MBA vs DBA or PhD in Business ?

[ladyk5]

I am not sure how many people here have an MBA or know anything about DBA's or PhD 's in Business but I have been considering getting a DBA or PhD after getting my MBA--the main reason why is because of the credibility it would offer and percieved competitiveness in the business world when I decide to do other things in life---such as starting a financial services company. I would like to know if anyone knows the big difference/impact of a DBA over a PhD in Business as it relates to the business world, making money, having credibility, being competitive etc. Or does having a Doctorate in Business even matter at all?

[BusinessAdviser]

To bring everyone up to speed a bit:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) vs. PhD in Business

Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)
PhD programs in business focus intensively on preparing candidates to conduct highly specialized scholarly research. They focus on the development of new theory in management, economics and related fields. Most PhD graduates lead careers as university researchers and professors or as senior researchers in business or government.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs focus on the application of theory rather than on the development of new theory. While also intended to prepare graduates for academic careers, the DBA, by virtue of its focus on application of theory, has more practical application in managerial settings than the PhD.

Similarities
The DBA and PhD degrees are very similar in other respects. The DBA and PhD are "academically equivalent." Both entail rigorous courses of study with a heavy emphasis on research. Students must write and defend a doctoral dissertation, in addition to taking a comprehensive exam.

The DBA and PhD are generally designed to prepare students for academic careers, either in teaching or research or both. There is no hard and fast rule about which degree you need in order to be hired by a university, but there are some basic trends:

In some parts of the country, schools are now requiring that faculty members entering tenure track positions hold a terminal degree (i.e.: a doctorate) in business. A DBA or PhD satisfies this requirement, while a doctorate in education (EdD) does not.
Accreditation matters. AACSB-accredited schools generally-though not universally-hire individuals with doctorates from other AACSB-accredited schools. In those cases where an AACSB-accredited school hires someone with a DBA from a regionally-accredited institution, the quality of the research the individual has published is often the deciding factor.

[BusinessAdviser]

I am not sure how many people here have an MBA or know anything about DBA's or PhD 's in Business but I have been considering getting a DBA or PhD after getting my MBA--the main reason why is because of the credibility it would offer and percieved competitiveness in the business world when I decide to do other things in life---such as starting a financial services company. I would like to know if anyone knows the big difference/impact of a DBA over a PhD in Business as it relates to the business world, making money, having credibility, being competitive etc. Or does having a Doctorate in Business even matter at all?

I'll try to make this as simple as possible for you:

Do you intend to teach at the university level upon graduating from the PhD/DBA program?

If yes, then you can begin to pursue which option (PhD v. DBA) would be your best choice.

If no, if you intend instead to enter the business world, do not waste your time or money on either a PhD or DBA.

Very simple. If you need me to elaborate, I will, but it really doesn't get any simpler than that.

[pandacrystal]

I totally agree with Jonathan's idea. If you are going to start a financial services company, what will make it success is the business experience you bring into the biz. Book knowledge is good on books or teaching. If you are not planning to be a professor or be in academic field, I think it would be a better idea to spend your 4-5 years being in the real business than getting a PHD or DBA.

[paul2145r]

I agree with both Jonathon and Panda- Book smart will only take you so far in life. There are plenty of college graduates out there working fast food joints.

The main thing we should all focus on as entrepreneurs is maintaining motivation and drive. Knowledge is great to have, but many entrepreneurs rely on consultant, manager, and administrators to take care of specifics.

I do, however, recommend taking some speech/public speeking classes. This will help you in the long run, in situations ranging from speaking to a funding board to encouraging your employees.

For entrepreneurs interested in sales-based ventures, it may even be a good idea to take some time off and work as a salesman/woman in a dealership (or any other commission-based endeavor, for that matter). This will give you plenty of hands-on experience in dealing with a wide varity of customers and clients.

[ladyk5]

I'll try to make this as simple as possible for you:

Do you intend to teach at the university level upon graduating from the PhD/DBA program?

If yes, then you can begin to pursue which option (PhD v. DBA) would be your best choice.

If no, if you intend instead to enter the business world, do not waste your time or money on either a PhD or DBA.

Very simple. If you need me to elaborate, I will, but it really doesn't get any simpler than that.

1: Yes I have been thinking about teaching for a short time at a university--but ultimately want to move into the business world fully, regarding your previous post--it seems like you are saying that universities would weigh a phD more heavily because of the accredidation but that other wise they are both equal??? is that right?

2: The money issue isnt an issue, the military is paying for whatever I decide to do anyway and I dont want to let that go to waste, I love learning and will be taking it online rather than at a traditional school.

