Doctoral Business Programs

Q: How hard are business doctoral programs?

Doctoral business programs may be challenging due to various components, such as its heavy research focus, rigorous coursework and high educational standards. The program may also take an extended amount of time to complete, and balancing responsibilities during this time can be difficult. However, obtaining a DBA may be personally fulfilling and may help you prepare for new career opportunities and contribute to your field through research.

Overview

Doctoral-Level Business Education

If you’re a business professional looking to reach a terminal degree in the field of business innovation, consider enrolling in one of our doctoral business programs. These programs challenge you to deepen your understanding of business theories, practices and research methodologies, preparing you to contribute to the future of business practices and education.

The College of Doctoral Studies offers both qualitative and quantitative program options, aimed at equipping you with the knowledge to contribute significantly to the field.

College of Doctoral Studies

Programs

Browse GCU’s Selection of Business Doctoral Programs

We offer a range of business doctoral programs online,^{(See disclaimer 1)} focusing on areas of business administration, education, philosophy and health administration. Explore our options to find the best fit for your academic and professional goals.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programs

Our specialized DBA options are designed for modern business leaders looking to expand their knowledge and employ innovation and research-based practices in their work. Each of our DBA programs presents a focus on a specific area of business and is tailored to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in both theory and application. Your program will also require the completion of a dissertation, completed under the guidance of the dissertation committee.

DBA: Data Analytics (Quantitative Research)

DBA: Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship (Quantitative Research)

DBA: Management (Quantitative Research)

DBA: Marketing (Quantitative Research)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programs

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation by enrolling in one of our PhD programs. Whether you're passionate about the use of psychology in advancing instruction, leading an effective team, impacting learning or improving performance, we have several options for you to explore. Your program will conclude with the completion of a dissertation, allowing you to channel your passions and elevate your research to new heights.

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative Research)

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) Programs

Prepare yourself to take on a journey toward healthcare leadership through a DHA program. Our programs teach you in-depth knowledge and practical skills tailored to today's healthcare challenges. We offer a focus on operational leadership, guiding you toward improving healthcare practices through the use of research-based approaches and innovative leadership methods. Your program will culminate with a dissertation; your opportunity to employ your new knowledge and personal research to advance the future of leadership in healthcare.

DHA: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)

Explore All Doctoral Business Programs

34 Matching Degrees

Cultivate Advanced Business Skills

Based on your specific degree program and your curriculum, you will have the opportunity to cultivate a skill set relevant to your area of interest. However, there are a number of skills that one can expect to be taught throughout a business doctoral program.

These include:

Advanced research methods

Critical thinking and analysis

Leadership

Organizational optimization

Data analysis

Decision making

International business strategies

$124,550

Average median salary for those with a doctorate degree as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Careers

Career Paths Following Business Doctoral Programs

The knowledge you can gain from your business doctorate may guide you into careers in a variety of fields. Graduates may explore positions in areas such as academia, research, leadership or policy development.

This advanced degree is the highest level of academic achievement in the business field. As a graduate, you can use your knowledge to help be a part of creating changes in the business world and within your own organization.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions and answers to discover more about pursuing your doctorate and building a career in this field.

How hard are business doctoral programs?

Doctoral business programs may be challenging due to various components, such as its heavy research focus, rigorous coursework and high educational standards. The program may also take an extended amount of time to complete, and balancing responsibilities during this time can be difficult. However, obtaining a DBA may be personally fulfilling and may help you prepare for new career opportunities and contribute to your field through research.

What can you do with a business doctorate?

A business doctorate can prepare you for a variety of different roles related to enhancing business practices in the worlds of education, psychology, healthcare and leadership. Depending on the specific focus of your degree, you may choose to pursue roles as an educator in your field, such as an education administrator from the kindergarten through the postsecondary level. You may also choose to pursue leadership roles, such as that of a general and operations manager or medical and health services manager.

Is getting a business doctorate worth it?

Getting a business doctorate may be worth it if you're seeking to gain a deeper understanding of your field, conduct your own research or are looking for a career in academia or high-level research. It may also be useful for those who desire to qualify for top executive positions or establish themselves as experts in the business consulting world. The commitment and effort required to complete a doctorate are significant, but the degree can lead to opportunities that you may find rewarding.

Are online doctorates in business respected?

Earning an online doctoral in business can be seen as equal in stature to traditional degrees. These programs come with a rigorous curriculum, comprehensive exams and substantial research projects to provide online students with the same education as a traditional academic experience. Online doctoral programs in business from accredited institutions adhere to the same standards as those in traditional settings, ensuring that graduates gain knowledge relevant to the business field, regardless of the format of their studies.

Why GCU

Benefits of Earning a Business Doctorate at GCU

By enrolling in one of our doctoral programs, you have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of advanced practices, theories and methodologies relevant to your specific sector. Our programs are also grounded in principles of a Christian worldview, instilling aspects of ethical practices and servant leadership.

Obtain Your Doctorate From an Accredited University

Resources

Doctoral Student Resources

Doctoral programs require extensive dedication and research. We provide a range of resources to support and assist you throughout your program. Take a look at our offerings to discover the ones that may be more helpful for you.

College of Doctoral Studies

Doctoral Resources

Online Experience

Start Your Journey Today

Deepen your insight into the business world. Enroll in a business doctoral program online.

Apply Now

^{(See disclaimer §)} MOU 10710: The GCU Alumni Doctoral Scholarship is only valid for students who have graduated from a GCU degree program, meet all requirements for acceptance and submit a completed application to start a doctoral program. Eligible students will receive 25% off tuition per course for their online doctoral program. This scholarship will be applied on a per-course basis at the same time tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships or awards. This scholarship will be applied toward tuition only, and students will not receive funds in excess of their charges. GCU doctoral programs have residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.

This program includes an in-person residency requirement.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Doctoral or Professional Degree, as of May 2023, retrieved October 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates with a doctoral or professional degree, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

Last updated on Nov. 6, 2026.