Disruptive Innovation in Higher Education: The Professional Doctorate

Abstract

The new Doctor of Business Administration [DBA] Program at a recognized US University is a disruptive innovation in the field of doctoral education. It is meeting the demand for professional doctoral education as a next step in individual professional development. It is disruptive in several ways. First, the courses and curriculum, face-to-face Residencies and Mentor courserooms are innovative by design. Second, learners are matched with a DBA Mentor, chosen for their expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Third, the dissertation process begins immediately with learners choosing a preliminary topic by end of quarter 1. One of the unique innovative characteristics is its high touch character achieved through technology. Additional elements of disruptive innovation include; Recognition that online education is an innovative and disruptive force in the delivery of higher education. Design is the new fulcrum for management to achieve its performance goals and the DBA enables the candidate to graduate in 12 quarters or less.The new DBA professional doctorate meets the definition of innovation through three qualities of innovation: 1). An invention, i.e., creation of something entirely new; 2). An improvement, i.e., a refinement of what has been developed; 3). The diffusion or adoption of innovation developed elsewhere.