Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management
Online doctoral programs in management offer a flexible pathway to advance your expertise in leadership and organizational theory while accommodating your professional commitments. These programs blend rigorous academic study with practical application, preparing you for leadership roles in academia, corporate settings, or consulting.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University tops our list with the highest online enrollment of over 45,700 students at the graduate level.
- California Intercontinental University boasts a 100% graduation rate.
- We list nine online schools, with hundreds to thousands enrolled exclusively in online graduate school.
Our ranking methodology prioritizes accredited schools with fully online programs based on the highest online enrollment, ensuring quality and accessibility for distance learners.
List Of Accredited Online Management Schools
School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|
Liberty University | $11,900 | |
Capella University | 26,447 | $14,826 |
Arizona State University, Online | 16,309 | $9,075 |
National University | 6,793 | $18,720 |
Regent University Online | 5,033 | $15,300 |
Saint Leo University Online | 4,500 | $18,335 |
University of Management and Technology | 815 | $7,800 |
University of the Southwest | 697 | $22,500 |
California Intercontinental University | 351 | $9,927 |
Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management
- Online Enrollment: 45,783 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $11,900
- Location: Lynchburg (VA)
Online degree: Doctor of Business Administration - Project Management
Why we like them: Liberty stands at the forefront of online education, securing the top rank in this category with a significant online enrollment of 45,783 graduate students, placing it among the highest in the nation. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Liberty offers a fully online Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management designed to enhance your expertise in managing complex projects. The program requires 60 credit hours, with eight-week course terms. You may transfer up to 50% of the degree total from prior graduate coursework.
- Online Enrollment: 26,447 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $14,826
- Location: Minneapolis (MN)
Online degree: PhD in Business Management - General Business Management
Why we like them: Ranked impressively for its online enrollment, Capella has 26,447 graduate students engaged in online learning, situating it among the top 1% nationally. This extensive online presence not only signifies widespread acceptance but also ensures a diverse and rich peer community for you to engage with. Capella's online PhD in business management is an ACBSP-accredited program designed to deepen your understanding of strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance. The coursework includes 11 core courses, five electives, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.
- Online Enrollment: 16,309 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $9,075
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
Online degree: Doctor of Behavioral Health – Management
Why we like them: Ranked as the 3rd top school, ASU has substantial online graduate enrollment of 16,309 that places it within the top 2% of institutions nationally. The Doctor of Behavioral Health in Management online at ASU requires 60 credit hours, divided into 13 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, emphasizing self-paced learning throughout. The curriculum focuses on areas like business entrepreneurship and integrated behavioral health programs, equipping you to design, implement, and evaluate care models effectively. Plus, you’ll engage in a 135-hour healthcare internship and complete a capstone project.
- Online Enrollment: 6,793 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $18,720
- Location: La Jolla (CA)
Online degree: Doctor of Business Administration - Management
Why we like them: NU's online Doctor of Business Administration ranks 4th in our list, offering a flexible program for working professionals. Comprising 48 credit hours over 16 courses, it typically takes 34 months to complete and is accredited by the ACBSP, emphasizing applied research for real-world solutions. With specializations in areas like Global Business Management and Strategic Marketing, the program features weekly start dates and no residency requirements. NU’s strong online enrollment (top 3% nationally) and exceptional military support (top 1%) underscore its commitment to accessible higher education.
- Online Enrollment: 5,033 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $15,300
- Location: Virginia Beach (VA)
Online degree: PhD in Organizational Leadership - Organizational Leadership
Why we like them: Regent offers a PhD in Organizational Leadership for professionals seeking to enhance global organizations. The program requires 60 credit hours and has no GMAT/GRE requirements, making it accessible for busy professionals. It features a fully online format with specializations such as Organizational Spirituality and Followership, along with an Executive Mentor Program that emphasizes practical leadership. With over 5,000 online graduate students enrolled (in the top 4% nationally), Regent demonstrates strong support for distance learners. This program prepares graduates for careers in academia, consultation, and executive roles.
