What Degree Is Higher Than an MBA? Exploring Your Next Move

Finished your MBA and wondering if there’s anywhere left to go? You’re not alone. Plenty of ambitious folks hit that same ceiling and ask, “What’s actually higher than an MBA?” Turns out, there are advanced degrees designed for people just like you—folks who aren’t satisfied with stopping at a master’s or want a whole new level of influence in business.

The next rung up the ladder usually means a doctorate. That includes programs like the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), the PhD in Management, or rare executive doctorates. Not only do these tell the world you’re elite in your field, but they also unlock niche leadership roles and jobs in academia or big-league research. If you’ve ever dreamed of shaping business theory, running complex organizations, or teaching at top universities, keep reading.

But let’s get real: these programs aren’t just “MBA plus one.” They demand serious time, effort, and usually more money. Before you jump in, it’s smart to know what you’re signing up for, and whether it lines up with what you actually want from your career.

• Why Look Beyond the MBA?
• Common Degrees Higher Than an MBA
• Who Should Go for a Doctorate?
• Practical Differences: DBA vs. PhD vs. Executive Doctorate
• Weighing the Costs and Benefits

Why Look Beyond the MBA?

If you’re thinking about going higher than your MBA, you probably have a good reason. Maybe you’re tired of being stuck in the mid-level management crowd, or you want to switch to teaching at a university. An MBA gets you in the door, but upper-level roles like C-suite execs, corporate strategists, or business professors usually want something more.

The higher than MBA degrees, like a DBA or PhD in Management, can set you apart big time. For example, a 2022 survey by AACSB showed that over 80% of business school professors in North America hold doctorates. And companies like McKinsey and BCG often tap DBAs or PhDs for specialized research or leadership training gigs. In short, if you want to do original research, influence policy, or lead serious innovation, you’re looking in the right place.

Here’s a quick hit list of real reasons people push past the MBA:

• You want to become a business school professor or thought leader
• You’re aiming for the highest leadership or consulting roles
• You want to dig into original research or influence how organizations are run
• Your industry values advanced research or analytics skills, like healthcare, data-driven finance, or emerging tech

If you ever feel like your MBA is a "required minimum" instead of a legit advantage, or you’re craving expertise people actually listen to, it might be time to go higher. Degrees above the MBA aren’t for everyone, but for driven leaders or future academics, they’re a real game-changer.

Common Degrees Higher Than an MBA

If you’re checking out what’s above an MBA, you’ll mostly run into three main business doctorates. The big names are Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), PhD in Management, and—though less common—special executive doctorates or Doctor of Management (DM). They all fly higher than a standard MBA and are meant for people who want to either stretch the limits of what we know about business or put theory straight into C-suite action.

Higher than MBA programs go beyond case studies and networking. Here’s the quick rundown:

• DBA (Doctor of Business Administration): This is built for working pros who aim to solve real business problems using research. Most DBAs are designed for execs who want to stay in leadership roles but level up their strategic chops. Programs often take 3-6 years, are part-time, and blend online and in-person classes. Expect a lot of hands-on research.
• PhD in Management: This path is more about theory and academic work. If teaching or publishing business research is your dream, the PhD is your go-to. These programs are mostly full-time, can take 4-6 years, and focus on deep, original research that shapes university curriculums or gets published in journals.
• Executive Doctorate or DM: These are hybrids, somewhere between the DBA and PhD. Designed for senior managers, they mix advanced leadership skills with applied research. Great for those eyeing top consulting gigs or board-level influence.

The kind of work you take on is a step above what happens in a typical MBA program. You’ll spend years digging into a research project or thesis that actually pushes the business world forward. Some programs expect you to publish your work—good news if you want to get noticed in academic or industry circles.

“A doctorate in business sets you apart as a thought leader and demonstrates the capacity to take on the biggest challenges in industry or academia.” – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Here’s what you typically get with these advanced degrees:

If you want deep expertise, the ability to teach at a university, or serious credentials for those top executive positions, these are the degrees that make it possible. And if you’re not sure which fits you, think carefully about whether you lean more toward practical business solutions (DBA), pushing theory (PhD), or bridging both (DM).

Who Should Go for a Doctorate?

Let’s get straight to the point: a doctorate takes grit. These degrees—notably the higher than MBA options like the DBA or PhD in Management—suit a specific crowd. Not everyone with an MBA (or even a couple decades in business) needs to go this extra mile. So who’s really a fit?

