2025 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management
Our list of the best online doctoral programs in management shows accredited schools with the highest number of online graduates, reflecting program popularity and success.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of the Southwest ranks #1 for its DBA in Strategy and Innovation, the most popular fully online doctoral program in management this year.
- Liberty University meanwhile leads in scale, enrolling 48,101 online students.
For more information, visit our methodology page. We also spoke with two experts — Dr. Katina Fuller-Scott, a leadership strategist, and Dr. James Loughran, Assistant Dean at Post University — who emphasized how management doctorates can develop research-driven, adaptive leaders with real-world impact.
2025 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Southwest | 12 | $23,364 | N/A | 76% | |
| Liberty University | 8 | $7,933 | N/A | 75% | |
| National University | 6 | $18,720 | N/A | N/A | |
| Capella University | 2 | $15,066 | $92,085 | 76% |
2025 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management - Program Details
- Graduates: 12
- Annual Tuition: $23,364
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: USW is #1 because its online DBA has nearly 700 graduates last year, demonstrating strong program interest and success. Unlike many competitors, USW includes all textbooks and course materials in tuition costs, ensuring you never pay extra for course resources.
- Graduates: 8
- Annual Tuition: $7,933
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty's online PhD in Public Policy with a National Security concentration fuses public policy studies with national security policy through a Christian worldview. Liberty’s program emphasizes leadership through ethical frameworks and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates to shape systems at the national or organizational level.
- Graduates: 6
- Annual Tuition: $18,720
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: National University’s online DBA in Organizational Leadership has a unique no-residency, no-group-work format. This structure offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. We also appreciate that the program supports solo, self-paced progression.
- Graduates: 2
- Annual Tuition: $15,066
- Median Salary: $92,085
- Recommendation: 76%
Why we like them: Capella’s online doctoral program has early dissertation integration, which allows students to begin their dissertation or capstone project at the start of the program. This front-loaded structure really streamlines the path to completion, and it's paired with consistent faculty mentorship and integrated research webinars.
A Closer Look at the Best Online Doctoral Management Programs
As online doctoral programs become more popular, it can be difficult to figure out which one is truly worth your time. That’s why factoring in a program's popularity — measured by actual graduate counts — is a helpful place to start.
In the list above, we’ve compiled the four most popular online doctoral programs in management-related fields, based on available graduation data from each school. While popularity alone doesn't guarantee quality, it often reflects a strong combination of student support, flexible delivery, and trusted outcomes.
The top doctoral management program online, from the University of the Southwest (USW), graduated nearly 700 students, while other options on our list range between approximately 9,000 and 48,000 total online enrollees across all programs. Highly enrolled doctoral programs in management often have more developed systems to support the unique demands of working professionals.
For instance, the programs we feature likely have developed specialized infrastructure for dissertation advising, accountable asynchronous course delivery, and solid virtual mentorship. These scaled-up operations can translate to better-organized research pathways.
These Doctoral Program Models Prioritize Flexibility
Beyond the obvious flexibility that naturally comes with online learning endeavors, each doctoral management program on our list brings something uniquely tailored to its audience:
USW includes all materials and tech support in its tuition, removing hidden costs.
Liberty University builds its curriculum around a Christian ethical framework, which appeals to students seeking values-driven leadership.
National University offers no-residency, no-group-work design, which is rare. This model supports independent learners.
Capella University focuses on early dissertation engagement and ongoing research integration through webinars and faculty mentorship.
These features are strategically aligned with the realities of management professionals, in particular. Doctoral management students are often mid-career leaders juggling demanding roles in business, government, or nonprofit sectors.
Doctoral students in management need programs that respect their time, accommodate unpredictable work schedules, and allow them to immediately apply research to their own organizational contexts.
What the Data Says About Student Support
Looking at other metrics offers additional clues into student support.
Retention is highest at Liberty (79%), suggesting that students stay engaged throughout a demanding program.
