DBA or MBA, what stands out in corporate America?

Expert in academic research with consulting interests in leadership development, Wendell Seaborne, PhD, MBA, Lead Faculty and Professor of Management at Franklin University talks about the MBA and the DBA.

What do you see as the top three differentiators between the MBA and DBA?

WS: Research. Writing. Presentation. The MBA is a common and highly accessible degree, but it’s also a very general degree. The DBA is a more specific degree that enables both subject mastery and real-world application. With DBA-honed research, writing and presentation skills, you can set yourself apart from other high-performers, strengthen your professional capabilities, master research-based problem solving, and be prepared to set industry-leading best practice standards.

How can the DBA enhance problem-solving skills – and why is this a major point of distinction between the DBA and an MBA?

WS: Although you can find MBA programs in a particular area such as marketing, the fact is, an MBA is intentionally a very generic degree. It is purposefully designed to give a managerial overview so MBA graduates can talk the proverbial language of the CFO. The DBA, on the other hand, drills down into a single area of interest. The research you do is very focused on your discipline, with the intention of making you the expert in your field.

One of the many outcomes of an online doctor of business administration degree program is enhanced leadership skills. How does acquiring these skills impact career enhancement, advancement or change for the DBA grad?

WS: Leadership is not a “one-size-fits-all” thing. The DBA program should help you better lead in the way you feel most comfortable with, and, more importantly, to do it very well. It also exposes you to other leadership styles, of course. For example, in our program, we help DBA students identify their leadership style and understand that the effective use of their own leadership style is what leads to organizational effectiveness. It’s also empowering to have a grasp of other styles, too, which our program also provides.

What about networking? What’s the difference in how the MBA and the DBA affect professional networking opportunities?

WS: While I can’t speak for other programs, I can tell you that at Franklin, we’ve intentionally designed our program to including a professional community of practice. Our DBA students and graduates are put in touch with each other, with faculty, and with working professionals in the field, giving them a very wide network opportunity. Our professional network goes beyond, “Hey, let’s be friends and find each other jobs.” Instead, our network is designed to be more like, “I have this issue in the workplace and you studied it, let’s talk about your research findings and how they can practically apply to this situation.”

When, in your opinion, should someone choose an MBA and when should they choose a DBA?

WS: The MBA is a good and typical degree to pursue if you want to be recognized for your management skills. If you want to be considered THE expert in some facet of your business, however, that’s when the DBA works best. If you’re a person that really wants to develop all of the skill sets we’ve talked about – research, writing and presentation – choose the DBA. If you like being the generalist, then an MBA works very well for that.

Which MBA Program is Right for Me? 4 Things You Should Consider

Here are some things you should consider when choosing an MBA program to help ensure that you’re enrolling in the one that’s best for you.

1. MBA Program Accreditation

Investing 14 months in an accelerated online program (longer for more traditional programs) is asking a lot, so the payoff better be good.

More importantly, it better net you a respected degree with value in the workplace.

To ensure its value in relation to your career, it is always best to choose a quality MBA program. And the best MBA programs start with the best business schools. The best business schools, of course, have an accredited MBA program.

But what is accreditation and, more importantly, why is it important?

At its most basic, accreditation is a methodology for evaluating the quality of a program. There are two main types of accreditation: institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation.

Regional and national accrediting organizations review entire institutions, while specialized organizations review programs and/or single-purpose institutions.

For example, Franklin University is accredited regionally by the Higher Learning Commission and the University’s MBA program has received specialized accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), the leader in outcomes-based accreditation in business.

Other well-respected accrediting bodies include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

But please do not assume that every program is accredited – they are not. To verify accreditation status, visit the college’s or university’s website or speak with an admissions advisor.

2. Academic Rigor & Practical Business Experience

Not all MBA programs are created equal.  Some are narrowly focused on a specific functional area; others are broad-based and designed to extend your reach beyond your current area of expertise toward a more competitive skill set.

With most quality MBA programs, a well-rounded curriculum will include:

• Executive Leadership & Business Strategy
• Financial Management
• Financial & Managerial Accounting
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing Management
• Operations & Project Management

Take a very close look at the MBA program you are considering, from the curriculum to the program outcomes. Some MBA programs offer an integrated program that helps reduce or eliminate redundancies across disciplines.

Then choose the program that has the qualities, characteristics and fit you need to achieve your long-term career goals.

3. MBA Program Flexibility

Whether you’re looking to increase your average starting salary, gain insight into international business or move higher up in management, an MBA can help you get there.

But apart from quitting your job and taking a two-year hiatus, the best way to pursue an MBA – if you’re a busy working adult – is through an online MBA degree program.

There are many pros and cons of an online MBA program, but suffice it to say that online MBA programs can be faster, more convenient and help you build an international peer network.

Look for a program that offers flexible course schedules, innovative MBA curriculum and a collaborative online environment, as well as one that can broaden your understanding of business while building upon your experience as a working professional.

4. Is an MBA Worth it?

Most people would agree that earning that important three-letter credential, MBA, can put you on a faster, better career track. Here’s what an MBA can be worth in terms of employment outlook, job growth and career opportunities.

Employment Outlook

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15 percent increase in Business Administration jobs through the year 2022.

• Expected growth by occupation ranges from 9.2 percent for chief executives, to 19.3 percent for management analysts, to 22.6 percent for cost estimators.

Job Growth

• Job growth should continue with a steady increase.

• Beginning in 2012, there were 4.8 million job openings related to business administration.

• By 2022, there’s expected to be an estimated 5.5 million business administration jobs.

Career Opportunities

Job titles with six-figure salaries? Here are just a few of the potential ones for MBA grads:

• Business Operations Manager
• CEO
• Financial Analyst
• General Manager
• Management Consultant
• Marketing VP
• Senior Strategist
• Strategic Innovation Manager

So, which MBA program is right for you?

• The one that helps put you at the forefront of uncertainty.
• The one that helps you achieve your personal and professional goals.
• The one that helps you grow your leadership capabilities.

Ready to start on your future today?