PhD Business Degrees Tips

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How can I get a PhD in Business online if I don't know much about computers?

Obtaining An Online PhD In Business For The Not-So-Computer-Savvy Individual

Adult learners are unique in that, oftentimes, there are extenuating circumstances keeping them from full-time studies. It might take several years, but many people will chip away at the courses required to obtain a PhD in Business degree until the goal is reached. Years ago, the only way to do that was to either attend classes as a part-time student, or pick up a few credits through correspondence.

Today's universities recognize the growing need for alternate delivery, offering credit courses, and entire degree programs, through online learning. Sounds amazing, but for an entire generation of computer shy individuals, there may be some reservations. No need to worry. The following list offers a few suggestions to get you started:

  • If it's been a while since you've worked with a computer, take a refresher course at a community college in your area. Look for courses that offer training in how to use search engines properly, save and retrieve documents, and detailed email applications.
  • Don't rely on someone else's computer to complete your PhD in Business. You'll need regular, reliable access to the Internet, and it's best to have your own space to work.
  • Although not 100% necessary, a laptop with wireless Internet connection is nice to have, especially if you travel frequently. As a student, you may be able to get a discount.
  • A thumb drive is a small stick containing memory. You can plug it into your computer to save your work. If something happens to your computer, you'll be happy that you haven't lost your work.
Remember, when you take online courses, you're not alone. Technical support and assistance is always available.

   
How do I go about researching the best school for a PhD in Business Management?

Choosing The Best University On The Path To A PhD In Business Management

Choosing a university, whether you decide to take regular classes, or alternate online delivery, can be a daunting task. You can probably rattle off a list of names of some of the most prestigious and respected universities around, but can you afford it? There's no question that a PhD in business management is going to cost - a lot.

In fact, the average tuition costs for a first year student is somewhere in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, not necessarily including living expenses (assuming you have to relocate). However, when choosing an appropriate post-secondary institution, the last thing you want to do is opt for the cheapest offer. Sometimes a lower costing product is just as good as a higher priced one. Not so when it comes to an education.

Research the institution's track record of retaining and graduating highly qualified professionals. The U.S. Department of Education website is one excellent resource for discovering universities that fit within your budget and academic expectations. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to a PhD in Business Management.

   
What is involved in a dissertation at the graduate degree level?

The Dreaded Dissertation

As part of your undergraduate studies, you most likely had to complete a thesis. Now, as a student about to finish years of study toward a PhD in Business Management, it's time to write one again.

Typically, a dissertation or thesis at this level of education will be considerably longer than the one you wrote while taking your bachelor's degree. Your thesis will be a culmination of all you've learned throughout your decided discipline and will include a title page, an abstract, table of contents, and bibliography. It may also include an introduction, detailed methodology in respect to your findings, acknowledgements, a glossary of terms, tables, images, etc.

A lot of people cringe at the prospect of such a huge writing endeavor, even though the knowledge has been solidly stacked like bricks through years of education. Of course, a thesis is more than a mere writing assignment, requiring detailed academic scrutiny, rewriting, corrections, and a final thesis defense requiring a presentation for a committee or jury. It is a very formal process whereby the work is either accepted and passed with no corrections (a very high honor), the thesis must be revised, extensive revision is required, or the thesis is deemed completely unacceptable.

It's easy to see why the process is so formidable. However challenging, you have the knowledge within, and the capacity to exceed your own expectations.

   
Why was my application toward a doctoral degree in business denied?

Doctoral Degree In Business - Application DENIED

The first couple of years of university were probably filled with excitement and the promise of possibility. Once the honeymoon wore off, and specific disciplines were decided upon, the world of academia took on even greater significance. From the convivial corridors of undergraduate school to the glory of graduate school, your educational path was well on its way. With a world of experience tucked into your portfolio, you confidently completed an application toward a Doctoral Degree in Business. Taking your time, you fill out all of the necessary paperwork. You were even invited to sit before an interview panel! The transcripts were submitted, a carefully articulated essay was created and sent, and solid reference letters from esteemed colleagues were included in your submission package.

