Considering a DBA? With a 21% wage premium over master’s degrees and diverse career paths from executive leadership to academia, Newman University’s hybrid program offers Kansas’s only DBA. The 3.5-4 year program features early dissertation integration and supportive mentorship. More program information at: https://newmanu.edu/academics/dba-degree
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) represents the highest level of business education—a terminal degree that creates advanced career opportunities, higher earning potential, and the chance to contribute meaningful research to the business world. Unlike a traditional PhD which focuses primarily on theoretical research, the DBA combines rigorous academic study with practical, real-world applications.
At its core, a DBA serves experienced business professionals seeking to enhance their expertise beyond the master's level. stands out as Kansas's only dedicated DBA offering, providing a scholar-practitioner model that connects academic theory with business practice. This approach ensures graduates can both identify modern workplace problems and develop productive, research-based solutions.
"We build people up, we don't tear them down," explains Dr. Larry Straub, Program Director at Newman University. This philosophy shows the program's commitment to supporting students through the doctoral journey rather than creating unnecessary obstacles.
The value of a DBA goes beyond the credential itself. It builds advanced critical thinking, broadens professional perspectives, and develops research skills applicable across industries. For many professionals, it represents a transformative educational experience that changes how they approach complex business challenges.
Investing in a DBA requires careful financial consideration. At Newman University, the program costs $920 per credit hour. According to labor market data, doctorate holders earn approximately 21% more than professionals with master's degrees, translating to a weekly wage premium of $372 ($2,109 vs. $1,737). Over a career, this difference can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional earnings.
Those transitioning to academia, executive leadership, or consulting practices typically see the most substantial financial benefits from a DBA credential.
Newman University offers fellowship grants up to $3,200 per academic year for qualifying non-profit and educational institutions. Many employers also provide tuition reimbursement or educational stipends, particularly in industries that value research-based decision making.
Traditional financing options including federal student loans, private loans, and payment plans are available to help manage costs. The wage premium associated with doctoral education typically means the degree can pay for itself within 5-10 years of graduation, with potentially shorter timelines for those making significant career transitions.
Beyond direct financial returns, a DBA offers valuable benefits including increased job security, expanded professional networks, greater career mobility, and enhanced professional credibility.
A DBA credential significantly enhances your candidacy for executive leadership positions. Organizations increasingly value leaders who can apply advanced research methodologies to complex business problems. The degree demonstrates not only mastery of business fundamentals but also the ability to analyze challenges through a research-backed lens.
C-suite executives with doctoral credentials bring unique value to organizations by connecting academic research with practical business applications. They're equipped to lead data-driven decision making, implement evidence-based strategies, and drive innovation grounded in rigorous analytical frameworks. This combination of high-level business acumen and research expertise makes DBA graduates particularly valuable in industries going through rapid transformation.
Many Newman DBA students have found that their doctoral work directly improves their leadership capabilities in their current roles, even before graduation. The advanced analytical skills and broader business perspective gained through the program help them approach complex organizational challenges with newfound confidence.
Many professionals pursue a DBA with the specific goal of transitioning to academia. Derrick Schartz, a member of cohort, exemplifies this path: "I had 30 plus years in industry and my goal was to leave industry and get into academia, do something with my knowledge and skillset that had some more value. So I thought, why don't I use that information and help students be successful in their careers?"
Schartz successfully used his DBA to secure a position as assistant professor of instruction at Texas State University and assistant director of the Center for Professional Sales. His experience shows how the degree can facilitate a smooth transition to academic careers.
The DBA is particularly valuable for teaching positions at business schools that emphasize practical applications alongside theory. These institutions often seek faculty with both academic credentials and substantial industry experience—precisely the combination that DBA graduates offer. The degree qualifies you to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, conduct applied business research, mentor students, and contribute to curriculum development.
