Opinion Request - DBA / D. Sci Programs

Hello everyone,

I've been a long time lurker of this site, and have gleaned a lot of very useful information through existing discussions and posts. I've been searching for information on the 3 programs listed below, and didn't find much listed - so I thought I'd start a new thread asking for advice.

1. Doctor of Science in Information Systems at Dakota State - Completely DL
2. Doctor of Business Administration (concentration on consulting and teaching) at Metropolitan State - Online and every other Saturday at Minneapolis campus
3. Doctor of Business Administration (concentration in Information Systems) at Argosy University, Twin Cities - Online and one night a week at Twin Cities campus​

Each program has its benefits, and they are each a different delivery method and have a range of tuition fees (Dakota State is the least expensive). Since I have an MS in Telecommunications, I should be eligible for a waiver of some courses at Dakota State for people who have Masters degrees in Information Systems.

As an IT Management Consultant specializing in Project & Program Management, I believe the difference in the value of a DBA vs. a D. Sci. is negligible to potential clients. I will eventually want to increase the amount that I teach online, and I do realize a doctorate is not needed for that activity. I've been an adjunct for almost ten years already, but part of the retirement path is to teach adjunct full time (25+ years from now).

My motivation is mostly personal, as a washout from UoP's DM program over ten years ago... I have always wanted to go back and finish what I started. Even if it means I'll have to start over from scratch.

Thanks in advance for your opinions of the schools and the programs above. I welcome any info on the perceived reputation of the school, the value of the degree in the adjunct and business world, etc.

Krissy
PMP, PgMP

BA - Management, Bethel University
MA - Management, Saint Mary's University of MN
MS - Telecommunications, Saint Mary's University of MN
Partial completion (aka washout) - 38 of 60 credits, DM - Organizational Leadership, UoP

 

Hi FutureDr, welcome to Degree Info. Here is some info about the timing of your posts: http://www.degreeinfo.com/distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

I'm glad you decided to move from lurker to DI member! Hope you find everything you are looking for.

 

Hi,

I had to make a similar decision a while ago. I would for a DBA in IT rather than a D.Sc for few reasons:

-Unless you are already a tenured professor, bear in mind that the market changes all the time. Today you might think that IS is a good option but tomorrow you might need to work in Accounting or Finance due to market conditions. The DBA allows you to move into any business field just by completing another 18 credits in a new field.

-The DBA has already some recognition compared to the D.Sc, DM, or any other variant of the PhD.

-Try to go for a an AACSB accredited doctorate. As recently we have seen a huge number of new online DBAs and PhDs being created, the real differentiator will be the AACSB accreditation. Anything less would only be good for online adjunct positions and even this might change as some online schools are pushing for AACSB accreditation too.

 

Krissy,

There are several questions that need to answered:

1. For DBA do you need to have a business background? If so do you meet the requirements?

2. Do you want to stay technical or do you want to get into management?

3. What is your personal preference?

I have BS in mathematics. I applied and got accepted by Baruch College/CUNY into their MS in Computer Methodology program. There was MBA program with a specialization in IS. I didn't apply for MBA because I had no business courses that mattered. It would have taken me much longer to complete the program making up the courses. In this situation MS was more preferable than MBA. Baruch was fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

I also have been very technical in my career. I work with IBM mainframe networks that interconnect with other networks, doesn't matter what. Lately, I have been involved in network security.

This is hopefully some insight that you can use.

By the way I am waiting for admission decision by DSU for DSc in IS. I have been waiting since October 2010. I was told recently a decision would be made by the end of this monthl.