying management tools to improve strategic performance in SSE organisations. Dr. Bendimerad's work includes studies on pro-social behaviors, innovation diffusion, and social marketing. She also mentors startups and professionals in career development.

    Dr. Sonia Bendimerad Associate Professor, ESGCI ESGCI, Paris

  • Dr. Josse Roussel is a Full Professor at Paris School of Business and Head of the DBA program. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance and Management from Université Paris-Dauphine and an H.D.R. from Université Paris-II Panthéon-Assas. His research focuses on human capital, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and ESG investing. Dr. Roussel has authored six books and numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He has over 30 years of consulting experience with clients such as Qatar Rail, CNP Assurances, Biocoop, and Orange. He is also a member of the editorial board for several academic journals.

    Dr. Josse Roussel Director - DBA, ESGCI ESGCI, Paris

  • Dr. Raveendran Iyengar is a seasoned insurance executive with extensive experience in risk management, legal liability exposure, and claims management. He has been instrumental in customising and structuring complex insurance programs, including involvement in one of the largest tsunami-related claims in India. Dr. Iyengar specialises in quantifying liability exposure and has a strong focus on healthcare risk studies. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant at Xsentinel Risk and Claim Advisory Pvt Ltd, where he is engaged in modeling the insurance demand and supply relationship using epistemic game theory.

    Dr. Raveendran Iyengar Professor, ESGCI ESGCI, Paris

  • Dr. Sreerama Murthy is a seasoned data scientist, mentor in AI, ML, big data, and automation, and a successful serial entrepreneur. He has architected some of India's largest data lakes, trained thousands of aspiring data scientists, and developed numerous machine learning applications. A key contributor to automating the creation of mega-catalogs from Hubble Space Telescope images, Dr. Murthy also open-sourced the OC1 decision tree software in 1994. His work remains highly cited in the field of Decision Trees and Machine Learning. With a deep commitment to innovation, he has raised millions in funding for AI-driven ventures.

    Dr. Sreerama Murthy Professor of Practice Golden Gate University

  • With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Kolluru is a distinguished leader in AI and emerging technologies. He has trained over 20,000 students globally and developed a pioneering Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Emerging Technologies at Golden Gate University, now among the world's largest AI leadership programs. His expertise spans AI product development, responsible AI consulting, and executive training. Offering advisory services in responsible and secure AI, Dr. Kolluru combines his academic background and practical experience to mentor future leaders in the field.

    Dr. Dakshinamurthy Kolluru Professor of Practice Golden Gate University

  • Dr. Sunkad brings over 20 years of global leadership experience in IoT, systems architecture, network security, machine learning, and IT strategy. He has held pivotal roles at Vodafone India, Mobileum India, Viasat USA, CableLabs USA, and ADC Mobile Systems USA. Recognised as one of the "Top 50 Cable Technologists in the USA" by Cable Today magazine, he has delivered over 100 international talks and published extensively in leading business and research journals. At Golden Gate University, he co-designed the DBA in Emerging Technologies, focusing on generative AI and its business applications.

    Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad Professor of Practice Golden Gate University

  • Seasoned Edgewood University faculty member with expertise in business, customer experience management, and organizational development. Specializes in insurance performance and impactful consumer insights.

    Dr. Annette Mondry Faculty Edgewood University

  • Dr. Raj, with 25+ years of teaching and consulting experience, is a recognized and awarded educator. He consults with Fortune 500 and mid-size firms in manufacturing, software, finance, and healthcare.

    Dr. Raj Kamal Senior Lecturer

What you'll study

Subjects and research areas published on upGrad's DBA hub page, common across its partner universities' programmes.

Digital Leadership Marketing Finance Business Analytics Entrepreneurship Healthcare Management Doctorate in Management Studies

Example research areas

Most DBA programmes let you choose your own research topic based on your own professional experience or industry challenges, so your doctoral research stays relevant to your career (upGrad's own published guidance).

Eligibility and how it works

A Master's degree in any field, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 to 10 years of relevant work experience (upGrad's published DBA eligibility criteria, which applies across its partner universities).

Delivered online, with live faculty sessions and 1:1 thesis supervision at most of our partner universities. Most working professionals doing an online doctorate spend 10 to 20 hours a week on coursework, research, reading and assignments, rising during the dissertation phase (published guidance from upGrad's own resource content, not a Dream Ladder estimate).

A completed application form, official academic transcripts, an updated resume, a Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE/GMAT scores if required by the specific university, and proof of English proficiency for international applicants (upGrad's published document checklist for its DBA programmes).

How to apply

  1. 1

    Speak to a doctoral advisor

    Tell us about your background and what you want from a DBA. We help you compare the 5 universities we work with.

  2. 2

    Submit your application

    upGrad's admissions team reviews your application, work experience and educational background for your chosen university.

  3. 3

    Receive your offer letter

    If shortlisted, you receive an offer letter from the university.

  4. 4

    Begin your programme

    Your advisor and upGrad confirm the fee, cohort start date and next steps.

Frequently asked questions

A DBA is business focused, deepening domain expertise through industry-centric research. A PhD is academic focused, building scholarly depth through field-centric research. Both award a doctoral title; a DBA is generally lower effort and cost, with mentors matched to your role, while a PhD is higher effort and cost, with you finding your own guide (upGrad's own published comparison).

Yes. Most DBA programmes let you select a research topic based on your own professional experience or industry challenges, so your doctoral research stays relevant to your career (upGrad's own published guidance).

Most working professionals doing an online doctorate spend 10 to 20 hours a week on coursework, research, reading and assignments, rising during the dissertation phase. This is upGrad's own published guidance for working-professional doctoral learners, not a Dream Ladder estimate, and it will vary by your own pace and the specific university.

These are foreign degrees from internationally accredited universities (for example, Golden Gate University is WASC accredited and an AACSB member), not UGC-entitled Indian degrees. Recognition for a specific employer or purpose in India depends on that employer or institution, not on Dream Ladder or upGrad, so ask your doctoral advisor about your specific situation before enrolling. We are not able to make a blanket claim that every employer or Indian institution treats a foreign DBA the same way a UGC-entitled Indian degree is treated.

upGrad does not award the DBA degree. The degree, accreditation, curriculum, admissions decisions and academic standards are set entirely by the partner university. Dream Ladder is an authorised education partner of upGrad, helping you compare programmes and connect with admissions.

Dream Ladder Consultancy

Doctor of Business Administration

  • A doctorate you can complete alongside a full-time role
  • Applied research on a problem from your own industry
  • 1:1 thesis supervision through the whole research journey
  • Compare all 5 universities with one advisor, free
  • No placement or salary promises we cannot verify

Hello, doctor-to-be

Don't wait for someday. Submit the enquiry form and we'll help you take your next confident step.

  • Rushford Business School
  • ESGCI, Paris
  • Golden Gate University
  • Edgewood University
  • Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva

By submitting, you confirm you hold a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of work experience.

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