Doctor of Professional Studies
The Doctor of Professional Studies program is designed to meet the requirements of high performing working professionals who wish to influence professional practice and contribute to new knowledge. The Doctor of Professional Studies program is open to all professional areas. The focus of the program is unique as it is tailored to the context of the candidate’s professional work environment and activities in combination with their own specific area of interest and expertise.
The Doctor of Professional Studies enables participants to combine their industry experience with academic research and analytical skills to address a management issue that they have faced in the past. The program seeks to highlight practical and applied industry knowledge through the lived experience of the researcher-practitioner by placing the candidate at the center. The program focuses on the candidate’s contributions to the creation of new knowledge and applied practice at a doctoral level.
The development of practical real-world solutions to industry challenges is the outcome of the program. Within the program the practitioner-researcher calls upon their own experience within industry and with the issue at hand as the starting point for the research. Candidates will develop new approaches, and derive further learning from the knowledge outcomes by placing their professional knowledge in a wider context.
- Applied Action Research
- Analytical Skills Development
- Recognizes Informal Learning
- Manuscript Based
- Personalized Study Outline
- Research Project Focused
- Researcher Centered
- Contribution of Prior Experience
- Current Career Stage Focus
Completion Requirements
The 3-year thesis-only Doctor of Professional Studies program is designed for the researcher-practitioner currently active within industry. Participants will complete a personal assessment of prior learning and develop an individual research plan centered on their own unique history learning objectives. The program concludes with the completion of the Doctor of Professional Studies manuscript with and oral presentation to the evaluation committee.
Program Modules
The program is designed around the completion of a series of modules that assist the candidate in developing the necessary applied research skills essential for the successful completion of the program.
The program begins with the explanation and understanding as to where one obtains appropriate research information. Skills are developed around the ability to find, assess, and determine the quality of information to be used in the completion of the research. In this module candidates develop the necessary knowledge to be a skilled researcher that may quickly find and evaluate materials from a variety of sources.
This module assist the candidate in completing the Action-oriented research plan that defines the managerial problem, supporting knowledge base, data sources, research method, deliverables and outcomes.
This module focuses on the completion of the DBA manuscript. The manuscript document illustrates the managerial problem at hand, provides a quantification of the cost of the problem to both a specific company as well as industry as a whole, examines the existing knowledge base, illustrates the data collection and analysis method employed, synthesizes the results to ultimately arrive at actionable managerial items and recommendations. For better understanding and implementation the research may highlight new practical frameworks or models.
The manuscript is presented to the Evaluation Committee. The Committee members take on the role of an Executive Board evaluating the merits of the recommendations and action plans put forward by the candidate with respect to the stated managerial problem in their capacity as an expert manager/consultant.
Master-in-Passing - MProf / DProf
Candidates completing the Doctor of Professional Studies program will also be awarded the Master of Professional Studies as a Master-in-Passing award. The degree is automatically awarded upon successful completion of the Doctor of Professional Studies program and no additional work is required. A Master-in-Passing degree is also known as a Master degree earned en route and is considered equal to a terminal Master degree.
The Doctor of Professional Studies is an unique program that recognizes the important contribution of working professionals within industry. Many professionals already have a portfolio of work along that has made a contribution to the knowledge in their industry and can be officially recognized as such within academics. The DProf program enables the practitioner to highlight their contribution and place it within an academic setting thereby obtaining the recognition of their peers. This program opens up a pathway for recognition for many professionals which has remained unavailable in the past. It truly is an unique opportunity.”
Dr. Jeffrey Henderson, Dean of the School
There were three main reasons why I chose Monarch for my Doctoral pathway, 1) their track record of application and grounding of research in today’s organisational life. 2) the opportunity to be part of an international virtual community of organisational practice. 3) the availability of a Doctorate in Professional Coaching. I’m happy to say that I feel well supported by a friendly, professional, accessible, purpose driven global community of scholars who are passionate about making a difference in their chosen fields.”
Jane Porter, Australia
I chose Monarch because the professors I met at Monarch are role models for aspirant thought leaders like me. I have been very impressed by the care and consideration shown by every Monarch graduate and guide that I have had the privilege to deal with. The induction and the initial modules have been nothing short of inspiring so I am extremely happy that I chose Monarch for my doctorate. I am greatly looking forward to the learning journey ahead!”
Tim Wigham, United Kingdom
In directing three hotels in Austria I was uniquely interested in better understanding the mechanism behind vacancy optimization for better operation of the brand. I was able to use the vast amount of occupancy data on hand and my intimate knowledge of the industry to forge a new and better algorithm. Monarch gave me the opportunity to complete a practical hands-on piece of research. It has changed our business.”
Dr. Gregor Hoch, Austria
Monarch Switzerland was an unexpected and very positive surprise. Not only was the initial contact very helpful, personal and supportive, questions were answered transparently and immediately which made the process of enrolling in the program very easy. Compared to other institutions, I felt recognized as a person – not just as a number. Being in touch with my personal mentor right from the beginning made me feel so reassured that starting this program was definitely the right choice. “
Tina Dyck, Germany
The program is open to professionals with more than 5 years of managerial experience. Both formal and informal education will be considered for entry purposes. Industry experience, prior learning and research intent will be considered in place of previous formal education.
Participant progress is assessed through the submission of various assignments per module. The program concludes with the completion of a doctoral manuscript. There are no exams within the program.
Participants demonstrate their action-oriented, solution based mastery of the managerial problem by developing new frameworks or models along with managerial recommendations, best-practices and actionable items. The manuscript is typically 150 to 200 pages in length.
Candidates complete the program via the Monarch Digital Campus (MDC). This enables completion of the program 24 x 7 from anywhere. Asynchronous completion means you are not required to be on the platform at any specific time. Complete the program to fit your schedule.
Please see the main tuition page for further information.
The program has rolling admission and may be started on the 1st of each month. Deferred start applications are also accepted.
