Are you interested in sharing your hard-earned business knowledge and insights with aspiring business professionals? If so, and you have already earned your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, you might consider enrolling in a Doctor of Business Education (DBA) degree program.
Offered through Keiser University and backed by our “Students First” approach, this DBA program is designed to equip experienced business professionals with the foundational knowledge needed to apply business theories and research methods. Regardless of whether you are striving to become a business professor or looking to advance your own business leadership career, a DBA from Keiser could help you maximize your career opportunities.
As you read on, you can also learn more about one of our program’s accomplished DBA graduates, Dr. Rebecca Bhiro.
Getting to Know the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Our Graduates
Keiser University’s Doctor of Business Administration program consists of only 60 credit hours, that are broken into 20 courses with eight-week terms. Students have the option to transfer up to 18 credits of relevant coursework based on previous experience or classes completed. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months (with most students graduating within 42 months or less).
Dr. Bhiro, a Keiser University graduate who now serves as a contributing advisor for the graduate school’s board meetings, is a proud alumna of Keiser’s undergraduate and graduate programs — including the DBA program, from which she graduated in 2021.
Motivation to Pursue a DBA
How can you know whether a DBA is right for you? Most people who decide to pursue a DBA program found that they reached a ceiling in their current career — and obtaining a terminal degree could help them advance their professional journey. On the other hand, some pursue a DBA because they want to make a transition into academia. With a DBA’s heavy research component, it can be an excellent way to pivot into a new and rewarding field.
Choosing a Concentration (or Not)
While pursuing a DBA at Keiser University you must consider and then select a concentration to complete degree requirements. Keiser University’s DBA is offered with focus areas in Marketing, Management and Global Business. Dr. Bhiro shares her experience of the DBA program and process throughout, and indicated she selected Global Business as her concentration in Keiser’s DBA program.
The Evolving Value of the DBA in Today’s Business World
In the evolving business landscape, having a DBA could work to your advantage in several ways. For starters, the skills acquired in a DBA program could prepare you to explore even more advanced roles in business, including senior leadership and executive positions. In addition, the DBA is regarded as the pinnacle of business education, so having one could afford you more clout and credibility as an industry expert.
As Dr. Bhiro says of her DBA in Global Business, “It’s really structured me. And it has really honed and bolstered my research skills … I’m very proud of the exceptional research skills that I’ve developed from doing both my MBA and DBA.”
A Day in the Life of a DBA Graduate
So, what does it look like to step into the shoes of a DBA graduate? One notable perk of this degree is that no two graduates’ experiences will be identical, as having a DBA means you can enjoy the freedom to explore a wide range of career options. For the sake of simplicity however, we will focus on a day in the life of a business administrator, and more specifically, a chief executive.
Typical Workday Responsibilities and Structure
These professionals play a central role in determining the strategic direction of a business or organization — as well as leading entire executive teams and serving as the public face of the company. The chief executive officer (CEO) is also in charge of making critical decisions that could affect the company’s growth and finances, all while working alongside the company’s board of directors.
Applying DBA Skills in Real-Time
As expected, business administrators (including chief executives) need to have an intricate understanding of how businesses operate and how to solve common business problems. For those wanting to teach business, understanding different theories and how to apply them in the real world is a must. In-depth research skills are also essential when it comes to uncovering new insights and being able to think critically as a business professional and scholar.
Speaking to how Keiser’s DBA program has prepared her for the realities of working in the field, Dr. Bhiro says that she has even been able to apply her extensive research skills to resolve some medical issues in her own family.
Balancing Professional Responsibilities and Personal Life
If you are wondering about the work-life balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life with the demands of a DBA program, perhaps Dr. Bhiro can offer additional motivation. She explains that completing her degrees at Keiser empowered her to break out of her procrastination habits and learn how to better manage her time. Because of the online nature of Keiser’s coursework, she was able to pick and choose which times worked best for her to complete her studies. This flexibility, as she describes, led to some late nights. However, it gave her the freedom to complete her studies on her own time, without putting her personal responsibilities (like caring for her children) on hold.
Learning and Growth Through the Doctoral Journey
No matter if you complete the program in two or four years, students in a rigorous DBA program can expect to experience plenty of learning and personal growth.
Comparing MBA Specializations vs. DBA Focus
Specializations and concentrations make it possible to focus your studies on an area of the field that is most interesting or compelling to you. In Keiser University’s MBA program, available concentrations include:
- Accounting
- Health Services Administration
- Global Business
- Management
- Technology Management
- Marketing
Meanwhile, students in our DBA can choose from concentrations in Global Business, Marketing or Management.
Memorable Courses and Influential Faculty
Coursework in the DBA program is designed to reflect the real challenges and opportunities of the business world. Some examples of courses offered as part of this program include:
- Global Business
- Foundations in Business Research Writing
- Business Research and Publications
- Emerging Issues in Marketing
- Decision-Making and Risk Analysis
- Global Strategic Management
Throughout the program, students are supported and guided by faculty mentors who are experts in their fields. Dr. Bhiro herself confirms, “The professors are so caring at Keiser University, and they get to know you. They get to know your mindset”.
Learn about Dr. Jeff Ritter and Dr. David Tucker’s academic and doctoral journey and how they are committed to student success through the completion of their dissertation.