If you’re itching to teach at the university level, consult for government or big private clients, or want to run heavy-duty research projects, a doctorate is right up your alley. These programs dig deep into theory, research skills, and sometimes, leadership at the very top. For folks set on becoming professors or publishing original business insights, a PhD is usually the best bet. If you’re already a senior leader and want to tackle complex, real-world business problems—while piling an ‘Dr.’ to your name—the DBA or executive doctorate might suit you better.

Here’s a quick rundown of good candidates for a business doctorate:

• Experienced professionals targeting teaching jobs at universities
• Consultants or senior execs eyeing advanced, research-heavy roles
• Entrepreneurs craving top-notch credibility or a new perspective
• People who love academic research and want to publish work

You don’t need to be a genius, but you do need self-drive and patience. These programs often take 3-5 years of serious commitment. According to AACSB, the average age of new students in a Doctor of Business Administration program is 42. Most candidates already have at least 10 years of management experience under their belt, and balancing work and study is totally normal. Now, make no mistake—you’ll spend nights and weekends on essays, data crunching, and sometimes teaching. It’s intense, but the payoff can be massive if it fits your goals.

If you just want to speed up your climb up the corporate ladder or pad your salary, a doctorate usually isn’t the shortcut. These degrees cost serious money—often over $50,000—and your career pause is real. But if you’re ready to leave a mark on business thinking, become a true expert, or flip your career upside down, it might be the power move you’re looking for.

Practical Differences: DBA vs. PhD vs. Executive Doctorate

So, you’ve heard of all these options sitting above an MBA: the DBA, the PhD in Management, and something called the Executive Doctorate. They sound the same, but nope—each one has a different vibe and suits a different type of person.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is the most popular pick for people working in business who want to move into senior leadership, consulting, or drive change inside a company. The DBA focuses on real-world business problems and usually blends coursework with a research project that you can actually use in your job. It’s hands-on. Most students keep working while studying, and many programs offer part-time or online formats. Typical completion time is 3 to 6 years.

Then there’s the PhD in Management. This one’s all about research and academics. If you want to become a university professor or publish original theories, the PhD is the way to go. It’s less about current business practice and more about deep, sometimes super-niche research. The schedule is usually full-time—think of it as your job for 4 to 7 years. You’ll spend tons of time reading, writing, and presenting research to other experts.

Executive Doctorate programs are rare and designed for people already sitting near the top—in C-suite positions or running big divisions. These programs mix advanced theory with high-level peer collaboration. The main difference? These focus on applied projects tailored to solving problems in complex organizations rather than pure research.

Here’s a breakdown that makes things clearer:

One more thing: most DBA and executive doctorate programs welcome students who won’t quit their jobs, while PhDs usually expect you to be on campus most days. If you’re trying to figure out which path fits, ask yourself if you want your “higher than MBA” degree to boost hands-on career progress or open doors in academia only.

Weighing the Costs and Benefits

Let’s be honest: going above and beyond an MBA isn’t just about flexing a new title. It comes with serious costs—both in cash and in life energy. Before you sign up for a doctorate, you really need to balance what you stand to gain against what you’ll put on the line.

First, there’s the money. Top DBA or PhD programs can run anywhere from $50,000 to over $200,000, depending on the school and your pace. Some universities offer scholarships or funding, especially for research-heavy PhD tracks, but if you’re heading for a professional doctorate, you’ll likely be footing more of the bill yourself.

Time is another big one. These programs aren’t quick. A DBA often takes 3-6 years if you’re working part-time while keeping your job. A PhD in management? More like 4-7 years, and it can be even longer if you go full tilt into academic research. You’ll spend long hours on dissertations, research projects, and sometimes teaching assignments.

The stress factor is real. Balancing a hardcore doctorate with work, family, or even basic downtime pushes lots of people to their limits. Ask yourself: are you sure you’ll still want the result in the years it takes to earn it?

So, what’s the upside? Here’s how the numbers and facts shake out:

• A higher than MBA degree often leads to a bump in leadership roles and salaries, especially in consulting, management, or academia. Many who go this route aren’t looking for entry-level jobs—they’re lining up for the C-suite or tenured professor gigs.
• According to a 2024 survey by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, DBA holders in North America can earn between $120,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on field and experience. For PhDs in business in academic roles, average salaries range from $110,000 to $180,000.
• Doctorates are a gateway to research, university teaching, and work at think tanks that standard MBAs just can’t access.

Check out this quick side-by-side of what you might put in versus what you could get back:

One more thing: don’t just chase a degree for status. The real benefit shows up when you’re passionate about research, teaching, or want that expert-level edge in a specific field. Talk to grads from the program you’re interested in. Drill down if those roles, rewards, and the grind match your actual goals before you leap in.