MBA vs Non-Research Doctoral Degrees

2015-09-07T14:30:58-04:00

I'm currently considering working on either an MBA or a Doctor of Strategic Leadership. Just looking for some opinions on which way is more practical for a mid career AGR officer preparing for retirement and movement into a strategic type or managerial position. I'm just looking for some personal experieces that might guide me in my decision.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 7 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-09-07T14:47:57-04:00

It will depend on how much the marketplace values the degree. I had a MS in Systems Management (Technology Development) and would get, that's the same as a MBA, right?

MBAs are more transportable to a variety of fields. I'd imagine the SL ticket would have a much smaller audience.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 7 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-09-07T15:14:46-04:00

More practical? If that's your most important criterion, then my recommendation would be to get the MBA. The MBA will open many more doors for you in the private sector. The DSL sends a much more narrow message to prospective employers (a higher level of expertise within a specific domain). That will almost certainly screen you out of many jobs that are looking for a masters-level of education (but not higher) or with a broader skill set (than just strategic planning and/or leadership).

I'd recommend asking the university to specify where their DSL graduates place within industry. If they can't give you a clear answer, that's problematic (the graduate program I teach into can tell you that precisely). If they can provide that information (like corporate strategic planning, workforce development, consulting, etc.), and those jobs don't interest you, then that should be a clear signal for you to look elsewhere.

If you think you'd eventually want to move into an academic setting, then a PhD (rather than a DSL) would be more appropriate. That's a completely separate discussion though. Since you didn't mention that, I'll hold off on those details.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Sep 7 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-09-07T15:19:01-04:00

I assume the term non-research doctoral degree refers to an applied doctoral degree vs. a PhD. The MBA seems pretty useful although many in the business world have one. The doctorate may differentiate you from the MBAs, but then you compete with the more senior leaders. In my experience, the senior leaders have a network that they have developed over many years - and if you have been on active duty and not able to develop a network or participate in one, then you are an outsider. The network trumps any degree you have.

If you have a network, I'd go for the applied doctorate especially if that is your passion. I picked up a Masters in Business when I was a Major as well. After I left the military I started my doctorate in business with a concentration in organizational leadership - my passion. I'm currently working on my dissertation.

So, I suppose it depends on what you are after and where you are in your career and potential job possibilities. Let me know if you want to discuss this further. Best of luck with the decision.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 8 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-09-08T10:14:50-04:00

Too many unknowns for a real answer.
Generically, If you already have a Master's level degree, I would to argue for the Doctorate (or nothing, depending on your goals). Just know that most employers won't be all that interested in the fact that you have a Doctorate. They will care deeply that you have a Master's in something. If you don't yet have a Masters, I would recommend getting one post-haste, and most likely an MBA - it is the most widely recognized and respected "versatile" degree out there. Another option would be to get your Doctorate from an institution that specifically grants a Master's at a certain point in your studies short of the terminal degree.

Response by CPT Fernando Medina made Sep 8 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-09-08T17:19:00-04:00

To a prospective employer outside of the defense industry and/or the Federal Government, you already have an advance degree in Strategic Leadership, i.e. you’re an Army officer. Getting a doctorate level degree in strategic leadership may be best suited if you plan to be a consultant with a firm that specializes in strategic leadership consulting services. As a general rule of thumb, a firm can charge clients higher rates if their consultants have more credentials such as PhD's.

If you want to complement your current leadership experience/knowledge base then I would recommend the MBA, especially if you plan to go into the private sector. While a prospective employer may appreciate your leadership experience/knowledge, they may not know how to or be willing to deploy it properly. However, having an MBA suggests to an employer that you understand the basic tenets of finance, accounting, marketing, economics, etc., and they are better at deploying those skill sets. As you make the transition into the private sector, once you’ve demonstrated an understanding of the business and have gained the organization’s trust then they will be comfortable deploying your leadership experience.

Response by SrA Nick Skinner made Sep 10 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-09-10T14:07:53-04:00

I have my MBA, so I may be biased. If you are looking for private sector jobs with a traditional Fortune 500 company, the MBA is going to be the most understood degree. Employers know what they get when they hire an MBA.

What do you ultimately want to do for work? What companies would be ideal for you? Do you know which city/state you would want to work in? All of these play a major factor.

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Apr 26 at 2016 3:14 PM

2016-04-26T15:14:05-04:00

Honestly, it's less about the degree and more about the school. A DSL degree isn't offered by a lot of "big name" schools, thus, it carries less name recognition. Likewise, MBA degrees are fairly common so an MBA from a local university will not carry with it the employment prospects that one from say Harvard would. It also depends on what companies your looking at. Amazon, as an example, recruits heavily from U.W. since they are both in Seattle, so choosing U.W. over a higher ranked MBA program on the east coast may be the right choice if you desire to work in the pacific northwest.