01-13-2026, 06:00 AM
Hi everyone, I’m looking for opinions because I’m torn between a PhD, a DBA, and possibly an EdD. I work as a consultant and I’m mainly into research and business, but I also like education as a field even though I’m not a teacher. I already have an MBA from a regionally accredited school.
Walden situation
I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited). I’ve even completed one term in the dissertation phase, but I just don’t want to continue at Walden. It’s not that I can’t do the work, I just don’t like how it’s been running and I’d rather finish somewhere else if my credits can move.
My timeline goal
I’m not kidding when I say I really want to be done. Ideally I want to finish one program (not two) in about 1.5 years if possible. Putting the workload aside, I’m mainly trying to understand what’s realistically possible based on program rules and sequencing.
Cumberlands (what I’m seeing so far)
I spoke with Cumberlands and it seems like if they accept the maximum (about half), I’d be left with around 33 credits for the PhD in Leadership Studies. The issue is their dissertation sequence appears to require multiple 16-week courses taken in order, so even with max transfer it looks like it would take more than 4 sessions/terms.
Alvernia (ABD idea)
Alvernia looks like it could be faster if the ABD transfer works, because it sounds like only 18 credits might be needed if you’re already at the ABD/dissertation stage. I’m not sure how strict their ABD review is, but on paper it seems shorter.
Baker vs Acacia (UAthena)
I’m also considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits and having started dissertation.
Lincoln University (Malaysia)
I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.
RA vs NA
I’d appreciate thoughts on whether it’s better to stick with regionally accredited options versus nationally accredited ones for the long term.
Career + budget constraints
A promotion at my current company would be about a 40% increase if I finish a DBA and/or PhD, so I’m trying to be practical and pick something that will be recognized. My budget goal is ideally under $15k total (or at least under $15k per program). I’m also a military dependent, but I can’t use Chapter 35 or other federal benefits, so the only help I’m looking for is any tuition-rate discount for dependents if a school offers it.
—————-
Given my Walden credits and dissertation start, which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, speed to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?
I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited), but I can’t afford Walden anymore, so I’m trying to move to another program and use as many of my credits as possible. I’m trying to figure out what makes the most sense for someone like me who wants the doctorate for credibility and research skills, and maybe teaching later.
I’m considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits.
I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.
Any thoughts on which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, time to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?
Walden situation
I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited). I’ve even completed one term in the dissertation phase, but I just don’t want to continue at Walden. It’s not that I can’t do the work, I just don’t like how it’s been running and I’d rather finish somewhere else if my credits can move.
My timeline goal
I’m not kidding when I say I really want to be done. Ideally I want to finish one program (not two) in about 1.5 years if possible. Putting the workload aside, I’m mainly trying to understand what’s realistically possible based on program rules and sequencing.
Cumberlands (what I’m seeing so far)
I spoke with Cumberlands and it seems like if they accept the maximum (about half), I’d be left with around 33 credits for the PhD in Leadership Studies. The issue is their dissertation sequence appears to require multiple 16-week courses taken in order, so even with max transfer it looks like it would take more than 4 sessions/terms.
Alvernia (ABD idea)
Alvernia looks like it could be faster if the ABD transfer works, because it sounds like only 18 credits might be needed if you’re already at the ABD/dissertation stage. I’m not sure how strict their ABD review is, but on paper it seems shorter.
Baker vs Acacia (UAthena)
I’m also considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits and having started dissertation.
Lincoln University (Malaysia)
I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.
RA vs NA
I’d appreciate thoughts on whether it’s better to stick with regionally accredited options versus nationally accredited ones for the long term.
Career + budget constraints
A promotion at my current company would be about a 40% increase if I finish a DBA and/or PhD, so I’m trying to be practical and pick something that will be recognized. My budget goal is ideally under $15k total (or at least under $15k per program). I’m also a military dependent, but I can’t use Chapter 35 or other federal benefits, so the only help I’m looking for is any tuition-rate discount for dependents if a school offers it.
—————-
Given my Walden credits and dissertation start, which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, speed to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?
I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited), but I can’t afford Walden anymore, so I’m trying to move to another program and use as many of my credits as possible. I’m trying to figure out what makes the most sense for someone like me who wants the doctorate for credibility and research skills, and maybe teaching later.
I’m considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits.
I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.
Any thoughts on which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, time to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?
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