Hi all, I've been lurking in this forum for several days. Although there are areas that I've become clearer now, I still have a lot of questions on pursuing a DBA so I think I'd better ask here, as there are issues specific to the situation I'm in now. I'm currently working at an educational institute in Hong Kong and was promoted to the managerial level 2 years ago. During the accreditation of a programme, my supervisor has started to see my potential in research skills and told me several times to pursue a doctoral degree, both for enriching my portfolio and for my career progression in future. My academic qualifications are: Bachelor of Arts in Translation (The Chinese University of HK) MSc in Computer Science (The University of Birmingham) Postgraduate Diploma in Education (The University of HK) As I'm right now overseeing an online English learning project, it just comes natural that I pursue a doctoral degree in Linguistics or Education. But my supervisor told me that if I do a PhD in these 2 fields, I may end up remaining in the Languages Discipline (which is the most political discipline of the whole institute) until I retire. She told me to get a DBA instead and the research can be sth related to a business model in e-learning. Based on what she suggested, I started to look for some online DBAs. To my surprise, there are not many such programmes on offer. My colleague once did an EdD and she said it's not good to do that in HK as I may end up attending frequent lectures, and I've found that professors in HK do not normally possess a local PhD/DBA. I personally prefer an online DBA from the US, but after looking at discussions here, I've come to the conclusion that there's no AACSB-accredited online DBA in the US. Correct me if I'm wrong. The only online DBA on offer and which is AACSB-accredited is Liverpool. There are other attractive programmes, e.g. Henley, Grenoble, etc. but there are residency or attendance requirements. Henley offers an MSc in between and I'm still pondering over the possibility of getting the DBA there. Now my question is, are there any other online DBAs (preferably US) apart from Liverpool and that's AACSB-accredited? I can only afford to travel once a year. I've also come to notice the pre-requisite and research interest issues and would like to ask if there are any non-business professionals here that can get on with the DBA right away? OK then, if that's Liverpool that I should end up in, what's my research interest? Why should I get a DBA? The application process always ask about these, but as my bachelor is in Linguistics, these questions have been bugging me. Is there anybody here that can share the experience and mind journey? Thanks a lot in advance. Marco
Kennesaw State University Kennesaw State University offers an AACSB-accredited online DBA (though it is expensive).
If I were in your situation I would probably go with Liverpool. That's if I did it at all -- you might find it challenging to get through such a demanding programme when it seems like you're not really all that interested in it in the first place. Many people report that it was only their passion for their research that got them through doctoral work. That said, if you're more interested in education than business, you might still be able to do your project on some topic of higher education administration that interests you.
An update. I was rejected by Liverpool for insufficient managerial experience. Grenoble did reply and may send me a package. Anyone did Newcastle DBA from Australia? There's a presence in Hong Kong but it's not AACSB-accredited. Anyone knows if it's any good or is seeking AACSB accreditation? The research interest is another headache for me.
Why? If you're not interested in research, you may want to consider why you're doing a doctorate. Even one meant for practitioners will include a heavy research focus.
Yep, I agree with Steve. If you aren't really interested in your research, it's doubtful you'll slog all the way to the end. There are many more interesting ways to wreck your life for 4-6 years than doing a doctorate. If you really "need" one, I'd do an Ed. D. with a focus on an area that is of use to your employer. Maybe do some research on a new management model, or improving communication and collaboration, optimizing strategic alliances, key success factors for ______... That sort of thing will serve you in any higher education institution.
I think the OP isn't objecting to research per se but, rather, the research areas necessary for the prescribed degree program. (As opposed to other emphases available from other schools.) I think that is also what "distancedoc2007" is saying.
Not AACSB, but definitely a reputable b-school: Edinburgh Business School (Heriot-Watt University): DBA via DL I do not believe the program has compulsory residencies. Doctor of Business Administration DBA - Postgraduate study | Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh
DBAs in Australia are 3 year full time programs or 5 years part time. The only one that is AACSB accredited at this moment and can be completed via DL is the the PhD from QUT QUT - Doctor of Philosophy (Hosted by QUT Business School)
As a suggestion, wouldn't it be great if we kindly ask the administrators to create two new sticky threads (or 3) with programmes available, cost, accreditation and duration? Wuld need some maintenace though. In reply to the thread, I do consider research an important part of any doctoral, otherthan thatnyou'd be better off with an MBA / MSc / MA
Re: QUT D.B.A. This course is only available to Australian citizens or permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens QUT - Doctor of Business Administration