A recurring subject regarding DL is the issue of residency. One school of thought is that there should always be a residency, while others feel that in most disciplines a residency (in and of itself) does not constitute a significant difference in the program, especially for the adult learner. Consider the following! A person has already earned residential BA and MBA degrees, and is considering the following: 1) A DL DBA earned from a RA school which has a strong residential program. The degree can be earned 100% DL--no residency. 2) A DL DBA earned at a non-RA school (but not a degree mill), which has a short residency requirement. Would the residency, in and of itself, warrant choosing non-RA over RA? I would personally choose option 1. Any feedback? Russell
I would choose #1, no question. The lack of residency at the RA school would be much easier to explain (if it even ever became an issue) than the lack of accreditation at the unaccredited school. It's much easier for a school to specify residencies than to obtain RA. Bruce
Hi, Russell! I would choose option number one. I have always been a strong suporter of residencies, but at the same time, I think that they should be optional, not required. Again, that is one of the reasons why I like Heriot-Watt with its optional residencies. Needless to say, required residencies at non-accredited or non-GAAP institutions is one extreme end of the spectrum. Regards, Karlos Alberto Lacaye [email protected]
How many times have I said that the credential is [B}WAY[/B] more significant than the manner in which is was earned? Did anyone expect a differnt outcome than what we're seeing (with everyone choosing the RA non-res degree)? Rich Douglas
Actually, there are many unaccredited, residential schools here in the U.S. California is filled with them, many offering doctorates. Here in Virginia there is one that specializes in business degrees. Unaccredited, it offers residential instruction leading to the MBA and/or PhD. Note, too, that the stalwarts in this field (Walden, Union, Fielding, Sarasota, etc.) were all unaccredited in the late 70's while all requiring some form of residency. Finally, Bears' Guide is filled with examples of unaccredited schools requiring residency periods. Rich Douglas Rich Douglas
This is exactly the outcome I expected, noting in the original post that I too chose the RA option. Thanks for the responses! Russell
Here's another perspective. I'm not sure of the DBA, but I can talk from a Ph.D. perspective. Residencies are extremely important and an intrical (sp) part of doctoral development. F-2-F interactions with faculty and other Ph.D. students create an extremely rich learning / sharing / collaborating environment - an environment that cannot be replicated on the phone or computer (even video). If my program (Fielding) didn't have residencies, I know that I wouldn't have gain the expertise that I did. In my work (org. sociology), I make sure that F2F is included as well. Plus they are a kick. Residencies were one of the best parts of the program. I'm surprised that some would avoid them. Barry Foster
I might as well add to the chorus and say "number one" too. I've always been skeptical of the need for short residencies. I think that residency requirements should depend on the demands of an individual's work. If he/she needs extensive hands-on work, then a lot more than a short token residency will be called for. But if all the required work can be efficiently done remotely, then there is no need for any symbolic gathering at all. But I also want to agree with Karlos, and say that I would definitely want the option of studying on campus.
Russell, assuming that the individual needs or wants the degree for professional advancement, I agree that option 1 would be better. Given how difficult it is to complete any legitimate doctoral program, however, I would hazard a guess that a purely DL doctoral program has higher attrition rates than one with residencies. The lone wolf syndrome would kick in for a good number of students and make it easier for some of them to drift away.
Actually, if not mistaken, I think University of Glasgow does offer an entirely work-based DBA. Foreign equivalent of US RA. http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/business/dba/question_answers.htm#answer6
Excellent point, Bill. I certainly would never argue that residencies are not beneficial. Indeed, they are. But, if interaction & collaboration takes place via other methods, I am not convinced that lacking a 2 or 3 week residency (or as you say "symbolic gathering" of the fraternity) would make a totally DL program substandard. Russell