Capella and National both report very high online enrollments (over 27,000 and 8,900, respectively), another helpful popularity metric.
Student-to-faculty ratios vary, from 16:1 at National (potentially more direct faculty access) to a high of 36:1 at Capella, which may rely more heavily on scalable advising systems and tech platforms to support students.
For management doctoral students, these factors signal that an online program is designed to keep busy professionals engaged while not overwhelming them. Whether you're leading teams, running a business, or navigating high-stakes decision-making, you need consistent, reliable support to stay on track with research and coursework.
Experts Share What an Online Doctorate in Management Actually Offers
Doctoral degrees in management can actually help reshape how leaders think, strategize, and serve. To help you better understand the real impact of an online doctorate, we spoke with two seasoned professionals from both academic and practitioner perspectives: Dr. Katina Fuller-Scott, a leadership consultant and founder of BE What Matters®, and James Loughran, assistant dean at the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University.
These professionals offer powerful insights on choosing between a PhD and DBA, staying grounded in your purpose, and leading with resilience in an era of constant change.
“Leaders Can’t Rely on Charisma Alone”: Dr. Loughran on How a Doctorate Builds Changemakers
PhD, Dean and Professor
What makes a management doctorate valuable in today’s leadership landscape?
"A doctorate is valued today because of the skills learned that are greatly needed. Many graduates will serve as leadership consultants, senior organizational leaders, or academic scholars.
Some specific skills learned are strategic insight, thought leadership, research-based decision making, and innovative thinking. Organizations and their stakeholders highly value these skills, given the organizational trends of digital transformation, remote leadership, data-driven decision-making, and AI. Many online programs focus on these specific skills in the course outcomes and curriculum."
How important is it for online students to focus their dissertation on a specific industry or leadership problem?
"Dissertations add to the body of knowledge of the discipline. Doctoral students should focus on their passion based on their experience and research interests to help fill the gaps in knowledge on leadership issues and industry challenges."
What's your best advice for someone starting an online doctoral program in management?
"My advice would be to follow their passion and never forget the why behind their reason to pursue a doctoral degree. There will likely be times when doctoral students consider quitting or taking a break. That purposefulness will keep them inspired throughout their journey. Still, it is imperative to develop consistent remote online learning routines and have support from important people in their lives."
Dr. K on How Purpose Transforms Doctoral Students Into Leaders Who Change Communities
Leadership Development Expert
"As someone who has led across education, nonprofit, and faith sectors, I’ve found that a management doctorate sharpens your ability to not just lead people, but to diagnose, influence, and align systems. In today’s leadership landscape, where change is constant and complexity is the norm, leaders can’t rely on charisma alone.
A management doctorate gives you the frameworks and research tools to make evidence-based decisions, ask better questions, and design sustainable strategies. It turns leadership from reactive to regenerative. That’s invaluable."
"I’ve found that a management doctorate sharpens your ability to not just lead people, but to diagnose, influence, and align systems."
Why does choosing a personally meaningful dissertation topic matter during a doctoral program?
"There’s a wealth of research out there, and without a clear focus, it’s easy to get swept down a rabbit hole of compelling but disconnected information. As my doctoral chair once said, 'Your research should serve as a missing brick in the field' (Dr. Peter Jonas, Cardinal Stritch University, 2015). When you focus on a specific industry or leadership challenge, especially one you’ve lived or deeply care about, it grounds your work in relevance and positions it for real-world impact.
My own dissertation focused on social justice youth engagement for marginalized and underrepresented youth of color. I chose that path because I saw firsthand how youth-serving organizations were failing to fully equip adults for meaningful youth development. Today, that work informs the education and management consulting I do in schools and districts.
Relevance often fuels resilience, and both matter when the process gets hard. Trust me, you'll want to quit many days, but when the work matters, it keeps you moving."
What are the unique strengths developed through an online doctoral program in management?
