DBA Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Ph.D. and DBA programs?
Ph.D. programs are more theoretical and knowledge-based than DBA programs. Ph. D programs are also more specialized in a particular discipline, and more oriented to curriculum in teaching and research. Most Ph. D. programs are full-time day programs. The LTU, DBA program provides the student with a more balanced combination of theory and practice. The LTU, DBA program is application based, and specifically tailored for careers in senior management. The program prepares future leaders to think strategically and act decisively in today's global environment. Dissertations in the DBA program address real, practical issues faced by business and other organizations. The research contributes to the field through its affects on business policy and practice.
What is the nature of the Cohort Program?
A new cohort of 10-12 students is admitted to the DBA program every January. All required application materials must be submitted by October 1.
When should I apply to the DBA program?
Applicants should apply to the DBA program between June 1 and October 1. All materials required for admission must be received by October 1, 2008.
Do I need a graduate degree (i.e. MBA or MA) before applying to the DBA program?
Yes. An MBA degree or equivalent master’s degree in business is required from an accredited college or university. Applicants with an out-of-field master’s degree will be required to complete the prerequisite foundation coursework before starting the DBA Program.
Do I need to take the GMATs, and what is an acceptable score?
All applicants, without exception, must take the GMATs. An acceptable GMAT score is 550 or higher. However, this is not an absolute requirement. The GMAT score is considered in the context of the applicant’s overall qualifications and ability to do acceptable work at the doctoral level.
I took the GMAT years ago; do I have to retake it?
This depends on the score received, your GPA, managerial experience, and how long ago the GMAT was taken. You will be notified if you must retake the GMATs.
My GMAT score is low, should I still consider applying?
You should seriously consider retaking the GMAT before you apply if your previous score was low.
Where can I obtain information about where to take the GMAT?
There is a website that will help you learn more about the GMAT. The website address is: www.mba.com. This is a very helpful site and will answer any questions you may have regarding the GMAT. Also online GMAT practice tests are available (no charge). Online GMAT practice test.
Are financial aid and/or scholarships available to students participating in the program?
Since the DBA was designed for working professionals, we do not offer scholarships at this time. There may be aid/scholarships available from other sources however. We suggest that you conduct your own research. For example, grants have been given to students doing research and dissertation projects from various associations and nonprofit organizations such as The Aspen Institute and Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. There may also be employer sponsorship for coursework and/or dissertation work that adds value to your organization. Loans are also available. For more information, contact Lawrence Tech's Office of Financial Aid at 248.204.2120 or e-mail to finaid@ltu.edu
What is the process for admission to the DBA program?
- Applicants should hold a MBA degree or equivalent master degree in business from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants with an out-of-field master’s degree will be required to complete the prerequisite foundation coursework before starting the DBA Program.
- Applicants are required to take the GMAT.
- Applicants must have 5 years or more experience in an appropriate managerial position in a corporate, governmental or non-profit organization. This requirement does not apply to applicants who are acquiring the DBA degree to teach or work in an academic institution.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum acceptable performance is 550 on the written TOEFL or 250 on the computerized version. Minimum acceptable IELTS is 7.0. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived for those international students who have completed their degrees at a recognized U.S. university.
- Applicants must provide three professional letters of recommendation.
- Applicants must provide a statement (500 words or less) stating the applicant's professional and personal reasons for pursuing a DBA degree, the applicant’s primary academic and research interests, the applicants qualifications for completing a doctoral program, and the reasons for selecting Lawrence Technological University.
- Applicants must provide a professional resume.
- Applicants must complete a personal interview with the Director of the DBA Program and DBA faculty.
- For more information, please contact LTU Admissions at 248.204.3160.
Is a deposit required to apply to the DBA program?
No, you only need to pay the application fee when you apply. A $100 deposit is required when you are admitted into the program. The deposit will be credited to the first term’s tuition.
What is the tuition cost for the DBA program?
For the current tuition rate, please check the following page: http://www.ltu.edu/registrars_office/tuition_fees.index.asp. A total of 60 credits hours are required to complete the DBA program.
How long does it take to complete the DBA program?
The program, courses and dissertation, can ordinarily be completed in four and a half to five years.
What is the maximum number of years allowed to complete the program?
Seven years. The student can request an extension of time if there are extreme circumstances.
What is the schedule of classes?
There are four terms per year. One course is taken each term as scheduled. Each term lasts approximately three months. Classes meet four weekends per term on Friday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, and on the following Saturdays from 8:30am- 3:00pm. Click here for class schedules.
Are there distance-learning components in the program?
Yes. All courses are supported by a web-based e-learning environment called Blackboard. Blackboard has many features to communicate and share information among faculty and students. Blackboard offers valuable support for the on-ground sessions of the program.
Should I apply to the program if I do not have any managerial experience?
Management experience is required unless you plan to work as an administrator or faculty member at a university. The DBA is designed for current executives and management personnel. This experience is critical to students working on their dissertations where a current organizational problem will be investigated and researched extensively. You may want to consider applying at a later date after you have sufficient managerial experience.
Is the DBA degree appropriate for educators?
Yes. The DBA program for the practitioner scholar provides the ideal linkage between theory and practice that is important to effective teaching at any level. Many of our DBA students plan to teach.
I am interested in obtaining a DBA to assist me in my consulting work. Is this an appropriate degree for me?
Yes. The combination of theory and practice that is offered at LTU provides ideal training and preparation for a career in consulting. Many of our students plan to consult for business and other organizations when they obtain their DBA degrees.
Will all classes meet at the Southfield campus?
Yes. All classes are currently offered only at the Southfield campus.
What time commitment is required to succeed in the program?
The time commitment varies with each student’s particular situation, but one can expect to devote up to 20 hours a week completing course work.
Do I need to be employed to do my dissertation work?
No. You can perform your dissertation research for any company, organization, or other association.
Do I need to have a dissertation topic before starting the DBA program?
No. Students, however, are encouraged to formulate ideas for the dissertation throughout the program rather than waiting until all of the coursework is completed.
Is a comprehensive examination required as part of the DBA program?
Yes. The comprehensive examinations are taken following completion of the 36 hours of required coursework. A student who fails any part of the comprehensive examinations, may retake the failed parts one time. Work on the dissertation cannot commence until the comprehensive examinations are successfully completed. A student who does not successfully complete the comprehensive examinations cannot continue in the DBA program.
Where can I obtain more information about the DBA program?
Please visit our website at http://www.ltu.edu/management/doctorate/business_admin.asp or e-mail the DBA Program Office with further questions at DBA@ltu.edu.