BU Offers First-Ever Doctoral Programs

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Bluefield University recently launched its first-ever doctoral programs: a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with seven concentrations and a Doctor of Education (EdD) with three concentrations.

According to the Bluefield University website, BU has integrated a wide variety of new doctoral programs that will help workers boost their average salary by $22,776. The doctoral programs in business include seven concentrations in finance, health informatics, healthcare management, human resources, justice administration, leadership, and sports management.

“Bluefield University having doctoral programs opens up the university to offer even more programs to help students reach their goals [and] enables the university to have degrees at all three levels [bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral],” said Dr. Shellie Brown, founding director of the EdD program.

• The DBA in finance prepares students for decision and financial management, teaching them a variety of skills such as risk management and investment analysis. 
• The DBA in health informatics prepares students for doctoral fields including healthcare management, informatics governance, and other health data management fields.
• The DBA in healthcare management helps students with strategic planning, equipping them to lead and manage hospitals and other healthcare-related organizations.
• The DBA in human resources prepares students for organizational growth and labor relations.
• The DBA in justice administration has aspects of both justice systems and advanced business strategies that prepare students to lead with integrity. 
• The DBA in leadership equips students for a wide range of fields that require a leadership role. Students will be taught ethical leadership, system thinking, and more.
• The DBA in sport management prepares students to make advanced doctoral business decisions rooted primarily in athletics.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) has three concentrations.

• The EdD in educational leadership prepares students for leadership roles in school, such as a principal.
• The EdD in instructional design and technology prepares students to develop instructional systems and integrate them.
• The EdD in special education focuses on program development and leadership in situations with special education needs.

These new opportunities present options for students to select what they enjoy and how they want to shape the future.

“A doctorate in sport management is ideal for students who want to lead, teach, innovate, or shape the future of the sports industry. It provides the highest level of academic and professional preparation, opening doors to roles that require deep expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence organizations at the highest levels,” said Dr. Kevin Downer, professor and chair of business administration.

These classes will be taught by a variety of teachers who are all qualified in their respective fields. Students who complete these courses will be awarded doctoral degrees that they can use to find future work in their respective fields.

“I would say that students at BU should expect our doctoral professors to be personable, helpful, and professional in their teaching. These professors have plenty of experience with students and fellow teachers to ensure doctoral students get a well-structured program,” said Academic Advisor Emily Barker.