Anyone know of any online DBA in Marketing programs that give the option to do a project instead of a dissertation and defense? They would also need to be US programs, accept financial aid, and either not have proctored exams or have the proctor be there via web cam. Preferably no residencies, but if it is a must, then no more than 2 and for no longer than 4-5 days each. Does such a thing exist? A friend of mine was looking at Cal Southern but found out that even though they are DETC and have applied for RA, they do not accept any form of financial aid at all. He also looked at NCU and Columbia Southern, but NCU didn't have marketing and was dissertation. I don't remember what it was about Columbia Southern he didn't like.
If your friend is new into the Marketing field, then a Doctorate might not a good idea. Because the Doctorate level is helping to enhance one knowledge in the field not teaching new stuffs. Most of the professional Doctorates (DBA, DSc, DEngSc, MD, JD, and etc) requires research projects over traditional researches. Have you looked into Liberty University's DBA cognates in Marketing? Liberty University is regional accredited and ABCSP Candidacy. URL: http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/DBA-Marketing-2013.pdf
If they do not want to do a dissertation maybe a DBA/PhD is not for them. What do they want to do with it?
He said he wants to do a project that applies current research to an existing problem. He wants to showcase what he can do with what's already known, not spend a lot of time doing research to contribute new stuff. He says his interests lie in advancing in his company (he's director of marketing) and wants to set himself apart to eventually become an executive (CMO if possible) and he feels a DBA in Marketing that allows his to do a project instead of a dissertation would better suit his needs.
Oh, and the part he didn't like about Columbia Southern was that there is a project defense. He doesn't want to have to defend it, he just wants to present it.
I can understand his situation. I think he might get just as much value from writing a book or a series of articles. To do any kind of doctorate, you have to surrender to other people's rules to a large extent, and not everyone has the desire or patience to do that. Working with a professional writer, he could organize his ideas into a good short book, and have it out on Kindle etc. within a year. Much less painful than a doctorate.
If that is the case, then a Doctorate study is not for him. If he wants to follow his rule, then write a book. And if he wants a piece of paper saying his is awarded Doctorate degree, then Rochville, Belford, MUST universites are waiting for him.
If the program requires a dissertation or project there is usually a defense. If he does find a program that is just a presentation let us know. By the way - think of a dissertation defense as a presentation with an intense Q&A session :yup:
IWBL Doctorate in Professional Studies Not in the us but a Dprof may be his answer. It is work base so he may be happy to defend his ideas
I agree with distancedoc2007. Another way to advance yourself is to join a professional society, present papers, become an officer, and make connections. In addition to a society devoted marketing professionals he could also join a professional society devoted to whatever his company markets (autos, pharmaceutical, bicycles, groceries, etc).