Weeks later, you receive a response. Denied. It's normal to feel indignant at this point considering your educational background, but do not respond to the institution in any kind of negative manner. Sit back, take a deep breath, and consider the following possibilities:

  • Was your application package submitted too late?
  • Do your undergraduate scores average a “B” or higher?
  • Did you complete the required GMAT (Graduate Mandatory Admissions Test)?
  • Was your essay as strong as it could have been?
  • Is it possible you missed something in your application package?
The important thing is not to take a denial personally. There are many valid reasons for having an application denied. If you're serious about undertaking a doctoral degree in business, consider reapplying.

   
Can I apply for transfer credits toward a PhD in Business Management?

Transferring Credits Toward A PhD In Business Management

The process of applying for course credits varies from university to university which is why it's best to review the institution's credit transfer policy as soon after admittance as possible.

Overall, most accredited universities follow similar academic requirements for obtaining a PhD in Business Management, PhD Business Degree, or PhD in International Business. It's natural to expect that after obtaining a Master's degree, there would be some transferable courses. However, don't make that assumption too quickly.

Depending on the school, you might be able to apply for six or even 20 course transfers, provided they are in advanced standing. The reality? Only the most exceptional students are awarded the maximum course transfers. It doesn't hurt to try, however. After all, even a few transferred courses move you that much closer to your goal of obtaining a PhD in Business Management.

To get started, ask for A Request for Transfer of Credit form and make sure to submit all required documents including official transcripts with your application. Meanwhile, don't assume the application will be accepted until you receive official notification. When applying for transfer credit toward a PhD Business Degree, courses should be at the post-master's level, taken at an accredited institution, and must have been completed within a certain timeframe (usually no longer than five years). The higher the grade, the better your chances.

These are general requirements for course transfer. Always check with the school's administration for specific transfer credit guidelines.

   
What steps should I follow to wind up with a PhD?

PhD Degrees From Starting Line To Salary Scale

For some people, obtaining a business doctoral degree is a lifelong dream. Maybe it's a family expectation, or a personal goal set years ago. Whatever the reason, it can seem a daunting process when you consider the number of years committed to obtaining that education.

The following is a step-by-step timeline to take you from the first years of your post-secondary education, to the last, whether you're plan is to enroll into a Doctorate of Business Administration program, or an online PhD in Business:

  • Undergraduate School: These are the first four years after high school complete. At this stage, you may not completely know what you want to take, or where you want to end up career-wise. Do you want to eventually find yourself enrolled in a business doctoral degree program or maybe obtain a PhD in Business Management? No need to fret. The first two years of general study are meant to provide an exploration of strengths, likes, and dislikes.
  • Graduate - Master's Degree: At this stage, you should have a pretty clearly defined educational path in front of you. Options include a Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Education, or even a Master in Business Administration.
  • Business Doctoral Degree: You made it this far, don't lose your steam! This is the final step. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common degree awarded at this level. Other doctoral degrees include the Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration (DBA).

   
How do I become a postdoctoral fellow and what is it?

Becoming A Postdoctoral Fellow

Essentially, a "fellow" is a person assigned a temporary research appointment within academia. That person typically has few teaching assignments, and is committed to conducting research for specific projects and disciplines. A junior research fellow, or postdoctoral fellow, falls within the same category as a research associate, but is able to branch into projects of his/her choice.

If you've completed your PhD in Business Management, PhD in International Business, or doctoral degree in any other discipline, you may be interested in becoming a postdoctoral fellow. Occasionally, graduates will receive an invitation to apply for one of these temporary positions. Likewise, these positions will often be posted in appropriate magazines or newspapers. Your salary will be paid either from the university's budget, from a charity, or company who sees the value, and potential profitability, of your continued education.

A postdoctoral fellow must meet certain criteria including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Being awarded a PhD within the past five years
  • Must accept a temporary appointment
  • Must accept the responsibility of full-time research
  • The appointment is viewed as preparation for a full-time academic or research career
  • The appointee will work under the supervision of a faculty mentor
  • Graduates of PhD business schools, or other graduate schools, should seriously consider applying for a fellowship, especially if the goal is to seek a career within the academic system.

   
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