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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

A PhD  helps you advance your career and secure senior leadership positions. However, if you’re a busy working professional struggling to manage your family, work, and personal commitments, full-time enrollment with dissertation requirements might not be an option. Most PhDs take 3-7 years to complete, with lots of time spent on dissertations.

But what if you could study a PhD without dissertation requirements or lengthy durations?

Sure, online PhD programs  offer more flexibility; however, you’ll still spend years studying.

Luckily, many schools offer 18-month doctorate without dissertation programs that you can complete in record time, often while studying online on your own schedule. Does that mean you can find the easiest PhD without dissertation requirements? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the top universities and no-dissertation PhD programs you can finish in just 18 months or a little more.

Table of Contents

Top 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We’ve separated our list of doctorate degrees without dissertation into a few categories: education, nursing, physical therapy, and business management.

Walden University

PhD in Education (P-20 Education)

Walden University is known for offering research doctorates to African-American students and has many flexible options in various disciplines to extend education to everyone. This flexible PhD without dissertation requirements is a fabulous education program where you can design your study based on your interests.

• Courses:  Leading the future of education, governance & politics of education, and learning experiences in supportive environments.
• Credits:  86
• Delivery:  Online
• Tuition: $692 per quarter hour
• Financial aid:  Grants, education assistance, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Nebraska Methodist College is one of the country’s most famous allied healthcare colleges and offers more than 40 healthcare and education programs online and on-campus. You don’t need to complete a dissertation or submit GRE scores to apply for this doctoral degree online; no dissertation. You can also balance your studies with other parts of your life by choosing between part-time or full-time options.

• Courses: Information technology in healthcare & education, legal & ethical issues in organizations, and healthcare policy.
• Duration: 24 months
• Cost per credit hour : $817
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  92%
• Location:  Omaha, Nebraska

Nova Southeastern University, College of Education & School of Criminal Justice

EdD – Educational Leadership

Nova Southeastern University is a nationally renowned private institution that embraces social mobility and diversity. The institution offers an EdD that doesn’t require a dissertation. Instead, you’ll need to complete a Strategic Research Project (SRP) amounting to 12 credits.

• Courses: Leadership, communication, & technology, legal & ethical issues in educational leadership, and leading an educational organization.
• Credits:  55
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $1,505 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, employer assistance, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  76%
• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maryville University is renowned for innovative and comprehensive education, using advanced technology to deliver distance learning programs across a range of disciplines. If you are a working nursing professional, this doctoral degree without dissertation requirements will qualify you to reach the highest levels of nursing leadership.

• Courses:  Principles of epidemiology & biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice, and professional role development.
• Credits:  33
• Duration:  20 months
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $813 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and employer assistance.
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Location:  St. Louis, Missouri

Monmouth University

Online DNP Program

Monmouth University has a low student-faculty ratio and believes in immersive learning experiences beyond the classroom. This DNP doctoral program without dissertation requirements helps students analyze evidence to improve clinical policies and practices.

• Courses: Translating evidence to clinical practice, organizational leadership in healthcare, and health care economics and financial management.
• Credits:  36
• Tuition :  $1,348 per credit hour
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  West Long Branch, New Jersey

Bay Path University

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse

Bay Path University is a non-profit institution that offers a range of opportunities for lifelong learning, especially for women. This DNP program seeks to prepare nursing professionals with modern evidence-based knowledge to handle advanced nursing practitioner roles, especially in the family health sphere. You can complete this online doctorate (no dissertation) at your own pace.

• Courses:  Managing healthcare delivery systems, healthcare informatics, and biostatistics & epidemiology.
• Tuition : $995 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal loans and private loans.
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Location:  Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Physical Therapy

The university of north carolina at chapel hill, school of medicine.

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy

The University of North Carolina is ranked #5  for research among public universities and has two Nobel laureates. This non-thesis PhD helps licensed physical therapists gain advanced knowledge and skills in their area of practice. Additionally, physical therapists earn a median salary of $91,010, making this program one of the highest-paid PhDs . Balance familial and work responsibilities easily as you complete this doctorate degree online (no dissertation).

