Anderson University 2-Year PhD (And Other Options)

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by CavTrooper, Apr 22, 2022.

Loading...
  1. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Greetings all! A few years ago, I completed my MBA at Temple and am now considering completing a distance doctorate. I recognize that the doctorate is an unnecessary degree for me, but I’m exploring this to 1) fulfill a long-time personal goal, 2) undergo a structured training program in leadership, business and research, which will help me develop in my current executive position, 3) qualify as an assistant professor or adjunct someday in the future, and 4) position for a future career in executive coaching.

    With all that being said, my top choices are:
    -Anderson University’s 2-year PhD in Leadership (Business Concentration); Online, $36,000
    -Marshall University’s 3-year DBA (AACSB!); Online w/residencies, $60,000
    -Liberty University’s 2.5-year PhD in Organization & Management (Executive Coaching track); Online, $18,000 with veteran discount!

    Are any of you familiar with these programs, and if so, are there any you’d recommend? Thanks in advance for weighing in.
     
    Dustin likes this.
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    With the goals you've stated, there isn't much difference in the options you've listed. Likely, no one will care anyway. Do the one you want.
     
    Maniac Craniac likes this.
  3. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Thanks Rich! Glad to see you’re still roaming these forums, good sir.
     
  4. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Liberty's program show 3 years average. Where did you 2.5 yrs? It can be completed in 3 years if you are very motivated and can take 2 courses every 8-week sub-term. The dissertation is where the uncertainty comes into play.
     
  5. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    I was basing the 2.5 years on the suggested course sequence in their catalog. It assumes a 6-month dissertation timeline, which of course is very aggressive. To your point, the dissertation phase is the real wildcard here.
     
  6. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I see three full semesters for the dissertation in the degree sequence sheet. That's a full academic year (including summer). So, be mindful of that.
     
  7. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Here’s what I was going off of — it’s possible I’m reading it wrong, but wouldn’t the two semesters at the end equate to roughly six months? Haha if I’m reading it wrong, maybe this means I’m not quite ready for doctoral studies.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    The two semesters at the end are 16 weeks each. That's 7+ months, nearly 8. The trouble is, as chrisjm18 points out, there are THREE semesters involved - as he says. a full academic year.

    And don't worry about reading it wrong. Lots of people who undertake Doctoral studies are as capable of such mistakes as the rest of us (e.g. moi) who refuse to undertake them - ever. Many such people graduate with flying colors from their Doctoral programs and some of them (gasp!) continue to post at DI. I name no names - I'm sure you can pick them out. Have fun! :)

    I wish you every success - but I suggest you plan on three terms for your Dissertation, as chrisjm18 says. :)

    Rule 1: chrisjm18 is always right.
    Rule 2: If in doubt refer to rule 1.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2022
    Rachel83az, JoshD and chrisjm18 like this.
  9. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Haha I love it — thank you wise sir. And duly noted about chrisjm18. It does appear we’re looking at an almost 3 year PhD after all.
     
  10. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Haha, it doesn't mean you are not ready. The coursework phase is broken down into 8-week courses. However, the dissertation phase consists of 16-week full semester courses. 987, 988, and 989 are three full semesters, while 990 (defense) would be in any 8-week term.
     
    CavTrooper likes this.
  11. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Ah — understood. Good catch on this, and I appreciate it. I updated my shortlist with the new timeframe. Another program I had considered was Regent’s PhD in OL, which is a full three years — it will remain on the shortlist now that I know there’s no real timeframe advantage with the LU program.

    Thanks again.
     
    chrisjm18 likes this.
  12. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    You may also look into Jacksonville University. The DBA program is AACSB Accredited. That said, it is pricey at right around $100,000. I was just admitted to this program and am toying around the idea of attending.
     
    datby98, Dustin and CavTrooper like this.
  13. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    You're welcome. And I wasn't being flip; there are very few universities who will issue a degree that will make much of a dent in one's career if one has substantial experience. It's much more important to do the degree you want, the one that will help you achieve your goals. Good luck!
     
    Dustin and CavTrooper like this.
  14. SnafuRacer

    SnafuRacer Active Member

    How would you pay for it? Are you married to a condiment heiress lol?
     
  15. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    100k? Unless an employer or someone is paying all or a substantial amount, I cannot see a positive ROI from this. Of course, you could become a C-level exec making $1m a year. Haha. Have you explored UNCG's Ph.D. in Business? AACSB accredited business school. UNCG ranks nationally as opposed to Jacksonville ranking regionally. UNCG is R2, while Jacksonville is master's comprehensive (not even D/PU). UNCG's program is around 45k for out of NC residents. Is there something that turned you off from this program because I doubt you aren't aware of its existence?
     
    JoshD likes this.
  16. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    Josh — congratulations on your admission to JU! I’ve looked at the program after seeing your posts in other threads and it is indeed a solid program. Any reason you didn’t also apply to Marshall, as they are also AACSB accredited with a lower cost?

    Rich — I didn’t take your comment as flip, totally got what you meant. It’s important to remember — and easy to forget — that those of us not taking the traditional academic route will be judged in job interviews by our experience and capabilities — certainly not by the college/university listed on our resume. Easy to get sucked into the brand name game, so this is a good reminder.

    As a side note, last time I sought advice from folks here was back in 2013/2014 while exploring MBA options. Awesome to see how far we’ve come as a society since then with greatly expanded online/non-traditional options at a myriad of schools. Seems like no matter what your situation or passion is, there’s a suitable program option.
     
  17. CavTrooper

    CavTrooper Member

    I actually don’t think that is a program I was aware of — I am going to look it up now. My goal is to keep tuition at or under $50k, so this would fit pretty nicely within that budget. Thank you!
     
    chrisjm18 likes this.
  18. I don't often agree with Rich, but in this case he is spot-on. ;)
     
  19. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    I will look into Marshall more but last I checked, they had some residencies that I was not sure id be able to accomplish.

    As far as brand name, I think that is true to an extent. However, I've been contacted by a few department chairs in Business Schools who would like me to teach some business analytics courses and that is based off my Duke education because I have not moved into a technical/analytical role with my company yet. I've turned them down because I would like some professional experience in a technical role to bring into the classroom before I start teaching analytics courses.
     
    CavTrooper likes this.
  20. life_learner

    life_learner Member

    UNCG online PhD in business only offers concentrations in strategy, organizational behavior, and international business. That's the reason I decided not apply for the program.
    University of West Virginia just started a DBA in accounting and there is plan to offer other concentrations in the future. Tuition is around 60k and I've decided to enroll in WVU instead of Jacksonville due to reputation consideration and tuition.
    For someone willing to spend 100k plus, University of Pittsburgh is probably the one with the best reputation among online programs.
     
    JoshD likes this.

Share This Page