Think an MBA is the ultimate business credential? Think again. There are degrees that actually go beyond the MBA, with programs built for folks ready to dig even deeper into business leadership, research, or teaching. If you’ve already got an MBA under your belt, you might feel like you’ve capped out. But some people want to aim even higher—and the good news is, there’s a path for that.
Maybe you’re after a big promotion, or you want to teach at a university level. Or perhaps you’re just hungry for knowledge and more influence in your industry. Knowing what comes next after the MBA checkpoint isn’t just academic trivia—it can seriously open doors. Let's break down the real options, why people pick them, and how these advanced degrees might just be a smarter move than jumping back into another job search or basic certificate.
- When an MBA Isn’t the Finish Line
- Meet the DBA and Other Advanced Degrees
- Who Actually Needs a Post-MBA Degree?
- Picking the Right Path for You
When an MBA Isn’t the Finish Line
The MBA’s got a reputation as the gold standard for business leaders, but if you think it’s the last stop, you’re missing out. Turns out, there’s more above an MBA—degrees and credentials designed for folks who want to specialize, teach, or become top experts in their field. Especially in areas like consulting, academia, or high-level executive roles, just having an MBA might not set you apart like it used to.
Let’s get real: over 250,000 students globally graduate every year with an MBA. That’s a huge crowd. If you’re gunning for C-suite jobs or considering a career shift into research or teaching, schools and employers are looking for something extra. Earning a higher than MBA degree can make you stand out in industries where almost everyone else already has an MBA on their resume.
- Business schools and universities have started offering post-MBA programs to meet the demand for even higher expertise.
- In some Fortune 500 companies, executive or doctoral business degrees can boost your shot at board-level or international leadership roles.
- If you want to teach business at most universities, especially top ones, they often want more than just an MBA—they want a doctorate.
So if you feel like you’re bumping into a ceiling or getting lost in a sea of other MBAs, it might be time to check out what’s next. For people who like to push limits or want that edge, settling for an MBA as the endpoint just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Meet the DBA and Other Advanced Degrees
So, what actually sits higher than an MBA? The big one is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Think of the DBA as the next step if you're looking to blend hardcore business knowledge with deep leadership or research skills. It’s not just another classroom experience. The focus is on fixing real-world business problems, usually through big projects or original research that can make waves in your industry.
A typical DBA program takes between three to six years, often part-time, so people can keep working while they study. Classmates are usually mid-career pros—directors, startup founders, consultants—looking for more than just another diploma to hang on the wall. In the U.S. and Europe, tuition can range from about $50,000 to well over $100,000, depending where you go.
- DBA (Doctor of Business Administration): Practical, leadership-focused, and great if you want to land a C-suite job or do consulting that really matters. Many programs center around your own workplace challenges, which is super handy.
- PhD in Business or Management: This is as academic as it gets. If you want to crush it in research or become a full-time professor, a PhD is the direction you want. You spend years on original theories, not just business case studies.
- Executive Doctorate: Sometimes called an Executive DBA or Doctor of Management. These are built for busy pros and often combine weekend study, online learning, and real company projects—less theory, more making change right now.
While the DBA and executive doctorates have grown a lot in popularity, they’re still rare. According to AACSB, only about 2% of business doctorates worldwide are DBAs. Most business schools keep their cohorts small, which means more attention but also higher competition to get in.
Here’s a quick look at how these post-MBA degrees stack up compared to the traditional path:
| Degree | Focus | Career Targets | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Management, Leadership, Broad Business Skills | Managers, Executives, Entrepreneurs | 1-2 years |
| DBA | Applied Business Research, Leadership Practice | Senior Executives, Consultants, High-Level Managers | 3-6 years |
| PhD | Theoretical Research, Academic Career | University Faculty, Researchers | 4-7 years |
| Executive Doctorate | Practical Solutions, Organizational Impact | Top Leaders, Change Agents | 2-4 years |
One tip: if you love building business theories and teaching at top schools, look hard at a PhD. But if making change in the real-world business scene is your thing, the DBA or executive doctorate will get you there faster and with way more practical tools.
