South College DBA

[ss20ts]

I'm seeing more and more DBA programs with capstones as an option these days which make sense because this isn't a research degree like a PhD.

[Calvinb]

Major update to the DBA and EdD programs at South College:

Dear SouthCBE Students,  
 
We are pleased to announce that, starting May 1, 2025, students in both the EdD and DBA programs will now have the option to choose between completing a Capstone Project or a Dissertation to fulfill the requirements for graduation.  
This new option gives you the flexibility to select the path that best aligns with your career goals and academic interests.  
  
Whether you’re focused on practical workplace outcomes (Capstone) or a more traditional research study (Dissertation), both pathways will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to make an impact in your field. The rigor in both pathways is the same, the application and focus are what differ.  
 
What is a Capstone? Practical application of knowledge and skills to identify and propose a solution to a real-world workplace problem.  
 
What is a Dissertation? Original research on a specific topic, a defense of research findings and contributing new knowledge to a field of study. 
  
Capstone vs
Dissertation
 
4 Chapters Format
Traditional 5 Chapter Format 

Chair serves as Committee 
Chair and Committee Member as Committee
 
Research to identify and propose solution to workplace problem 
Existing Datasets and IRB Process

Propose a solution for an immediate workplace problem with your research proposal 
Fill a gap in the literature with your research study 

Final Presentation 
Proposal and Final Defense 
  
When you are in your 10th course (Research Course) please reach out to your Mentor to disclose which option (Capstone or Dissertation) you will be choosing.  
 
All other Capstone or Dissertation questions should be directed to Program Director or Associate Dean for questions.  
EdD Program- Associate Dean, Dr. Alison Ivey
DBA Program- Program Director, Director Dr.
  
  
We’re excited about this new flexibility and look forward to supporting you in this next phase of your academic journey!  
 
With gratitude,

I emailed the program director as I am on my last course before my dissertation, and she stated that this isn't happening anytime in the immediate future. It was just a feeler to gauge interest. I would love to switch to that option. Hopefully it will be sooner than later.

[turbotortuga]

Major update to the DBA and EdD programs at South College:

Dear SouthCBE Students,  
 
We are pleased to announce that, starting May 1, 2025, students in both the EdD and DBA programs will now have the option to choose between completing a Capstone Project or a Dissertation to fulfill the requirements for graduation.  
This new option gives you the flexibility to select the path that best aligns with your career goals and academic interests.  
  
Whether you’re focused on practical workplace outcomes (Capstone) or a more traditional research study (Dissertation), both pathways will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to make an impact in your field. The rigor in both pathways is the same, the application and focus are what differ.  
 
What is a Capstone? Practical application of knowledge and skills to identify and propose a solution to a real-world workplace problem.  
 
What is a Dissertation? Original research on a specific topic, a defense of research findings and contributing new knowledge to a field of study. 
  
Capstone vs
Dissertation
 
4 Chapters Format
Traditional 5 Chapter Format 

Chair serves as Committee 
Chair and Committee Member as Committee
 
Research to identify and propose solution to workplace problem 
Existing Datasets and IRB Process

Propose a solution for an immediate workplace problem with your research proposal 
Fill a gap in the literature with your research study 

Final Presentation 
Proposal and Final Defense 
  
When you are in your 10th course (Research Course) please reach out to your Mentor to disclose which option (Capstone or Dissertation) you will be choosing.  
 
All other Capstone or Dissertation questions should be directed to Program Director or Associate Dean for questions.  
EdD Program- Associate Dean, Dr. Alison Ivey
DBA Program- Program Director, Director Dr.
  
  
We’re excited about this new flexibility and look forward to supporting you in this next phase of your academic journey!  
 
With gratitude,

I emailed the program director as I am on my last course before my dissertation, and she stated that this isn't happening anytime in the immediate future. It was just a feeler to gauge interest. I would love to switch to that option. Hopefully it will be sooner than later.

Yes, it starts in May...