"I had hybrid courses throughout my doctoral journey, and I can confidently say that self-leadership, systems thinking, and digital communication are uniquely developed in online programs.
require you to manage your time, energy, and motivation in powerful ways. That develops internal clarity and discipline. And because much of the work is virtual, you learn to communicate with precision, collaborate asynchronously, and build relationships across digital platforms."
What key differences should students consider when choosing between a PhD in Management and a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)?
"My degree is a PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service. I believe the real distinction comes down to how you plan to leverage the degree.
A PhD is typically more research-intensive and geared toward contributing new knowledge to the field, especially useful for those interested in teaching, writing, and influencing the field.
A DBA, on the other hand, is more applied and ideally for those who want to stay embedded in the practice of business and leadership and apply research to solve real-world challenges in their organizations. Given my experience, I chose a PhD because I wanted to integrate scholarship and strategy to help mid- to senior-level leaders make meaning and drive impact at both personal and organizational levels."
How are current trends — like remote work, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making — shaping expectations for today’s doctoral students in management?
"Not only are these trends re-shaping the very definition of leadership, they are reimagining the art and science of leadership. Doctoral students are expected to be agile thinkers who can lead change through data-informed decisions and navigate remote team dynamics while maintaining human-centered leadership.
We’re now preparing leaders to translate insight into action across diverse contexts, integrate technology with strategy, and respond to change not as a disruption but as a design opportunity."
EXPERT TIP
"I often reference Simon Sinek's book, Start with Why, when asked this question. Your 'why' will guide how you lead yourself first. This journey will challenge not just your intellect, but your identity. There will be moments of doubt, delay, and discomfort but stay anchored in your why. Build a support system, protect your focus, and trust that the version of you emerging on the other side is worth every late night and every revision, and every 'no' given to an invitation. You’re not just earning a degree, you’re becoming the kind of leader who can transform not just organizations, but communities."
You may also be curious to check out our list of the best online master's in management degrees for a shorter path to graduation. We also have a list of master's in project management degrees online.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
All of the instructors throughout this process have made this experience memorable, I will certainly refer others to attend. When I decided to continue my education this school came with very high recommendations from others that had attended in the past and graduated.
Review Date: 6/26/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This University is just great! In my view, a prestige institution and factually fully accredited and recognized internationally. My Bachelor's and Master's degrees are from German universities and I have to say that Liberty University was much more organized and flexible. I completed my degree while working full time and the online sessions were just amazing for that. However, one must put a lot of work and time into obtaining a degree as this is a legit university with high requirements. All professors... Read More
Review Date: 3/24/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I would NOT recommend the Doctoral program online. Courses are very intense. Trying to teach and learn statistics online is extremely difficult. I did not get the support I needed due to COVID 19 so I had to withdraw. I received a nice bill for $3550.00 and a few harassing calls to follow up on making a payment. I am very upset with how my situation was handled. I would not recommend this school for online learning programs.
Review Date: 6/16/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Doctoral in Management - Organizational Behavior and Change. Professors will go above and beyond for their student success. I would highly recommend future student to be part of the Colorado Technical University Family. I wish all the best to future student.
Review Date: 10/11/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
CTU is an incredible university. It is an honor to be attending, they really support you and assist you with all of your needs. I really recommend this university to others. Furthering your education is necessary and CTU is the place to do it. I am in the Doctor of Management program.
Review Date: 10/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
CTU is a great doc program. Very responsive and helpful. Staff went out of their way to help any student who needed it. I could get help day or night. Symposium is a singularly helpful aspect of the program. I highly encourage knowledge seekers to seek out an education at CTU!
Review Date: 10/12/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As an active duty military member striving to earn my doctoral degree, flexibility is absolutely essential to me due to the variance in geographic locations that I may venture to on a dimes notice. The University of Phoenix has captured that need and coupled it with great instructors that are extremely active within the online classroom. The curriculum aligns with the leadership and management faced within the military and extends even beyond! I am very excited to see what my future holds!
