In the current state of educational accomplishments earning a doctorate level degree can be seen as a crowning achievement. It provides the students not only the proficiency and expertise in their respective fields but also allows them to gain respect in society as they go through the meticulous and difficult academic process of attaining the degree.
When considering a doctorate degree, one should be aware of the two options available, namely a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) and a Professional Doctorate. In this article we will highlight the differences and provide an insight to aspiring students as to which degree will be best suited for them to pursue.
A Professional Doctorate in Business is specially crafted to cater to the needs of a working executive who is keen to apply constructive solutions to current problems in their workplace along with increasing his knowledge in his field of work. The degree will impart the knowledge that will allow him to combat and solve persistent marketplace issues into workable solutions. Professional doctorate holders usually qualify for leadership roles in their field of work that require this level of degree. There are several online universities that provide Professional Doctorate degrees in Business Management, Business Administration, Business studies, commerce etc.
Whereas a Traditional PhD is made for those who would be willing to gain in depth knowledge pertaining to their current profession. The traditional Ph.D. program requires students to make significant contributions to their own research and use of knowledge, independent learning, effective communication of research findings and teaching skills. A PhD student will employ his efforts to polish their researching ability to get their work published in academic journals.
In this article we will try to showcase the difference between the professional Doctorate programs and PhD degrees so that you can get a clear idea as to which one you should pursue for a bright future.
Understanding the Differences between Professional Doctorate in Business and Traditional PhD
Professional Doctorate in Business
A Professional Doctorate in Business is designed to prepare working executives and students for a leadership role in the competitive world of business. It is a doctorate level qualification that has an amalgamation of academic study and practical experience. Not only will it impart the knowledge of leadership qualities but also provide a constructive solution to real-world business problems. Let us explore the characteristics of a Professional Doctorate in Business and what makes it different from other doctoral programs.
Characteristics of a Professional Doctorate in Business:
- A Professional Doctorate in Business is designed to make students profess in the world of business with the required and ever-changing skills and knowledge. The hands-on experience gained though project research, internship and work placements allow them to apply their learning to real-world business problems.
- A Professional Doctorate in Business focuses on Industry relevant research, thus the research that students undertake is often focused on solving real-world business problems.
- The benefit of collaboration and networking is yet another significant characteristic of a professional Doctorate in Business. It aims to promote networking and cooperation between students, professors, and industry professionals. This provides students the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and enhance their learning in the field of business.
- Flexibility is another noteworthy characteristic of a Professional Doctorate in Business, which means that it can be completed on a part-time basis. Designed especially for those who are already working in the business world, it allows them to balance their work and study while aiming to gain the competency and problem-solving leadership quality that the degree offers.
Thus, a Professional Doctorate in Business is a degree where academic study and practical experience go hand in hand. The focus point of this degree is to impart the skills and expertise required solving real world business problems while preparing the students to embrace a leadership role in the competitive world of business.
Comparison between Professional Doctorate in Business and Traditional PhD
While both a Professional Doctorate in Business and a traditional PhD are doctoral level qualifications, there are some fundamental differences between the two.