DBA holders are uniquely positioned to excel in specialized consulting roles. The degree's focus on research methodology and evidence-based practice provides graduates with the tools to offer high-value advisory services across various business domains. As organizations face increasingly complex challenges, they seek consultants who can provide solutions grounded in both research and practical experience.
The career pathways for DBA graduates span numerous industries. According to Newman University, their DBA graduates find careers in diverse fields including:
This breadth shows the degree's versatility and the wide applicability of the advanced business research skills it develops.
The projected 8-10% growth in the DBA market through 2030 indicates increasing recognition of the degree's value across industries. As business environments become more complex and data-driven, the demand for professionals who can apply doctoral-level research skills to practical business problems continues to rise.
A significant consideration when evaluating a DBA program is the time commitment required. Newman University's DBA program typically takes approximately 3.5 to 4 years to complete, which matches the timeframes of many well-structured doctoral programs designed for working professionals.
This timeline represents a substantial investment of your time and energy, but it's structured to be manageable alongside professional and personal commitments. The program is designed with the understanding that students are balancing multiple responsibilities, not pursuing education in isolation.
What makes the Newman timeline particularly effective is the program's approach to dissertation work. As Derrick Schartz explains, "From day one, we were going to the destination of our final dissertation... they started with, go do your dissertation, and we're going to walk you through this process, this journey."
Newman University's hybrid delivery model represents a thoughtful approach to doctoral education for working professionals. By combining online learning with strategic on-campus residencies, the program provides flexibility without sacrificing the benefits of in-person interaction.
The online components allow students to engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments according to their own schedules, working around professional and family obligations. This flexibility is essential for professionals who cannot put their careers on hold for traditional doctoral programs.
Meanwhile, the on-campus residencies provide crucial opportunities for deeper engagement with faculty and peers. These in-person sessions facilitate rich discussion, networking, and collaborative problem-solving that build both academic skills and professional relationships. The residencies are scheduled to minimize disruption to professional commitments while maximizing educational value.
Terri Rice, a DBA student at Newman, highlights the value of this balance: "I teach online as well as in person... I can truly say that there's nothing like in-person in your classes, just the relationships that you build, just the engagement that you give... But the beautiful thing about having both is that you're able to reach a broader audience."
One of Newman University's most distinctive program features is the early integration of dissertation work. Unlike traditional doctoral programs that often separate coursework and dissertation phases, Newman students begin developing their research from the first day of the program.
Angie McCoy, a first cohort student, notes this as a significant advantage: "One thing that is very unique about Newman's program is that you write your dissertation alongside of the coursework. And so you don't have this gigantic mountain to climb once you're done with the coursework of, now I've gotta write my dissertation."
This integrated approach offers several benefits:
The teaching philosophy of a DBA program profoundly impacts the student experience. Dr. Larry Straub articulates Newman University's distinctive approach: "We build people up, we don't tear them down. We try to find that Goldilocks zone where we push them, we force them, and we make them grow, but at the same time, they don't have to detach from their life."
This supportive philosophy contrasts with the more adversarial approaches found in some doctoral programs, where extreme academic pressure and isolation are considered necessary elements of the educational process. Newman's approach recognizes that doctoral education can be rigorous and transformative without being destructive to students' confidence or well-being.
The cohort model, where students progress through the program together as a group, creates a powerful support system. Newman's DBA program is structured around this model, with students taking courses together and supporting each other through the challenges of doctoral study.
Rachel Mayberry describes the value of this approach: "It's cohort based, you get to know your cohort really well, and I am much closer to the people in my cohort here than I have ever been in any of my programs, just 'cause we've been together three and a half years... You're with the same people, you see them, you're in the same classes, you're going through the same thing."
This shared journey creates what Mayberry calls a "bond that you're all in it together," forming a "natural cheerleading section" where "everyone's trying to get through it and we're not leaving anyone behind." This peer support can be crucial during the inevitable challenging periods of doctoral study.
Beyond emotional support, the cohort model also enriches the educational experience. Students learn from each other's diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds, creating a collaborative learning environment that extends beyond faculty instruction.
