Degree Higher Than MBA: What Options Exist?

When you start thinking about a degree higher than MBA, you’re really asking: what comes after the standard Master of Business Administration? In plain terms, it’s an degree higher than MBA, an advanced credential that builds on the management, finance, and leadership skills you already have. One common path is a PhD, a research‑focused doctorate that requires you to produce original knowledge in a specific field. Another option is a Doctorate, a broad term for the highest academic degree, including both research and professional tracks. These programs usually demand deep analytical ability, a solid research proposal, and a few years of dedicated study. In short, a degree higher than MBA encompasses PhD programs, requires rigorous research, and opens doors to academic and high‑level consulting roles.

Why Consider an Advanced Degree?

Many professionals think a PhD or Doctorate is only for academics, but a Professional Doctorate, like a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) or EdD, blends research with real‑world problem solving can boost your credibility in industry. These degrees let you dive into topics like digital transformation, strategic innovation, or global market dynamics while still staying connected to corporate life. The extra credential often translates into higher salaries, board‑room invitations, and the ability to lead large‑scale change projects. Plus, having a doctorate signals that you can manage complex projects and mentor junior talent—an asset for senior leadership roles.

If a full‑time doctorate feels too heavy, you might explore an Executive MBA, a shortened, experience‑focused MBA designed for senior managers who want to broaden strategic insight without a research component. While technically still an MBA, many schools label it as a step toward higher qualifications because it combines leadership labs, global residencies, and capstone projects that mimic doctoral rigor. Pairing an Executive MBA with a later PhD or Professional Doctorate gives you both the strategic toolkit and the scholarly depth employers love. In practice, this combination relates to the demands of today’s data‑driven decision making and enhances your ability to influence policy, drive innovation, or launch a startup.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that walk through the specifics of these pathways—how to choose the right program, what preparation steps matter, and real‑world stories of people who’ve taken the plunge. Whether you’re eyeing a research‑heavy PhD, a practice‑oriented Professional Doctorate, or an Executive MBA as a stepping stone, the posts ahead give you actionable tips, timelines, and cost breakdowns to help you decide your next move.