PhD in Business Administration Reviews

Ut sementem feceris, ita metes .

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 31, 2009

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I am now in my third course in this program. My experience has been positive. The coursework has been rigorous, and the mentors, so far, have been knowledgeable, timely in providing feedback, and supportive.

Worst college I've ever attended

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on July 21, 2009

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I was in my last course at NCU (before starting the dissertation sequence) when I received a bad instructor. I was informed by one of the Academic Advisors that most students complain about this instructor, and that her feedback, comments/expectations were rather far-fetched and irrelevant to the course. Anyhow, I submitted my first paper, only to receive one point above an F, with comments/feedback that made absolutely no sense. The instructor did not read the instructions for the assignment (so she had no idea what it was even about) and obviously did not use the book because the feedback/questions she asked were contradicted by the assignment and the questions in the book. I contacted my academic advisor about this problem, and after getting the run around, was surprised when the school informed me that this was my problem, my fault, and I needed to deal with it. I submitted a second assignment and, received the same far-fetched feedback and low grade from the instructor. I attempted to schedule a phone appointment with the instructor, but she declined. I e-mailed her several times trying to understand what exactly it was that she was looking for and why she wasn't going by the instructions outlined for the assignment and the questions listed in the book...but I kept receiving an evasive response. I contacted just about every administrator in the school, and finally received an e-mail from only one, and that was the dean of the business department. Once again, I was informed that this was my problem, my fault, and that the instructor was a wonderful asset to NCU. I have two MA degrees (from different schools) with a 3.9 and a 4.0 GPA average and NCU in effect tried to infer that I was some bumpkin who should have been honored to attend such a prestigious school. At this point, I realized that things were only going to get worse, and the last thing I wanted was to shell out more money only to be abandoned half-way through the dissertation process. At this point, I realized that the college was trying to rip students off by making them pay for the same class more than one time in order to make more money, hence, the purpose of hiring teachers who are out to give students a hard time and a bad grade. NCU does not have the best reputation, and a degree from that school isn't considerably valuable, and after talking to several college administrators, was informed that with a PhD from NCU, I was not going to get the job I was looking for. I have two Masters degrees from two other colleges and have had a good experience and both of those colleges, but this PhD program at NCU is awful. Going to NCU is like digging through the garbage can trying to find a piece of crumpled trash that looks like a degree. To me, an NCU degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

Hard Work and Exceptional Thinking

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 4, 2009

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I am currently nearing completion of my PhD coursework and am thrilled with the program. It is VERY intense and a student will learn a great deal. If you are not independently motivated and looking for simple recall of information instead of synthesis, you will most likely have a tough time. There is no hand-holding, they assume you are beyond that stage of education. However, I have never had a problem getting a question answered if I needed help. I expect that the dissertation process will be a big challenge, but it is supposed to be. I will have no doubt that I have earned this degree when it is complete. I highly recommend it!

I graduated from NCU with a Phd and...

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on May 3, 2009

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let us not exaggerate. This is not a traditional DL program as the vast majority of courses do not have or do not utilize a discussion board. The program resembles the old correspondence courses. Essentially I was on my own during the process. I would get remarks to change this or that but never on how to implement these changes. I was expected to research on the solutions. Definitely I was on my own.
The greatest obstacle is the idiotic process of two PhD committees. In traditional schools you report to your dissertation committee. In NCU once you get the green light from your dissertation committee, the paper or proposal or dissertation goes to the Review Committee that usually slaughters the first "approved" review. Often they disagree among themselves. Why? Because they are ignorant. And because they are ignorant, they torture the candidate.
No sour grapes here. I did get my PhD. But I left the place with a bad taste in my mouth.
I wish NCU would realize that having two committees that disagree strongly on their assessments is bad advertisement. Horrible marketing. You have one set of professors say to another “You do not know how to detect mistakes.”
If anyone reads this, FIX the problem now.

Not many other good options out there

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 30, 2009

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I've started my 7th course in the Phd in BA with a Technology Management focus.  I have two Masters (MBA and MS) from B&M.  I can honestly say that I prefer NCU's format of self study, over sitting in a classroom.  For one, working full time and a family, I don't have time to sit in a classroom.  I'm grateful to complete my coursework during the time I have available which may be starting at 10:30 PM on a Friday.

The school overall is good.  The work is definitely not easy.  Some instructors are better than others, as with any school.  I have taken exception with two with respect to inconsistent grading and lack of feedback.  

The administration is responsive and overall satisfactory.  For me, the school works because I want the Phd title and I want to teach adjunct now and FT at a community college later on.  If your aspirations and situation are similar to mine, then NCU might be good for you.

Good luck!