[Calvinb]

Major update to the DBA and EdD programs at South College:

Dear SouthCBE Students,  
 
We are pleased to announce that, starting May 1, 2025, students in both the EdD and DBA programs will now have the option to choose between completing a Capstone Project or a Dissertation to fulfill the requirements for graduation.  
This new option gives you the flexibility to select the path that best aligns with your career goals and academic interests.  
  
Whether you’re focused on practical workplace outcomes (Capstone) or a more traditional research study (Dissertation), both pathways will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to make an impact in your field. The rigor in both pathways is the same, the application and focus are what differ.  
 
What is a Capstone? Practical application of knowledge and skills to identify and propose a solution to a real-world workplace problem.  
 
What is a Dissertation? Original research on a specific topic, a defense of research findings and contributing new knowledge to a field of study. 
  
Capstone vs
Dissertation
 
4 Chapters Format
Traditional 5 Chapter Format 

Chair serves as Committee 
Chair and Committee Member as Committee
 
Research to identify and propose solution to workplace problem 
Existing Datasets and IRB Process

Propose a solution for an immediate workplace problem with your research proposal 
Fill a gap in the literature with your research study 

Final Presentation 
Proposal and Final Defense 
  
When you are in your 10th course (Research Course) please reach out to your Mentor to disclose which option (Capstone or Dissertation) you will be choosing.  
 
All other Capstone or Dissertation questions should be directed to Program Director or Associate Dean for questions.  
EdD Program- Associate Dean, Dr. Alison Ivey
DBA Program- Program Director, Director Dr.
  
  
We’re excited about this new flexibility and look forward to supporting you in this next phase of your academic journey!  
 
With gratitude,

I emailed the program director as I am on my last course before my dissertation, and she stated that this isn't happening anytime in the immediate future. It was just a feeler to gauge interest. I would love to switch to that option. Hopefully it will be sooner than later.

Yes, it starts in May...

Did they give you this confirmation? I would 100% wait to do it this way. When I emailed the director, she had no set timeline.

[turbotortuga]

Did they give you this confirmation? I would 100% wait to do it this way. When I emailed the director, she had no set timeline.

Did you reach out to Dr. Patrick? He's the one who confirmed it for me.

[Calvinb]

Did they give you this confirmation? I would 100% wait to do it this way. When I emailed the director, she had no set timeline.

Did you reach out to Dr. Patrick? He's the one who confirmed it for me.

I reached out to my mentor again. I am in the DBA program, so I think it's a different director. I might be making the switch to capstone haha! Thanks for the info!

[cc95]

I was peeking at the South College catalog and the DBA program has MAJOR updates, they haven't been announced anywhere officially yet - looks like a few new specialties are going to come soon - which means post-docs are also available, I am particularly interested in HR and Public Admin for after completing my degree:



Overviews of the Specialty Areas are as follows:

Accounting is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of managerial accounting methods that are essential to understanding and evaluating business performance and management. Emphasis is on advanced accounting skills to address the real-world business challenges faced by business today. There is a special focus on formulating, evaluating, and interpreting accounting information for managerial decision making. Identifying, preventing, and resolving accounting fraud issues is also included, as well as exposure to the special accounting issues related to global, non-profit, and government accounting.

Healthcare Administration is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the field of healthcare. The focus of the program is to have students utilize business management skills within the ever-evolving, complex field of healthcare. Students will examine current and proposed healthcare policy influence on the debate and current issues within healthcare, specifically the business of healthcare. Special emphasis will be on the decision-making process in managing and leading a healthcare organization relative to the financial and quality issues.

Human Resources is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of human resource management to cultivate leadership and interpersonal skills that enable students to manage teams, influence organizational culture, and drive change. This program emphasizes a strategic approach to human resources management (HRM), integrating the latest trends and best practices in talent acquisition, employee development, labor relations, performance management, and organizational leadership.

