Doctor of Business Administration Program*
The DBAQSM* program is designed to provide advanced graduate-level instruction to working adults whose organizations may be enhanced by tangible applications of Quality Systems Management principles. In the process of completing the courses and rigorous action project, students will contribute in original research to the body of QSM knowledge, engage in “practice teaching”, be expected to publish useful, practice-oriented material.
The program – like the students – is practical and process-improvement oriented. It is delivered in a blended, “Low Residence” format. “Blended” is defined as a combination of in-class and online. Seventy-five percent of the courses are offered online with the remaining twenty-five percent are delivered in a traditional classroom setting.
Students travel to pre-determined cohort class site locations to participate in “Low Residence” courses. A typical on-site meeting schedule is as follows:
- Online Webinar Thursday evenings (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Friday evenings (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Saturdays (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- In-class sessions Sundays (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon)
Between sessions, students work independently to complete assignments, conduct research, and accomplish other required academic tasks.
DBA Program Length & Curriculum
The DBA program is designed to be completed in two years of continuous study. The curriculum includes twenty (20) three-credit courses. The program requires completion of all courses as well as the identification of a doctoral dissertation topic, dissertation project validation, results verification, submission of a formal dissertation, and an oral defense of the project before a doctoral dissertation committee.
The accelerated program format is offered in response to the call from NGS graduates and other experienced practitioners who desire an advanced terminal credential that exemplifies the dynamic growth in Quality Systems Management knowledge. The program attracts working adults who wish to demonstrably enhance the organizational and operational effectiveness of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Eligible doctoral applicants will possess a master’s degree from an accredited college or university as well as experience in a field that can benefit from the application of Quality Systems Management theory and practice.
DBA Programs
NGS offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Quality Systems Management.
Some students may wish to tailor their degree programs to focus in depth on a particular field. Degree specializations are designed for this purpose. Specializations are limited to areas within the range of NGS institutional expertise and mission. NGS degree specializations are available in:
- Homeland Security & Defense
- Health Systems
It is important to understand that specializations are not separate degrees and are not recognized as academic specialties outside of NGS. They are intended simply to permit students to take courses within their chosen degree program that reflect their particular interests*. Accordingly, specializations must comply with the established curriculum of the degree program in which the student is enrolled. The number and type of courses may vary among specializations, and the availability of courses may change each semester, but in each case the students must fulfill the minimum requirements for their respective degree programs regardless of their specialization.
Students are required to declare degree specializations no later than the end of the second course. Specializations permit DBA students to take four courses within the DBA program that reflect their interests. Degree specializations may be permitted by faculty if they can be shown to comply with the following:
- Project incorporates area of specialization recognized by NGS
- Directed faculty research and readings connected to the Project
- Project Champion is a recognized expert in the area of specialization
- Directed or Assigned case studies and other faculty-approved materials
- All “team” members must be working on the same area of specialization
- Completion of the specialization courses for the program of study
You should work with your Doctoral Faculty members and your academic advisor regarding your particular discipline chosen for your area of “specialization.” In fact, Doctoral Faculty members and academic division professionals routinely facilitate the selection of dissertation projects and project champions as well.
*Not available in Massachusetts. Not available to Massachusetts residents.