• Courses: Advanced patient management, advanced neuromuscular intervention, and advanced practice issues.
• Credits: 27
• Tuition :  $902 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and employee benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Location: North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Gannon University

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Gannon University is a private Christian institution with a low student-faculty ratio that offers various online programs. This is one of few occupational therapy doctorate degrees without dissertations that help physical therapy professionals translate knowledge from cross-disciplinary theories and research into practice, enabling them to grow beyond a therapist-clinician role.

• Courses:  Applied research in clinical practice, advanced leadership & ethics, and entrepreneurship for the IT professional.
• Credits:  34
• Duration:  2 years
• Tuition :  $770 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  79%
• Location:  Erie, Pennsylvania

Business Management

Capella university.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation

Capella University is a private institution that strives to extend education to all by offering programs that fit with busy routines. As a result, many of its programs are highly flexible, allowing you to finish at your own pace. The institution also makes it easy to manage study costs by only requiring payment for 12 weeks instead of per credit. This doctorate without dissertation offers two streams: the GuidedPath, where you have a pre-fixed curriculum structure, and FlexPath, where you can modify the structure and complete the program according to your pace and convenience.

• Courses:  Effective organizational leadership, strategic decision making, and teaching business in higher education.
• Credits:  45
• Tuition : $545 – $810
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Location:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Liberty University has been named one of the top 5  online universities and is known for its quality, accessibility, and affordability. This flexible DBA program allows you to specialize in one of a range of business areas, from international business to healthcare management. No dissertation is required for this doctorate degree online.

• Courses:  Strategic allocation of financial resources, marketing for competitive advantage, and quantitative research methods.
• Credits:  60
• Tuition:  $595 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

What Is a Dissertation and How Does it Work?

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, involves conducting research before writing a final report to summarize the research’s findings. It is a fundamental requirement of many graduate programs, especially doctorates, and allows students to develop advanced research, writing, and analytical skills. If a panel approves your dissertation, it will become a part of the field’s current body of knowledge.

The student may choose the topic independently or in consultation with an advisor. In some cases, students can collaborate with faculty members to conduct research. Once complete, the university evaluates the dissertation, and their assessment often decides whether the candidate achieves their PhD .

Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

A dissertation is usually the most involved and longest-running assignment you need to complete as part of a graduate program. Many schools include a dissertation in the program to develop and test students’ research abilities and set them up for careers in academia.

However, some universities offer graduate programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, these programs involve additional research-oriented courses for the students to make up their credits.

Ranking Methodology for 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We put together the above list of universities and doctorate programs across various disciplines based on their requirements for a dissertation and the total duration of the program. Of course, we gave preference to 18-month programs, but we also included some slightly longer programs.

Most programs don’t require any dissertation at all, while some require fair research activity for satisfactory completion. We ranked the programs based on accessibility, delivery mode, courses, faculty, and school reputation.

Key Takeaways

While most doctorate programs include a mandatory dissertation, several universities now offer no-dissertation programs. These are ideal for working students who may not be able to attend full-time, on-campus programs involving extensive research that can take years to complete.

But you might wonder whether an 18-month doctorate without dissertation status is still valuable. The good news is that it is — a doctorate without a dissertation is nonetheless a respected advanced degree that can significantly boost your career and secure well-paid, senior positions in the field of your choice.

Looking for other ways to speed up your post-graduate education?

Explore the Best 1-Year PhD Online Programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

Yes. Many universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation at all. Review the ones we’ve listed in this article for more information.

What Is a Doctorate Without a Dissertation Called?

There’s no particular term for doctorates without dissertations. Instead, they’re simply known as PhDs, EdDs, DNPs, or doctorate degrees. However, some institutions call them “no-dissertation programs” on their official websites.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

At many universities, a dissertation is an important and indispensable part of a PhD curriculum. However, some universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation or thesis for completion. This can be a good option if you’re uninterested in research, don’t wish to work in academia, or are looking for an accelerated option.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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EdDPrograms.org

Online Ed.D. Programs Without a Dissertation

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 09:57 am

Online Ed.D. programs—and in-person doctorates—always contain a rigorous, research-based project. In the past, this has been a traditional dissertation, just like a Ph.D. program. But in recent years, more and more schools are choosing to focus on a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or Capstone Project . Discover how these two "No Dissertation" models differ from the older framework. Or skip ahead to the online listings and on-campus listings to explore your options!

