What is a DBA, and How Does It Differ from an MBA?

Many are familiar with an MBA (Master of Business Administration), but what exactly is a DBA? The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced program designed for senior managers, focusing on integrating academic research with practical business experience. Unlike an MBA or EMBA, which are master’s degrees, the DBA is a doctoral degree, equivalent to a traditional PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). The difference lies in the emphasis: while a PhD is more theoretical, a DBA is more practice-oriented, aiming to uncover academic insights from real-world business practices and develop senior management talent.

In recent years, the DBA program has gained popularity among executives in China, such as JD.com’s CEO Richard Liu and Tencent’s CEO Pony Ma. Esteemed institutions like the University of Minnesota, Pepperdine University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Washington offer DBA programs. However, due to the unfolding events surrounding Richard Liu and the challenges of international travel during the pandemic, the number of Chinese executives enrolling in DBA programs has decreased.

Because DBA programs emphasize the integration of academic research with practical experience, some programs allow students to work while studying. For those employed in the U.S., certain schools offer CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization to work. This has led to an increasing number of international students on H1B visas, who have repeatedly failed to secure an H1B but are nearing the end of their OPT, opting to enroll in DBA programs that support Day 1 CPT.

Benefits of Pursuing a DBA as a Day 1 CPT Program

1. Eligibility for a New OPT

A significant advantage of pursuing a DBA is the opportunity to obtain a new OPT (Optional Practical Training) period. Many students who have already completed a graduate degree in the U.S. and have used their graduate-level OPT may not be eligible for another OPT if they enroll in another master’s-level Day 1 CPT program. However, since the DBA is a doctoral program, students are eligible for a new OPT period upon graduation. If the DBA program is STEM-certified, students may even qualify for an additional three years of OPT without needing to enter the H1B lottery.

2. Enhanced Stability for H1B and Green Card Applications:

A DBA degree can bolster your H1B and green card applications. Although there is often concern that using Day 1 CPT might affect future H1B or green card approvals, as long as your study plan is reasonable, you adhere strictly to program requirements, attend classes, and complete assignments on time, the risk of receiving an RFE (Request for Evidence) is significantly reduced. Pursuing a doctoral degree after completing a graduate program is generally viewed favorably by USCIS, thus lowering the risk of receiving an RFE or being denied.

3. Increased H1B Lottery Chances:

DBA programs often span three and a half years, offering students more opportunities to participate in the H1B lottery. When combined with the potential three years of OPT, students may have up to six or seven chances to secure an H1B visa, significantly increasing their odds. For those applying directly for an employment-based green card, these six years can cover the waiting period perfectly, ensuring you maintain legal work status throughout.

DBA Programs Offering Day 1 CPT

Currently, four universities offer DBA programs that support Day 1 CPT: Westcliff University, Sofia University, Ottawa University, and National Louis University (NLU). These schools each have their own strengths in terms of tuition, program duration, and on-campus attendance requirements.

1. Westcliff University

• Tuition: $56,400 (once per semester); $51,300 (weekly attendance)
• Program Duration: 36-48 months
• On-Campus Requirement: Once per semester
• Location: Irvine, CA; Miami, FL
• STEM Concentration: Available
• Enrollment Windows: 6 per year
• Scholarships: Multiple options, high chances of receiving

2. Sofia University

• Tuition: $51,300
• Program Duration: 27-36 months
• On-Campus Requirement: Once per month
• Location: Costa Mesa, CA; Palo Alto, CA
• STEM Concentration: Not available
• Enrollment Windows: 4 per year
• Scholarships: Available, moderate chances of receiving

3. National Louis University (NLU)

• Tuition: $49,920
• Program Duration: 40 months
• On-Campus Requirement: Once per semester
• Location: Tampa, FL
• STEM Concentration: Not available
• Enrollment Windows: 3 per year
• Scholarships: Not available

4. Ottawa University

• Tuition: $49,725
• Program Duration: 36 months
• On-Campus Requirement: Twice per semester
• Location: Ottawa, KS
• STEM Concentration: Not available
• Enrollment Windows: 3 per year
• Scholarships: Not available

These options allow students to choose a program that best fits their needs, balancing cost, duration, and the flexibility of on-campus requirements.

Common Questions About DBA Programs and Day 1 CPT

1. Is a DBA a legitimate doctoral program?
Yes. In the U.S., there are many types of doctoral programs, including the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), EdD (Doctor of Education), MD (Doctor of Medicine), and JD (Juris Doctor). The DBA is a Doctorate of Business Administration and is considered a doctoral degree.

2. What is CPT and Day 1 CPT?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows international students to engage in internships or work related to their academic program while enrolled in school. Day 1 CPT refers to programs that allow students to begin using CPT from the first day of their program, often in more vocationally oriented fields. USCIS permits schools to issue CPT authorizations flexibly based on program requirements.

3. Can I use CPT throughout my DBA program?
Yes, the DBA programs mentioned above allow students to use CPT continuously. However, be aware that using Full-time CPT for more than 12 months may disqualify you from receiving OPT after graduation. It is advisable to plan with your employer to use 11 months of Full-time CPT, then switch to Part-time CPT to maintain eligibility for up to three years of OPT after graduation.

4. Is the DBA coursework heavy?
DBA programs generally focus on the integration of practice and classroom knowledge, with a moderate level of coursework. According to feedback from Westcliff DBA students, the typical workload involves 3-4 hours of assignments per week, occasionally increasing to 5-6 hours. Exams are rare and are often open-book, with papers and presentations being the primary assessment methods.

5. Does pursuing a DBA reduce the risk of H1B RFE?
Relatively speaking, yes. If your CPT work is closely related to your chosen DBA specialization, and you adhere to school regulations, attend classes regularly, and complete assignments on time, you should not be overly concerned about receiving an H1B RFE. If you do receive an RFE, you can request a “support package” from your school, including transcripts, attendance records, assignment samples, and payment receipts, to demonstrate that you have maintained your F1 student status legally.