Newman University's DBA program offers a 21% wage premium over master's degrees while providing Kansas's only doctoral business program with a hybrid delivery model. Learn more about this career-advancing opportunity at https://newmanu.edu/academics/dba-degree.
-- As the business landscape grows increasingly complex, demand for professionals with advanced business credentials continues to rise. New market analysis reveals doctorate holders earn a significant 21% wage premium over their master's-level counterparts, with Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduates commanding approximately $2,109 weekly compared to $1,737 for master's graduates.
This wage differential translates to nearly $20,000 annually, creating a compelling economic case for business professionals considering terminal degrees. The DBA market is projected to grow 8-10% through 2030, reflecting organizations' increasing need for leaders who can apply research methodologies to complex business challenges.
"The demand for business professionals who combine academic research skills with practical expertise is expanding across sectors," said Dr. Larry Straub, Program Director of Newman University's DBA program. "We're seeing graduates succeed in diverse fields from aviation and finance to higher education and artificial intelligence."
Kansas's Only DBA Program Takes Student-Centered Approach
Newman University currently offers the only DBA program in Kansas, filling a significant educational gap in the region. The program employs a hybrid delivery model combining online coursework with strategic on-campus residencies, designed specifically for working professionals balancing career and personal obligations.
"We build people up, we don't tear them down," explains Dr. Straub, articulating the program's distinctive philosophy. "We try to find that Goldilocks zone where we push students to grow without requiring them to detach from their lives."
This supportive approach contrasts with more traditional doctoral programs that often impose extreme academic pressure. Newman's program takes approximately 3.5-4 years to complete and costs $920 per credit hour, positioning it competitively in the doctoral education market.
For qualifying students from non-profit and educational institutions, the university offers fellowship grants up to $3,200 per academic year, helping offset expenses.
Innovative Curriculum Design Boosts Completion Rates
One distinctive feature of Newman's DBA program is its approach to dissertation work. Unlike traditional models that separate coursework and dissertation phases, Newman students begin developing their research from day one.
"You write your dissertation alongside the coursework," explains Angie McCoy, a student in the program's first cohort. "You don't have this gigantic mountain to climb once you're done with the coursework. This integrated approach distributes the workload across the entire program rather than concentrating it at the end."
This methodology has contributed to higher completion rates compared to traditional doctoral programs, where many students falter during the transition from coursework to dissertation.
The program also employs a cohort model, where students progress through courses together as a group, creating valuable support systems and professional networks.
"I am much closer to the people in my cohort here than I have ever been in any of my programs, just because we've been together three and a half years," says Rachel Mayberry, another student. "Everyone's trying to get through it, and we're not leaving anyone behind."
Career Transitions and Versatile Applications
DBA graduates pursue diverse career paths, with common trajectories including executive leadership positions, academic teaching roles, and specialized consulting practices.
Derrick Schartz, a member of Newman's first DBA cohort, exemplifies the academic transition path: "I had 30-plus years in industry, and my goal was to leave industry and get into academia, to do something with my knowledge and skillset that had more value."
Schartz successfully leveraged his DBA to secure a position as assistant professor of instruction at Texas State University and assistant director of the Center for Professional Sales.
The program's flexibility accommodates professionals from various backgrounds, what Dr. Straub describes as having "real wide ditches." Students come from diverse fields including social work, data analytics, healthcare administration, and entrepreneurship.
"At Newman, you can choose your path," Mayberry notes. "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."
Personal Transformation Beyond Professional Advancement
While career advancement and financial returns drive many to pursue DBAs, graduates consistently report that the personal transformation proves equally valuable.
"It's taught me to be more of a critical thinker," reflects student Terri Rice. "When I learn something, I don't just take it at face value but continue to ask the whys."
This development of critical thinking extends beyond the classroom to influence how DBA students approach all aspects of their professional and personal lives, making them more discerning consumers of information and more effective problem-solvers.
The doctoral journey also often brings what Rice describes as "some humility," as students with substantial professional experience discover new perspectives and knowledge gaps. "Coming into the DBA program, it's taught me that there's a lot that I don't know," she acknowledges.
Evaluating the DBA Investment
For professionals considering a DBA, experts recommend assessing not just the credential's market value but also its alignment with personal and professional goals.
Key considerations include career aspirations, learning objectives, program structure, life circumstances, and financial investment relative to projected returns.
When the right student finds the right program, a DBA represents a transformative investment with career-long dividends—not just for the credential itself, but for the knowledge, skills, connections, and perspectives developed along the way.
Newman University's program offers a supportive, flexible pathway to achieving this transformative educational experience while maintaining career momentum and work-life balance, addressing a significant need in the Kansas higher education landscape.
Those interested in learning more about Newman University's DBA program can contact the admissions office or visit the university's website for application deadlines and program details.
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89170988
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