Building on Prior Experience
If you have already completed your MBA program, then you can also rely on some of what you learned there to guide you through your DBA. Research skills, time management, leadership and even advanced business theory concepts can all translate to a DBA program.
Dr. Bhiro describes how she was able to apply what she learned in her MBA program to succeed in her DBA: “With the exceptional leadership courses in the MBA, I learned so much about leadership … It enhanced me as a leader today. [The MBA program] gave me the strong leadership skills that I needed to continue into the DBA.”
How the MBA Prepares You for the DBA
If you are debating whether to pursue a DBA, the good news is that your MBA program has likely prepared you for the demands of a DBA in numerous ways. Dr. Bhiro recounts, “The MBA was challenging, but it was a worthwhile challenge because you have to do the comprehensive exam to determine whether you make it to move forward to the DBA”.
The demands of pursuing the MBA helped Dr. Bhiro prepare for and decide to pursue the DBA. However, Keiser University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program requires applicants to have a relevant master’s or doctoral degree in business administration or a related field from an accredited institution.,
Making an Impact Through Research or a Dissertation
As part of Keiser University’s DBA program, students are required to complete a dissertation, comprising six courses at two credits each. This dissertation is not only a major component of the program, but it also gives you an opportunity to make an impact in your field through applied research and writing, especially for those desiring careers in academia.
If writing a dissertation seems overwhelming, rest assured that you will have plenty of faculty guidance and support along the way. As Dr. Bhiro explains, “Keiser University is so admirable because it really taught me to be a good, resilient multitasker. [The faculty] wanted us to become strong in research, and they really honed and bolstered that. So, I’m very proud of that because I am independent because of the MBA and DBA”.
Advice for Future DBA Students
For those thinking about becoming a DBA student in the near future, below are a few factors to consider while exploring options and preparing for a rigorous program.
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
First, be sure to choose a DBA program that is accredited and has a good reputation within the field. The DBA program at Keiser University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACSBP), meaning it has been assessed to meet high quality standards. If you are seeking a specific concentration or specialization as part of your studies, keep this in mind as you assess program options.
Overcoming Academic and Professional Challenges
DBA programs are designed to be rigorous and challenging, which is why it is so crucial to be prepared to overcome obstacles throughout your program. Dr. Bhiro emphasizes completing graduate coursework at Keiser taught her to be a more resilient person, underscoring the importance of seeing challenges as opportunities rather than threats. If you can maintain a similar mindset during your program, you can emerge on the other side more resilient as well.
Developing a Strong Support System
The right support system can also play a major part in getting you through a DBA program (and even beyond into your professional life). Friends, family and fellow peers within your program can help you stay motivated and encouraged, so do not hesitate to rely on your support system when you need to. Dr. Bhiro herself explains how she is still in touch with her team of 15 colleagues who completed the DBA program with her and how she leans on them to stay motivated and keep a positive mindset.
Networking and Building Connections
Additionally, completing a DBA program offers ample opportunities to network and make new professional connections that can benefit you long into your career. Take advantage of this by attending industry events and establishing a strong presence on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. After all, you never know when a connection could lead to a new opportunity.
Final Thoughts on the DBA Experience
At the end of the day, completing a DBA program is never easy; if it were, it would not be regarded as the pinnacle of education. Still, if you are in the program for the right reasons and passionate about making a real impact in your field, your DBA program can be highly fulfilling.
The Most Rewarding Part of the Journey
Dr. Bhiro reflects on her time at Keiser University fondly, recalling that “because of Keiser’s ‘Students First’ policy, you have a lifelong relationship with the professors, which is really needed.” She also goes on to discuss how rewarding it is for her to look back at how far she has come since she started the program, stating proudly, “I’m so strong now. My sons look at me and really admire that “.
Personal and Professional Impact of the DBA
A DBA can open new doors of opportunity both personally and professionally. The very process of earning your DBA requires you to dig deep within, building your sense of resiliency and proving that you can tackle any challenge that comes your way. This, in turn, can provide a confidence boost that benefits you in your career and even your personal life. Combine this with the sense of accomplishment you can enjoy after earning a terminal degree in business, it is evident why Dr. Bhiro speaks so highly of the experience:
“I would definitely go back if I had to. And I would recommend the MBA and the DBA programs at Keiser University. Again, I cannot emphasize enough the in-depth, detailed structure of their courses”.
Video Testimonials From Keiser DBA Graduates
Learning about Dr. Bhiro’s journey through Keiser University’s undergraduate, MBA and DBA programs is inspiring — demonstrating with the right education and a little resilience, anything is possible. Interested in hearing more about what our other DBA graduates have had to say? Check out these testimonials from other Keiser graduates, Dr. Karissa Hutchins and Dr. Stephanie Franks to learn more about a day in the life of a doctoral student and graduate.
Ready to Expand Your Horizons?
Whether you are eager to share your business expertise in a teaching role, wanting to contribute to further research in the business field or looking to advance into an executive role, a DBA from Keiser University offers the career-focused curriculum you need to expand your horizons.
With distinguished faculty who are committed to the success of their students, plus plenty of other student resources, you will be supported through every step of your program. Consider too, the convenience of our DBA program’s online format, which makes it possible for you to complete your studies on your own time without putting other areas of your life on hold.
Ready to learn more? Get in touch to request more information about Keiser’s DBA program or take the next step by completing your online application for admission today.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
