Rick Bogdan of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1980. Bogdan is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army and author of the novel Grunts, Gramps & Tanks: A Soldier鈥檚 Tales, which is based on the first nine years of his 30-year career. Paperback, e-book and audiobook narrated by Bogdan are available for purchase at rickbogdan.com.
Sherman Cotton, Associate of Science in Nursing, 2021
Sherman Cotton of Cleveland, Ohio, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2021. He shares, 鈥淚 graduated from 51猎奇 in May 2021 with an Associate Degree in Nursing while advancing from LPN to RN and continuing full-time clinical practice. 51猎奇 provided the access and flexibility that allowed me to move forward without stepping away from patient care.
That degree became a foundation for continued growth. I went on to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, focusing on quality improvement and patient safety within complex care environments. My work has centered on strengthening systems, improving outcomes, and supporting frontline teams in delivering safe and reliable care.
I have recently transitioned into nursing education, where I now prepare future nurses to apply evidence to practice and approach care through a lens of accountability and equity. I remain grateful to 51猎奇 for serving as the bridge that made this continued advancement possible.鈥�
Sarah Stone, Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, 2024
Sarah Stone of St. James, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2024. She shares, 鈥淒uring my time with 51猎奇, I had no clue just how far in life I would go without even leaving the county I reside in. Becoming a nuclear engineer as a single mom was not an easy journey, but it is a journey that I am grateful for and always will be. After finishing my degree, I obtained my dream job two months later as a health physicist! I am now the campus health physicist here at Missouri University of Science and Technology, was given the opportunity to speak to our students during a nuclear symposium, and I have become the person I was destined to be. So, to all of you currently working on your degrees, do not quit, do not give up, do not falter, your journey is yours to bring ever upward to greatness!鈥�
Stephanie McClure, Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, 2018
Stephanie McClure of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from 51猎奇 in 2018. in 2025 at other institutions. She shares, 鈥淪everal months after finishing graduate school, I became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Since 2018, my husband and I have also welcomed two beautiful children. I share that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without God鈥檚 grace and mercy.鈥�
Tracey Briggs, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1996
Tracey Briggs of Albuquerque, New Mexico, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1996. She shares, 鈥淥n February 2, 2026, I successfully defended my dissertation project entitled, 鈥淪tudy of the Impact Positive Psychology Training Has in Higher Education Staff,鈥漜ompleting a 9.5 year journey to achieve a Doctor of Psychology degree. I achieved this milestone while working full time and caring for my 87-year-old mother with Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. I know she is proudly looking down from heaven with a smile.鈥�
How to Prepare for Success as a DBA Student at 51猎奇
Becoming a DBA student isn鈥檛 just about starting another degree; it鈥檚 about stepping into a different kind of professional development. A Doctor of Business Administration asks experienced professionals to connect leadership, research, strategy, and real-world problem-solving in a disciplined way.
The best preparation begins before the first course. Success in a DBA program requires clarity of purpose, time management, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to become more than a consumer of business ideas. The goal is to become someone who can evaluate evidence, ask better questions, and apply research to decisions that matter.
That is the heart of 51猎奇鈥檚 DBA program: helping proven leaders grow into scholar-practitioners who can use business theory, applied research, and evidence-based thinking to address real organizational challenges.
How to Start 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA Application
The first step is to understand whether a DBA is aligned with your goals. The DBA program is for professionals with a master鈥檚 degree and five or more years of professional experience that includes managing people and/or projects. That matters because doctoral business education is not meant to restart your career; rather, it should help you build from the experience you already have. Before applying, take time to do seven things.
1. Clarify Your Purpose
Do you want to strengthen your strategic leadership? Build research skills? Move toward consulting, executive leadership, higher education, or industry thought leadership? A Doctor of Business Administration works best when it鈥檚 connected to a professional direction.
2. Assemble Your Application Materials Early
Request official transcripts from every institution you attended and review your academic records for completeness. Doctoral applications often take longer than expected when applicants wait until the last minute to gather documentation.
3. Prepare a Strong Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Beyond your employment history, consider highlighting leadership experience, major projects, presentations, publications, teaching experience, certifications, board service, or other accomplishments that demonstrate your professional growth and readiness for doctoral-level work.
4. Think Carefully 51猎奇 Your Letter of Intent
Rather than simply explaining why you want another degree, focus on why a Doctor of Business Administration is the right degree for your next professional chapter. Describe your leadership experience, examples of managing people or projects, the organizational challenges that interest you, and how a DBA aligns with your long-term goals.
