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online doctorate international businessFaint heart never won fair lady…nor can it finish a Doctorate in International Business. To earn a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) requires motivation, dedication, commitment, not to mention a significant financial investment.

phd international business onlineEarning a Doctorate in International Business comes with many benefits. You are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to analyze complex challenges, make evidence-based decisions, and lead an organization. The DBA translates into many different job opportunities and settings. It makes you more marketable, with the potential to advance in your current career or begin a new one of your choosing. Just a glance at the financial benefits is, perhaps, the most motivating.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a median salary of $104,000, while several International Business Management positions median salaries range from $90,000 to $130,000.


Why earn an Online Doctorate in International Business?

online doctorate international businessWith the advent of online learning and improving web-based technologies, now is the time to consider an online Doctorate in International Business. It is a path that gets you where you need to be, and it is often more affordable and faster leading to great ROI than on-campus programs. Online programs are designed to allow you to continue working. So whether you are currently working for an international company at home or abroad, an Online DBA in International Business is a viable option.

What can I expect from a doctoral program in International Business?

online doctorate international businessPrograms greatly vary in terms of delivery, time-frame, cost, financial aid, and curriculum. We note these differences to help you find what you’re looking for quickly. Most programs feature a core DBA curriculum with specialization courses in International Law, Finance, and Marketing, for example.

Almost all programs require a dissertation that involves original research, writing, and an oral defense. International business men and women deal with great diversity. To be successful, outcomes are focused on communication, problem-solving, and leadership with specific training to deal with the complex challenges in the global context. This is the bread and butter of a DBA. Ph.D. programs are geared towards more research and scholarship whereas DBA programs are practice-oriented.

Be aware of residency requirements. Due to the nature of a DBA in International Business, networking and collaboration is often done on-campus or in-person. Some schools accomplish this aspect through advanced web-conferencing technology, but some will require on-campus visits.

What job growth can I expect if I have a Doctorate in International Business?

Job growth is expected in International Business. The BLS reports a rate of 10 to 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 depending on the specific job. Examples of jobs include Global Operations Director, Business Development Manager,  Business Professor, Director of International Communications, International Financial Management, Financial Analyst, and International Marketing Manager to name just some. All in all, we hope the research we’ve done enables you to pursue your dreams and the path to success you’re seeking.  

What is our methodology?

online doctorate international businessThe Top 10 Online Doctoral Programs in International Business was compiled by searching for schools with online business programs that also offered a focus on International Business. To rank them, we collected statistics from reliable sources including the IPEDs database, a division of the National Center for Education Statisticspayscale.com, and each school’s website. Scores were given based on quality, reputation, and affordability of each school. It should be noted that the Average Net Price listed in the ranking below reflects the cost per credit.

This ranking was calculated based on the following percentages:

  • Cost per Credit Hour – 40%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio – 25%
  • Retention Rate – 25%
  • Graduate students enrolled in distance education – 10%
  1. MERIT: 100.0
    View Profile Average Cost: $606

    Online Doctor of Business Administration -International Business

    • Location: San Diego, CA
    • Number of Graduate Students: 180
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    online doctorate international businessThe motto of California Miramar University is Scientia Potentia Est, or in English, “Knowledge is Power.” CMU is an accredited, for-profit university founded to give working professionals, adults, and all learners the ability to earn business administration degrees through online and hybrid education.

    Today’s fast-paced global economy requires advanced and specialized training. The online DBA in International Business at California Miramar University does just that. The program’s curriculum involves an understanding of the interconnected, cultural, economic, political and legal environments of business and the advanced skills you need to excel at managing international or multinational organizations.

    The 66-credit program includes coursework in International Human Resource Management, Organizational Theory, Corporate Governance and Globalization, and Business Administration Career Practical Training. Twelve credits of the program are solely dedicated to engaging in original doctoral research applied to a real-world problem or challenge.

    Admission requirements do not include the GRE or standardized score, but you are required to provide transcripts, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and meet standard prerequisites such as Economics, Accounting, and Finance. Please note that the DBA program is currently not eligible for federal financial aid through Title IV student grants or loans.

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  2. MERIT: 95.4
    View Profile Average Cost: $595

    Online Doctorate of Business Administration – International Business 

    • Location: Lynchburg, VA
    • Number of Graduate Students: 29,290
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    online doctorate international businessLiberty University is a large Christian institution of higher learning headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. Educating more than 100,000 souls in a Biblical worldview, the School offers hundreds of degrees at every level.

