Help with NCU - DBA Program

I see the posting volume has been light the past while so I thought I would ask some questions of this distingished group!

1) Regarding NCU and their DBA program: I recently finished an MBA program that included a significant effort for a dissertation. Now I find that the NCU - DBA requires a dissertation as well. What chance is there that they might entertain the acceptance of my brand new dissertation in partial fullfillment for their requirements for graduation? Could I possibly receive credit for this 200 + page report that addresses a new venue in business dynamics and was produced by a "graduate with distinction"?

2) Do many MBA programs in the USA require a paper or dissertation as part of their program or is this a UK type of condition?

3) NCU - Do they grade your courses via proctored exam or some form or marking process? I couldn't find anything of depth/detail in this regard on their Website.

My initial plan was to do a research only paper with UNISA in order to obtain my doctorate but I was a little concerned about their title "DCom" and the utility of this degree for business consulting purposes in N of Amer.. Then I thought about the "ready to go" dissertation and ................

Thanks in advance!
MP

 

In the NCU program

• 1. You are not allowed to begin the dissertation until you complete all required coursework.
  
• 2. Furthermore, you cannot begin your dissertation until you get approval from your dissertation committee because they have to approve the dissertation topic that you select.
  
• 3. Your dissertation committee is not formed until AFTER you complete all your coursework.

As you can see, in the NCU program, you would not be able to get a definate answer to your question until you hit step #3, but you're not even enrolled yet!!!

Most American Masters programs require a thesis (paper) or a captstone project (fancy paper), while most American doctoral programs require a dissertation.

Thus far, 99% of the time they require a lot of writing, which requires perusing professional journals. I can't speak for their undergraduate program, as I am unfamiliar with it.

I too had reservations about UNISA, although they seem to have an excellent reputation at this forum. My concern is the stigma that is associated with South Africa. I simply didn't want to cross that bridge, even though their degree cost pennies on the dollar. Another complaint I've heard is that they are not always timely with their replies/responces, though I don't know that that is true.

It seems that once people get their degree (Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate), they eventually drift away from DegreeInfo.com. I reckon that if I ever get a doctorate, I will be no different!!! I say that simply to point out that we had a UNISA graduate here, along with a lot of other fine graduate from other schools (Capella, etc...) who eventually left this forum after they obtained their degrees. It seems to be the pattern. Those who are still struggling seem to come here quite a bit. Maybe this place is really a support group for academic degree seekers??? LOL

 

Most American Masters programs require a thesis (paper) or a captstone project (fancy paper), while most American doctoral programs require a dissertation.

**** I agree on most US doctoral programs requiring a dissertation - and on many US MA/MS degrees requiring a paper or capstone. Many US MBAs that I'm familiar with do not require a thesis or capstone, however. It is quite common to have coursework only MBAs.

 

Hello "Me Again" and Andy,

Thanks for your insight, I have read the information at the Website and do understand the itinerary for completion of the degree, I guess I was wondering if they might accept a freshly minted dissertation at this school considering the fact that not many US schools require a major paper for MBA related degree programs. I did some research on this topic and in fact couldn't come up with many examples of a specific MBA program that required the paper.

It is quite common in the UK to have to include this requirement (rare that you don't require the paper). I see they also require a Masters in Phil of Research in order to move onto the Phd via research programs.

I would like to update my paper and continue to do research on the same topic as well. I may endure the embarrassment of asking NCU what their thoughts are on the topic!

Thanks again,
MP

 

The staff at NCU is very friendly and helpful (okay NCU, don’t make me eat my words ) and I doubt any embarrassment would come from asking a perfectly legitimate question.

The worst they would say is no.