Choosing a doctoral degree is a major academic and professional decision. For business professionals, the choice often comes down to two options: a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Business Administration.
One question that many working professionals ask is: Is an SSBM DBA as good as a PhD?
The answer is not simply yes or no. An SSBM DBA and a PhD are both doctoral-level qualifications, but they are designed for different purposes. A PhD generally has a stronger focus on academic research and theory development, while a DBA is a professional doctorate that places greater emphasis on applying research to real business and organizational challenges.
What Is an SSBM DBA?
The SSBM DBA is a professional doctorate in business administration designed primarily for experienced business professionals and executives.
SSBM describes its DBA as a practical and research-based doctoral program that combines advanced business knowledge with research and professional application. Its Dissertation Track requires students to complete a dissertation, while the Research Track places additional emphasis on academic publication and research.
The current online DBA Dissertation program is structured around a 24-month duration and includes research-intensive modules followed by a thesis. SSBM states that the program awards a DBA degree from SSBM Geneva upon successful completion.
The school also offers different DBA areas, including subjects such as:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Leadership
- Healthcare Management
- International Business
- Strategic Management
- Human Resource Management
The exact specializations and delivery options can vary between DBA pathways.
What Is a PhD in Business Administration?
A PhD in Business Administration is generally an academic research doctorate.
The primary objective is to produce original research that contributes to existing academic knowledge. PhD candidates normally spend substantial time studying research methodology, reviewing existing literature, developing research questions, collecting and analyzing data and producing a doctoral dissertation.
A PhD is particularly suited to people who want careers involving:
- University teaching
- Academic research
- Business-school faculty positions
- Research institutions
- Policy research
- Scholarly publishing
The emphasis is therefore usually on creating new knowledge, rather than primarily applying existing knowledge to a specific organization’s problems.
SSBM DBA vs PhD: Main Difference
The biggest difference is the purpose of the doctorate.
A PhD is generally designed around academic research, while a DBA is designed around advanced professional practice and applied research.
SSBM itself describes the distinction between the two degrees in similar terms. It explains that a PhD generally emphasizes theoretical exploration and advancement of knowledge, while a DBA emphasizes practical application and solving real-world business problems.
| Factor | SSBM DBA | PhD in Business |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | Professional doctorate | Academic doctorate |
| Main Focus | Applied business research | Original academic research |
| Typical Candidate | Experienced professionals | Researchers and academics |
| Research | Applied research | Fundamental/theoretical research |
| Dissertation | Yes | Yes |
| Academic Publishing | Particularly emphasized in Research Track | Usually a major component |
| Career Focus | Executive, consulting, leadership, applied research | Academia, research, policy |
| Flexibility | Often designed around professionals | Usually more research-intensive |
| Best For | Senior professionals | Aspiring academics and researchers |
Is an SSBM DBA Equivalent to a PhD?
An SSBM DBA is a doctoral-level qualification, but that does not mean it is identical to a PhD.
SSBM itself describes the DBA as a professional doctorate and says it has the same status as a PhD in terms of being a highest-level doctoral qualification in business and management. However, the two degrees can have different purposes and may be treated differently by individual employers, universities and academic systems.
This distinction is important.
A DBA should not automatically be presented as “the same as a PhD” for every career or academic purpose.
For example, a university recruiting specifically for a tenure-track research position may prefer or require a PhD. On the other hand, a senior executive who wants to conduct applied research and solve organizational problems may find a DBA more aligned with their goals.
SSBM DBA for Working Professionals
One of the major advantages of the SSBM DBA is its professional orientation.
SSBM states that its DBA programs are designed for mid-career executives and working professionals. Its online DBA is structured to allow professionals to pursue doctoral studies without necessarily leaving their careers.
This makes a DBA particularly attractive to:
- Senior managers
- Business owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Consultants
- Corporate executives
- Department heads
- Experienced professionals
For someone already holding an MBA or equivalent qualification and several years of professional experience, a DBA can provide an opportunity to combine business experience with advanced research.
SSBM DBA Research Track vs PhD
The difference becomes less straightforward when comparing the SSBM DBA Research Track with a traditional PhD.
SSBM’s Research Track requires students to conduct research and publish their work in reputable conferences and journals. It also includes research methodology, research proposal development and a doctoral thesis.
This gives the Research Track a stronger academic orientation than a purely practice-focused doctorate.
However, the overall purpose remains that of a professional doctorate in business.
A traditional PhD normally places even greater emphasis on developing an original contribution to academic knowledge and preparing candidates for long-term research and academic careers.
Which Has More Research?
If research is your primary goal, a PhD generally has the stronger research orientation.
A PhD is specifically designed around original scholarly research. The dissertation is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the academic literature.
The SSBM DBA Research Track also includes substantial research. SSBM states that students are expected to publish research and complete a dissertation.
Therefore, the gap can be smaller for an SSBM Research Track candidate than for someone completing a purely coursework-oriented professional doctorate.
Still, the purpose of the degree remains different.
Which Is Better for an Academic Career?
If your primary goal is to become a university professor or full-time academic researcher, a PhD is generally the safer choice.
Universities often recruit faculty based on:
- Research publications
- Research specialization
- Teaching experience
- Academic qualifications
- Conference participation
- Research impact
A PhD is traditionally the standard qualification for academic research careers.
An SSBM DBA Research Track may also provide research and publication experience, but candidates seeking academic careers should check the requirements of the universities where they plan to work.
Which Is Better for a Corporate Career?
For senior corporate professionals, the answer can be different.
A DBA can be highly relevant to people who want to apply research and advanced business knowledge to organizational challenges.
