Hypothetical Question - MBA or ABD

If I decided not to complete the PhD program at NCU, would it be better to try to get the classes “converted” into an MBA from NCU (if I could) or list ABD on my resume. I already have a CCU MBA but the NCU one would be RA.

Just looking at options, not liking the class I am in now, and getting a little burnt out. I am also looking at taking another route to continue my education.

 

Is it possible to take a sabatical.....then come back at it refreshed?

 

You can't do that. I looked into doing something similiar when I finished my PhD. They told me that only 6 SH can be transferred between programs. So if you compklete, or discontinue the PhD program, you'll have a lot of work to make up in the MBA program. My personal advice: just finish the PhD program. You can take up to a 3 month break every calendar year, so take advantage when you get burned out (I did).

 

I *think* that an ABD looks like something you didn´t complete unless, of course, it is in progress. I would only list it if you are working on it. If you finally decide to leave, then maybe it is better not to list it at all. My $0.02. Regards.

 

Take a semester off. Maybe you'll feel better in the spring or summer.

 

If you did earn the MBA from NCU, couldn't you then transfer all that credit into the Ph.D. program, should you decide to "start back up again"?

 

BinkWile,

Congratulations on finishing your PhD. When did you finish your PhD? What aspects of the NCU dissertation phase did you like the best and the least?

Your signature needs updated to reflect your accomplishment.

 

Yes , that's what I did.

 

Randell1234,

I would also recommend taking a short break to recharge your batteries. You don't have to "rush to take the next class." Go slow. After you finish a class, instead of hurridly signing up for the next class... take a 30 day break and just sit back and reorient your compass. Thirty days is a long time and should do you a LOT of good.

You are also studying a boring curriculum IMO, so you may need more rest. Do NOT rush through your classes. If you're anything like me, then you're obsessive-compulsive about things e.g. I just have to do this work now and as soon as possible and go go go go go!!!!

Sit back for a moment and take a look at the scenary before you move on. The true test of a man's satisifaction in life is if he can enjoy the scenary when he is lost (while driving) in a foreign city. LOL

 

Yeah, what me again said.

Once you get through the classes and the comps I have a feeling things will get better when you start researching and writing on a dissertation topic that interests you.

 

Randall,

I agree with the rest. Take a break and come recharged. But, don't quit.


T-Mann

 

Within 3 months of quitting, you'll regret it. So you might as well just take a break and see what happens.

 

Is it just the one class or is there more to it? Is this class a required one or an elective? If an elective, can you drop it and after a couple months pick up a different one? By all means, if you are burnt out, take a bit of a break, but make sure you set a restart date!

You cannot claim ABD unless you are truly an ABD. That means completing all your courses and your comps. So, to claim ABD you'll need to get through the class or (if an elective) another one anyhow.

As far as how it may look on a resume, if I saw it on a resume, the first thing I would ask is the estimated time of completion. If the candidate did not plan to complete the last phase, that would be OK with me, however the ABD status would not be very high on the decision criteria list. In other words, I would view an MBA candidate and an MBA candidate with an ABD nearly the same. Other factors would be higher on the dicision criteria list.

 

In my mind the MBA holder would get points for finishing what he started and the ABD bloke would lose points for biting off more than he could chew. Unfair? Maybe, but it's a hard world.

 

Well, having been there, I can understand it if someone stops before doing the dissertation. I read a couple books re: the dissertation process, and a common theme was to think carefully before continuig. I did not want to believe the dissertation would be as work intense as all the coursework. I thought it was merely a longer than normal essay. However, I found the authors were correct- it was as work intensive as all the previous classwork.

The reason I would view them the MBA and the MBA/ABD the same is there is value to the doctoral course work, and the bloke did finish the MBA.

 

I'm sorry, but I don't understand this part of your respomse. In the presented scenario it is an either/or situation. MBA or ABD. If the person is ABD then they have no credential at all. Certainly they have training but the letters MBA will not appear after their name. Perhaps I have misunderstood your remark.

 

If you are serious about stopping, then get the MBA, at least it is a recognized credential. The extra courses will then look like you were motivated enough to learn more about your field than what was required.
If you do ABD, then you have nothing to show for your work, besides a lot of courses and bills.

Take a break for a semester to think about it. Get a job somewhere, reward yourself for finishing the coursework part.

 

Ummm... Let me clarify that. I was looking into getting an MBA at NCU WHEN I finished my PhD. I appreciate the premature congratulations, but It should be held off for a few mor months. I am writing the document itself now, and am examining the data I collected. I should be done defending by the summer.

Sorry if I didn't make that fact clear.

 

No problem.

Hopefully this summer I'll see a thread where you are officially Dr. BinkWile.

Until then, I'll hold off on my questions.