5. Be Strategic 51猎奇 Your Letters of Recommendation
Select individuals who can speak directly to your leadership, decision-making, project management, and professional impact. Current or former supervisors, executives, board members, clients, or senior colleagues are often strong choices. Help your recommenders by providing your resume, a summary of your accomplishments, and an explanation of why you鈥檙e pursuing a DBA so they can write detailed, meaningful recommendations rather than generic endorsements.
6. Review Your Prior Graduate Coursework
It鈥檚 possible to apply up to 30 credits into the DBA program from eligible prior graduate-level coursework, with conditions. DBA graduate-level transfer credits must generally have been earned within five years of enrollment. That makes the application process a good time to gather transcripts and ask thoughtful questions about transfer credit. Be mindful that unofficial transcripts are not accepted.
7. Begin Thinking 51猎奇 Problems Worth Solving
You do not need a finished dissertation topic on day one. But you should begin noticing the recurring challenges in your industry, organization, or area of expertise. Those questions may become the foundation for deeper applied research.
How to Succeed as a DBA Student in 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 Program
To prepare for success as a DBA student, treat the program like a professional transformation rather than a checklist of courses. A strong DBA student builds habits early. They schedule reading and writing time and keep a research journal. They capture possible topics, useful sources, and questions that keep resurfacing in their work. Online and hybrid students benefit from strong, self-regulated learning habits, including goal-setting, time management, help-seeking, and self-monitoring. has found that self-regulated learning strategies are associated with stronger academic achievement. Other tips for our business school students include a thoughtful approach toward concentration papers, networking, and learning to make evidence-informed decisions.
Choose Concentrations Thoughtfully
Success requires engagement. 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA includes concentration papers that allow a student to apply research skills to real challenges in their area of focus and potentially build momentum toward their dissertation. Students should use those assignments strategically. A course paper should not be treated as disposable work. It can become part of a larger research path.
Stay Connected
Relationships also play a large role in student success. A DBA student should connect with and stay connected with faculty, peers, mentors, and professional networks. Doctoral education is demanding, and shows that relationships and academic integration shape the doctoral experience. The student who asks questions, accepts feedback, and stays connected is better positioned than the student who tries to complete the journey alone.
Make Evidence Your New Best Friend
Most importantly, DBA students should learn to think with evidence. emphasizes the use of practitioner expertise, organizational evidence, stakeholder perspectives, and critically evaluated research when making decisions. That鈥檚 not only a research skill鈥攊t鈥檚 a leadership skill.
How to Succeed After Earning Your DBA
Preparing for life after earning your DBA should begin while you鈥檙e still in the program. Start by learning how to explain your value. A DBA isn鈥檛 just a credential; it鈥檚 evidence that you have practiced advanced problem definition, research design, analysis, communication, and applied decision-making. Those skills matter in many professional settings.
Students should also translate their dissertation work into professional language. A dissertation topic can become a conference presentation, consulting framework, industry article, internal strategy document, or teaching case. The key is to move from 鈥淚 completed a doctoral project鈥� to 鈥淚 developed evidence-based expertise in a problem that matters.鈥�
Finally, continue building your professional platform. Share what you鈥檙e learning. Write, present, and mentor. Serve on boards or committees where your expertise can help. A DBA can support career growth, but the long-term value comes from how you use the knowledge, discipline, and credibility the program helps you build.
The DBA Program That Makes Proven Leaders into Scholar-Practitioners
贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA program is designed for experienced professionals who want to connect research to practice. The program includes applied learning, online coursework, two in-person residencies, concentration papers, and dissertation options that include either an applied project or a three-paper model. That structure gives students a way to build research skills while staying connected to real business problems.
The best way to prepare for success is to enter with purpose. Know why you鈥檙e applying. Understand the time commitment. Build strong learning habits. Stay connected to faculty and peers. Choose research questions that matter.
A successful DBA student does more than earn a degree. A successful DBA student becomes a stronger thinker, a more disciplined decision-maker, and a better-prepared leader.
Apply to 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA Program
If you鈥檙e ready to deepen your leadership expertise, develop advanced research skills, and tackle complex organizational challenges through evidence-based practice, now is the time to explore 51猎奇鈥檚 DBA program. With multiple starts throughout the year, flexible online coursework, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities to connect research with real-world impact, the next step in your professional journey may be closer than you think.
Learn more about 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA program, review admission requirements, and begin your application when admissions open.
Your First Year as an MBA Student at 51猎奇
Choosing to start the 51猎奇 Master of Business Administration program is an exciting step toward advancing your education, expanding your professional opportunities, and preparing for future leadership roles. Whether you鈥檙e looking to move into management, strengthen your business expertise, change careers, or increase your earning potential, an MBA can provide the knowledge and credentials to help you achieve your goals.