    If you’re looking to move into a new career or advance in your current one, Liberty’s Online DBA in International Business is designed for you. Liberty University’s online programs ranked in the top five of more than 2,100 online colleges and universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

    At $595 per credit Liberty’s DBA program is the most affordable on our list. With such a high quality of education and low cost, you can expect a good ROI. The 60-credit, fully-online program (on-campus intensives are optional) takes an average of three years to complete. International Business courses include advanced knowledge of global trade,  international financial markets, and market-based global operations. You will also be trained to consider the cultural impact on business and how to approach complex problems with evidence and research.

    Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and an MBA from an accredited university. Liberty’s School of Business will accept up to 15 transfer credits for the DBA. With the combination of price and quality, it’s easy to see why Liberty is #2.

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  3. MERIT: 93.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $1074

    Doctor of Business Administration – International Business

    • Location: San Diego, CA
    • Number of Graduate Students: 10,699
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 1 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and WASC Senior College and University Commission

    online doctorate international businessNorthcentral University is a for-profit institution located in San Diego, California that was founded in 1996. The University offers personalized online education in over 40 programs from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees with no group projects, no set class times, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no physical residency requirements.

    The DBA in International Business at Northcentral was created for the 21st-century business person. The flexibility and convenience that NCU provides are among the best on our list with weekly start times, completely 100 percent online learning, and asynchronous delivery. The curriculum includes advanced skills and knowledge in research, law, government, diplomacy, international studies, economics, finance, and marketing.

    With leadership and decision-making woven into your NCU experience, you will graduate prepared to effectively manage a multinational or international organization. NCU prides itself in one-to-one mentorship education. With 100 percent of their faculty hold doctorate degrees, you will learn from experts.

    The 54-credit DBA does take commitment—18 courses, a written dissertation, and oral defense, and 39 months on average (no more than seven years). To graduate you also must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Another notable is that NCU will accept up to nine transfer credits.

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  4. Saint Leo University
    MERIT: 82.4
    Average Cost: $900

    Doctor of Business Administration

    • Location: Saint Leo, FL
    • Number of Graduate Students: 3,428
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    online doctorate international businessThe Benedictines founded Saint Leo University in the late 19th century. Saint Leo is now one of the largest Catholic colleges in America serving about 14,000 students. SLU was one of the first providers of distance education and is known for its business and management programs.

    SLU offers an online Doctor of Business Administration for working people that is flexible and affordable. The program is student-centered, application-oriented, and outcomes driven. Outcomes for the program include the ability to synthesize the global implications of research, critical thinking skills to analyze and critique both academic and applied research, and to integrate the SLU core values and ethical foundations into the dissertation and program.

    The DBA program prepares you to lead as a CEO, Investment Analyst, Executive Management, or Financial Advisor to name only some. The road map to getting to the next step includes the completion of 57-credits. You have the option of a teaching or consulting track. Some examples of companies graduates are working in include: Cobbham, Inc., Private Consulting Practices, and Penn State University-Harrisburg.

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  5. MERIT: 60.98
    View Profile Average Cost: $995

    Online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

    • Location: Chandler, AZ
    • Number of Graduate Students: 1,257
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 16 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    online doctorate international businessArgosy University began in 2001 with the merging of The American Schools of Professional Psychology, The University of Sarasota, and the Medical Institute of Minnesota. Today, AU specializes in online, graduate, and professional education. Argosy is currently under federal receivership though classes and education continue.

    Argosy offers an Online Doctorate in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, or one that is customizable. The Online DBA prepares graduates with knowledge and skills to apply theory with leadership to the complex global business environment we have today.

    The  60-credit program includes 18 credits of core courses, 15 credits of research, 12 of concentration classes, 12 of doctoral thesis work, and three elective credits. The International Business focus consists of classes in Global Management, Comparative Economic Systems, Leadership in Global and Multicultural Organizations, and Global Business Law and Practices. Prior to completing your Doctoral Research, you are required to successfully complete a Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE).

    Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, three to five years of management experience, and three graduate credit hours or six undergraduate credit hours in each of the following: accounting, finance, economics.

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  6. MERIT: 56.97
    View Profile Average Cost: $1169

    Doctor of Business Administration

    • Location: St. Louis, MO
    • Number of Graduate Students: 2,928
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice

    online doctorate international businessUniversity of Missouri, St. Louis one of four universities in the UM System. It is home to nearly 17,000 students and educates through eight undergraduate colleges and schools and two graduate and professional schools. UMSL emphasizes research, quality teaching, and career-readiness.

    UMSL Doctor of Business Administration is offered through the University’s College of Business Administration. The CBA holds a dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting putting it in the top five percent of business schools. The DBA is flexible. The program provides options to concentrate in all areas of business administration.

    The DBA is respected. The UMSL Doctorate of Business Administration is a member of the Executive DBA Council, an international organization of executive-format doctoral degrees. The Doctor of Business Administration is relevant. Guided by over 150 local executives who serve on the UMSL Business advisory boards, they assist the School of Business with current trends, mentorships, internships, and advice. The 60-credit curriculum is accomplished through a cohort model and takes three years to complete.

