If you’re thinking of pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), you may want to consider a DBA.

While most people associate MBA with graduate studies, a DBA is also an advanced degree for business leaders and managers.

The DBA or online Doctorate in Business Administration is more specialized than your traditional MBA, a more general course. The doctorate focuses on multiple verticals like finance, marketing, data, and more, instead of just one specialization.

If you have been considering pursuing an MBA, you would be better off doing a doctorate in business. Here are the top reasons you should pursue a DBA instead of an MBA.

1. Data-Driven Decision Making

Data-driven decision-making is a skill that will be in demand. As technology improves, the amount and scope of data increase.

Data scientists are needed to help make sense of that data, so having specific skills like DBA will give you an edge over other candidates for job interviews.

The DBA program focuses on teaching students how to use data efficiently and effectively to work with big data and make better decisions based on it.

You’ll learn about databases, analytics tools like Tableau or Excel, machine learning algorithms like artificial neural networks (ANNs), Java programming language development skills, etc., all of which are useful in today’s tech world.

2. Advanced Business Education

It’s a common misconception that a DBA is just an advanced degree in business administration. The truth is that it’s much more than that. The curriculum is designed to be highly specialized, focusing on the field of study you choose to pursue.

For example, suppose you’re interested in marketing or management information systems (MIS). In that case, pursuing your doctorate will prepare you for those aspects of your career more effectively than an MBA degree.

In contrast to DBA programs, most MBA programs tend to have broader coverage of topics such as general management issues and operations research techniques. It means they’re more useful for someone who wants to work across multiple fields of expertise within large corporations’ human resources or finance departments.

3. Multi-Disciplinary Experience

You will gain knowledge across a wide range of fields so that when you graduate, you can effectively apply your knowledge to different situations. You will also be able to work with people from different backgrounds because of your multi-disciplinary experience.

4. Greater Leadership Opportunities

DBA degree holders are widely considered to be leaders in their fields. It is because people pursuing a DBA degree can work with various people and teams, make decisions that affect the company, manage other people, and oversee large projects.

The MBA degree is more marketable than the DBA due to its broad focus on business management. However, if you have already proven yourself as a leader in your industry or organization (or if your job requires you to take on leadership responsibilities), obtaining an MBA may not provide additional benefits over pursuing an advanced graduate degree focused exclusively on data science.

5. Higher Salary and Earning Potential

The more education you have, the more money you will make. It is one of those simple facts that we all know and accept. So how does it work?

In short: earning potential increases with each level of education beyond high school degrees (BS/BA). The DBA is a doctorate, which is considered at the highest rung on this ladder. A recent study found that DBA graduates earn $100k more than MBA graduates over their lifetime.

DBA students also out-earn BS/BAS students by $60k in their first year as they gain valuable experience working through an internship while completing their studies against less experienced competition who have recently graduated college without any additional credentials beyond a bachelor’s degree.

6. You, Will, Have Many Options for Career Paths With a DBA

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is what types of roles you would like to pursue after graduation. DBA students have a wealth of options for their career paths, so this should be an easy decision for many students.

• Private sector: You could work as a consultant or business analyst in the private sector.
• Government: If you are interested in government work, there are many opportunities available within federal and state agencies.
• Industries: With your new education and training, you can find positions in various sectors, including health care and pharmaceuticals.
• Corporate roles: There are plenty of roles that require advanced degrees, such as project manager or data analyst

Conclusion

The decision to pursue an MBA degree or a DBA can be difficult. You have to weigh your options and determine what will give you the best return on investment. It’s worth noting that the cost of pursuing an MBA is often much higher than seeking an online DBA in terms of tuition fees and time spent earning your degree. However, some feel that getting an MBA will help them achieve their goals more quickly than if they pursued another type of advanced degree.

Additionals

• Is Getting An MBA Worth It: Pros & Cons To Consider
• What You Should Know About MBA Student Loans
• Do You Need an MBA to Get Your Venture Going?