Higher Degrees Than MBA: What Comes After an MBA in 2025
When you think of advanced education in business, the MBA, a graduate degree focused on general business management. Also known as Master of Business Administration, it’s the go-to for career jumps. But in 2025, more professionals are skipping the MBA altogether—or moving past it—to earn degrees that actually deliver deeper expertise, higher pay, and real authority in their field. The truth? An MBA isn’t the finish line anymore. It’s the starting point for those who want to lead at the highest levels.
What comes after? For tech-driven industries, a PhD, a research-based doctorate focused on original contributions to knowledge is becoming the new gold standard. Think data science, AI strategy, or digital transformation—roles where you’re not just managing teams, but designing the systems they use. In finance and consulting, the DBA, Doctor of Business Administration, a practice-oriented doctorate for senior executives is rising fast. Unlike a PhD, it’s built for people who want to solve real business problems, not just publish papers. And if you’re already leading a company or division, an executive doctorate, a doctoral program designed for working professionals with leadership experience gives you the credibility to sit at the board table without quitting your job.
These aren’t just fancy titles. They’re career accelerators. A PhD holder in business analytics can command 40% more than an MBA in the same role. A DBA graduate at a Fortune 500 company often becomes the head of innovation—not just a manager. And in India’s growing tech ecosystem, companies are actively seeking leaders with doctorates to build AI teams, design digital strategies, and lead transformation. You don’t need to be a professor to benefit from a doctorate. You just need to want more than a generic business degree.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and data about what happens after an MBA—how people are using advanced degrees to leapfrog traditional paths, how tech skills like full-stack development and data analysis are now required even for executive roles, and why the best earners today aren’t just MBAs—they’re MBAs who went further. Whether you’re wondering if a PhD is worth it, if a DBA makes sense for your industry, or if you can even do it while working, the answers are here. No fluff. Just what works in 2025.
What's More Advanced than an MBA?
An MBA is a well-known degree that boosts one's business acumen, but what if you're looking to reach the next level? This article explores degrees that surpass the MBA in depth and specialization. From Executive MBAs to PhDs in Management, discover which path aligns with your career goals. Uncover insights into the unique features of each program and understand how they can impact your professional trajectory.