    It is a hybrid program with a blend of online learning and face-to-face requirements one weekend a month. The curriculum covers accounting, information systems, finance, organizational behavior, leadership, strategic management, and more. Admissions do not require a GRE but does require 10 years of senior level management.

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  7. MERIT: 55.04
    View Profile Average Cost: $990

    Online Doctor of Business Administration 

    • Location: Minneapolis, MN
    • Number of Graduate Students:42,238
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

    online doctorate international businessWalden University is an online, for-profit university. Walden is part of a global network and focuses on adult and graduate education (80 percent of students are graduate students). With 91-percent student satisfaction and over 85 percent of graduates said they’d recommend Walden, the University delivers success where it counts.

    The DBA at Walden is ACBSP-accredited and backed with a track record of online learning success. You will also have the opportunity to choose one of 16 specializations including International Business and Global Supply Chain Management. The 49-credit concentration in International Business follows a curriculum of core classes in Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice and Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage.

    You then move into your research focus, concentration classes, and capstone research work. The DBA, International Business concentration requires two four-day residencies as well. You will be ready to lead, analyze, and make decisions on day one.

    There are several non-tangible benefits. Walden DBA students reside in 43 countries giving you a rich tapestry of experience to draw upon. You are also assigned a DBA Student Advocate starting on day one. This faculty-mentor helps guide you through the program, especially the research and capstone project.

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  8. MERIT: 41.66
    View Profile Average Cost: $2300

    Executive Doctorate in Business Administration 

    • Location: Philadelphia, PA
    • Number of Graduate Students:10,387
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 to 1
    • Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree-professional practice

    online doctorate international businessTemple University is a public, research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1884, the School has an impressive track record. TU has six campuses and sites across Pennsylvania and two international campuses in Rome and Tokyo. It is Carnegie-classified as “highest research activity.”

    The Fox School of Business brings over 100 years of experience to their Executive Doctorate in Business Administration. Fox also has over 17 centers and an incredible 60,000-member alumni network. This hybrid program is for an experienced professional who wants to connect theory to real-work practice. The basic courses cover business research theory and knowledge in the areas of globalization and emerging markets, leadership, executive decision-making, research ethics, societal implications, and creation and dissemination of knowledge. 

    Admission requires 12 years of management experience and over seven years of executive-level experience. The Executive DBA is a part-time, three-year program that emphasizes, evidence-based leadership, decision-making, and applied theory and research. The third year features a dissertation. Since the DBA is delivered in a cohort-model the structure is fixed. The first two years involved six three-day weekend residencies.

    This online supplementation is utilized with live collaborative sessions using Convene Commerce Square (a state-of-the-art technology designed for businesses). AACSB-accredited and taught by experts in the field, the cohort model excels at collaboration and networking. Faculty-mentors guide you throughout your degree program enriching your learning through coursework and research for your dissertation.

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  9. View Profile Average Cost: $500

    Online Doctor of Business Administration

    • Location: Anaheim, CA
    • Number of Graduate Students: N/A
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: N/A
    • Degrees Offered: Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Two but less than 4 years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree-professional practice

    online doctorate international businessAnaheim University is a private, for-profit online school in Anaheim, California. Founded in 1996 the educational philosophy is student-centered distance learning. Anaheim does not receive federal funding. It is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

    Anaheim University offers an online Doctorate of Business Administration with concentrations in International Business or Global Sustainable Management. It is notable that AU has the most affordable tuition on this list. The University does offer financial aid, but not through any federal program.

    Through the Akio Morita School of Business, the online DBA program is 60 credits. The degree program takes three years to complete (not more than five) and is designed for working professionals. It is estimated that each six-week course will take 22.5 hours per week. You have the flexible option of enrolling in individual classes or the whole program.

    There are seven foundational courses, a qualifying exam, four concentration courses, two electives, a comprehensive exam, and dissertation (15 total credits). Online delivery is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Courses consist of web-based seminars, discussions, and lectures from qualified faculty and leaders in the global business world.

    *Due to lack of statistics, we were unable to assign a score for this institution.

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What does an Online Doctorate in International Business look like?

Online Doctorate International BusinessAll doctoral programs are rigorous and require a strong commitment of time and resources. This list deals with Doctorates in Business Administration. That being said, the ROI for DBAs is often favorable due to median salaries and projected job growth.

Today’s universities approach their DBAs differently but have several common features. Admission does vary from school to school with most required GRE or GMAT scores, a minimum 3.0 GPA, an accredited master’s degree, and managerial experience. Prerequisites consisting of statistics, master’s level research skills, and foundational business course credits are also required.