PhD in Business

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 18, 2009

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I only enrolled in one course in the PhD program and never heard from an instructor. It was very difficult getting the administration to follow up with me. The technology did not work and I complained that the school used deception in their promotion. They would not refund my money or show any concerned for my issues.  They intentionally did not respond to me. At the time I considered NCU a fly by night operation and ran as fast as possible away from this organization and wrote this experience and as a loss. There are many issues that I will not draw out here. 

Overall, I can see that there are more favorable ratings on this site for NCU then unfavorable ones. It is obvious that some students do believe that they are getting value for their money and at least for them, this is the best program. However, candidate searching for a doctorate program should go beyond just student satisfaction ratings of a school. That is only one indicator.  What do you what to do with your degree? If full time teaching beyond the community college level is your main goal, then you should seriously consider another program and meet with deans and faculty members from some of the schools you would most likely teach for to discuss your career options. Do not overlook this.  You can avoid an economic and career disaster. 

Here are some simple tips for selecting a PhD in business program. If you are looking for a PhD and plan to teach business in academia, you should contact the types of schools that you would like to teach at. They will tell you which programs they will accept. Most business schools will only employ candidates for tenure positions from an AACSB programs and or schools that have a high-level full time research faculty, not part time adjunct faculty. So be very careful before you invest your time in a PhD in business program. 

NCU may be able to point to a few successful candidates that have successful publication records but these students or graduates may have been successful before the program or in spite of the program. So you may want to see which schools has a greater number of full time research faculty, their publication record and turnover of faculty experience.  Accreditation should be only a minimum standard. You should also interview students who dropped out and or where not successful in the program to get a more balanced perspective then just the school. 
Not all PhD in business programs are viewed the same just because they have an accreditation seal.  There will be a problem for candidates who have completed the program before any credible changes take place. 

For many who just want to teach on the side, a community college or use the PhD credential at your job, this may be the place for you.  Hopefully, the new equity partners will clean up many of the serious problems cited on the Web.  Perhaps a merger or name change is in order. Then maybe you may not to have to worry about listing

Great phD Experience so far

By: brentt (In Progress) on April 13, 2009

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The staff at NCU was awesome during the enrollment and registration process.  I am thoroughly enjoying the coursework, which is very rigorous.  I am halfway into my first class and I am 100% happy with the program thus far.  My mentor has been extremely helpful and is quite knowledgeable.  I look forward to completing the rest of my phD.

NCU is an excellent university

By: bethanymullin (Graduate) on February 21, 2009

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The technology and the instructional support at NCU are excellent. I have two master's degrees from traditional brick and mortar universities, so I can accurately evaluate the quality of NCU. My experience at NCU has been outstanding. The academic rigor is equal to any other program that I've been associated with, and I'm proud of my association with NCU. It's a wonderful university.

You must be a Thinker!

By: initia (In Progress) on April 13, 2008

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NCU has been a great place for me.  I have plenty of education at "bricks and mortar institutions," and rate this education as the best in my life.  I am completing a Business PhD after retiring from a successful 20 year career in business.  One my think that I knew everything needed for the business world based on my experience.

Not true.  This education forces you to think!  There is plenty of cross interaction with other learners and professors.  Most professors are well credentialed in the business or education fields in their own rights.  I currently interact with higher education administration in a political capacity, and am shocked at their comparative skills against those I have met online at NCU.  This is an excellent education community that should not be overlooked or undercut.

The criticism that I have heard is mainly unfounded.  NCU requires you to think, if you need to be coddled go somewhere else.  But, if you like to think, NCU will greatly add to your status as a scholar, professional capacities, and to your merit in the business world.  I would hire any NCU business grad.

NCU - PhD Bus Admin

By: kens.beardog (In Progress) on April 11, 2008

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Currently in the research dissertation proposal phase, and have been an NCU Learner since 9/2003. I have found the growth of the University to be sure and steady. My experience is that this is a premier online distance learning University. I read that some are unhappy, but I can tell anyone that my skills have grown while I have been pursuing my PhD at this University. This is a fine University, and I heartily endorse it to anyone seeking an advanced degree, or even an undergraduate degree.

NCU is OK and improving (hopefully)

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 30, 2008

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NCU is unique in its style. It is truly 100% online. Its main advantage is flexibility in completing courses for busy full-time working professionals. It is also one of the affordable universities. Like in all other universities, every mentor is different. Some are responsive and some are not. Some read the assignments closely, some do not, but generally course work effort is reflected in grades. They recently started to be more interactive with students and taking their inputs for improvements. I am hopeful that it will improve from its present position.

NCU-Good Support

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 11, 2008

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Treated very well. The University cares very much for their students and their progress. Mentor offer timely responses and direction.

NCU's marketing doesn't match it's delivery

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 17, 2008

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I was academically dismissed from Northcentral University in January.  The primary cause of my failure as an NCU student was the complete lack of mentor-student interaction.  Even when I responded that I was having difficulty during the first research class, the mentor never responded until he posted an unsatisfactory grade.