No matter what Ed.D. you choose, you are always going to have to complete a research-based doctoral project. Schools that advertise “No Dissertation” Ed.D. programs typically require a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or capstone project . These are the doctorates that we’ve included in our online listings . Examples include:

• University of Missouri-St. Louis’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Practice . UMSL employs an 8-credit Dissertation in Practice (DiP) model, which is completed through group work.
• University of Southern California’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership . This program involves a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) that focuses on issues impeding K-12 students’ access to learning opportunities.
• University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration . This degree includes a 12-credit capstone research project, which runs the length of the program. Students are expected to focus on a problem of practice in their workplace.
• Nebraska Methodist College’s Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare . This “No Dissertation” degree contains an 8-credit capstone split into four courses over a six-term program.
• National University’s Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation , which requires a culminating project, worth 9 quarter credits. This is a written work based on research students do in their workplace.

Note: Avoid like the plague any Ed.D. program that has no DiP or capstone requirement! They almost certainly will a) not be accredited; and b) not be recognized by employers.

What is a Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation?

A traditional Ed.D. dissertation is a five-chapter paper, roughly the length of a short book. It shows that you can conduct original research into the field of education. The dissertation process starts as soon as you begin your online Ed.D. or on-campus doctorate and it can be broken down into six steps:

• Choose a Research Topic: Near the beginning of the Ed.D. program, you’ll be expected to identify a topic that will require substantial research. This topic should revolve around a unique issue in education (e.g. Helping Intellectually Gifted Middle School Students, Bridging the Gap Between Training and Educating in Adult Learning, etc.).
• Craft a Proposal: You’ll use the knowledge you’ve gained from didactic coursework and Ed.D. research classes to write the opening chapters of your dissertation, including an introduction that defines your chosen problem, a literature review, and a proposed methodology for finding the answer.
• Defend the Proposal: Before proceeding, you will need to present your dissertation proposal to a committee. The committee will want to see that your research is significant and relevant works are included in the literature review. In online Ed.D. programs, this defense can usually be done virtually.
• Research the Topic: After making any necessary tweaks to the proposal, and getting it approved, you can begin researching your topic.
• Write the Remainder of the Dissertation: Once you have completed your research, you’ll write up the final chapters—one chapter will detail your findings; the other should contain an analysis of what your findings mean and how they might apply to professional situations.
• Defend Your Dissertation: At the end of the Ed.D. degree, you must present your dissertation to the committee (usually in an oral presentation). After you have incorporated any notes from the committee, you can finalize your draft and graduate.

Note: Several universities publish full Ed.D. dissertations online, among them George Fox and the University of San Francisco .

Practice-Focused Alternatives: The “No Dissertation” Model of the DiP or Capstone Project

Unlike Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. programs are focused on professional practice—on-campus and online Ed.D. graduates are expected to apply their research in order to solve or improve real-world problems. To that end, many universities in our online listings and on-campus listings have been moving away from a traditional dissertation to more innovative models.

What does an Ed.D. Without a Dissertation Entail?

In general, all alternatives to a traditional Ed.D. dissertation involve a Problem of Practice (PoP) in the workplace. When you tackle a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or capstone project , you’ll be using your research to create practical & workable solutions (e.g. recommending better practices or creating different approaches to current practice).

As we mentioned, you’ll sometimes see these kinds of education doctorates labeled as “No Dissertation” degrees. But keep in mind that the final project will be just as challenging as a traditional dissertation! Be prepared for a lot of on-the-ground research and writing.

Dissertation in Practice (DiP)

In the 2000s, the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) wanted to make the Ed.D. more relevant for school practitioners and education leaders. So it devised a new Framework for Ed.D. Program Design , with a) a new definition of the Ed.D.; b) a list of guiding principles for program development; and c) a set of building blocks for the degree.

One of these building blocks is the Dissertation in Practice (DiP) . During a DiP, you’ll be expected to:

• Tackle a complex Problem of Practice (PoP) facing an organization or stakeholder group in education.
• Create an innovative, research-based project that can help guide other educators and be used in the field.
• Integrate concepts of practice, leadership, and equity into your project.

