FAQ - Doctor of Management - Graduate School

Frequently Asked Questions Doctor of Management Program

See Academic Policy 170.10 for the admissions criteria.

What is DMGT 600 Foundations of Doctoral Studies (3)?

DMGT 600 is a pre-requisite course geared to introduce potential Doctor of Management (DM) candidates to doctoral studies in management. Topics explored in the course include the purpose and context of the doctoral degree program; the role and value of research and statistical analysis in the practice of management; and key concepts in management, leadership, change, and organizational theory. Degree requirements and the dissertation process are explored. Exercises include the development of an individual journal that will be used to evaluate skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and writing expression.

Applicable Waivers: The DMGT 600 requirement may only be waived for applicants who submit a GMAT total score at the 75th percentile or GRE general test (verbal and quantitative sections) scores at the 75th percentile for each section. (Official test scores can be no more than five years old at the time of application).

Upon successful completion of DMGT 600, may I defer the start of the DM Program?

Yes, you may defer your start of the DM Program for one semester without a justifiable explanation. A deferment request of more than one semester requires a written request for an extension which will be reviewed by the Graduate School.
If DMGT 600 is not completed successfully, may I retake the course?

If you complete DMGT 600 and earn a grade lower than a B, you will not be eligible to repeat the course. If you withdraw within the allowed timeframe for withdrawal and receive a W in DMGT 600, you will be allowed to re-enroll in the course in a later session.
Is the UMUC Doctor of Management degree accredited?

UMUC is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools for more than 50 years. In addition, UMUC is a state university in the University System of Maryland.

Please access accreditation for additional information.
Is UMUC AACSB accredited?

UMUC has not sought AACSB* International accreditation.

* The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International

How long will it take me to complete my degree?

Time of degree will vary depending upon individual progress, as well as individual circumstances while enrolled in the program. You are granted seven years to complete the program; however, the average completion time remains at four years.

How often does the mandatory residency occur throughout the program?
DM students are required to attend a mandatory on-site residency each term on campus. These on-site residencies are normally scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays and consist of two days of 8 hour face-to-face classroom instruction. Residency attendance is mandatory for the full two-day period each term; otherwise, students must defer enrollment until the following available term. A DM student can complete 3 courses within a calendar year with a total of three visits per year to the UMUC campus. DM courses are offered in Spring, Summer and Fall.

What is a Cohort?

A cohort refers to a group of students who are accepted into the program and enroll in the same courses each semester. If accepted into the program, you will become part of a cohort that progresses through the program together.

Can I take doctoral-level courses provisionally or without applying and receiving an acceptance letter?

All students, except those granted a waiver (see above), must successfully complete DMGT 600 prior to official admission to the program. DMGT 600 is the only pre-requisite course for the DM program and the only DMGT course that can be taken prior to official admission.

How many credits do I need to take receive my degree?

All DM students must complete the required 48 credits to complete the program. All courses must be taken in the structured order.

If I receive my degree, will I be able to teach at the college/university level?

The DM degree from UMUC is a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university. That is typically one of the requirements for teaching in higher education. However, the Doctor of Management program is not designed for students who aspire to tenure-track positions at research universities. Individuals with this goal may wish to consider pursuing a specialized Ph.D. degree. The Doctor of Management degree is designed for people who hold, or who aspire to hold, senior leadership or management positions in the public, private, higher education, and not-for-profit sectors.

Is the Doctor of Management (DM) the same as a PhD?

No, a PhD is a theoretical discipline-oriented research degree with a narrow focus, designed to train students to assume roles as tenured faculty or researchers in a specific academic area. The DM degree has an interdisciplinary orientation and stresses the application of research to real-world situations.

Can I pursue the Doctor of Management degree while employed full time?

Yes, UMUC has designed the Doctor of Management program specifically for students who are working full-time. The Doctor of Management program consists of three semesters of 4-6 credits per semester. Most students in the program are working full-time.

How many semesters per year does the Doctor of Management program have?

The DM Program has 3 semesters per year--Fall, Spring and Summer.

When are the application deadlines for each semester?

View Application Deadlines.

Can I get financial aid?

Yes, financial aid is available. You can contact financial aid at 800-888-8682 or request assistance online .