Hi, Nowadays many universities are offering DBA programs. May I know what are the advantages and disadvantages to both DBA and PhD in BA? Thanks.
Practical application of these degrees is blurred somewhat but the main difference is that the PhD is oriented to business research and teaching (not that there aren't professional practitioners out there), while the DBA is oriented to the professional management practitioner (not that there aren't researchers and teachers with DBAs). As a doctoral degree, the PhD is more recognized. DBAs sometimes get confused with "Data Base Administrator" in the IT field or "Doing Business As" in the business licensing world.
From the american perspective, there is vey little difference since both programs requiere course work and a dissertation. Some argue that the PhD is more academic and the DBA more professional oriented. However, you are required to submit a dissertation for both programs that contributed to body of knowledge. From UK and Australian perspective, the DBA is the alternative for those looking for a doctorate degree and hold an MBA. Most of the PhDs in the UK and Australia would require a research master's or an honours degree. The DBA is the easiest route for those holding an MBA unless you want to work on another research master's before getting a doctorate. As for academic work, some univerties would accept either a DBA or a PhD for faculty positions while others only a PhD. So the safest route is the PhD.