For many students, however, excitement comes with a few questions: What will the workload be like? How much time will I need to dedicate each week? Can I balance business school with work and family responsibilities? These questions are especially common among students who have been away from the classroom for several years.
The good news is that 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 online MBA program is designed with working professionals in mind, offering the flexibility to fit graduate education into a busy schedule. Although many students complete the program in about two years, motivated students who carefully plan their course schedules may be able to finish in as little as one year. So, what can you expect during your first year? Here鈥檚 a closer look at the MBA student experience at 51猎奇.
Your First Year in an MBA Program at 51猎奇 vs. Other Business Schools
One of the appealing aspects of the 51猎奇 MBA program is its flexibility. Because the program is delivered primarily online and designed for working professionals, no two students follow exactly the same path. Some students take a single course at a time to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments. Others choose a more accelerated pace, taking two courses each term and potentially completing the program in as little as one year.
51猎奇 also operates on a trimester-based academic calendar, with six terms offered throughout the year. This structure differs from the traditional two-semester model used by many colleges and universities and allows students to begin and progress through the program more frequently. As a result, what your 鈥渇irst year鈥� looks like will depend on your starting term, course load, and individual goals.
Despite these differences, MBA students in most programs share a similar journey during their first year. They begin by building a foundation in key business disciplines, developing graduate-level communication skills, and learning how to apply business concepts to real-world organizational challenges. Along the way, students collaborate with classmates, engage with faculty who bring industry experience to the classroom, and gain new perspectives that can be immediately applied in their workplaces.
At 51猎奇, the first few terms of the MBA program are a time of core coursework, selecting a concentration, and then weaving in specialized courses so students can tailor their degrees to their goals.
First-Year MBA Courses
Most MBA students spend their first year building expertise across the major functional areas of business while developing the leadership skills needed to guide organizations through change and uncertainty. The curriculum is intentionally designed to help students understand how successful organizations operate from multiple perspectives rather than through a single business discipline.
51猎奇 students typically begin with Resilient Leadership and Organizational Behavior, where they examine leadership styles, team dynamics, organizational culture, and strategies for leading effectively in complex environments. From there, coursework expands into other areas with courses like Operations and Project Management, Corporate Finance and Accounting, and Ethical Risk Management and Compliance, helping students understand how organizations manage resources, make financial decisions, and navigate risk.
As students progress through 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 MBA program, they explore the growing role of technology and innovation through Information Technology and learn how organizations create value for customers through Strategic Brand Marketing. Throughout the program, students are challenged to apply concepts to real-world business situations, analyze case studies, participate in mock experiences, evaluate organizational challenges, and develop practical solutions.
Concentrations and Specialization in 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 MBA Program
All MBA students complete the same core curriculum in 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 program, but they also have the opportunity to tailor their degree through a concentration. Concentration courses are intentionally integrated into the program so that students begin developing specialized expertise while continuing to build their business foundation.
51猎奇 students can choose from a variety of concentrations, including Leadership, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Data Analytics, Health Care Management, Strategic Sustainability, Cannabis Control, Distributed Workforce Management, Nutrition, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Public Health Equity, and Organizational Leadership. A student may also create a more personalized pathway that more closely aligns with their career goals.
This structure creates a shared MBA experience while allowing students to pursue their individual career goals. For example, a student concentrating in Data Analytics may explore how organizations use data to inform strategic decisions, whereas a student in Human Resource Management may focus on talent development and employment practices. Both students continue studying the same core business concepts, but each develops expertise in a field that aligns with their respective professional interests.
By the end of the first year, many MBA students have completed a combination of core and concentration coursework, giving them both a broad understanding of business management and a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities within their chosen area of specialization.
How to Choose an MBA Concentration at 51猎奇
For some 51猎奇 MBA students, choosing a concentration is straightforward. They may already work in a specific field and want to deepen their expertise. An allied health professional, for example, may choose Healthcare Management, whereas someone working in HR may pursue Human Resource Management to strengthen their skills.
Other students use their concentration to prepare for where they want to go rather than where they are today. Someone interested in moving into a leadership position may select Leadership or Organizational Leadership. A professional looking to transition into a more analytical role might choose Data Analytics. And someone interested in strengthening their understanding of financial decision-making could pursue Finance and Accounting.
Many 51猎奇 students also choose a concentration to complement their existing experience with a new skill set. For example, an experienced manager may add expertise with Human Resource Management, Data Analytics, or Marketing to broaden their perspective and increase their value to employers.
If you find yourself drawn to multiple concentrations, start by considering your long-term career goals. Ask yourself where you would like to be in three to five years and which concentration will provide the knowledge and skills most relevant to that future role.
