Gone are the days when PhD was seen as a specialisation you do right after your graduation. The industry now requires thought-leaders and is keen on elevating them. So, even if you have not pursued your highest ambition, right after college, but in the job, you have reached a position, where this matters — looking for a high-quality program that is flexible and could transform you into the thought-leaders is essential.
To help you get a PhD in data science, Analytics India Magazine has identified the following top QS ranked Doctoral programs, exclusively designed for the senior leadership roles across the globe.

1| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Data Science, A Joint Program by Rennes School of Business & INSOFE
Program Overview
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Rennes School of Business & INSOFE offers a joint world’s first and currently, the only Doctor of Business Administration in Data Science program. DBA specialisation is aimed towards Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science. Hence, this DBA program provides a double edge of not only thought-leadership but also advanced technology.
Rennes School of Business is a Global School of Management in France, recognised worldwide as one of the Top Business Schools with a triple-crown accreditation – EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB. Rennes SB’s academic excellence is ranked as 2nd in the world and was placed 5th in France and 14th worldwide for its international teaching methods.
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INSOFE is a world-class research, consulting, and graduate education institution with a deep focus on Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. The institute’s core program is India’s only globally recognised and most awarded Data Science program since 2011.
Highlights
- Guidance from world-class supervisors and a data scientist
- Conduct cutting edge research strategies and solve real-world business problems
- Build a product and create substantial IP while working with a remarkable research group
- Get hands-on practical experience by applying the theoretical knowledge
- Learn from a diversified student cohort from various backgrounds and countries
- Obtain the title of “Dr” as part of your career development
Areas of Research
- Robotics, autonomous systems & connected devices
- Blockchain
- Quantum machine learning
- Deep learning
- AI adoption in business
- Retail/FMCG
- Manufacturing & Supply chain
- Education
- Healthcare
- BFSI
Location: India and France
Duration: 3 Years
Tuition Fee: $35,600 approx.
2| DBA with Specialisation in Information Systems, Warwick Business School
Program Overview
Warwick Business School’s DBA with Specialisation in Information Systems is designed to address world challenges with applied research rather than theoretical knowledge. The DBA program provides students with a unique opportunity to learn, evaluate, assess and test their research findings which could make a change in their organisations.
The DBA program focuses on critical analysis of three broad areas of scholarship — strategy, organisation, and people. Students can conduct cutting-edge research in any of the organisation or industry-related problems, and design science tools to develop solutions.
Highlights
- Pursue research in business and management contexts and analyse novel problems
- Get access to the latest relevant theories and practical approaches
- Interpret the latest theories and become a visionary leader
Location: UK
Duration: 4-7 years
Tuition Fee: $85,000 approx.
3| DBA in Data Analytics, University of the Southwest
Program Overview
The DBA in Data Analytics offered by the University of the Southwest is a part-time program with an emphasis on the application of practical knowledge on current business problems. Students get an opportunity to research, meet organisational needs, and advance their careers. The DBA program is specially designed for working professionals to conduct research while maintaining their roles as enterprise leaders and executives.
The DBA in Data Analytics program provides a greater depth to understand, design, and execute a quantitative research approach. The program focuses on functional business skills, including; predictive modelling, forecasting and data visualisation.
Highlights
- Flexible terms and course work for working executives
- Discover the practitioner-scholar methodologies to gather, analyse complex data
- Recommend solutions to drive business decisions
Location: USA
Duration: 3 Years
Tuition Fee: $47,940 approx.
4| DBA in Data Analytics, Grand Canyon University
Program Overview
Grand Canyon University’s DBA in Data Analytics is a dynamic and innovative program focusing on interpreting and analysing data. The DBA in Data Analytics program is designed for business executives, industry and community leaders to achieve the highest academic degree in the business world. Students conduct applied research, explore leadership styles, and gain a clear knowledge of current business theories and practices. The scaffolded DBA program’s curriculum encourages students to fine-tune critical thinking and analytical skills.
The 60-credit DBA in Data Analytics covers a wide range of topics in the Business and Management space. Students get a deeper understanding of the quantitative study, financial management, business analytics, data collection, analysis, and findings.
Highlights
- Create, interpret and share data with an emphasis on data analytics
- Enhance leadership skills and meet the demands of business architecture
- Conduct research and apply the knowledge in the complex case studies
Location: USA
Duration: 3 Years
Tuition Fee: $41,700 approx.
5| DBA with Specialisation in Business Analytics, University of Northampton
Program Overview
The DBA with Specialisation in Business Analytics offered by the University of Northampton is designed for senior professionals who are looking to advance their careers with the highest qualification. Northampton’s DBA prepares helps students refine their skills and knowledge, and provides them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The DBA program enables students to come up with innovative solutions to existing problems.
Through rigorous research education, DBA students are prepared for senior management and consultancy roles.
Highlights
- Focus on real issues within your organisation
- Deal business challenges and make evidence-based decisions
- Make a direct contribution to your professional practice
Location: UK
Duration: 4 Years
Tuition Fee: $31,600 approx.
6| DBA with Specialisation in Business Analytics, Otago Business School
Program Overview
Otago Business School features the DBA with Specialisation in Business Analytics program. The DBA program enables students to apply research and theory in a practical business environment to solve complex business problems. Designed for business professionals, the DBA program offers great flexibility to work while studying the program. The DBA with Specialisation in Business Analytics program helps students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, alongside enhancing their own experiences and skills.
The Otago Business School is acknowledged as a centre of excellence in business and economics. The school is accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS.
Highlights
- Resolve critical problems for businesses and industries
- Focus on specific business problems within students’ workplace
- Strong supervision and personalised support
Location: New Zealand
Duration: 6 Years
Tuition Fee: $61,250 approx.