As a second-year student in the online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Johnson & Wales University, I wanted to share some thoughts on my experiences and give prospective students insights into the program. Overall, it has been an extremely positive and rewarding experience so far. Here’s why.

1. The online program structure makes it easy.

Being able to tackle one course at a time makes it extremely easy to focus on the material and digest it properly. I also really enjoy the cohort model and the relationships I’m able to establish with my fellow classmates. By progressing through each course with the same group of students, we really get to know one another. We are able to discuss and exchange ideas while building an informal support system as we navigate the courses and work up to our dissertation.

2. Faculty members are easily accessible.

I have found that my faculty members have been very engaged. Throughout the program, I’ve had many opportunities to speak directly with my professors and receive valuable feedback on my coursework. They are extremely approachable and I feel like I am part of the JWU academic community.

3. Organization is the key to success.

I should emphasize that although the program structure, faculty involvement, and cohort model provide an excellent foundation, one really needs to be organized and structured. Courses run eight weeks and I’ve found that I have established a particular routine. Each week there are usually a series of readings to complete, several assignments or papers, and a few group discussions to partake in. It is important to set up a schedule and stick to it. You really need to organize your time effectively during this program. It is rigorous and intellectually challenging and as such, needs to be a top priority. I’ve been able to manage working full-time while pursuing my DBA studies, but it takes discipline. Having said all that, I am very proud to be a JWU doctoral student and look forward to the start of year three, and the successful defense of my dissertation.

JWU offers an online DBA degree that can give you flexibility while you grow your career. For more information about the online DBA program, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].