5 Tips for First-Year MBA Students
The students who thrive in their first year are the ones who build strong habits, stay organized, and remain committed to their goals. Here are five more tips for your first year in an MBA program.
1. Make time before you need time.
Nothing new can fit into your schedule unless you intentionally make room for it. Decide when you鈥檒l complete your coursework鈥攂efore work, during lunch breaks, in the evening鈥攁nd make it part of your daily routine.
2. Plan the entire term in advance.
Use the course syllabus and assignment schedule to build a calendar at the beginning of each term. Add major due dates, project milestones, and dedicated study time so you can stay ahead rather than simply reacting to deadlines.
3. Build your professional network.
Your business school classmates are current and future leaders across a wide range of industries. Connect with them and your faculty on LinkedIn, engage in discussions, and build relationships that may benefit you long after graduation.
4. Apply your learning immediately.
Look for opportunities to connect course concepts to your current role. Many students find that the Master of Business Administration becomes more valuable when they can immediately apply what they are learning at work.
5. Ask questions and use available resources.
Successful MBA students don鈥檛 try to figure everything out on their own. Reach out to faculty, advisors, and support services whenever you need guidance or clarification.
Chart Your Path to the C-Suite at 51猎奇
Whether your goal is to move into management, advance into executive leadership, change careers, or develop specialized expertise, an MBA can help you take the next step with confidence. 51猎奇鈥檚 MBA program is designed for working professionals who need a graduate education that fits their lives without sacrificing academic quality.
With flexible online coursework, opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates, and multiple start dates throughout the year, students can begin their MBA journey when the time is right for them. The program鈥檚 flexible pacing allows students to adjust their course load to match their professional and personal commitments, whether they prefer a steady pace or an accelerated path to graduation.
51猎奇 also recognizes the value of prior learning and graduate-level coursework, providing transfer credit opportunities for eligible students. Combined with six academic terms each year, this flexibility allows many students to begin making progress toward their degree sooner than they might expect.
Your first year as an MBA student doesn鈥檛 have to begin in the fall semester. In fact, your first term could be just weeks away. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about 51猎奇鈥檚 MBA program and discover how an advanced business degree can help you achieve your professional goals.
A Summer Media List on Technology, Society, and the Futures We鈥檙e Building
Each summer, reading lists circulate across schools, universities, and publications like The New York Times. These lists serve many purposes: They preserve literacy over a school break, set the stage for an incoming class, offer relaxation at the beach, or encourage space to think differently.
In the spirit of such lists, the faculty in 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 School of Technology have curated a selection of books, graphic novels, films, and TV shows that have spoken to us and stayed with us over time.
The books and films on this list have shaped us as instructors, technologists, and humans鈥攁t the same time haunting and inspiring us. While not exhaustive, the selections represent stories that challenge us to think more deeply about technology, society, and the futures we are actively shaping.
I reflect on 1984 when I think about the information I consume, and Ender鈥檚 Game when it comes to alternative perspective-taking and allowing the machine to do the work for me. Wall-E reminds me to stop scrolling and have a cup of coffee with a friend and to plant a garden. I hear echoes of themes in Ghost in the Shell when our faculty come together for lively discussions about articles related to the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity.
I admit that at first glance, when I consider the list we鈥檝e put forth, it comes across as a bit dystopian. Yet I also consider the themes and messages embedded in these works as hopeful guides to how we can pause to consider our actions, choose to live meaningful lives, and value and protect the gifts humanity has been given.
Part of our mission at the School of Technology is to center our teaching around providing students with a multidisciplinary education that blends technical expertise with practical wisdom and ethical insight. Our belief is that we mustn鈥檛 operate in a vacuum. The code we write, the levers we pull, the projects we oversee, and the systems we create do not exist in isolation. It is our responsibility to consider how our actions affect others, anticipate the future impact of what we create, and examine our personal responsibility in our role as technologists.
As emerging technologies鈥撵谤辞尘 artificial intelligence to advanced energy systems鈥攔eshape the world around us, these stories invite us to ask not only what we can build but also what we should build. So, pull up a chair, sit beneath a beach umbrella, or grab some popcorn and dive into this list. I鈥檒l be in my garden reading The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling.
What鈥檚 on your list?
Special thanks to my colleagues for cocreating the following list of works: Jim Tippey, Anveeksh Koneru, Richard Cole, Ivan Gappy, and Ahmad Khan.
Books and Graphic Novels
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley (1932): Set in a futuristic world where technological and biological advancements have eliminated suffering, but also individuality and freedom, the book explores whether we truly created a better society or whether we lost something along the way.
Descender, by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen (2015鈥�2018): This science fiction series follows a young robot boy in a universe where artificial intelligence has been outlawed, exploring themes of prejudice, ethics, and the impact of technology on identity.
