How to Get Your DBA or PhD in Technical Management

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to develop investigative systems for Homeland Security? Have you longed to be part of major operations that can lead to anything from new heating technology to the launch of innovative communications satellites? It's all possible when you earn a PhD in Technical Management.

Overview of the PhD in Technical Management

Earning a PhD in Technical Management can provide you with the skills to tackle a wide variety of jobs. By the time you have completed your doctorate degree, you should possess fine-tuned skills that allow you to easily move into programming, data management, communications, project management, personnel management, finance operations, and more.

With your PhD in Technical Management, you can find work at major consulting firms, companies focused on computer systems design, and even government positions at the local, state, and Federal levels. Better yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of Technical Management to grow faster than average from 2006 through 2016. As new positions are created in the industry, holding a PhD in Technical Management can give you access to the best opportunities available.

The DBA with Technical Management Emphasis

If you are already in a work environment that values your business skills, you can give your career a boost by earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with an emphasis on technical management. The DBA in Technical Management is a professional degree, meaning you'd be dealing less with theory and research, and more with practical management techniques. Your business leadership skills, combined with technical knowledge, can open the door to the planning, development, and implementation of specialized technology systems.

If you currently hold a master's degree, earning your DBA or PhD in Technical Management can open even more doors to exciting, innovative, and ever-changing careers.

How to Apply for a PhD in Technical Management

With all the options for PhD in Technical Management programs available to you, how do you go about choosing the right one? That part is easy: you start with a plan.

First, consider what you need from the doctorate degree program. Once that is done, get the facts about both the campus-based and online PhD programs that interest you, and then begin to narrow down the field through in-depth research. When you've established your short list of PhD programs, compare them against a broad range of factors to determine your top two or three schools.

What Do You Need from a PhD Program?

Understanding how the PhD in Technical Management can further your career is important, but focusing on the impact your graduate experience may have on the rest of your life matters just as much. Consider both long-term benefits and short-term sacrifices to determine your absolute must-haves for a PhD in Technical Management program.

• Educational Opportunities. What do you intend to do with your PhD in Technical Management? Knowing your career path can help you choose a PhD program to fit your needs. Several graduate programs offer the academic track, which prepares you for teaching and research, and the professional track, which gives you the opportunity for promotion within a traditional work environment. Setting your sights on the future can help you plan which track is right for you.
• Financial Aid. No matter which level of education you are trying to reach, financial aid is an important consideration. Only accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. There might also be scholarships, grants, and loans that can help you fulfill your educational dreams. Many employers deeply value their technical experts, and some might pay for a portion of your continuing education. Check with your human resources office to find out for sure.
• Opportunity for Personal and Professional Balance. Those who have growing families and busy work schedules should appreciate PhD programs that allow for a flexible learning style. Earning your PhD online can give you the freedom to devote time to education while still managing your personal priorities.
• Location. Do you prefer a doctorate degree program that allows you to work on coursework from home during your free time? Choosing an online PhD in Technical Management program allows you to spend time with work and family while handling course requirements. Some might opt for a more traditional college classroom setting, where going to class every day is a requirement. If your graduate program requires on-hands technical testing, look for an online PhD program that has a satellite school near where you live.

Get the Facts on Doctorate in Technology Programs

What makes a PhD program rise to the top? Through careful research and consideration, you can determine which of the programs make the cut--and which ones should be crossed off your list of potential programs.

• Accreditation. To earn accreditation, a school must be reviewed by a private, nationally-recognized accreditation body. The review takes into account many aspects of a doctorate program, including faculty and coursework. WorldWideLearn.com offers further information on why accreditation is important, and the U.S. Department of Education offers a list of currently accredited schools.
• Faculty and Staff. If you want to be the best, it stands to reason that you should learn from the best. The faculty and staff associated with an online graduate degree in technical management may be not only your teachers but, eventually, your colleagues. Consider your career direction as you look at the list of faculty. For instance, if you have an eye toward a career in technical innovation management, look for faculty with a great deal of experience in organization fundamentals and communications.
• Program History. When was the PhD program introduced? How many graduating classes has the program had? Has there been a high staff turnover? How is student satisfaction? Learning all you can about the history of a PhD program can help you decide if it's right for you.
• Graduation Rate. Ask questions about the graduation rate. Does the majority of the entering class complete the coursework? Are there many students who drop out or transfer? Online graduate degree in technology programs often have limited spots that are coveted by those who apply, so if the dropout rate is high, it could be a testament to problems with admissions or the doctorate program itself.
• Career Satisfaction. Those who obtain their PhD often do so with the intention of rising to a higher level of career expertise. How satisfied are the graduates of the PhD in Technology program? How many of them went on to rewarding careers in Information Systems Management or Technology Management? Does the college maintain close ties within the industry, and does it offer a placement program for graduates?
• Facilities. Look into the resources the college has to offer. Is there a large database of information at your disposal? Will you have access to the latest technical software, and the opportunity to possibly create your own technology management tools? Are research facilities offered in a place in or near your home area?
• Reputation. Make no mistake: reputation matters. The reputation of a campus-based and online PhD program evolves over time, based upon what former students and colleagues have to say about it. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, so keep your ears open and pay attention to the reputation of your chosen graduate program.

