Individuals obtaining DBA degrees can look forward to finding work as consultants, independent contractors working for corporations, or academic researchers. An associate professor at a business school can earn $110,000 while a full-time professor earns $150,000, as of February 2011. The beginning salary of a CEO can range from $140,000 with unlimited earning potential. Earning a DBA degree can put you on the fast track to earning a six-figure salary in a senior management level position.
A DBA degree concentrates on preparing a graduate to work for a corporation or a university as a leader, consultant or teacher. The course structure includes courses in research, management, strategic planning, analytical methods and solution oriented leadership with specialized courses in marketing, information systems or international business. A DBA degree can be earned within three to six years with the applicant writing and defending a doctoral dissertation as well as passing a comprehensive exam.
Information about schools and degree programs can be found on specific college and university websites. School rankings can be found online as well as in periodicals at your local library. Specific questions about DBA degree programs or schools can be answered by calling the school directly and speaking with a school administrator.
When obtaining a degree online or at a university you may want to consider the accreditations of the school. Some universities will not hire applicants that did not receive a DBA degree from an AACSB accredited school. In such cases, applicants must have outstanding credentials. The quality of their published research will become a deciding factor in whether or not they are hired. Faculty seeking tenure need to be aware that some schools require the faculty member to have a degree in business. A DBA or a PhD in business will meet the university's criteria, but a doctorate in education will not.