Thinking of doing a post-graduate course in either DBa or PhD in Business or IT Management ? Anyone with suggestions on what are the factors to consider ? Is a DBA considered "better" than a PhD ? Thanks in advance.
Much depends on what you want to do with the doctorate. The DBA is a professional doctorate, much like a PsychD, DVM, DDS, etc. There is generally a dissertation requirement, as with a PhD. A PhD is a research degree, with more emphasis on theoretical research. It's difficult to say which is a "better" doctorate. A PhD will likely open more university teaching positions at universities than a DBA, but there are DBAs teaching full time in tenure track positions. DBAs are likely looked at more favorably in the non-academic world, but there are a lot of PhDs that are working in business oriented positions (upper management, etc.). When I went through the decision of which to do, a PhD or a DBA, I considered what I wanted to do with my career. While I enjoy teaching, I knew I would not be able to do it full time and maintain my current lifestyle. Further, while I enjoy research, I prefer research that is less academic and more practical. Therefore, a DBA made more sense to me. Next, a DBA is an extension to the MBA. In Silicon Valley where I live, there are so many MBAs that at some point I think a bunch of them will start heading to the ocean and jump from a cliff like so many lemmings. In other words, a professional doctorate may well be a differentiator down the road. Finally, There aren't that many DBAs. It is a true doctorate, and there are top tier schools that offer it (eg. Hah-vahd), but overall, not as many folks go that route as they go for a PhD. IMHO, as MBAs continue to become a dime a dozen, DBAs will start to have more cachet. Some folks will tell you a DBA and a PhD are the same. Essentially they are, but the dissertation/research project can be more of an applied study than a theoretical one. This doesn't mean the DBA dissertation does not have a theoretical grounding- it does. The difference is that it can be more practical than theoretical (eg- a study on the country of origin preferences of importers in a particular country). Hope this helps ------------------ ========================================== Humans are the only animals that protect their stupid from the forces of evolution. <A HREF="http://www.blahetka.com ===================================" TARGET=_blank>http://www.blahetka.com ===================================</A>
Hi Blahetka, So when you did your DBA , did you do it thru DL or thru a local school ? What was the course you took ? Did you do it full time or part time ?
He got it through DL from the university that will soon be formerly known as University of Sarasota, which will soon be formally known as Argosy University. University of Sarasota will become Argosy University come September 1, 2001. Ike
The difference between a DBA and PhD in business depends very much on the school. There are some instituions that award one or the other degree. Other schools use both and differentiate the two based on the research focus. At least one school I know has one program but lets the student choose the letters he graduates with (DBA or PhD). A newer degree that is being awarded is DM (Doctor of Management). Case Western, UMUC and UoP use this title. In Case's "case" they use it to label their weekend, mid career doctoral program and differentiae from their traditional on-ground PhD. As for teaching positions, most of the ads I see say "PhD or DBA in business from an accredited university". Thanks - Andy ------------------ Andy Borchers, DBA NSU (1996)
Hi Leeden, I ended up choosing a Ph.D. program (Fielding, 2000 grad) for a few main reasons. First - thanks to some advice I got on AED and some respected biz folks - I opted for the Ph.D. over the DBA because 'da world' appeared to think more highly of it. (I had absolutely no data for this feeling ... it was simply based on what I was percieving). Even though I still have no 'facts' in comparing the two degree titles, I'm quite satisfied that I ended up with a Ph.D. Second, when I examined the curriculum / programs of the Ph.D. verses the DBA, I found myself much more attracted to the Ph.D. The DBA programs looked very much like the MBA I had just completed at that time (City U - the RA one). The Ph.D. seemed to be much more research oriented, with even more flexibility. Since I was interested in developing my research skills, I opted for the Ph.D. Third, the Ph.D. program at Fielding was interdisplinary in nature, something that I was *extremely* interested in. The DBA programs I saw at the time were pretty much focused in the biz world. Of course, I made my program choice *way* back in 1996 - a few generations in 'school years'. (Is that like dog-years?? Fourth, as a result of having earned a Ph.D. I get the sense (again just a sense, no facts here) that I'm a little more flexible in the career direction arena. As a researcher, I can opt for careers in organizational sociology. As a theorist, I can teach / write. As a practitioner, I can lead and manage. Perhaps an individual with a DBA can do that as well, but my uninformed impression is that the Ph.D. - with the research bent - tends to add a couple of facets over the DBA. DBA'ers, I *really* be interested in your experience - esp. in my last point. Am I all wet here? (Been wet before ... will be wet again. I'm feeling that it's pretty weak for me to make a statement like this - esp. since I don't have your DBA experience - which I expect was as rich and facinating as my Ph.D experience. Please fill in my gaps. I find this an interesting topic. Leeden, either way you choose, best wishes on your choice! With either program, I'm expecting that you'll enjoy it. I loved it! Barry Foster
In the business world makes no difference since most of the people don't know what is a DBA, they might think database administrator or diploma in business administration. In academia I have the feeling that PhD is preferred but the DBA is acceptable for most of the teaching positions. In the PhD you have to write a more theoretical dissertation and in the DBA a practical dissertation could be accepted given the practical nature of the program. I decided to go for a DBA since I like the practical approach of this program, what I don’t like is the DBA after my name; I would probably just use Dr. to avoid any confusion.
I assume that one can legitimately use the title of "Dr." regardless of whether they hold a PhD or a DBA?
