What Degree Is Higher Than MBA? Your Guide to Next-Level Business Education

Ever wondered what sits above an MBA on the business degree ladder? Most folks think the MBA is the finish line, but there’s more out there if you’re hungry for heavier credentials. You’ll run across programs like the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the PhD in Management. Each one digs deeper, but for different reasons—and for different kinds of people.

These degrees aren’t for everyone. Ask yourself: Are you chasing a top academic spot or do you want to reshape how business actually gets done? A higher degree can mean more credibility, better pay, or just the chance to finally answer the big questions you’re obsessed with. But do you really need it? Let’s break down what makes these degrees tick and why someone might actually sign up for the extra grind.

• Beyond the MBA: What Comes Next?
• Doctorate Options Explained: DBA vs PhD
• Who Should Go for a Higher Degree?
• Tips for Choosing the Right Path

Beyond the MBA: What Comes Next?

After smashing your way through an MBA, you might start asking, “What now?” If you’re set on climbing right to the top, you’ve got two major options: the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Management. Both sit higher than a master’s and can change your career story, but there are some big differences you need to know about.

Quick rundown: A DBA is for people who want to tackle real-world business problems at a super-high level, often while still working. The PhD, on the other hand, is for folks who love research or dream of scoring a spot as a university professor. Both degrees mean you’ll be spending a few more years studying, but what you do with that time is completely different.

Some business schools offer specialized doctorates—like a Doctor of Management (DM) or Doctor of Education in Leadership—but the DBA and PhD are the main ones hiring managers and schools know about. Most programs take three to six years, depending how fast you move and if you work while going back to school.

Here’s a direct comparison of what you might expect if you chase these degrees after your MBA:

This next-level academic hustle isn’t huge—only about 2,000 DBAs are awarded worldwide each year, compared to tens of thousands of MBA grads. That means a doctorate definitely grabs attention on a resume, but it’s not a golden ticket. Before chasing more credentials, think hard about what you want in your work life, because these programs take real time and cash.

Doctorate Options Explained: DBA vs PhD

If you’re eyeballing something higher than an MBA, you’ll run into two main choices: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and PhD in Management. Both sit at the top of the business degree pile, but don’t mix them up—these programs are built for totally different goals and personalities.

The MBA gets you in the door for management, but a DBA is designed for folks who want to actually use business research to solve real-world problems. Think: senior execs, consultants, or even business owners who want to stand out. Most DBA students don’t dream of becoming professors full-time. They usually already have careers and want practical tools to make things run smoother, or change how their company operates. A typical DBA takes about 3 to 4 years part-time, and classes focus on applying academic theory to stuff you’ll actually face in boardrooms or client meetings.

A PhD in Management, on the other hand, is all about pure research and theory. People who pick this path usually want to publish studies, teach at big universities, or go deep into the mechanics of business concepts. PhDs tend to do original research that gets referenced by other academics all over the world. Expect to grind for 4 to 6 years full-time. There’s a lot of statistics, research methodology, and, honestly, not much you’ll use in a corporate job right away.

• If you want to climb further in executive ranks or advise companies, the DBA fits better.
• If you see yourself wearing tweed, running seminars, and changing the future of business education, the PhD wins out.

One thing people mess up: thinking a DBA is “easier” because it’s more practical. It isn’t. It’s just different. The standards are strict, and you still have to do research—just with a focus on stuff your industry cares about. Meanwhile, the PhD will throw you into the weeds of theory, requiring deep dives into topics that might not matter much outside of journals or classrooms.

Bottom line: know your end game before you apply. Both degrees demand time, money, and energy. But only one will really match the career you want.

Who Should Go for a Higher Degree?

Thinking about a doctorate after your MBA? It all comes down to your goals. A DBA or PhD isn't just extra letters behind your name—they're meant for people with a specific drive or career path in mind. If you’re happy moving up in a company or switching industries, an MBA does the job for most. But if you want to shape business theory or take on the toughest research, then that next big step might make sense.

Certain groups of people are more likely to go for a higher degree in business:

• MBA graduates who want university teaching jobs or research roles where a doctorate is required
• Senior execs or consultants aiming to back up their experience with focused academic research or data-driven strategy
• Entrepreneurs with a passion for solving complicated business problems and leading innovation in their field
• Professionals looking to become subject-matter experts, giving keynote speeches, writing books, or influencing policy

It’s easy to think, “More school means more money,” but that’s only true sometimes. According to a 2024 report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), about 65% of DBA graduates moved into senior leadership, research, or academic roles. In comparison, only 40% of MBAs took on similar positions after graduation. That’s a big gap if those roles matter to you.

The main takeaway? Not everyone needs another diploma. But for those who want to break new ground, teach at a top university, or lead business thinking for the next decade, a higher degree in business can be a real game changer. Just make sure your reasons are crystal clear before heading back to the classroom.

Tips for Choosing the Right Path

Picking your next step after an MBA isn’t something you do on a whim. The path you choose will shape your career and life for years. Before you go signing up for late-night research or executive seminars, let’s get real about what makes sense and what’s a waste of both time and money.

• MBA vs. DBA vs. PhD: These aren’t just different letters. An MBA is practical—great for jumping into management roles or getting a bump up the ladder. A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is for folks who want advanced business skills but prefer tackling real-world problems, usually while keeping their day job. A PhD? That’s for those aiming at academic research or a teaching career. Each one leads to different doors.
• Think about your endgame. Want to teach at a top university? You’ll need a PhD, no way around it. Looking to keep one foot in the boardroom? The DBA will flex your experience while deepening your expertise. If your heart’s in industry rather than academia, most top execs still have an MBA or a DBA rather than a PhD.
• Assess your lifestyle. A DBA or PhD can take 3-6 years, depending on part-time vs. full-time. Most DBAs are designed for working professionals—weekend classes, distance learning, and applied projects. PhD programs are more rigid and demand a lot of solo research and publishing. Ask yourself if you’re ready for sleepless nights and lots of reading—or if you want something you can balance with your career (and maybe even your family life, if you have one, like me and Leah).
• Check program focus. Some DBA programs lean heavily into practical skills. Others go old-school, closer to a PhD. Look at recent grad profiles, course outlines, and research opportunities. Don’t just trust glossy brochures.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to give you a snapshot of what each route can look like:

One more thing—think about the financials. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the median starting salary for MBA grads in the U.S. in 2024 was about $125,000, while those with a DBA or PhD often see increased salaries mainly in academic or consulting roles. But be honest: Is the tuition, time, and effort worth the bump? For some, it’s life-changing. For others, just a fancy piece of paper.

Bottom line: Know your goal, ask the tough questions, stalk some alumni on LinkedIn, and don’t pick a program because it just sounds prestigious. The right degree should fit your career—and your life—like a glove.