Getting a PhD in business administration, marketing, or a related field doesn’t have to be difficult. You just have to know where to look.

With most of the top-tier business schools offering online degrees, working towards a PhD is now more accessible than ever before.

Though there are various challenges associated with distance learning, nothing will ever beat being able to study alongside some of the best minds in your field. Plus, with the right course load and schedule, you may even be able to complete your studies in less time than it takes to complete a traditional PhD.

Here we’re going to run down the top 10 online business administration, marketing, and related PhD programs available today, along with some pros and cons of each one.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for Business Administration

A business administration PhD program will give you the opportunity to further investigate the theory and practice of running a business. You’ll take a broad perspective on the subject, which could include everything from general business principles to specific elements of marketing or operations management.

A popular choice amongst students, the University of Houston’s Graduate School of Business offers a number of specializations within the business administration PhD program. One of the most popular is the Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. To get your specialization, you must complete the general business administration portion of the program, which can be done entirely online. You’ll take three years to complete the program, and can then look for jobs in a variety of fields, including marketing.

One of the things that makes this program so popular is that it allows for complete flexibility with respect to your schedule. Unlike many other online PhD programs out there, the University of Houston’s Bachelors, Masters, and PhD programs are all supported by the School of Business, giving you the opportunity to take advantage of their full schedule of classes. These could include everything from classes that you’re taking for your Bachelors to executive courses that you’re taking for your PhD. And since this is a fully-online program, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to live or eating out all the time. You’ll also get access to a wide variety of courses, as the School of Business offers over 100 undergraduate courses as well as an in-house journal, The Journal of Marketing, for grad students to publish their work in.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for Marketing

If you’re curious about the science of marketing, then a marketing PhD program may be the right choice for you. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of marketing theory and practice, allowing you to work in marketing for businesses or non-profit organizations. In fact, many marketing PhDs end up going into academia, teaching at the graduate level or at a professional school.

To get a marketing PhD, you must first complete a Masters in Business Administration. However, not all of the top MBA programs are created equal, and many of them don’t offer specific marketing degrees. Instead, you must look for a marketing graduate school that offers a PhD in marketing. Once you’ve gotten your MBA and are looking for your PhD, you may find that many of the top-tier business schools don’t offer a marketing PhD program. This may mean that you have to look elsewhere for your research project, and in turn, your chance at getting a well-deserved PhD.

Though it’s not always the case, a marketing PhD can be a great choice if you plan on working in marketing. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in cutting edge research and get first-hand experience in a corporate marketing setting. Just remember – marketing is all about getting people to buy what you’re selling, and it never hurts to have more than one strategy in mind when you’re selling anything.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for Related Fields

If you’re curious about something else entirely, you might want to consider an online doctorate program in medical science or health administration. You’ll gain broad responsibility for the medical and health care aspects of a business, including everything from medical insurance to hospital operations. In many cases, you’ll work alongside practicing physicians as a clinical instructor or study advisor.

A master’s in medical science or health administration with a specialization in business will give you the opportunity to get a job in a professional setting. You’ll also have the option of going back to school and getting a PhD in medical science or health administration. In most cases, this will be a longer and more expensive process, however, it will also open up a lot of doors for you.

Though it’s not always the case, a masters in medical science or health administration with a specialization in business can be a great choice if you want to work in a business setting and also have the opportunity to further your education. You’ll likely have the option of going back to school and getting a PhD in the field of medical science or health administration. Most of the top business schools don’t offer a specific degree in medical science or health administration, so if you do get the opportunity to go back, it may mean that you have to look for a school that does. Though it’s not always the case, an MS in medical science or health administration with a specialization in business can be a great choice if you want to work in a business setting and also have the opportunity to further your education.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for International Students

If you’re an international student, you might want to consider an online degree. While it may not always be the case, you may get a better chance at gaining admission to a top-tier university if you qualify as an international student. Most top universities will give you a better chance of getting in if you’re a local student, but a better chance at getting a job once you graduate if you’re an international student. Though it’s not always beneficial, getting an online degree as an international student can be a great choice if you want to maximize your earning potential once you graduate.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for Job Skills

If you’re looking for a job in the industry, you may want to consider an online degree. Though it’s not always the case, many employers look more favorably upon candidates who have an advanced degree or professional certification. If you’re trying to get a job in a specific area, you may want to consider focusing on skills that are in demand in that area. For example, if you want to get a job in market research, you may want to consider getting a PhD in marketing or a related field. Getting a specific job skill certification may also be a good idea. For example, the Certified Healthcare Business Analyst (CHBA®) credential is a must-have for anyone working within the health care industry. Though not always applicable, getting a job skill certification may also be a great choice if you want to get a leg up on the competition.

Top 10 Online Doctorate Programs for Minors

If you’re interested in a field that you think will be very beneficial to your career, but don’t have the required education yet, you might want to consider getting a minor in that field. A minor may not seem like a great choice since you don’t have the required education, but once you do, it can be a great choice. For example, if you’re passionate about marketing and want to get a leg up on the competition, you may want to consider getting a minor in marketing. Though it’s not always beneficial, getting a minor as part of your curriculum can be a great choice if you want to maximize your earning potential once you graduate.

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for flexibility, the University of Houston’s full-time MBA program may be the best option for you. If you want to work in a professional environment and further your education, a marketing PhD program may be the right choice. If you’re looking for a change of pace and would like to get a master’s degree in a field that you’re not familiar with, then an online degree may be the right fit for you.