Ender鈥檚 Game, by Orson Scott Card (1985): Follow a young boy鈥檚 recruitment and training with immersive, technology-driven interstellar war simulations, raising questions about leadership, ethics, and the human cost of fighting war remotely.
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury (1953): In a future society, books are banned, and 鈥渇iremen鈥� burn any that are found, leading to a suppression of intellectual freedom.
Ghost in the Shell, by Masamune Shirow (1989鈥�1991): A manga series as well as an anime series, this work explores the relationship between humanity and technology, particularly in a world where cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence are commonplace.
Lucky Starr, a series by Isaac Asimov (1952鈥�1958): Intended to introduce children to scientific concepts鈥攁nd also beloved by adults鈥攖he series follows David 鈥淟ucky鈥� Starr as he uses science to solve mysteries across the solar system.
Snowpiercer, by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette (1982): Originally a French graphic novel, and now a TV show, Snowpiercer explores class struggle and the consequences of climate change as the remnants of humanity survive on a perpetually moving train.
1984, by George Orwell (1949): In this classic dystopian novel, a totalitarian state monitors and controls every aspect of citizens鈥� lives.
Movies
Blade Runner (1982): Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick, humans create artificial beings known as replicants, leading to complex ethical questions about technology, humanity, and identity.
Contact (1997): Based on Carl Sagan鈥檚 eponymous novel, Contact follows a scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The film explores themes of science, faith, discovery, and how humanity responds to transformative technological and existential questions.
Elysium (2013): In a future where the wealthy live on a space station while the rest of humanity suffers on Earth, the film explores social inequity, health care access, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancements.
I, Robot (2004): A Chicago detective investigates an autonomous AI system that controls architecture, planning, and service sectors, raising questions about whether safety constraints can fully govern intelligent systems and what happens when machines begin interpreting rules in unexpected ways.
Minority Report (2002): In a future where crimes are predicted before they occur, Minority Report explores surveillance, predictive technology, free will, and the ethical consequences of attempting to control human behavior through data and algorithms.
The Matrix (1999): In a dystopian future, humans unknowingly live in a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. The film explores themes of reality, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of technological dependence.
Wall-E (2008): This animated film depicts the aftermath of an Earth made unsustainable for life. Wall-E follows a lone robot caretaker and the last remnants of humanity traveling through space. It explores what happens when we rely on convenience and automation to disconnect from the natural world and each other鈥攁nd whether rediscovering care, curiosity, and human connection can restore both the planet and ourselves.
WarGames (1983): A young computer whiz accidentally hacks into a U.S. military supercomputer and unknowingly begins playing a real war scenario, as the system interprets the game as reality. The film explores artificial intelligence and the risk of technology escalating beyond human control.
We Live in Public (2009): A documentary film that explores the life of internet entrepreneur Josh Harris and his experiments with surveillance and online communities, offering a commentary on the impact of technology on privacy and social interaction.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): When a mysterious artifact is uncovered on the moon, a spacecraft piloted by two humans and one supercomputer seek to find its origins. Each act culminates in evolutionary leaps forward as the crew journeys beyond time and space.
TV
Battlestar Galactica (1978鈥�1979, 2004鈥�2009): Set in a distant star system, the last remnants of humanity are pursued by robotic Cylons. The series explores artificial intelligence, politics, mythology, and the enduring question of what it means to be human.
Black Mirror (2011鈥損resent): This anthology series examines the dark and often dystopian aspects of modern society and technology. Each episode is a stand-alone story, providing a thought-provoking exploration of the potential consequences of technological advancement.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988鈥�1999, 2017鈥損resent): Known for its witty and irreverent commentary, this comedic television series follows a human host and his robot companions watching and riffing on B movies.
Star Trek (1966鈥�1969): The original series follows a commander and his crew as they explore the galaxy, seeking out new life while learning to engage with difference, pursue knowledge, and protect through diplomacy. Technologically predictive, we see early signs of tablets, smartphones, and teleconferencing鈥攖hough humanity is still waiting for its teleporter.
Meet the Team Behind 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA Program
51猎奇鈥檚 DBA Leadership Team
As 51猎奇 launches its Doctor of Business Administration program, two leaders of 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 School of Business have stepped forward to help shape the program for working professionals: Dean Brian Allen and Associate Dean Leah Sciabarrasi.
Sciabarrasi brings extensive experience in online education, academic program development, and student support. Allen has spent more than 20 years leading projects, operations, and technology initiatives in industries from IT and e-commerce to renewable energy, telecommunications, and international business.
