George Fox University is an institution with a storied past. Originally founded in 1885 by Quaker Pioneers, the school switched names several times, known as Paciifc College, Friends Pacific Academy, George Fox College, and finally, George Fox University. Despite these changes, it has maintained its academic caliber through the years.
George Fox University’s doctor of business administration is offered mostly online. This hybrid program includes two in-person sessions in Newberg, OR each year, where you’ll be able to interact closely with a diverse group of peers. The entire program only takes about four years to complete (three years of coursework with one additional year to complete your dissertation).
You’ll be able to choose from a number of concentrations, helping you meet your career goals no matter what they might be. Concentrations include marketing, management, and accounting. Core classes cover topics ranging from business to education and teaching—but you’ll also take 17 hours related to research and the preparation of your dissertation.
More InformationHow is a DBA Different from a Ph.D.?
There are some key differences between MBAs, DBAs, and Ph.D.s.
An MBA is the basic level of graduate education that you should achieve before pursuing a doctorate degree. Short for “master of business administration,” an MBA usually takes a few years to complete beyond the undergraduate level.
Move on to a DBA—or Doctor of Business Administration—and you can expect to spend another two to five years in school. This kind of program will focus on applied research with the goal of preparing you for a career in education or in direct business work.
A Ph.D. will take roughly the same amount of time, but it will focus more on theoretical research. It’s best for aspiring academics or those who are interested in publishing their findings in academic journals.
What Are Some Specialization Tracks I Can Pursue?
Countless business doctoral programs offer specialization tracks or customization areas so that you can customize the degree to your specific professional goals. It’s important that you choose the right concentration so that your degree will grow with you.
There’s no limit to the number of specializations that are offered by some of the top DBA programs in the country. Some to consider include accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, energy management, healthcare management, human resource management, leadership, marketing, technology, and more.
Do I Need Work Experience?
In most cases, you will need to demonstrate a level of maturity in your career before you can be admitted to a Doctor of Business Administration. This is because admissions advisors for these programs like to see a high level of dedication to the industry.
The amount of work experience you need will vary depending on the program, but in most cases, you will need at least three to five years of relevant work under your belt. If you don’t have a lot of paid, formal experience to call upon in your application, don’t worry—some schools also count things like cooperative learning experiences, internships, or even volunteer work.
Why Should I Earn an Online Doctorate in Business Administration?
Earning a degree requires a high level of commitment—not only in regards to your finances and your motivation but also in relation to your time. If you’re already working full-time (which you likely are, if you are pursuing one of these degrees) then it’s going to be tough to find the time to travel to a college campus to complete your degree.
After all, you might be working twelve hours a day—or more!
An online degree offers all the quality of on-campus learning but with none of the hassle. While many of the programs on our list of the best 30 online doctorates in business administration do require occasional visits to campus, most include a curriculum that can be completed almost entirely online. You’ll be able to interact with faculty and peers just as you would on-campus, and you’ll have access to the same support services, too.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Financial aid is available, in many cases, for students wishing to enroll in online Ph.D. or Doctor of BA. You may not have access to the same fellowships and assistantships that you might on campus, but many schools offer these to online students nonetheless. Grants, scholarships, and student loans are three types of financial aid that are typically available to distance learners.
Does My Online Doctorate in Business Administration Need to Be Accredited?
Accreditation is important when it comes to selecting a degree. After all, earning a degree is business is valuable, but earning a degree that is from an unaccredited institution may hurt your chances more than it can help them.
Look for a school that is accredited. This will demonstrate that it offers high-caliber academic instruction, and you’ll also be able to apply for financial aid. Plus, if you ever decide to transfer to another doctoral program, you can rest easy knowing that your credits will move along with you.
There are numerous associations responsible for accrediting business programs, but two to watch for include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out the Top 20 Fastest Online Doctoral Programs and the Top 100 Best Online Colleges!