Research Potential PhD Programs

When you have narrowed down the list of PhD programs to those that promise the most, it's time to evaluate just how well they deliver on that promise. Research is the best way to do that.

• School Web site. Visiting a school's Web site is always a good place to start. There you can find everything from very basic information on the school itself to detailed schedules concerning doctorate degree programs. If you prefer to save time by getting all the information you need in one convenient place, fill out the simple form at WorldWideLearn.com and get details on schools that interest you.
• Search Engines. Go outside the school's Web site by turning to a search engine. You might be surprised at how much information you can find with a few simple clicks. Don't forget to check out news feeds as well, to find mention of a school's program and current events. Here's a trick to try: When you hear of a new cutting-edge industry practice, plug the term into a search engine to see what colleges and universities are the first to incorporate it into their courses.
• Recommendations. Approach colleagues and advisors you trust and present them with your short list. Which programs would they recommend and why? What have they heard about the experience at a particular graduate school? Word of mouth travels fast, and your colleagues might have inside information that could help you make your decision.
• Admissions Counselors. For answers to your basic questions concerning financial aid, enrollment, graduate rates, and the like, speak to an admissions counselor. They should always have the most current information at their fingertips and be ready to assist you. They should also be knowledgable about the technical management field and be aware of any special requirements.
• Industry Publications. Perusing industry journals for information about potential PhD in Technical Management programs can give you more targeted professional insight into what the various graduate schools can offer. The Journal of Technology Management and Innovation is a good place to begin, as is CIO Magazine. As a bonus, pay attention to the names of the writers in the publications and look into where they teach.
• U.S. News and World Report. Long considered the gold standard in educational ranking, U.S. News and World Report offers updated ranks of PhD in Technical Management programs. The resource also offers in-depth articles and information on what to look for in a graduate program.
• WorldWideLearn. The Insider's College Guide for Working Adults, available by download from WorldWideLearn, offers further insight into the process of selecting and applying to online PhD programs. Other Educational Resources and information catered to every stage of the application process is also available to aid in your search.

Prepare to Apply for the Doctorate in Technical Management

Now that you have a short list of schools that suit your career needs, it's time to focus on what is required of you. If you don't meet the requirements for the online PhD in Technical Management program, consider:

• Degree or Courses Required. Most PhD programs require that you have obtained a master's degree in a related field of study. Some will accept a bachelor's degree if you can offer related work experience and additional course requirements have been met. If you don't have all the courses you need to enter the PhD in Technical Management, consider earning those course credits online.
• Recommendation Letters. Most graduate degree programs require letters of recommendation from former teachers, colleagues, or employers. These letters of recommendation assure the school of your character and determination, showcase your relevant technical expertise, and make it clear that not only can you complete the PhD program, but that you are enthusiastic to do so.
• Qualifying Exams. The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is required of anyone who intends to enter graduate school. Depending upon the online PhD program you chose, other tests might be required for entry. If English is not your native language, some graduate schools might require English proficiency tests as well.
• Professional Work Requirements. Some graduate programs require evidence of work experience that proves you have used your previous degrees to full advantage. If you have led research studies, made significant changes in the technical structure of a company, or served as an effective team leader in your current position, you just might have a better chance of landing one of the coveted spots in doctorate degree programs.

Earning Your PhD in Technical Management

Earning your PhD in Technical Management puts you in the company of experts in the field. Your finely-honed skills with computer technology should put you in the driver's seat for future innovations, while your firm grasp of business and management skills can open doors to opportunities in sales, finances, manufacturing, and more.

WorldWideLearn.com is there to help you every step of the way. Start with career planning, and then learn more about test preparation. Study the online graduate degree in technical management programs that appeal to you, and then request more information. Let WorldWideLearn.com guide you through the process with Education Resources and Articles that offer deeper insight into the educational process.

Earning a PhD in Technical Management is a goal well within your reach. Become a member of the elite in your field and start bringing home the larger paychecks that reflect your new expertise. You can do it, and WorldWideLearn.com can help.

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Educational Testing Service, GRE: Graduate Record Examination
• Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science and Graduate Certificate in Technical Management
  
• Johns Hopkins University, Technical Management Programs - Master of Science - Graduate Certificate
• Technical Manager Job Description, written by Marios Alexandrou
  
• U.S. Department of Education, The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• U.S. News & World Report, Public Affairs Specialty Rankings: Information & Technology Management