Allen and Sciabarrasi are leading the development of 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA program with a shared vision: creating a scholar-practitioner experience that combines academic rigor with practical application. Designed for experienced professionals, the program centers around applied research, data-informed decision-making, leadership development, and dissertation support from the earliest stages of study.
How to Create a High-Touch, Low-Residency DBA Program
From the beginning, Allen and Sciabarrasi knew they wanted students to leave the program with more than just a piece of paper. They wanted graduates to emerge as confident leaders capable of solving complex problems through research-backed decision-making.
鈥淲e want students to graduate with a very future-focused lens,鈥� Sciabarrasi says. 鈥淲e want them to be able to translate the lessons learned from their research 鈥� and dissertation work into the workplace, and we want them to go out there and be successful leaders as a result of this entire experience.鈥�
A major focus of the program design has been student success. Sciabarrassi explains that many doctoral students get stuck in 鈥淎BD鈥� (all but dissertation) status, completing coursework but never finishing their dissertation. To prevent students from indefinite ABD status, 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA program builds dissertation support into the student experience from the start.
Instead of waiting until the end of the program to begin dissertation work, students begin developing ideas early, working alongside faculty mentors and dissertation committee members. Key milestones are embedded into coursework so that assignments build toward the dissertation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 work that鈥檚 being done intentionally,鈥� Sciabarrasi explains, 鈥渟o [students] can build some of that knowledge and build some of that work into the final product.鈥�
Allen describes the DBA as a scholar-practitioner degree built specifically for experienced professionals who already possess industry expertise. The goal, he says, is to help students combine their professional knowledge with research skills to create innovative solutions within their organizations.
鈥淭hese are folks who are already practicing in the workplace,鈥� Allen says. 鈥淣ow we want to give [them] the academic research capacities to say, 鈥榃hat if I applied this theory to these practical principles and applications so I can come up with a new solution?鈥欌��
Allen and Sciabarrasi complemented one another throughout the design process. Sciabarrasi brought deep institutional knowledge and expertise in online learning, student engagement, and program operations. Allen contributed his experience leading other DBA programs, along with a deep knowledge of higher education and industry leadership.
Allen jokes that if they had to summarize their contributions in a single line, associate deans 鈥渄o all the hard work,鈥� while deans focus on big-picture strategy. But humor aside, both agree that their work relationship is highly collaborative and built around student success.
The Crucible of Competing Ideas
Allen and Sciabarrasi explain that their differences in perspective became opportunities to strengthen the DBA program rather than obstacles to overcome.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more about bringing our experiences to the table and then just being open to figuring out which one we should select,鈥� Allen says.
He says that the variety of backgrounds represented on the program鈥檚 development team have improved the final product. While some members have brought institutional knowledge, others have contributed experience as dissertation chairs, coaches, and leaders of other doctoral programs. The team regularly evaluates what worked elsewhere, where common pitfalls exist, and how to proactively support students before problems emerge.
鈥淚t isn鈥檛 going to be perfect out of the gate,鈥� Allen says. 鈥淲hat I want folks to realize is it鈥檚 going to be iterative over time. 鈥� That鈥檚 the kind of thing we鈥檙e asking students to do, so we should expect the same of ourselves.鈥�
Envisioning the 51猎奇 Scholar-Practitioner
Although the program is just beginning, Sciabarrasi and Allen already have a clear vision for graduates of the DBA program.
Students will learn to not only solve problems but also question assumptions, evaluate evidence critically, and make thoughtful, data-informed decisions.
鈥淲e want students to know what questions to ask,鈥� Sciabarrasi says. 鈥淪ometimes people lead with their guts, and they don鈥檛 necessarily have a data-driven lens. Other times, they select the wrong sets of data and don鈥檛 ask the right questions for the problems they鈥檙e trying to solve.鈥�
Allen also points out that the goal is not to create leaders who blindly follow data; it鈥檚 to create leaders who understand how to interpret and apply it responsibly.
鈥淲e want them to make data-informed decisions, because at the end of the day, what we do is about people,鈥� he says.
By the time students complete the program, the team hopes graduates will think more critically, lead more strategically, and approach challenges with greater confidence. Beyond earning a doctorate, students will gain the ability to improve their leadership capabilities and make an impact within their industries.
Learn more about the DBA program at 51猎奇 and discover how you can become a scholar-practitioner prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Keep Reading 51猎奇 the DBA Team
鈥� Dean Brian Allen鈥檚 vision for 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 DBA program
鈥� Associate Dean Leah Sciabarrasi on the DBA program鈥檚 student experience
What You Can Do with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
An associate degree in criminal justice can open the door to a wide range of entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, and public safety. It can also help you build practical skills, gain real-world insight into the justice system, and prepare for roles in areas such as homeland security, private investigation, and community supervision. Whether you鈥檙e looking to launch your career or build a foundation for future advancement, a criminal justice associate degree can help you take the next step.