The curriculum ranges between 45 to 65 credits with a core of advanced business administration classes in finance, marketing, law, and leadership. After you complete the core, specialization in international business, leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving are common. Virtually all DBAs require a dissertation involving original research, writing, and oral defense.

An important aspect to consider with online programs is their residency requirements. Several programs on our list are hybrid and require on-campus courses, seminars, and/or orientations. The number of days required goes from three days to a weekend every month. There are several fully-online programs as well. Other basics of Online DBA programs are the time and cost. A general time frame to earn your degree is three years. Cost varies greatly, but on our top 10 cost per credit ranges from $595 to $2300.

What are some examples of International Business jobs and salaries?

Online Doctorate International BusinessThere are many career options for those with a Doctorate of International Business. A Director of International Communications performs a variety of tasks including designing public relations strategies, coordinating social media campaigns, targeting diverse customers, supervising teams across time zones, sustaining budgets, and managing brands across international borders. 

A Market Research Analyst uses advanced knowledge and research skills to analyze products or services people are looking for and at what price. They can make as much as $150,000. A Global Operations Director oversees the day-to-day implementation of corporate services.

Management Analysts, which are expected to grow 14 percent, advise managers on how to improve profits through cutting costs and increasing revenue. Economists conduct research, monitor economic trends, and perform data analysis to understand how society distributes resources. A Business Development Manager helps startups and struggling organizations work their way to the elite list of Fortune 500 corporations.

The payoff of earning your online doctorate in International Business is substantial. According to World Education Services, business doctorates reap median lifetime earnings of $3.53 million, which is nine percent higher than those with a master’s degrees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median pay of several different careers ranging from $90,000 to $130,000.

What are the benefits of earning an Online Doctoral Program in International Business degree?

Online Doctorate International BusinessHaving a Doctorate in International Business equips you to perform a great variety of duties and roles within many different companies. In particular, the DBA is practically oriented as opposed to the more research-directed Ph.D.  These practical skills include writing multinational policies, supervising culturally diverse personnel, handling budgeting in various currencies, setting quality standards, forming trade partnerships, planning supply chain logistics, and minimizing global market risks.

Earning an online DBA in International Business pushes international business leaders forward with international skills. You will learn upper-level operational strategies making you competitive in this globalized world. The Economist reports that the number of MBAs has skyrocketed sevenfold from the 1970s with 200,000+ graduates annually since 2010. For those who go on to earn a doctorate, they are set apart from those with a master’s degree and put themselves in a position to take over top positions in the company.

An online Doctorate degree in International Business offers opportunities to improve global market conditions in executive, consulting, research, and teaching roles. The options are truly limitless. Graduates of an online program will reap all the benefits of having a top-notch degree while saving thousands of dollars by completing their education online. Not only are online programs typically cheaper than brick-and-mortar programs, but they also offer the comfort and flexibility of working from home.

What else can I expect from an Online Doctorate in International Business Program?

Online Doctorate International BusinessExpect each school to have unique aspects and a lot of variety. In terms of online education, you can expect universities to approach distance learning through cohort-models or more individualized. Individualized programs are usually asynchronous, that is, you can take classes and complete assignments on your own time. Cohorts are less flexible and are more likely to be synchronous with scheduled class times, lectures, and assignments.

Also, many Doctorate’s in International Business requires courses on-campus. For example, three to four-day seminars in the summer or one weekend class per month. The curriculum can also vary quite a bit. All Doctoral work in International Business requires advanced and skills in core areas such as finance, management, marketing, and law.

The DBA in International Business is an administration degree with a specialization in International Business. The focus is on field-work and practical applications. Some schools focus more on leadership and communication as global corporations operate in unique cultural and political environments. Concentrations are usually four to six courses or 12-18 semester credits. You can also expect entry tests after core classes, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Doctoral degrees vary in length. In the case of a DBA in International Business, the length ranges from two to eight years.

Are Online Doctorates in International Business Degrees Accredited?

Online Doctorate International BusinessAccredited degrees are preferable to those that are not. When a program is accredited it means it is legally designated and authoritative agencies have analyzed it as meeting industry standards. The agencies are independent and generally private organizations. It usually takes years to become accredited, and the accreditation lasts for several years (where the school will have have the accreditation renewed).

Industry standards are set by the U.S. Department of Education, which is the federal government body dedicated to improving student achievement and ensuring the high quality of education in the nation’s learning institutions. Meeting those standards is meaningful. In fact, it is often the case that employers look at accredited programs more favorably.

That being said, school accreditation (which all universities and colleges on our list are) doesn’t mean the Doctoral Program in International Business or DBA with a concentration in International Business is accredited. You should be on the lookout when you are considering programs for two of the most prominent agencies that award accreditation to doctorates in international business programs: The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).