As I continue my journey in academia the two main questions, I get asked are what an I/O psychologist is and what is a DBA.
However, for this topic, I will go into expressing more on the DBA as there many of my I/O colleagues, who post articles here on what an I/O is and how they benefit organizations.
First, the DBA I am referring to is not the abbreviation for a business entity for ‘Doing Business As’ or ‘Database Administrator’ in the IT field.
The DBA I am referencing is the Doctor of Business Administration degree which is a terminal business-focused degree that provides a perspective of theoretical and practical knowledge that can be applied to improving the workplace through bridging the gap between research and the everyday work environment.
In this broad understanding, the next question I usually get is, "How does this differ from a Ph.D.?"
In general, the Ph.D. is more designed for candidates that are looking for careers in academia and/or research with the perspective of creating and testing theories to a discipline of knowledge.
Simply put, having these two perspectives, the DBA seeks to create solutions for businesses using research from both the theoretical and everyday work environment, whereas the Ph.D. looks to develop research in exploring more new concepts and theories.
However, I do know many PhDs who do use their background to help conduct research in seeking business solutions, so having a Ph.D. does not limit one from venturing into the corporate/business world and vice versa with those with DBA’s going into academia.
Thus, the main takeaway from these perspectives is both programs are designed around conducting research and finding answers, it is just which program focuses on where that results from the research will be applied and implemented.
Secondly, the differences are in the candidates, with most DBA programs requiring professional experience in the work environment for a certain number of years. I personally, never came across a DBA program that has not asked for a resume of past professional experience.
If you have, please share below not only my knowledge but for others wishing to understand more.
Generally, in the Ph.D. program, many candidates are continuing school and yet to enter the professional work environment with established career tracks, however, some do enter the Ph.D. program who have established careers, but it is not most of the situations.
Therefore, the DBA candidates are those with experience in the professional work environment and have been through several to many positions in the corporate world already have a Master’s degree, whereas, the Ph.D. candidate are those typically younger, continuing school, and yet to have the many years of experience in the professional work environment.
With these two perspectives presented there are many other factors that separate the two programs, however, these two have been the main perspective I have experienced in my journey with selecting the DBA program.
Now you may ask if considering, which one is best for me?
That, however, is a personal preference in where you want to go with the degree and which program best fits your current position in life with work, family, etc.
For me, the greatest takeaway from entering the DBA program is connecting with a network of other like-minded professionals who have work experiences like mine and want to take the knowledge gained from the program to help solve workplace problems we have experienced, seen, or currently going through.
Hopefully, this was helpful and informative, as always, feel free to connect and/or ask questions.
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