DiPs are geared toward working professionals who want to make substantive changes in education. Experienced practitioners act as DiP advisors; collaboration is encouraged; and applied research & theory is the name of the game. Examples of this practical approach include ASU’s focus on “action research” within the workplace; Pitt’s use of “improvement science” to address equity and justice; and Harvard’s concern with “strategy in action.”

Capstone Project

While you’re examining universities, you may also come across Ed.D. programs that contain a culminating project , scholarly delivery , applied inquiry project , or a capstone project . The choice of language is determined by graduate faculty and the university. But all of them hold the equivalent weight of a traditional dissertation or DiP.

To get a sense of how an on-campus or online Ed.D. capstone project is structured, we recommend you examine the Ed.D. program page carefully.

• Some schools like to put an emphasis on group work.
• Others are interested in seeing innovative final projects/deliverables.
• Many follow the DiP model.

An education doctorate with a capstone project is probably the closest you’re going to get to a “No Dissertation Ed.D.” You’ll often be in involved in more collaboration and hands-on deliverables. But you’re always going to have to produce rigorous, research-focused results.

Note: CPED posts examples of award-winning Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice in its Resource Center and UW Tacoma maintains a database of Dissertations in Practice/Capstone Projects .

How an Ed.D. Capstone Project Works

Let’s say you’ve decided on pursuing an accredited, on-campus or online Ed.D. without a dissertation. How can you be sure that the final research project is going to be as tough as the traditional model? Here is a general summary of the steps involved in completing a strong Ed.D. capstone project:

• Choose a Capstone Topic: The beginning of your Ed.D. will typically be front-loaded with foundational coursework, as well as classes on how to conduct research. It’s here that you’ll start to explore what a good capstone topic might be and learn about relevant research tools.
• Meet with an Advisor: You’ll work with an advisor to firm up the real-world problem you want to address and determine how to approach it. Part of this process will involve figuring out what an appropriate deliverable would be (e.g. change management plan, new curriculum, portfolio of educational materials, etc.).
• Draft a Proposal: About halfway through the program, you may be expected to draft a report that contains a problem statement, an outline of your process for finding solutions, and a description of deliverables.
• Defend the Proposal: Before any actual research takes place, the committee needs to sign off on your proposal.
• Research the Topic: Even without a standard Ed.D. dissertation, there’s no getting around conducting research. The key difference is how that research is gathered and applied. You may end up combining traditional research with action research and/or evaluation research (e.g. collecting and analyzing real-time data from your workplace).
• Defend Your Findings: You have one more defense—this time of your research findings and accompanying recommendations. This is separate from the project deliverable.
• Produce a Deliverable: The deliverable/final project is something that an organization can actually use to improve educational access or outcomes.

Ed.D. Traditional Dissertation vs. DiP/Capstone Project

As long as they contain a DiP or capstone, accredited on-campus & online Ed.D. programs without a dissertation carry the same weight as doctoral programs with traditional dissertations. There’s absolutely no difference in quality. The CPED consortium includes numerous prominent universities , and U.S. News & World Report highly ranks several schools with Ed.D. capstone components. So you have a choice.

Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation

You may wish to consider Ed.D. programs with a traditional dissertation if you want to dig deep into original research. This research may not be immediately applicable to your workplace, but it will help advance educators’ understanding of an issue. It contributes new knowledge to the field. Some dissertation writers like to investigate cultural topics (e.g. Latinx learning experiences); others are interested in the effect of education in particular settings (e.g. U.S. prison system).

Ed.D. Capstone Project or DiP: The “No Dissertation” Model

If you would like to tackle a specific problem in your workplace, then we recommend you consider in-person or online Ed.D. programs with a DiP or capstone project. These doctorates are focused on applied theory & research—you will be expected to test & implement changes over the course of your degree (e.g. new education methods, curriculum changes, leadership interventions, etc.). Ed.D. programs without a dissertation may also contain more group work and interpersonal opportunities.

Note: If you don’t have the capacity for a large research project at this time, you could consider pursuing an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree . This leaves the door open for you to complete an Ed.D. completion program or All But Dissertation (ABD) program later down the track.

