So I have been researching pretty heavily distance opportunities for a PhD or DBA. I know that UNC-Greensboro has a distance PhD that is AACSB Accredited but after speaking with the program director it seems like it would be difficult to get in without being in NC or a bordering state. I may still apply but I'm going to research this specific program some more. That seems to be the only AACSB Accredited distance PhD I can find. I would love to pursue doctoral studies as a traditional on-campus student but unfortunately that is not feasible. I have a wife and 3 kids with one of my kids just recently being diagnosed with Epilepsy. Therefore, I need to maintain full-time employment for the health insurance benefit to help with his medication. I have looked at the following programs: Grand Canyon University Liberty University Although it would be distance learning I would much prefer the University to have a brick and mortar campus that also participates in traditional learning. I am wanting to avoid Walden, Capella, University of Phoenix, etc. This degree is essentially for myself and my intention is not to utilize the degree to move into a tenure track position. Essentially, self fulfillment. Are there any programs that I am overlooking that would offer an online PhD or DBA that also has a brick and mortar presence?
Franklin University DBA Bellevue University DBA Keiser University DBA (I am a current DBA candidate here)
I really like Keiser, they have been continuously growing each year. I have also been through both residencies, which were worth the time and effort. All the DBA professors have spent decades in the business world . . . including finance, which I know you are interested in. My end goal is to be a Resident Senior Engineer at an automotive supplier, which demands research and written presentations and also teach a few online classes at the Master's Level, because I like teaching.
If self-fulfillment is all you're seeking, what's the "obsession" with AACSB accreditation?! Unless you're trying to convince yourself that you're not into TT positions because some naysayers on here will say it won't happen. I can tell you that Keiser is expensive. If you only want personal achievement, I'd suggest finding the most affordable online DBA or Ph.D. at a non-profit, brick, and mortar university. Have you ever heard of the University of the Southwest? https://www.usw.edu/Academics/College-of-Business-Administration/DBA At $799/credit, you're looking at $48k. They include a free laptop, all textbooks, and software (research tools, etc.). Still, Liberty is probably the cheapest. I highly recommend Liberty based on my experience as a student. However, I always encourage people to determine if they can deal with the conservative Christian position and political alignment of the school. If those don't matter, I think you'll enjoy Liberty. Ps. I know someone who is finishing their Ed.D. this spring at Liberty. They said that they were drilled for a hour during a job interview about their decision to attend Liberty.. anyway, they got the job.
I am currently leaning towards Grand Canyon University since they still have ACBSP Accreditation and it is $670 per credit. Equates to a little over $40,000. There are (2) 5 day residencies but that is easily do-able. I have highly considered Liberty but I am not sold on the program just due to the fact it completely lacks programmatic accreditation. Although for personal achievement, I'd like a program that has accreditation whether it is AACSB or ACBSP.
Three low-residence AACSB programs I can think of from the top of my head (because they were recently discussed here) are Valdosta State, Sacred Heart and Kansas State (in Personal Finance). Also Grenoble. Did you look at any of these?
What about your home state's OSU Ph.D in Business for Executive? https://business.okstate.edu/phdexec/residency-dates.html
Honestly, for personal fulfillment, I would take a hard look at Heriot Watt ebsglobal.com . True, it's not AACSB (yet), but it's a fully online program from a major British university, priced competitively with the cheapest RA programs in US. In global reputation, it'll beat both Grand Canyon and Liberty, for less. Plus, I like the structure of the program.
I thought ACBSP does not accredit Doctorate level, but only at undergraduates and Masters? Grand Canyon University URL: https://acbspsearch.org/Home/Details?instId=Inst327 Liberty University URL: https://acbspsearch.org/Home/Details?instId=Inst2427
Okay, understand. If schools like Walden and Capella, Kansas State's Ph.D. in Personal Finance is not AACSB accredited. The program is not even located in their business school.
Interesting! I have not considered a program in a different country. EBS definitely seems like offer a great program. I am going to have to research them some more!
Also consider the University of Leicester's distance PhD in management. https://www2.le.ac.uk/research-degrees/phd/management/distance-learning For the price, I would choose either Heriot-Watt or Leicester over any of the non-AACSB programs mentioned in this thread.
My bad. However, regardless of this, KState is a major school. For a program not in a business school, AACSB is not even relevant - but University's overall caliber is. Back in 2001-2002, I actually tried to pitch my sister to KState's volleyball coach as a prospect. A family friend was one of their star athletes at the time. My sister ended up recruited by U. of Louisville and went there instead.
I agree. K-State is a solid school, and I'm sure the Ph.D. in PFP carries some weight. That particular program seems to prepare graduates for careers in academia. For instance, the program website states "Doctoral students who are interested in teaching in an AASCB-accredited business program should consider taking 15 or more credits in finance." The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs/Professor of Law at Liberty recently graduated from K-States Ph.D. in PFP program.
AACSB accreditation is relevant only if one is seeking to teach at or be admitted to an AACSB-accredited program. Period. No one else really cares. The other forms of business-related programmatic accreditation mean even less.
Cost is definitely a factor in my decision and unfortunately the Executive PhD at OSU is $120,000 which is WAY over budget.
I recommended this to the OP in the past but he said he couldn't attend the four-week summer residencies.