What degree to pursue?

[musubiman]

Hi all, 

Having trouble deciding what degree to pursue next. I enjoy studying how people learn and are motivated in the workplace so want to stick to something that ties into that. Currently working at a brokerage firm and have a MBA and about to finish a BA in I/O Psychology, but am wanting to pursue the degree mostly for personal satisfaction. With that I am thinking business, psychology, or education all could be tied into what I like. 

I can't justify taking a mortgage sized pay cut and my licenses lapsing so I am limited to programs that will let me continue to work full time. DBA programs seem to be the friendliest to outside work, but I do not have a lot of management experience yet so not the most competitive candidate. Is a DBA probably the best option to pursue or would one of the few PhDs that allows me to work make more sense?

[Sagan]

You're saying you want to do the degree "mostly for personal satisfaction." If so, what does it matter, except what you want to do?

Most people fail in their pursuit of a doctorate because (a) it's really hard and (b) they frequently don't have a clear purpose in mind. I'm not saying that you'll fail, as much as I'm saying you're much more likely to succeed if you have a distinct purpose in doing it. (This is true with most things; no suprises there.)

My advice would be to imagine yourself in the future, then work back to the present. What do you want to know, do and value in the future? What will it take to get you there? And do you have the resources (time, money, support) to do it?

You might want to consider a professional doctorate focused on your particular interests in motivation in the workplace. There are several Doctor of Professional Studies (or similarly titled degrees) that might fit the bill since (a) they are often thesis-based and (b) can be shaped around a workplace-based research interest.

[bjcheung77]

Aloha! Welcome to the board, great intro post with some information to get the ball rolling and to start the conversation... Having said that, I highly recommend filling in the addendum and template in order to provide a bigger picture of your overall scenario: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

My suggestion is, you may want to take a look at alternative options, such as doing an international degree top up degree!  For example, if you're interested in Business, you do UK Level 8 Diploma in a subject matter offered, ladder that up to a DBA or DProf... Or something like that, Mahalo!

[soba]

I would strongly advice against perusing any degree without a clear and realistic career plan/path. I myself completed a fully-funded traditional STEM PhD and I have been very disappointed in how my career progressed post-PhD.

Ultimately, it is up to you. Just keep in mind that very few jobs want PhDs. Even less jobs want online DBA graduates.