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DBA and PhD dissertations share research methods but differ in focus. While PhDs emphasize theoretical development, DBAs tackle real-world business challenges.
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DBA vs. PhD Dissertations: Understanding the Differences for Dissertation Topic Selection

Published 4rd March 2025

Understanding the Differences Between PhD & DBA

Introduction

Doctoral business students need to comprehend the divergent nature of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in business degrees when selecting their dissertation topic. The main difference between PhD programs and DBA programs lies in their objectives, as PhD programs develop academic scholars through research activities whereas DBA programs train business leaders to implement research findings in practical business situations.
This paper examines the essential differences between DBA and PhD dissertation work through an analysis of research approaches and theoretical versus practical orientation and educational organization and evaluation methods. The knowledge of these elements enables students to select their dissertation topic with a better understanding.

1. Origins and Purpose of DBA and PhD Programs

1.1 The Establishment of DBA as a Practitioner-Based Doctorate

In 1953 Harvard Business School launched the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program to serve business practitioners instead of PhD candidates who pursued their degrees at the College of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Business School, 2020a). The DBA program at Harvard Business School was created to serve business practitioners just as the Doctor of Education (EdD) program was launched in 1922 for education professionals who wanted leadership positions instead of academic research careers (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2020a).

Harvard University together with other academic institutions currently delivers both PhD and DBA programs which demonstrate the separation between research-focused doctorates and practice-based doctoral degrees.

1.2 The Role of Accreditation in Doctoral Business Programs

Three primary accreditation organizations in the United States manage business doctoral programs are,

  • AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
  • ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs)
  • IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education)

According to theoretical expectations DBA and PhD programs should demonstrate separate educational content and research approaches and dissertation requirements. Studies demonstrate that the distinctions between these programs are less significant than first believed.

2. Research Findings: Differences and Similarities Between DBA and PhD Dissertations

2.1 Comparative Study of DBA and PhD Dissertations

The research by MacLennan et al. (2018) looked into 147 DBA dissertations and 151 PhD business dissertations between 2006 and 2016 with the goal of discovering substantial differences between these two dissertation types [1].

Their findings revealed:

The research findings from both DBA and PhD dissertations show no substantial differences regarding their methodology and sample sizes as well as research types [1].

  • Research methodology (quantitative vs. qualitative)
  • Sample size
  • Research type (applied vs. theoretical)

The main difference stemmed from institutional categorization of the programs.

Most PhD programs existed within research-intensive institutions which belong to R1 and R2 classification categories.

DBA programs primarily existed in institutions that performed minimal research (R3 and unclassified classification).

The research-intensive nature of PhD programs does not prevent their dissertation methodologies from resembling those found in DBA programs.

2.2 Growth of Professional Doctorates in Business Education

Banerjee and Morley (2013) examined the global growth of professional doctorates in business, particularly in Australia and the United Kingdom [2].

Their findings highlight that:

The rising demand for DBA programs developed because researchers criticize the lack of practical application in PhD research.

The structure of DBA programs combines academic research with business practice, but their dissertation assessment follows the standards used for PhD programs.

The lack of a standard definition between DBA and PhD research leads to unclear assessment processes.

Traditional academic research standards used in DBA dissertations create confusion regarding the distinction between these programs and traditional PhD research.

3. DBA vs PhD: Key Differences in Dissertation Approach.

3.1 Research Orientation: Theoretical vs. Practical Focus

PhD Dissertations:

Designed to advance theoretical knowledge.

Focus on strong statistical evaluations using advanced research methodologies.

The material exists for academic publication within scholarly discussions.

DBA Dissertations:

The focus of these dissertations exists in resolving actual business challenges inthe real world.

Most DBA research uses case studies together with action research and applied research methods as its foundation.

Results from DBAs serve the needs of business practitioners together with industry leaders and policymakers.

3.2 Coursework and Research Components

According to Banerjee and Morley (2013) DBA programs include more coursework when compared to PhD programs, which are heavily research intensive [2].

Which implies:

DBA students spend a significant portion of their studies completing practitioner-based coursework, often integrating research methods into business applications.

The main focus of PhD students involves original research while their coursework serves to enhance theoretical and methodological proficiency.

3.3 Evaluation and Dissertation Structure

The evaluation process for DBA dissertations follows the exact theoretical andempirical standards which PhD dissertations receive according to Banerjee & Morley (2013). The distinction in terms of evaluation of DBA research remains unclear because it shares many evaluation standards with PhD research [2].

Researchers have initiated various strategies to strengthen the professional aspects of DBA research. The authors recommend that accrediting bodies (AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE) should review DBA curriculum guidelines to establish better standards for practitioner-focused dissertation outcomes.

4. The selection of dissertation topics must consider practical aspects.

4.1 Identifying Research Goals

Students need to select dissertation topics which match their professional goals:

Students pursuing academic or research-based careers need to write a PhD dissertation that focuses on detailed theoretical development.

The Business Doctor of Administration (DBA) is suitable for addressing business problems that drive industry impact.

4.2 Selecting a Research Methodology

The research path for those interested in hypothesis-driven studies combined with advanced statistical methods leads to a PhD dissertation.

A DBA dissertation becomes the preferred choice when researchers focus on real-world business issues and case-based research.

4.3 Understanding Dissertation Expectations

Doctoral students need to select research areas which both develop academic theory and add value to scholarly publications.

To succeed in their research DBA students must choose subjects which directly help businesses by offering practical solutions to industry challenges.

5. The Future of DBA and PhD Dissertations

5.1 Need for Clearer Distinctions

Multiple studies indicate that DBA and PhD dissertations share more similarities than differences (Banerjee & Morley, 2013; MacLennan et al., 2018). To establish clearer distinctions:

  • Business accreditation bodies should refine evaluation criteria for DBA dissertations.
  • Universities should develop alternative assessment methods to better reflect practitioner-focused nature of DBA research.

5.2 Integrating Innovation in Dissertation Research

  • The growing use of machine learning, AI, and data analytics in business research presents new opportunities for DBA students to apply emerging technologies to real-world problems.
  • PhD students can explore new theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches to advance business knowledge.

5.3 Strengthening Professional Practice in DBA Programs

  • By restructuring DBA dissertation guidelines, universities can create a distinct research pathway that better aligns with industry needs and executive leadership training [2][1].

Conclusion: Making the Right Dissertation Choice

When selecting a dissertation topic, students must consider whether their career goals align more with academic research (PhD) or practitioner-focused problem-solving (DBA).

  • PhD dissertations emphasize theoretical contributions and methodological rigor.
  • DBA dissertations focus on practical applications with direct industry impact.

By understanding these distinctions, students can choose dissertation topics that not only align with their academic interests but also contribute meaningfully to their professional aspirations.

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