The quality of faculty mentorship can make or break a doctoral experience. In a DBA program, ideal faculty members combine academic expertise with practical business experience, providing guidance that connects theory and application.
Newman's program emphasizes personalized mentorship from faculty with diverse business backgrounds. The program director, Dr. Larry Straub, describes himself as "a generalist" with "broad experience over so many different areas," enabling him to guide students with varied research interests and professional backgrounds.
Effective mentorship extends beyond academic guidance to include personal support and encouragement. Terri Rice describes the Newman faculty as "incredibly compassionate... incredibly understanding... really smart people" who share not just academic knowledge but also "life experiences."
Dr. Straub describes the Newman DBA program as having "real wide ditches," accommodating "people in so many different professions and majors from social work to data analytics, to business, to hospitals, to entrepreneurs." This inclusivity allows professionals from diverse backgrounds to pursue doctoral education without being limited by narrow disciplinary boundaries.
Rachel Mayberry's experience illustrates this flexibility. When considering doctoral programs, she was primarily interested in public policy aspects rather than traditional business topics. Dr. Straub assured her that "at Newman, you can choose your path. So yes, it would be a doctorate of business administration, but if you want to focus more on the policy side, it's very easy to do that."
This adaptability makes the program accessible to professionals who might otherwise struggle to find a doctoral program aligned with their specific interests and career aspirations.
While career advancement and financial returns are important when evaluating a DBA program, the personal transformation that occurs through doctoral education often proves equally valuable. Students report that their doctoral journey changes not just what they know, but how they think and who they are as professionals.
Terri Rice describes this transformative aspect: "It's taught me to be more of a critical thinker... Be critical when I learn something, to ask questions. Don't just take it at face value, but continue to ask the whys."
This critical thinking extends beyond the classroom to influence how DBA students approach all aspects of their professional and personal lives. They become more discerning consumers of information, more thoughtful decision-makers, and more effective problem-solvers.
The doctoral journey also brings a sense of humility. As Rice reflects, "It's taught me some humility because I came into the program with a wealth of experience... but it's taught me that there's a lot that I don't know."
The cohort experience builds lasting professional relationships that extend far beyond graduation. These connections become invaluable resources as graduates navigate new professional challenges and opportunities.
Finally, there is the profound sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a terminal degree—an achievement that only a small percentage of professionals ever attain.
After examining the various dimensions of the DBA experience, we arrive at the fundamental question: Is a DBA worth it?
The answer depends on your specific circumstances, goals, and values. Several key factors can help inform your decision:
Financial Considerations: The 21% wage premium enjoyed by doctorate holders creates a compelling long-term case for pursuing a DBA. This earning advantage typically offsets the initial investment over time, particularly for those making significant career transitions.
Career Impact: The DBA opens doors to positions that might otherwise remain inaccessible, particularly in academia, executive leadership, and specialized consulting. The market for DBA graduates continues to grow, with projections indicating 8-10% expansion through 2030.
Program Experience: Programs like Newman University's that emphasize student support, practical application, and work-life integration tend to provide more positive and productive doctoral experiences. The cohort model, early integration of dissertation work, and flexibility for diverse professional interests contribute to both program completion and satisfaction.
Personal Growth: Perhaps the most enduring value comes from the personal and intellectual transformation the degree facilitates. The development of advanced critical thinking skills, broader perspectives, and deeper business understanding creates lasting benefits beyond specific career outcomes.
If you're considering a DBA, assess not just the credential's market value but how it aligns with your goals:
For those who select a program aligned with their goals and circumstances, a DBA can be a transformative investment that pays dividends throughout their professional lives.
Newman University's DBA program offers a supportive, flexible pathway to achieving this transformative educational experience while maintaining career momentum and work-life balance. For those ready to expand their professional horizons, Newman provides Kansas's only DBA program with a commitment to student success and real-world impact.