| Market Factors | Trends | Industry Needs | Demand for Credentials |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | Professional Doctorate in business focuses on the application of theory to real-world business problems | The Professional Doctorate in Business focuses on the application of practical theory to real-world business problems and students generally work on research dealing with real business problems. | The Professional Doctorate is more highly valued because of its focus on practical applications of theory. |
| Traditional PhD | Traditional PhD focuses more on academic research and theory development. | Traditional PhD imparts new theories and research work that is highly valued in academic and research-focused industries | Traditional PhD are highly required for academic positions and research-focused roles |
| Personal Factors | Motivation | Interests | Professional Goals |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | This Degree is perfect for working professionals who want to advance in their careers with right professional knowledge and skills | Provides advanced skills in applied research and analysis, which can be applied to real-world business problems. | Has the practical skills and knowledge one requires for a leadership role in an organization. |
| Traditional PhD | For individuals who are interested in pursuing an academic career. | Designed to develop advanced skills in research methodology | Suitable for pursuing a career in academia as it provides the research and teaching skills needed to succeed in an academic setting. |
| Academic Factors | Research Interests | Curriculum | Methodology |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | It focuses on practical research to solve real-world business problems. | Focuses on practical application covering the areas of management, leadership and organizational behavior. | Includes qualitative and quantitative research methods to obtain data and make informed decisions. |
| Traditional PhD | It focuses on theoretical research to advance in the field of academy. | Research on specific topics and produce a dissertation or a thesis that results in a significant contribution to their academic field | Research includes data analysis, hypothesis testing and statistical modeling. |
| Financial Factors | Cost | Funding Opportunities | Return on Investment |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | These programs tend to be more expensive than PhD and have a shorter duration | Scholarships and grants are available for a degree in Professional Doctorate in Business | It has a higher return on investment as the skills and practical knowledge gained in these programs lead to better job opportunity and higher salaries. |
| Traditional PhD | These programs tend to less expensive than Professional Doctorate in Business and have a longer duration | The benefit of funding opportunity where the degree is often funded by a combination of research grants, scholarships and teaching assistantships | It has a higher return on investment as these programs impart good research skills which leads to high-level research opportunities and tenure-track positions. |
| Time Factors | Duration | Time Commitment | Flexibility |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | The duration is shorter than a Tradition PhD program, usually lasting between 2-4 years | Has lower time commitment and students can balance both work and studies. | Has flexibility to work and study |
| Traditional PhD | The duration is longer than a Professional Doctorate in Business program usually lasting between 4-6 years or more | Has higher time commitment as it requires full time study and research work | Requires full times commitment and does not have flexibility |
| Geographic Factors | Location | Accessibility | Mobility |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | Located in urban areas with high concentration of businesses and industries | Working professionals often opt for the online learning and flexible schedules offered by these programs | These programs offer opportunities for international or cross-border study, as the skills and practical knowledge gained may be applicable in various field of business |
| Traditional PhD | Located in research-focused or academic institutions | Online learning and flexible schedules are not available in Traditional PhD programs. One must relocate to attend top programs. | These program offers academic exchanges and research collaborations with universities and research institutions around the world |
| Social Factors | Network | Community | Mentorship |
| Professional Doctorate in Business | The benefit of collaboration and networking provides students the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and enhance their learning in the field of business. | Given that these programs frequently include working people, they may provide a community of peers and faculty members who are supportive and have the same professional experiences and ambitions. | Offers mentorship and guidance from industry leaders and executives |
| Traditional PhD | A network within the academic and research community is beneficial as these programs often lead to careers in academia or research. | These programs provide a supportive community of students and faculty members who have comparable research interests and academic ambitions. | Offers mentorship and guidance from established academic researchers and scholars |
The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Business
Advantages of pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Business
In this current rat race for success there are constant challenges and complexities in the world of business. Hence it is important for business professionals to upgrade and polish their knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the real-world challenges in their field of work.
One way to upgrade oneself is by pursuing a Professional Doctorate degree in Business. Let us have a look at the Advantages of pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Business
- Professional Doctorate in Business focuses on improving the practical skills that would be required in the world of business. Analyzing complex data, strategical thinking, effective decision making is some of the skills that are valued by employers and with the help of these skills students can have their way to success in their field of work.
- These programs encourage students to gain hands-on experience though project research relevant to the business industry which allows them to implement their learning to real-world business problems.
- Professional Doctorate in Business provides networking opportunities with other professionals, including guest speakers, faculty members and fellow students. This is extremely beneficial for professional development and career advancement as the students get to form contacts and valuable relationships in the industry.
Testimonial from individual who pursued a Professional Doctorate Program
Experience of Dr Vipin who recently pursued Doctorate degree in education from the East Bridge College in an academic association with the European International University – EIU Paris
Dr. Vipin mentioned that after finishing the course, employers gave him a variety of job offers with lots of output after looking over his resume. With his Doctorate degree in education, he was eligible for lucrative positions like director, academic principal, and head of school. A doctorate degree prepares one to advance to higher levels of professional positions and leadership roles. Read the full blog here
Final Take away
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a Professional Doctorate in Business or a Traditional PhD should be based on a careful assessment of the student's personal and professional goals, as well as their ability to commit the necessary time, resources, and effort to the program.
If you are looking forward to enhancing your skills, knowledge and career prospects in the field of business, a Professional Doctorate in Business is an excellent choice for you. Its practical experience and personalized approach to learning is the perfect way to path the path to professional success. Apply today to assume leadership roles in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.
Written By : Rebecca Wilson