Do you want to boost your professional skills and pursue a path of fast-paced career advancement? If so, a doctorate in business administration (DBA) is the right choice.
Typically, DBA programs are designed for professionals who want to further enhance, sharpen, and boost their knowledge of business practices and achieve the highest level of education in business administration (something even beyond an MBA).
If you, too, want to deepen your knowledge and expertise in business management, this is the degree for you. So, wondering about the course requirements and curriculum for such a high-level degree. This article will provide you with all such details.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a concise yet concrete idea of the DBA curriculum in the US. So, let’s start.
DBA Curriculum In The US
Typically designed for working professionals, a DBA program is a combined program (both onsite/online) that provides the utmost level of flexibility to the participants.
No matter how busy your work schedule is, you can easily take out time to pursue this degree as it is a 48-credit, 3-year program. Besides getting to work on a remote basis, the DBA learners will come and meet on campus three times every year.
As a member, you’ll have to visit the campus three times. During this period, you’ll have to attend seminars, networking events, and more.
DBA Curriculum Timeline
- First Year: During this course period, you’ll learn all about conceptual models, the business research publication procedure, theory development, quantitative and qualitative methods, and more. Subsequently, you’ll have to become a practitioner-scholar by applying your knowledge to your projects.
- Second Year: In this course span, you’ll learn about the ways to disseminate knowledge about business ethics and advanced business-centric methodologies. You’ll have to work on resolving problems and preparing a research output in this span.
- Third Year: When you reach the final three semesters of your course span, you’ll have to sign up for dissertation work of a total of 15 additional hours. This timespan will be devoted to addressing the business issue or concern. This is the timeframe when your professors will ask you to produce your dissertation work.
An Overview of The DBA Application Procedure In The US
The application procedure for a DBA program typically starts when you finish off the university or business school’s application and make the payment for the application fee. You’ll have to provide details such as your educational background, contact details, professional experience, and the reason why you want to pursue this program.
Also, many business schools and universities in the US ask for evidence of English language proficiency and professional/work references during the application process. Now that’s the initial stage of the DBA application process. You’ll be invited to the interview round if you clear this stage.
In the interview phase, you’ll not only have to share what inspires you to pursue and complete this degree but also exhibit your communication and critical thinking skills. The university or the business school will see how dedicated you are to this program.
There may also be some additional steps involved in this application procedure, depending on the school or university. It may involve visiting the campus physically, where you’ll have to communicate with the staff members face-to-face. In other cases, you may even have to provide academic references or GRE scores.
DBA Program: How To Select One
When selecting a DBA degree program, you’ll have to make some considerations. Check if the curriculum and design of the business school or university’s DBA program align with your professional and personal goals and whether it fits your daily life schedule.
If you’ve certain personal obligations or are working full-time in your current company, you’ll want to go for a fully online DBA program. Conversely, if you’re currently taking a break from employment or want to fully devote your time to the program, you can choose to attend the classes in person.
Today, several US business schools and universities provide a hybrid course that comes along with weekly or monthly, or quarterly face-to-face on-campus sessions and the rest online.
Conclusion
The preliminary step towards pursuing a DBA degree program in the US is to earn an MBA degree. If you completed your MBA recently or a few years ago, pursuing a DBA will be beneficial.
This is a highly recommended degree program for working professionals who want to excel in their careers in the field of business administration. So, find the best business school in the US to get started with your application today!
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