- Online Enrollment: 4,500 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $18,335
- Location: St. Leo (FL)
Online degree: Doctor of Business Administration
Why we like them: SLU Online offers a Doctor of Business Administration designed for professionals seeking advanced roles in academia and business leadership. The 57-credit hour program, typically completed in 3-4 years, emphasizes research, critical analysis, and practical business applications. This doctoral program, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, focuses on developing responsible leaders aligned with the university's core values. With an online enrollment of 4,500 graduate students (top 4% nationally), SLU is a popular choice for studying remotely.
- Online Enrollment: 815 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $7,800
- Location: Arlington (VA)
Online degree: Doctor of Business Administration
Why we like them: UMT offers a practice-oriented Doctor of Business Administration designed for senior professionals. This GAC-accredited program requires 60 semester credit hours and emphasizes both analytical and practical approaches to management. UMT boasts an online enrollment of 815 students (top 29% nationally), and with an impressive graduation rate of 83% (top 6%), UMT demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. The curriculum covers ethical issues, global perspectives, and foundational business knowledge, preparing graduates to tackle contemporary management challenges effectively.
- Online Enrollment: 697 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $22,500
- Location: Hobbs (NM)
Online degree: Doctor of Business Administration - Strategy and Innovation
Why we like them: USW offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy and Innovation for executives looking to enhance their strategic management skills. The program emphasizes applied research to address real-world challenges and prepares candidates for high-level roles. The fully online program costs $799 per credit and includes textbooks and a free laptop, ensuring comprehensive support for students. With hundreds of online students, USW has a solid 83% retention rate, placing it in the top 17% nationally.
- Online Enrollment: 351 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $9,927
- Location: Diamond Bar (CA)
Online degree: Doctorate of Business Administration
Why we like them: CIU offers a comprehensive online Doctorate of Business Administration designed for working professionals. The 60-credit program includes 30 credits of core business courses, 15 credits of specialization electives, and 15 credits for a Doctoral Research Project. With five specialization areas including Global Business & Leadership and Healthcare Management, CIU provides flexibility for diverse career goals. The program boasts a 4.33/5 review rating, 100% graduation rate, and 86% recommendation rate. Accredited by DEAC and ACBSP, CIU prepares graduates for senior roles in academia, management, and entrepreneurship through enhanced decision-making, research, and writing skills.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I was skeptical at first to pursue an online degree but was quickly reassured. The professors were great, the dissertation process led me through to completion, and I have been able to apply what I learned on the job. Some parties are reluctant to go to a for profit school online and so was I at first. I have met numerous people who attended doctoral programs at brick and mortar schools who take 10 years to discover they will be permanently ABD. My chair got paid the same if i finished my dissertation... Read More
Review Date: 4/24/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
The online program is a perfect fit for my busy schedule although meeting the weekly assignments can be challenging. Nonetheless, I could not have chosen a better fit to ensure I would be able to complete my doctoral degree in a reasonable amout of time that was affordable. I would recommend UoP to anyone interested in online class when the traditional classroom is no longer an option.
Review Date: 8/6/2013
Would Recommend: 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
I believe there is academic rigor, online does not allow for more realistic interaction and in-depth discussion on certain topics and concepts. The program is flexible, so I can manage my time while I am learning and completing a doctorate degree. Sometimes this type of learning environment feel forced and isolated. The workload in some courses are unrealistic--too much to actually get in-depth learning.
Review Date: 7/1/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
I had a great experience at Walden. Classes were great. I build some very strong relationships through the the program. Still, like any graduate program, you will only get out of your studies the equivalent to what you are are willing to invest. Classes were reasonable. In a doctoral program the vast majority of people who embark on the degree will never complete it. Be sure you are ready for the commitment if you are going to get into the program.
Review Date: 8/28/2016
Would Recommend: Yes