What Do You Learn in a Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program?
An associate degree in criminal justice offers a strong introduction to the systems, laws, and public safety practices that shape the field, and prepares you for a career in a variety of entry-level criminal justice roles. Through this program of study, you鈥檒l build an understanding of how professionals such as police officers, corrections officers, and dispatchers contribute to maintaining order and supporting community safety. You鈥檒l explore the three core pillars of the field: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The curriculum is structured to build a mix of legal, technical, and soft skills needed for public safety careers.
10 Jobs You Can Get with an AS in Criminal Justice
Whether you鈥檙e interested in serving your community, supporting the legal system, or exploring investigative work, this associate degree can help you build the knowledge and skills to get started. Here are 10 jobs you can pursue with an AS in Criminal Justice.
1. Police Officer
If you鈥檙e driven to protect others and serve your community, a career as a police officer can offer both purpose and opportunity. Police officers, sheriffs, and state troopers help maintain order, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and investigate criminal activity. As trusted public safety professionals, they often serve as the first point of contact in critical situations and work closely with courts, corrections, and other agencies to help keep communities safe.
2. Crime Scene Technician
If you鈥檙e detail-oriented and drawn to forensic work, a career as a crime scene technician can put you at the center of the investigative process. Crime scene technicians collect, document, and preserve physical evidence using forensic, fingerprint, and digital methods鈥攈elping ensure critical details are protected and ready to support investigations and court proceedings.
3. Court Clerk
If you鈥檙e interested in the inner workings of the legal system, a career as a court clerk can offer a strong entry point into the criminal justice field. Court clerks play a vital role in daily court operations by managing records, assisting judges and attorneys, and helping ensure that hearings and trials are properly documented. In this essential role, you鈥檒l contribute to the accuracy, organization, and efficiency that help the justice system function effectively.
4. Security Guard
If you鈥檙e looking for a career centered on safety, awareness, and responsibility, working as a security guard can be a strong entry point into the criminal justice field. Security guards help protect people and property in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, shopping centers, government buildings, and correctional facilities. In this role, you may monitor surveillance systems, patrol assigned areas, check credentials, and respond to emergencies while helping maintain secure, orderly environments.
5. Probation Officer
If you want a career that combines public service, accountability, and the opportunity to support positive change, becoming a probation officer can be a strong path forward. Probation officers help supervise individuals serving sentences in the community, ensuring that they follow court-ordered conditions while working toward rehabilitation. In this role, you may monitor progress, connect individuals with support services, and help promote both public safety and successful reintegration.
6. Corrections Officer
If you want a career focused on safety, structure, and service, becoming a corrections officer can be a strong fit. Corrections officers work in local jails, state prisons, and federal facilities, where they help maintain secure environments by supervising individuals in custody, enforcing rules, and responding to security issues. In this role, you may also escort detainees, help prevent disturbances, and support the overall safety and well-being of the facility.
7. Victim Advocate
If you鈥檙e passionate about helping others during difficult moments, a career as a can be both meaningful and impactful. Victim advocates support people affected by crime by offering emotional support, crisis assistance, and guidance through the legal process. In this role, you may also help connect individuals with resources, explain victims鈥� rights, and serve as a trusted link between victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors.
8. Private Investigator
If you鈥檙e curious, analytical, and driven to uncover the facts, a career as a private investigator can be an exciting path. Private investigators gather information for individuals, businesses, and legal teams by conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, performing background checks, and verifying details to support legal, financial, or personal cases鈥攁ll while working within the law.
9. 911 Dispatcher
If you thrive in high-pressure situations and want to make a real difference, a career as a 911 dispatcher can be both challenging and rewarding. Also known as public safety telecommunicators, dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, helping connect callers with police, fire, and EMS services when every second counts. In this fast-paced role, you鈥檒l stay calm under pressure, gather critical information, coordinate emergency response, and provide clear guidance that helps protect lives and support public safety.
10. Bailiff
If you鈥檙e interested in courtroom operations and want a role that combines security, responsibility, and public service, a career as a bailiff can be a strong fit. Bailiffs help maintain order and safety in the courtroom while supporting judges, juries, attorneys, and the public. In this role, you may prepare courtrooms, secure evidence, assist with courtroom procedures, guide visitors, and help ensure that proceedings run smoothly and according to court protocols.
