What sets Webster's doctoral program apart from others?

First of all, we offer a professional doctorate rather than a Ph.D. In business schools, a Ph.D. develops a very narrow specialty; it prepares one for a career as a classical, capable of both practical-and basic-knowledge, researcher in academia or industry. In contrast, Webster’s Doctor of Management degree provides a more varied knowledge base and no major, per se. Our doctorate focuses more on applying classical, basic research to problem solving in business and organizations, rather than creating basic knowledge.

Other professional business doctorates have emerged in recent years, but Webster is one of the few that uses traditional, face-to-face classes as the program’s mainstay. Face-to-face allows each student cohort (year-group) to develop a sense of community and support as they go through the program. Also, it allows for closer mentoring of the students by faculty.

In today's business world, how does a degree of this level benefit those who earn it?

This degree gives students a deeper understanding of business and organizations than that offered in a master's degree, and also stimulates lifelong learners intellectually. The program takes a broad approach to the study of management. Although it has no majors, it focuses on using the organizational development model. Leadership likewise plays an important part in the curriculum, because companies must get the "buy in" by their employees and stakeholders if change initiatives are to succeed.

Next, we emphasize applied research. This is not flaky "quick fixes." Applied research takes the knowledge of tested theories and models and uses it systematically to diagnose problems or create new processes within organizations. On occasion, a student will develop an original model in their area of interest.

Finally, the cohort experience gives students a broader network of professional connections. Lifelong friendships also develop. For instance, one student recently served as best man at the wedding of another; the two were classmates from the 2004 cohort.

What advice would you give someone thinking of coming back to school for their doctorate? What can they expect? What must they be prepared for?

First of all, the person must match career goals with the proper type of program. If a person wants a career in academia at a medium- to large-sized research university, they should go get a Ph.D. If they plan to work as a manager or business owner, or as a consultant, a professional doctorate such as the Doctor of Management degree might be more appropriate.

Our program is part-time, and all classes are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow long-range planning by our student practitioners. For example, one student came to class on Monday, flew to Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday on business, and was back in time for next week's class.

In our doctoral program, the students will face coursework that is more complex and takes more time than in a master's degree. Counting time in class, students often must dedicate 20 or more hours a week to the course. And, once 30 months of classroom courses are finished, they must complete a doctoral project. If you want to graduate, you must put the Doctor of Management program on page one of your life's agenda.

What are some of the things those who have earned their doctorate from Webster are doing now?

Many continue with their current job. One graduate, who researched employee attrition patterns among registered nurses continues her job as senior analyst for BJC Health Systems. Likewise, another graduate of the program researched perceptions of battery pricing in Venezuela for his employer, Energizer.

Others use the doctorate for career transition. Victoria Bohrer, after a distinguished career with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, used her research into leadership characteristics among senior government officials as a springboard into consulting.

John Patrick Orr earned his Ph.D. in Organization Theory & Policy at the University of North Texas. He has an MBA from Midwestern State University, and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Journalism from the University of Missouri.

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