All Online No-Dissertation EdD Programs

49 Schools Found

Arizona State University

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

EdD in Leadership and Innovation

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

Edd in leadership and innovation - pk-12 change leadership, edd in leadership and innovation - systems, professional and reimagined change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation.

Offered Online

Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

Online edd in leadership and innovation - pk-12 change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation - systems, professional and reimagined change leadership, university of arizona.

Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice

Tucson, Arizona

EdD in Educational Leadership

National university.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

University of southern california.

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - educational psychology, doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, doctor of education in educational leadership - teacher education in multicultural societies, global executive doctor of education, online doctor of education in educational leadership - k-12 leadership in urban school settings, online doctor of education in educational leadership - leading instructional change, connecticut, sacred heart university.

Isabelle Farrington College Of Education

Fairfield, Connecticut

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Wilmington university.

College of Education

New Castle, Delaware

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - District Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - school leadership, doctor of education in educational leadership - teacher leadership, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - strategic leadership, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - talent development, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - workplace learning, edd in higher education leadership and innovation, online doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation, online edd in higher education leadership and innovation, district of columbia, american university.

School of Education

Washington, District of Columbia

Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Nova southeastern university.

Fischler College of Education

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

Edd in higher education leadership, edd in higher services administration, edd in instructional technology and distance education, edd in organizational leadership, edd in reading education, edd in special education, online edd in curriculum and instruction, online edd in educational leadership, online edd in higher education leadership, online edd in higher services administration, online edd in instructional technology and distance education, online edd in organizational leadership, online edd in reading education, online edd in special education, university of florida.

Gainesville, Florida

Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction - Teachers, Schools, and Society

University of miami.

Coral Gables, Florida

Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences

Georgia southern university.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies - Cultural Curriculum Studies

Doctor of education in curriculum studies - learning, development, and curriculum, doctor of education in curriculum studies - multicultural and social justice education, doctor of education in educational leadership - p-12 administration, governors state university.

University Park, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - not for profit/social entrepreneurship leadership, online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - superintendent p-12, national louis university.

National College of Education/School of Business and Management

Chicago, Illinois

Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Online doctorate of education in higher education leadership, allen college.

School of Health Sciences

Waterloo, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education

University of saint mary.

Education Department

Leavenworth, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction

Doctor of education in leadership - innovative leadership in higher education, johns hopkins university.

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning

Massachusetts, bay path university.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Boston college.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education

Executive doctor of education (ed.d.) in higher education - catholic education, boston university.

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston, Massachusetts

EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Leadership in Early Childhood Education-Grade 12

Northeastern university.

College of Professional Studies

Doctor of Education

Online doctor of education - curriculum, teaching, learning and leadership, online doctor of education - higher education administration, online doctor of education - organizational leadership studies, regis college.

School of Arts and Sciences

Weston, Massachusetts

Andrews University

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Cornerstone university.

Adult & Graduate Studies

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development

Capella university.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

EdD in Adult Education

Edd in performance improvement leadership, edd in reading and literacy, edd, curriculum and instruction, saint mary's university of minnesota.

Graduate School of Education

Winona, Minnesota

Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership

The college of saint scholastica.

Duluth, Minnesota

Doctor of Educational Leadership

Walden university.

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Online Doctor of Education - Community College Leadership

Online doctor of education - curriculum instruction and assessment, online doctor of education - early childhood education, online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (for administrators), online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (non-licensure), online doctor of education - educational technology, online doctor of education - higher education (self-designed), online doctor of education - higher education and adult learning, online doctor of education - higher education leadership and management, online doctor of education - p-20 education (self-designed), online doctor of education - reading, literacy, and assessment, online doctor of education - special education, mississippi, university of southern mississippi.

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

Online edd in higher education administration, a. t. still university of health sciences.

College of Graduate Health Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

Omaha, Nebraska

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

University of nebraska-lincoln.

Department of Educational Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

Doctor of Education in Educational Studies - Innovative Learning Technologies

Doctor of education in educational studies - teaching, curriculum and learning, fordham university.

Department of Educational Leadership

Bronx, New York

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Online doctorate of education in educational leadership, administration and policy, franklin university.

Columbus, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Online doctor of education in organizational leadership - organizational leadership focus, online doctor of education in organizational leadership - pk-12 educational leadership, kent state university at kent.

