BUS 7102 LESSON 3: Differentiation of PhD vs. Applied Degree
LESSON 3: Differentiation of PhD vs. Applied Degree
BUS-7102 v2: Applied Doctoral Studies
Module 2: Understanding the DBA
Module Introduction
Welcome to Module 2: Understanding the DBA
This module is important to understand what the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is and how it is different than a Doctor of Philosophy in business (PhD) it is important to being with a foundational understanding of terms. As you enter into a doctoral program you do so with an understanding that it is sequentially at a higher level than an undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree) or a graduate degree (Master’s degree). A doctorate, also referred to as a graduate or terminal degree, is the highest earned degree in the United States at the postsecondary level.
Many areas of study have terminal degrees that serve as the highest level of education a person can achieve within that specific domain. For example, a terminal degree in dentistry is the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and in law it is the Juris Doctorate (J.D.). While these degrees prepare individuals to work in their area of expertise, completion of a degree is the gateway into testing and professional certification. Students completing a terminal degree in business are not limited to a single degree. However, the selection of their degree is dependent upon their selection of the terminal business degree of their choice. In the end, it is a matter of desired outcome for your degree. In the lessons in this module, you will learn about the differentiation of the PhD versus the DBA. You will also learn the role of the DBA in business.
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Course Resources
This course uses a Course Library Guide (LibGuide) to provide you centralized access to all your readings, videos, and other course learning materials. The centralization of any e-books, library articles, and outside resources will hopefully be more convenient for you, as well as allow us to ensure a high level of availability for course learning materials throughout your program of study. You can access the LibGuide via the Course Resources link located in the top menu alongside other quick links (i.e., Dropbox, Grades, Bookshelf, etc.).
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Learning Objectives
1. Justify the DBA degree as terminal degree in the market. (CLO 1, 4)
2. Support the selection of a DBA for real world problem solving. (CLO 1, 4)
3. Explain the role of the DBA. (CLO 1)
4. Discriminate between theoretical and applied degree focus. (CLO 1)
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Differentiation of PhD vs. Applied Degree
One of the biggest questions to answer when pursuing a doctoral degree in business is choosing between the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Philosophy in business (PhD). While the degrees share several similarities, their approach and end goal objectives are fundamentally different. Both degrees utilize a set of business courses that often overlap in several topics. Both utilize in-depth research. Both require a substantial write-up of the research in the form of a dissertation. But the intended end use of the doctoral degree is fundamental and important to understand.
The PhD is a theoretical approach that seeks to fill gaps in knowledge. This is often the degree of choice for an educator. This type of research is theoretical in nature focusing on theory versus application. Common goals for the PhD dissertation focus on filling gaps in the literature, creating new theories, and advancing the field. A PhD professional might look through the literature and realize that current age-related theories of Generation X, Baby Boomers, etc., ignore millennials. They may perform research that addresses this missing information in the literature with the goal of understanding the group better. While the information might be of use to business, the goal is information instead of application.
The DBA is a professional degree that seeks to identify practical problems in business and solve them. The DBA is a powerful degree for business professionals as it focuses specifically on diagnosing and fixing complex business problems. This is often the degree of choice for business professionals. DBA research will use theory or a conceptual framework to view the problem of interest. The research will be performed with the goal of solving the business problem. A DBA might look to address a problem a business has in retaining millennials in the workforce with the goal of providing actionable information to eliminate the problem. Figure 1 provides a visual way to compare the PhD vs. DBA approach to problem solving. Neither is better than the other and each offers benefits the other may not. With both degrees the reliance on strong research skills and the peer-reviewed body of literature is important. With the DBA, however, there is often a stronger reliance on current or predictive market analysis and applied systems best practice benchmarking, which are used in the quest to solve problem.
Figure 1
DBA vs. PhD approach to problem solving
A common confusion is that the PhD is a teaching degree, and the DBA is a working degree. The truth is that both are teaching and working degrees. Typically, the DBA will teach DBA courses and the PhD will teach PhD courses, although either can teach most courses. In the workforce, the choice depends on the goal of the position.
Ultimately, it is not uncommon to see overlap between the two (e.g., a PhD solving a problem, a DBA creating theory which has led to some confusion as to the difference between the two). For the purpose of your doctoral program, you are required to choose an applied business problem for your DBA. You will discuss this in depth in a later Module.
Lesson 3 Required Resources
Articles
• The Need for a Professional Doctorate – an International Doctor of Business Administration
Kowalski, R. (2017). Future Progressive: The Need for a Professional Doctorate – an International Doctor of Business Administration. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia, 16(4), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.22630/ASPE.2017.16.4.47
There is a growing need for strong disciplined focused degrees to fit an ever changing and challenging market. The DBA is one solution designed to create real-world problem solvers.
• Content Analysis of DBA and PhD Dissertations in Business
• PhDs & DBAs: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
• One CPA’s Experience in a Doctorate in Business Administration Program
• From Practitioner to Professor: Why Aren’t More Accountants Getting PhDs?
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Assignment 3: Explain the Difference between an Applied Degree and a PhD
Instructions
For this assignment, you are asked to explain the difference between the DBA and the PhD. To complete this assignment, including the following:
• Describe the focus of each (DBA vs. PhD).
• Explain the real-world application of the DBA and PhD.
• Explain why you chose the DBA over a PhD.
• Discuss why you have decided to pursue a doctoral degree.
• Identify a DBA and a PhD research topic.
You will need to support your assignment with research you have found.
Length: 3-5 pages, not including title and reference page
References: Include a minimum of 4 scholarly peer-reviewed journal resources.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Upload your document and click the Submit to Dropbox button.
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