Doctorate in management degrees can lead to high-paying, top-level positions as CEOs, chief technology officers, operations vice presidents, senior management, and university faculty and administrators. According to PayScale data from August 2021, the average base salary for management doctorate degree-holders is $121,000 per year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in employment of top executives from 2020 to 2030 and a 12% rise in postsecondary teacher positions. The BLS also projects a 9% increase in employment for general and operations managers. These professionals direct the business activities of companies, enterprises, and consulting firms.
Explore our rankings to find out about earning a doctorate in management online.
College | Program stats | How much? |
Riverside, CA |
| Per credit: $795 Application fee: $45 |
Lodi, NJ |
| Per credit: $965 Application fee: $40 |
Boiling Springs, NC |
| Per credit: $927 Application fee: $40 |
Hampton, VA |
| Per credit: $695 Application fee: $50 |
Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Per credit: $11,640 Application fee: $55 |
You can count on the accuracy, timeliness, and objectivity of our school listings because ZDNet's ranking methodology turns to expertly curated datasets for information. Our meticulous editorial team adds another layer of review, ensuring the integrity of our content.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
About the program: Southern Baptist-based CBU offers a 56-credit doctorate in business administration for working adults interested in advanced business leadership training.
About the program: Felician, a Catholic-Franciscan university, hosts a doctor of business administration that develops leadership and management skills for global business environments.
About the program: Enrollees in the 60-credit doctor of business administration program at Southern Baptist-focused Gardner-Webb can opt for concentrations in accounting, finance, international business, management, or marketing.
About the program: The hybrid Ph.D. in business administration at HU requires 61-84 credits and prepares graduates for academic, consulting, organizational leadership, and research roles.
About the program: Business professionals can complete KU's 60-credit doctor of business administration online and prepare for career advancement or positions as business educators, researchers, and scholars.
About the program: NCU's online Ph.D. in business administration features multiple specialization options and focuses on research-based leadership strategies and emerging technologies.
About the program: Catholic-based Saint Leo offers an online doctor of business administration that includes a doctoral success lab, consulting track, and teaching track in its 57-credit curriculum.
About the program: Southern Baptist-based Wayland lists a doctor of management among its online degrees. The program requires 57 credits with comprehensive exams and an applied research project.
About the program: Bachelor's degree-holders interested in becoming university professors can earn a Ph.D. in management at Wayne State. The program's 90 credits emphasize organizational behavior and strategy in global business.
About the program: WilmU offers a doctor of business administration that business professionals can complete online. Enrollees work with industry leaders and faculty mentors on their dissertations or research projects.
Doctorate in management and Ph.D. in business administration programs teach advanced leadership topics and usually include a research project or dissertation. Programs may also include comprehensive examinations. Curricula generally include shared core topics, but students also select courses in their concentration or specialization area.
Ph.D. programs prepare graduates for academic careers and tend to focus on theory and research. Doctor of management and doctor of business administration (DBA) degrees emphasize the practical skills required for advanced management positions.
Online study is designed for business professionals looking for a shift into academic research and teaching or career advancement in an organization.
Coursework at the doctorate in management level covers topics in global business, cultural competency, ethical management, and innovation techniques. While program curriculums vary, students can expect to see courses like those listed below.
Ethics and Leadership in Global Business
As corporations and organizations become increasingly global, students need theoretical knowledge and practical skills in international business, cultural intelligence, and creating and implementing guidelines for respectful and ethical employee environments.
Management Theory
This course examines different organizational leadership strategies for problem-solving, building leadership identities, and personnel management. Students explore management theories and approaches through a review of historical and contemporary literature.
Mechanics of Decision-making
Decision-making constitutes a large part of leadership and affects the success of organizations. In this course, students learn about different approaches to and impacts of individual and group decisions.
Organization Innovation
Enrollees build scenarios based on practical situations and learn how story creation and situational analysis fosters innovation within organizations. Students gain skills in predictive analyses, innovation models, and dissemination methods by developing business plans.
If you are just getting started with your postsecondary education and have an interest in business, an associate degree offers opportunities to test the waters. For those working in business or planning to, a bachelor's or master's can provide the framework for your career goals. Long-time professionals may choose a doctorate to enter academia or top-level management.
Associate degree in management programs teach foundational courses in business and leadership, including topics in economics, finance, and sales, and develop skills in analysis and communication.
Students can choose electives according to their interests and may be able to concentrate in areas like human resources, logistics, and marketing. Experiential learning options may include individual or group projects and internships
Graduates emerge prepared for entry-level administrative positions or admission to bachelor's degree programs in management.
A management degree at the bachelor's level focuses on leadership, decision-making, and improving organizations. Students receive training for management roles, along with a strong basis in general education.
Coursework covers business law, finance, human resources, marketing, operations, and strategic planning. Available concentrations may include entrepreneurship, global business, healthcare management, and nonprofit leadership.
Bachelor's in management programs emphasize practical leadership and applying concepts learned in class to real-world business issues through capstones, practicums, and internships.
Students pursuing a master's in management take courses in advanced management practice and theory, which focus on high-level analysis, communication, and strategic skills. Master's curriculums explore issues in working with diverse teams and developing cultural intelligence.
Master's programs often include internships, projects, and seminars and employ case studies and group discussions. Enrollees may concentrate on business administration (MBA), global enterprises, project management, or sustainable business practices. Graduates find employment in a variety of industries, businesses, and educational institutions.
Depending on the type of degree and curricular focus, skills taught in doctorate in management programs include overseeing organizations' day-to-day operations, personnel, and finances, along with designing and implementing improvement strategies and innovations. Ph.D. studies emphasize research and teaching.
Doctoral programs often include research projects, capstones, or dissertations. Internships may be less common because many online DBA programs attract working professionals with business experience.
Career options include chief operating officers and other executive leaders, academic researchers, college presidents, and school superintendents.
Online doctorates in management come in different flavors: self-paced, asynchronous, cohort-based, or hybrid models, but most tailor their curriculums toward working business professionals. With coursework available 100% online, on weekends, or in the evenings, you can keep your job while exploring your future options. Our ranked list of programs can steer you to the right school.