School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership - Athletic Training

Ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - cultural foundations, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - curriculum & instruction, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - educational technology, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - special education, university of dayton.

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

South carolina, university of south carolina-columbia.

Columbia, South Carolina

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation - Education Systems Improvement

Online doctor of education in educational practice and innovation - stem education, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in curriculum studies, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in learning design and technologies, east tennessee state university.

Johnson City, Tennessee

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Lipscomb university.

Nashville, Tennessee

Doctorate in Education - Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Online doctor of education in learning organizations and strategic change, vanderbilt university.

Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Edd in k-12 educational leadership and policy, online edd in leadership and learning organizations, tarleton state university.

Department of Educational Leadership & Technology

Stephenville, Texas

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - EC-12 Education Leadership

Ed.d. in educational leadership - higher education leadership, ed.d. in educational leadership - superintendent or principal certification, texas a & m university-college station.

Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development

College Station, Texas

Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

Online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, texas tech university.

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Online doctor of education in higher education administration - community college administration, online doctor of education in higher education administration - higher education college/university administration, west texas a & m university.

College of Education and Social Science

Canyon, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Online doctorate of education in leadership in higher education, college of william and mary.

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

EdD in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership - International School Leadership

Edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - gifted education, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - higher education administration, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - k-12 administration, liberty university.

Lynchburg, Virginia

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

Online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - elementary education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - middle grades education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - secondary education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - special education, online doctor of education in school administration and supervision, university of virginia.

Curry School of Education

Charlottesville, Virginia

EdD in Administration and Supervision

Edd in higher education, virginia commonwealth university.

Richmond, Virginia

Doctor of Education in Leadership

Doctor of education in leadership - general leadership, doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, online doctor of education in leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - general leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, gonzaga university.

Spokane, Washington

Doctor of Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Among Indigenous Peoples

Doctor of educational leadership - leadership in catholic schools, doctor of educational leadership - pre-k-12 school leadership, university of wyoming.

Laramie, Wyoming

Online Ed.D. in Education - Higher Education Administration

Online edd in learning, design and technology, all on-campus no-dissertation edd programs.

25 Schools Found

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership

Doctorate in education - pk-12, la sierra university.

Department of Administration and Leadership

Riverside, California

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

Doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - educational psychology, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - higher education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - leadership and administration, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - neuroscience and education, doctor of education in educational psychology, doctor of education in educational psychology - mental health, doctor of education in school psychology, doctor of education in school psychology - bcba, university of colorado denver/anschutz medical campus.

School of Education and Human Development

Denver, Colorado

Doctorate in Education - Leadership for Educational Equity

Doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - early childhood education and early childhood special education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - executive leadership, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - higher education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - latin learners and community, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - mathematics education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - professional learning and technology, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - science education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - urban and diverse communities, university of connecticut.

Storrs, Connecticut

Delaware State University

Department of Education

Dover, Delaware

EdD in Educational Leadership in Higher Education

Edd in educational leadership in k-12, university of delaware.

Newark, Delaware

Barry University

Miami, Florida

Doctor of Education in Organizational Learning and Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Edd in organizational learning and leadership - educational leadership, edd in organizational learning and leadership - human resource development, florida state university.

Tallahassee, Florida

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Doctor of education in learning design & performance technology, lynn university.

Boca Raton, Florida

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

University of north florida.

Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management

Jacksonville, Florida

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Curriculum and Instruction

Doctor of education in educational innovation - education leadership, doctor of education in educational innovation - elementary education, doctor of education in educational innovation - middle grades, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 art education, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 health & physical education, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 music education, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - biology, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - chemistry, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - earth science, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - economics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - english, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - french, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - german, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - history, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - mathematics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - physics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - political science, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - science education, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - spanish, doctor of education in educational innovation - special education, university of hawaii at manoa.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Education Doctorate in Professional Education Practice

Depaul university, edd in curriculum studies, illinois state university.

Normal, Illinois

EdD in Education Administration and Foundations: P-12 Administration

University of illinois at chicago, doctor of education in urban education leadership, drake university.

Des Moines, Iowa

Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure

Edd in administration with superintendent licensure, university of iowa.