Who Actually Needs a Post-MBA Degree?
Getting a degree higher than an MBA isn’t for everyone. Most folks do just fine with an MBA and experience. But certain goals and careers actually call for something more advanced. The big question: When is it worth pushing past the MBA finish line?
If you’re thinking about moving into a university professor role—especially at bigger schools—a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or PhD in Management is often a must. Many universities require these credentials for tenure-track teaching and research jobs. The bar is even higher at well-known schools; MBA alone usually won’t cut it.
Some senior executive roles, especially in international companies or specialized sectors, look favorably on executive doctorate degrees. Employers sometimes see a DBA as proof you’re at the top of your game—especially if you want to work in strategy, management consulting, or high-level policy think tanks. It’s not a magic ticket, but it does make your resume stand out in a room full of MBAs.
For those big on research—or who want to publish and influence business thought—post-MBA degrees open a lot of doors. You’ll get tools to design studies, gather data, and actually impact how business is done on a bigger scale. If presenting at conferences or writing in top business journals sounds exciting, these advanced programs are designed for you.
But let’s not pretend: they’re a huge investment. These programs often take three to five years, and many students stick with their full-time jobs at the same time. That’s why you see a lot of mid-career professionals, seasoned consultants, and ambitious entrepreneurs in these classrooms—not just the fresh-out-of-MBA crowd.
| Who Benefits Most | Degree Requirement (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Teaching at universities | DBA or PhD |
| C-suite in consulting or policy | DBA or Executive Doctorate |
| Business research & publishing | DBA or PhD |
In the end, a post-MBA degree is worth it if you want deep expertise, the perks that come with it, or you’re chasing jobs where this credential is expected. If those things don’t match what you want, the investment probably doesn’t make sense.
Picking the Right Path for You
Alright, so you’re thinking about a degree higher than an MBA—but which one makes sense for your goals? This isn’t a “one size fits all” deal. Whether a DBA, Executive Doctorate, or even a PhD in Business is the best move totally depends on what you want out of your career, how much time you can invest, and, honestly, what you want your day-to-day life to look like down the line.
Let’s nail down some factors you’ll want to think through:
- Career Goals: Are you driven to climb the corporate ladder, get into consulting, or teach at a university? A DBA is perfect for senior leadership or consulting roles; a PhD is often non-negotiable for full-time academic work.
- Program Structure: DBA and Executive Doctorate programs are usually designed for folks working full-time jobs. PhDs, on the other hand, often expect you to be on campus and may take much longer.
- Research vs. Practice: DBAs focus a lot on applying research to real business problems, while PhDs lean hard into theory. Know which side you fall on before you leap in.
- ROI: These programs aren’t cheap. The average DBA at a U.S. school will run you somewhere between $70,000 and $150,000. Will the extra letters after your name actually pay off?
- Time Commitment: DBA programs can be finished in 3-4 years, often part-time. PhDs usually take closer to 5-7 years full-time. That’s a big difference.
Still not sure? Here’s a quick comparison you’ll probably find handy:
| Degree | Who’s It For? | Time to Complete | Job Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| DBA | Senior leaders, consultants | 3-4 years (part-time) | C-suite, board roles, consulting |
| Executive Doctorate | Experienced execs | 3-4 years (part-time) | Leadership, innovation, influence |
| PhD (Business) | Aspiring professors, researchers | 5-7 years (full-time) | Academia, think tanks |
One tip—don’t base your choice just on school rankings. Instead, look at faculty, industry connections, and the kinds of projects grads are working on.
"The most expensive program isn’t always the best fit. Ask where their alumni end up. You want to see proven results, not just big marketing promises." — Paul Bodine, admissions consultant and business author
Biggest takeaway? Get real about your goals. If you want new letters after your name just for the bragging rights, that probably isn’t enough. Match the degree with the type of impact you actually want to make. That’s how you land on a path you won’t regret later.