Start Your Criminal Justice Career at 51猎奇
If you鈥檙e ready to take the first step toward a career in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, or investigative work, 51猎奇鈥檚 associate degree in criminal justice can help you get there. With flexible online courses and student support services built for busy learners, the program helps you develop job-ready skills with confidence. And when you鈥檙e ready to move on, 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 Career Readiness can help you explore career paths, build professional skills, and connect with employers through resources, events, and practical guidance.
贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 AS in Criminal Justice program gives you a strong foundation in the field while helping you build practical knowledge you can apply right away. You will learn the essential concepts that can prepare you for entry-level roles today and that will support your path toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree in the future.
President’s Guard
Retired Maj. Gen. John Andonie, 51猎奇 School of Business faculty, published an article in National Guard Magazine titled “President’s Guard.” Andonie, who commanded the District of Columbia National Guard from September 2023 to August 2025, traces the D.C. National Guard’s unique history and structure in the article.
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Mechanical Engineering Innovations in Aerospace Technology
Mechanical engineering technology drives much of the cutting-edge innovation in aerospace today. Making materials lighter and stronger, improving the efficiency of engines, designing vehicles that are faster and safer, and creating more precise manufacturing systems are just some examples of where new ideas and applications are having the greatest impact.
If you鈥檙e interested in a career in aerospace technology, you鈥檒l need an education that covers these areas. The field is evolving quickly, transforming smart materials, advanced propulsion systems, robotics, and how aircraft and space vehicles are designed, produced, and maintained. It鈥檚 vital to choose a mechanical engineering degree program that keeps pace with the speed and scope of innovations in aerospace technology.
Recent Innovations in Aerospace Technology
Working in the field of mechanical engineering technology means you鈥檒l play a key role in improving the speed, efficiency, sustainability, and safety of air- and spacecraft, along with systems for manufacturing that are defining the future of aerospace technology.
Propulsion Systems
Electrically powered motors, hybrid engines, and cutting-edge propulsion like ion-based thrusters hold the promise of lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. In space specifically, that use electrically charged and accelerated gases are opening opportunities for deep-space exploration. These systems can operate over longer distances, using relatively little fuel. Other areas of innovation in propulsion include new battery technologies and lighter-weight materials.
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
Creating objects by adding layer after layer of material, according to digital designs, is a way to quickly produce lightweight and precise components. Most people know additive manufacturing as 3D printing. In aerospace, is attractive because it can be used to create pieces and devices with complex designs quickly while improving manufacturing efficiency and lowering costs. Innovations in this area involve materials, processes, and components like aircraft and rocket parts.
Supersonic Flight
Flying faster than the speed of sound transformed civilian travel as well as the capabilities of military aircraft. Physical challenges and costs, however, limited what was possible in previous technology generations. Today, technologies that minimize sonic boom shock waves make more practical in more areas. For space travel, faster speeds make it possible to explore longer distances. Mechanical engineering technology is at work to make quieter and more fuel-efficient designs while improving safety. Aerodynamics, lightweight composites, and advances in engines are driving this new era of supersonic travel.
Reusable Rockets
One-use rockets are expensive, are bad for the environment, and slow the pace of launches. that can be used, recovered, refurbished, and launched again will cut costs and speed up the tempo of sending objects into space. Reusable rockets can increase the number and frequency of satellite launches, open more opportunities for research in space, and create a viable commercial space industry. Innovations in guidance controls, landing operations, and more durable materials that can withstand multiple reentries are all areas where engineers are investing time and money.
Space Systems and Satellite Innovation
are increasingly used for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and even precision agriculture. Besides beaming back to Earth, some satellites are supporting deep-space exploration, free of the Earth鈥檚 force and atmosphere. Satellites today are smaller, lighter, more durable, and more powerful as engineers use new materials, onboard computing, and advanced thrusters. Satellites are now deployed in networks for greater coverage, with redundancy for improved resilience. Mechanical engineering technology advances are driving innovation across all these areas.
Innovation Starts at 51猎奇
Demand for talented and skilled professionals in the aerospace field is strong. The industry needs mechanical engineers and technologists who can solve tough problems, adapt as technology changes, and drive innovation. Acquiring and sharpening necessary skills requires the right education, with a degree that provides a solid grounding in the areas that matter in aerospace.
51猎奇鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program gives students practical knowledge in manufacturing, mechanical systems, materials, engineering design, and quality control. Students gain technical knowledge along with problem-solving and leadership skills. Offered online, the program gives working professionals the flexibility to balance current responsibilities with the ability to open doors to expanded opportunities.
The next generation of engineering innovation, particularly innovations in aerospace, are making what seemed like science fiction yesterday into a tangible reality today. With your mechanical engineering technology degree, you can work at the forefront of this evolving field. With your mechanical engineering technology degree, you can work at the forefront of this evolving field.