SSBM describes its DBA as a professional doctorate designed to help experienced executives develop advanced theoretical and practical knowledge.
A DBA can therefore fit well with careers such as:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Business Director
- Strategy Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Senior Operations Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Corporate Advisor
- Business Research Consultant
For these professionals, the practical orientation of a DBA can be more relevant than the heavily academic structure of a traditional PhD.
SSBM DBA Accreditation
Accreditation is another important consideration when comparing doctoral programs.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) currently lists SSBM as accredited, with its directory specifically listing the DBA: Doctorate of Business Administration among the accredited programs. The current directory shows an accreditation status of “Yes” and an A1 accreditation category.
However, accreditation should always be considered alongside the specific degree, awarding institution, country of recognition and the purpose for which you intend to use the qualification.
If your goal is employment in academia, for example, you should also check the hiring requirements of the universities you are targeting.
SSBM DBA Duration
SSBM currently lists its online DBA Dissertation program as a 24-month program. It includes research methodology, research proposal work and a thesis.
The Research Track is also structured around approximately two years, depending on the student’s progress and completion of research requirements.
Actual completion time can depend on the student’s research progress and ability to complete the dissertation requirements.
SSBM DBA Admission Requirements
SSBM’s published admission requirements generally include an MBA or equivalent qualification, or a relevant master’s degree.
For applicants with a master’s degree outside management, SSBM indicates that professional experience may also be required.
This reflects the professional nature of the DBA.
The program is aimed primarily at candidates who already have significant academic and professional experience rather than students entering directly after an undergraduate degree.
SSBM DBA vs PhD: Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your career goal.
Choose an SSBM DBA if:
- You are an experienced business professional
- You want to continue working while studying
- You prefer applied research
- You want to solve real business problems
- You are targeting senior management
- You are interested in consulting or entrepreneurship
- You want a professional doctorate in business
Choose a PhD if:
- You want to become a university professor
- You want a long-term academic research career
- You enjoy theoretical research
- You want to publish extensively in academic journals
- You want to develop new theories or academic frameworks
- Your target university specifically requires a PhD
SSBM DBA vs PhD: Career Comparison
| Career Goal | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Senior Corporate Leadership | DBA |
| Entrepreneurship | DBA |
| Management Consulting | DBA |
| Applied Business Research | DBA |
| Academic Research | PhD |
| University Professor | PhD generally preferred |
| Research Institution | PhD generally preferred |
| Business Executive | DBA |
| Academic Publishing | PhD, although Research DBA can also be suitable |
| Executive Education | DBA or PhD depending on institution |
This table should be treated as a general guide. Individual universities and employers can set their own qualification requirements.
Is SSBM DBA Worth It?
An SSBM DBA can be worth considering if your objective is to combine advanced business research with professional leadership.
The program’s professional orientation, online delivery and research components can make it attractive to experienced managers and executives.
Its DBA Research Track may be particularly relevant for professionals who want stronger exposure to academic research and publication. SSBM states that the Research Track requires students to publish their work and complete a doctoral thesis.
However, if your only goal is to become a traditional academic researcher or professor, you should compare the SSBM DBA directly with PhD programs that are specifically designed for academic careers.
Final Comparison: Is SSBM DBA as Good as PhD?
There is no universal winner.
The SSBM DBA can be as valuable as a PhD for certain professional goals, but it should not be considered identical to a PhD.
If your objective is senior management, consulting, entrepreneurship or applied business research, an SSBM DBA can be a strong fit.
If your objective is academic research, university teaching or developing new theoretical knowledge, a PhD is generally the more appropriate route.
SSBM’s DBA Research Track makes the comparison closer because it includes research methodology, publication requirements and a dissertation.
Ultimately, the question should not simply be “Which degree is higher?”
Both are doctoral degrees. The better question is:
Which doctorate matches your career objective?
Conclusion
An SSBM DBA and a PhD are both advanced doctoral qualifications, but they serve different purposes.
The SSBM DBA is primarily a professional doctorate, designed for experienced business professionals who want to combine advanced research with practical business application. SSBM offers Dissertation and Research pathways, with its Research Track placing additional emphasis on publication and academic research.
A PhD is generally more appropriate for candidates who want to pursue academic research, university teaching and theoretical contributions.
Therefore, an SSBM DBA can be just as valuable as a PhD when the goal is professional leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship or applied business research. But if your target is a traditional academic career, a PhD is generally the safer and more widely expected qualification.
Before choosing, compare the program’s accreditation, research requirements, awarding institution, career outcomes and the specific qualification requirements of your target employers or universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an SSBM DBA equivalent to a PhD?
Both are doctoral-level qualifications, but they are not identical. An SSBM DBA is a professional doctorate focused on business practice and applied research, while a PhD generally emphasizes academic research and theoretical contribution.
2. Is SSBM DBA good for an academic career?
The SSBM Research Track includes research and publication requirements, making it more academically oriented. However, candidates seeking university faculty positions should check whether their target institutions specifically require a PhD.
3. Is SSBM DBA better than PhD for working professionals?
It can be. The SSBM DBA is specifically designed for experienced professionals and offers online study options, making it more compatible with continuing a professional career.
4. Is SSBM DBA accredited?
The current ACBSP directory lists SSBM as accredited and specifically includes its DBA among the accredited programs.
5. Should I choose SSBM DBA or PhD?
Choose an SSBM DBA if your goal is senior management, consulting, entrepreneurship or applied business research. Choose a PhD if your primary goal is academic research, university teaching or a research-focused career.