Review Date: 12/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For those considering a Doctorate degree, UMUC offers a challenging, but engaging, fun, and a well- rounded education. With an both on-site and virtual learning environment, the support you receive will be invaluable to your success. UMUC offers a comprehensive education that ranks among the best in online doctorate degree programs. The networking that is built with your peers and faculty serve as a support as you work your way through the program. I am in my second class, and even though there are... Read More
Review Date: 9/23/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Best degree plan ever! I've learned more than most at this school! I did not want a cohort doctorate style of learning. I wanted independent study at my own pace and this school offers that. One on one mentoring style. No discussion groups. I had fun and learned a lot more than any state school experience. Love this place!
Review Date: 1/12/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Walden University is your best choice if you are self-driven, mature and hardworking as it provides a great learning experience especially for people who want to improve their career prospects. The assignments are challenging but you will receive assistance from your instructors. All you need to do is reach out-initiate communication and follow through. The kind of education that you will receive from this university is world-class and the diversity of students provides an enriched learning experience.Their... Read More
Review Date: 1/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Walden University is not a place to play around. One has to be serious with his or her studies to make better grades or get kicked out. The School does not spoon feed any student . The grades are earned meaning no favoritism. The mistake some students make is that they think because Walden University is online program, they can just copy answer and submit to instructor to earn a pass grade. That is not in Walden. To pass through Walden, one has to be creative and original in academic work. The doctoral... Read More
Review Date: 8/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program will not help you to get a job. Most employers find doctorates to be over qualified. I did not see the point of attending this school. I didn't learn very much. The entire process was very confusing and stressful for me and many of the other students.
Review Date: 5/6/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great school. a variety of programs. Great instructors and chair members. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in a great learning experience with real life professors and great student interaction. This online school offers residencies where students and professors meet up for face to face interaction and real life experiences.
Review Date: 2/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For anybody who is considering online coursework at the graduate or doctoral level, the University of Phoenix is a great university to attend. Compared to my collegiate experiences her in Ohio, UOPX has a very solid, rigorous doctoral program. In addition, faculty and students, alike, make academic success a priority. UOPX staff and advisors have stayed in constant contact throughout my doctoral journey. The information technology assistance is dedicated to triaging any issue a student may have with... Read More
Review Date: 7/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have no cons regarding my grad program. The pros are many in terms of student support from the faculty, advisors and professors. I believe when I complete my doctoral journey I will be able to compete with graduates from any of the other major universities such as Harvard and Princeton, and Yale, etc. As a result of the yearly doctoral symposium grad students have the privilege of meeting and spending three days with cohorts which provides an additional support group to collaborate with through... Read More
Review Date: 2/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMUC is very convenient for military personnel seeking any form of education (certs, BA/BS, MA/MS, and PhD). Generally everything is online, so there is little campus social life.
Review Date: 9/7/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Walden is rigorous, challenging, and not a place for procrastinators. I graduated with a Ph.D. in Management in August, 2017. I was enrolled in Walden's PhD-Management program for 5 years. I completed the coursework within 3 years with a 4.0 GPA. The coursework was rigorous with a lot of writing in every course. Deadlines were generally non-negotiable as the courses moved fairly quickly. My wife experienced a health crisis shortly after I finished my coursework and I lost a few quarters of productivity... Read More
Review Date: 10/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently in the School of Management and happy to report about Walden University. The instructors are great, very helpful, and experts in their fields. I also had Walden change my program for KAM to Regular classes and it was a great experience. I would recommend this school to any of my peers.
Review Date: 2/20/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It was an productive and rewarding 3years, 3 months. To reach this platform on life is an exhilarating experience. I want to give back by aspiring others to reach for their dreams no matter what age. I want to thank Colorado Technical University for allowing me to achieve the first part of my dreams. I'm presently working part II
Review Date: 8/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am very grateful for my Doctorate of Management at the UOP. My biggest complaint would have to be the financial cost as other schools are more affordable. I have been with UOP for over 5 years. I do like the online environment.
Review Date: 9/28/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No