I guess I am really trying to figure out if the business world would look more favorably on that ?

[ladyk5]

Actually looking back on it what you are all saying makes a lot of great sense. I just have been dabbling with the idea since the money (for school) is available for me, and I was worried that just as an MBA I wouldnt have enough credibility since so many people are pursuing this type of degree these days and felt that if I had something a little extra then I would have the upper hand--but as you are all saying it doesnt then I guess it doesnt make sense for me to get the degree, teach at a college, etc just for the credibility but being considered an "expert" in the field

[BusinessAdviser]

1: Yes I have been thinking about teaching for a short time at a university--but ultimately want to move into the business world fully, regarding your previous post--it seems like you are saying that universities would weigh a phD more heavily because of the accredidation but that other wise they are both equal??? is that right?

2: The money issue isnt an issue, the military is paying for whatever I decide to do anyway and I dont want to let that go to waste, I love learning and will be taking it online rather than at a traditional school.

I guess I am really trying to figure out if the business world would look more favorably on that ?

Your thought process makes a lot of sense: More degrees = More credibility. However, with a PhD in business, it doesn't quite work that way. An MBA is well-recognized and well-respected, and provides added weight in the business world when compared to a simple Bachelor's. However, a PhD is not perceived as adding anything to an MBA when it comes to business performance and knowledge in the practical sense. Even if the money is available to you, you'll be wasting your time by getting your PhD if you are doing it for added credibility in the business world.

[ladyk5]

Your thought process makes a lot of sense: More degrees = More credibility. However, with a PhD in business, it doesn't quite work that way. An MBA is well-recognized and well-respected, and provides added weight in the business world when compared to a simple Bachelor's. However, a PhD is not perceived as adding anything to an MBA when it comes to business performance and knowledge in the practical sense. Even if the money is available to you, you'll be wasting your time by getting your PhD if you are doing it for added credibility in the business world.

Ok thanks so much for your imput and clearing that up for me. I had never known any one with either of those degrees before so I am glad that I was able to get some input before wasting all that time. Thanks all

[ScottRobertson]

I'd suggest you look at the information that has been provided here, form some questions and take them to professionals that you know in the fields that you are interested in (preferably someone in involved in or with knowledge of their companies recruiting process). If you're interested in credibility, I'd say that is the best place to find out. You can also talk to your previous/current profs, but they will likely be biased.

Basically, find multiple sources of opinions and make your own decision from there.

[warrensway]

knowledge is free go to barnes and noble and library start a company best of luck with whatever you do though

[ChrisBenjamin]

Agree with everyone else. I have an MBA, is as far as I plan on going. Experience & practical knowledge are what take me far in my consulting work... way more than the MBA. Seldom do I even trumpt that I have it unless it comes up in conversation.

If anything, the best part of having the MBA was the people I met in the program, the practical real world case studies, and the guest speakers.

[collegechick24]

I agree that having a doctorate degree may not substitute for professional work experience, which is what employers generally favor (especially in a specific job function), but if you want to teach/research or work in any type of academic setting, a doctorate degree is preferred, and even required at most university institutions.
I am currently getting my DBA, for a few reasons. 1.) I have an MBA but currently lack what I consider to be marketable work experience, so I thought I would further my education, while working part-time. 2.) Ideally, I would like to teach/research PT while pursuing my career. My career, in fact, has a lot to do with my research, so it is helping me carve out a niche into the field I will most likely work in for the rest of my life.
So I say, if research (particularly applied research) helps you understand and become an expert or entrepreneur in your area (like finance; ex: international markets) then it is well worth the effort.
Let me give you an example of an entrepreneur who started his own business after he used his dissertation as a tool to research and investigate his career interest.
Dr. John Sperling is the creator of University of Phoenix, which is one of the largest for-profit nontraditional academic institutions in the U.S. He is both an academic and a business man. And he was able to do so by using his opportunity to research the area he was interested in. For some, it can be converted into a business plan. It all depends on how you can leverage your research.
In conclusion (sorry so long) don't get a doctorate just to get a doctorate. Only get one if you can really use it! There's my two cents.

[crackah]

I would take business advice from a guy who has had a business and run a business, rather than a guy who has just had a degree.

To me a degree means crap all about what you know about a business, its all about experiance and proving you can do it.

[firstime911]

i have one more question on this,

I heard that DBA was first introduced by Harvard business school, currently, Harvard closed this program and only offer PHD.

Does this imply DBA is not so good compare to PHD??

Which is more acceptable??

Yet, think as we hiring someone to operate our business, either to choose DBA grad or PHD in (management, finance, marketing) grad?