Information Technology is designed to leverage the experiences and knowledge of current IT leaders and business professionals to improve the market position of an organization while enhancing internal processes to scale efficiently and effectively. This program blends Business and IT with the goal to create the technology focused organization of the future. Students will analyze current organizational technology to build the future technology foundation of the organization to maximize performance, organizational processes, and create a competitive advantage that keeps the organization relevant. The faculty will set a tone of exploration and problem-solving based in research that will build from the core courses (Business) to the specialization courses (IT) to the dissertation (research).

Organizational Leadership is designed to enlighten, equip, and empower students to pursue personal and professional goals within their organizations. The focus of the program will ensure that students have a mastery of knowledge and skills to make leadership decisions, influence others and the organizations in which they work, and to lead and navigate organizational changes. The program will explore how culture, change, communications, diversity, and strategy impact an organization through research-based practices. Additional focus points will be centered around executive leadership, leading across cultures, building organizational capacity, and leading as a coach/consultant.

Public Administration is designed to empower students for leadership and managerial roles in public service, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The program emphasizes the development of practical skills and knowledge needed to design, implement, and manage public policies and programs that address societal challenges. This program blends theoretical frameworks, focusing on public policy analysis, public sector management, ethical leadership, and governance.

---

Curriculum: 90 Credits

DBA 6505 Theory and Practice in Leadership Credits: 4.5
DBA 6506 Accountability and Research in Leadership Credits: 4.5
DBA 6525 Business Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility Credits: 9
DBA 6635 Organizational Behavior and Dynamics Credits: 9
DBA 6645 Strategic Analysis, Implementation, and Innovation Credits: 9
DBA 6655 Effective Communication Strategies and Practices Across Cultures Credits: 9
DBA 7805 Applied Research Methods and Advanced Data Analysis Credits: 9
Students choose one (1):

DBA 7905 Dissertation in Practice Credits: 9
DBA 7906 Capstone Credits: 9

Specialties (Choose One)

Accounting: 27 Credits
DBA 7300 Advanced Accounting and Decision Making Credits: 9
DBA 7310 Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting Credits: 9
DBA 7320 Global, Non-Profit, and Government Accounting Credits: 9

Healthcare Administration: 27 Credits
DBA 7200 Healthcare Policy and Delivery Systems Credits: 9
DBA 7210 Leadership Issues in Healthcare Administration Credits: 9
DBA 7220 Decision Making in Healthcare Administration Credits: 9

Human Resources: 27 Credits
DBA 7700 HR Strategy and Information Security Credits: 9
DBA 7710 Attracting and Developing Talent Credits: 9
DBA 7720 Leading Processes, Technology, and People Credits: 9

Information Technology: 27 Credits
DBA 7500 Technology Management and AI Credits: 9
DBA 7510 IT Innovation and a Competitive Advantage Credits: 9
DBA 7530 Data-Driven Decision Making Credits: 9

Organizational Leadership: 27 Credits
DBA 7100 Building Organizational Capacity Credits: 9
DBA 7110 Executive Leadership Credits: 9
DBA 7120 Leadership as a Coach/Consultant Credits: 9

Public Administration: 27 Credits
DBA 7410 Public Finance Administration Credits: 9
DBA 7420 Public Policy Analysis Credits: 9
DBA 7430 Public Administration Ethics Credits: 9

[cc95]

Dr Maxxor,

If you still look at this board, would you be willing to share what your South College diploma looks like?

Does it include the concentration of the Doctoral in the conferment? I'm considering asking to take the additional 3 courses for the Public Admin concentration before the capstone, rather than as a postDoc, if it appears on the diploma. If not, I suppose I'd rather have the completed degree in hand before taking on additional coursework.

[newdegree]

Dr Maxxor,

If you still look at this board, would you be willing to share what your South College diploma looks like?

Does it include the concentration of the Doctoral in the conferment? I'm considering asking to take the additional 3 courses for the Public Admin concentration before the capstone, rather than as a postDoc, if it appears on the diploma. If not, I suppose I'd rather have the completed degree in hand before taking on additional coursework.

https://www.parchment.com/u/award/e1c7cd...9b67be496f

Here is an example of the EdD program diploma South College offers. It should be similar to this one.

[maxxor6868]

Here my copy