Please read the complete story at www.ncublogs.com.

All NCU students that have experienced the lack of mentorship during their classes should leave their contact information in the comments (the comments are moderated before display, I will not publish personal info).  A single person such as myself cannot change NCU.  Perhaps as a group, our collective voices can get the attention of NCU or the Arizona Attorney General or the FTC.  NCU is not delivering on their marketing promises.

NCU

By: dalertodd (In Progress) on October 14, 2007

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I have been attending NCU since 1/04 and have found the program to be very satisfying. The instructors require you to work hard and present material in a way that builds on the assignments. In my hundreds of interactions I have found the the instructors to be professional and supportive. I highly recommend this university to any student wanting to improve their education. I have used the education at Northcentral University to improve my professional standing in the community.

Educational Satisfaction

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 3, 2007

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I am a PhD learner (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) in the Business Administration program and I absolutely love it.  I switched from Capella to NCU last year and only wished I had done it so much earlier.  I would recommend NCU to anyone.

So far so good

By: wagontire (In Progress) on August 25, 2007

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I enrolled in the PhD program (Business Administration with Marketing Specialization) last week and am scheduled to start in October. Although I haven't started the program as of yet, I have done quite a bit of research on other Online PhD programs and have found that NCU is the ONLY Online college that offers PhD degrees with a Marketing Emphasis. The level of support I received by my Enrollment Counselor and Academic Adviser was good...no complaints. I am currently earning my MBA at University of Phoenix (Awesome school) and NCU is letting me start on my Specialization courses first so I can transfer my MBA courses in (from UoP) next year. University of Phoenix is a great college too (I earned my BA degree from the ground campus in my area and am currently doing the Masters program online).  Anyhow, I start my first PhD course with NCU in October, so I will write back again and let you know how it goes.

Lack of Support in the program from the mentors

By: Hamdi_LF (In Progress) on May 26, 2007

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The idea of having NCU degree seemed to be great, but the problem arise from the lack of mentors support to their learners and the academic advisors. As I started my Ph.D program, They don't tell you anything that direct you to the proper source. You are basically on your own. I have an MBA and I got 30 credits transferred. The main problem is that when you start a Ph.D, One may need a lot of support all along, but the beginning is always hard. I just wanna say that it is extremely hard to even get their support. There is no standard grading system, by which you can pinpoint your grade. It is all up to the mentor and what they decide to do with you, so if the mentor does not clarify what wants you end up losing out, especially if your name sounds foreign like mine. I got an (A)in almost all of my assignments, but the mentor sometimes read the first two lines of my assignment and tells to resubmit and you already lost 10% of your assignment grade without even knowing why and if you discuss it, they may screw up your entire grade of the class, because there is standarized grading system that all mentors can abide by. It is important to mention to you that My MBA GPA is an (A)and I still maintain an (A) in my first classes assignment. The bottomline is you need to check out different online schools like Walden, Argosy or somewhere else as long as they provide a more standardized grading system and strong support for their learners, because you a mentor to be on your side to help you achieve your academic goals and be on your side during the process.

A great choice for busy people

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 18, 2007

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I am doing a PhD at NCU, and am enjoying it a great deal. The program is not for everybody, but suits someone in my situation very well. Here is my story:

1. I could study anywhere. I have good bricks-and-mortar undergraduate & MBA degrees, a decent GMAT etc.

2. I have a demanding job that I really enjoy. The cost of taking a leave of absence to study full-time at a great school would not make financial sense.

3. I did extensive research, and find that the NCU curriculum in my field is the best thought-out and most aligned to my needs. I am including bricks-and-mortar schools in this analysis. I have designed curriculum for a top school, and I know good design when I see it.

4. I am not trying to pass off my PhD as anything it isn't. I don't think my PhD will change my life, or my opportunities - my personal makeup will continue to drive my success.

5. I don't want to be in a cohort - been there, done that. I love teams, but I have my hands full of them at work, and don't want to either "carry" or have to wait for other group members at school.

6. The nature of my work is that there are busy times and slow times. Being able to speed up or slow down my progress through courses is a huge benefit.

7. I am genuinely interested in my subject, and am doing this as a hobby as much as anything. I have "gotten ahead" plenty already, and am mostly looking to add a little brain food to the tail end of my career.

8. I don't need my hand held. I am prepared to learn on my own and take a risk on my assignments (nobody will be looking at my 'marks'). I don't need someone to prescribe every little step of the way or tell me "exactly what they expect" from me, beyond the general marching orders.

The bottom line is that I haven't chosen NCU out of lack of better options. I am genuinely impressed with their program and their delivery style. It isn't easy by any means, and is certainly not light-weight.

I would say if your story is anything like mine, and you are favorably impressed with NCU's programs - go for it!

Best of luck on whatever choice you make...

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