Iowa City, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Education Policy and Leadership Studies - Higher Education

Doctor of education in education policy and leadership studies - pk-12 administration, morehead state university.

Morehead, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership

Doctor of education in educational technology leadership, doctor of education in p-12 administrative leadership, northern kentucky university.

Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky

University of Louisville

Edd in educational leadership and organizational development, university of maryland-college park.

College Park, Maryland

Doctor of Education in School System Leadership

Michigan state university.

Department of Education Administration

East Lansing, Michigan

EdD in Educational Leadership - K12 Administration

University of mississippi.

University, Mississippi

EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Edd in math education, maryville university.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

Doctor of education in educational leadership - catholic, university of missouri-st louis, edd in educational practice, new hampshire, southern new hampshire university.

Manchester, New Hampshire

Rutgers University

Camden, New Jersey

EdD in Design of Learning Environments

Edd in education, culture, and society, edd in teacher leadership, cuny hunter college.

New York, New York

Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership

New york university.

Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

EdD in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Edd in higher education administration, russell sage college.

Esteves School of Education

Troy, New York

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Doctorate in Education - Educational Administration

North carolina, east carolina university.

Greenville, North Carolina

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Gardner-webb university.

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership

Western carolina university.

Human Services Department

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Executive Leadership

Miami university-oxford.

Oxford, Ohio

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Doctor in education studies - educational administration, pennsylvania, kutztown university of pennsylvania.

Department of Secondary Education

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Education Doctorate in Transformational Teaching and Learning

University of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

Department of Administrative and Policy Studies

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EdD in Health and Physical Activity

Edd in higher education management, edd in out of school learning, edd in social and comparative analysis in education, edd in special education - applied behavioral analysis, edd in special education - blindness/vision impairments/orientation and mobility, edd in special education - early intervention, edd in special education - emotional and behavioral disorders, edd in special education - learning disabilities, edd in special education - severe disabilities, edd in stem, clemson university.

Clemson, South Carolina

Doctorate in Education in Education Systems Improvement Science

Texas christian university.

Fort Worth, Texas

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Brigham young university-provo.

McKay School of Education

Provo, Utah

University of Utah

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

Salt Lake City, Utah

EdD in K12 Leadership and Policy - Administrative Licensure

K12 edd program, university of vermont.

College of Education and Social Services

Burlington, Vermont

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Seattle university.

Seattle, Washington

Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

University of washington-tacoma campus.

Tacoma, Washington

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

Doctoral program in educational leadership - adult education, doctoral program in educational leadership - higher education, doctoral program in educational leadership - nursing education and healthcare leadership, doctoral program in educational leadership - p-12 educators/superintendent credential, doctoral program in educational leadership - public service, washington state university.

Pullman, Washington

EdD in Educational Leadership - Administration

Edd in educational leadership - higher education leadership, edd in educational leadership - teacher leadership.

Best Doctorate Degree Online No Dissertation

Renee Whitmore

Editor-in-Chief

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In this article, we will be covering…

Some doctoral programs require you to be on-campus. Many other degree programs are entirely online. Others involve mostly online studies with a few campus visits.

And while some doctorate degrees online require a traditional dissertation, many other programs don’t. This means you can get your doctorate online and without a dissertation requirement.

What is Required Instead of a Dissertation?

Many online PhD programs include capstone projects (which are also known as a doctoral research project or a dissertation in practice) in lieu of traditional dissertations. A summative project like a capstone project or dissertation in practice puts your learning to the test. You solve real-world problems using the knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your studies.

To say that these are easy PhD programs might be a misnomer, but they are certainly the easiest PhD to get. A dissertation alone can take years to prepare for; without such a requirement, these online programs are easier and less time-consuming than many of your other options.

Why You Should Get a Doctorate

Getting an easy doctorate degree online is a great way to advance your career, build new skills, and acquire new knowledge. These doctoral programs are easier than on-campus, traditional dissertation-based doctorate degree programs. However, they still represent an academic challenge. These doctoral degrees without dissertation enable you to become a well-rounded student and more prepared for your chosen field of work.

Which Doctorate Should You Get?

Which online doctorate programs should you pursue? If you Google “the best doctorate degree online no dissertation,” you’ll get many results from various fields, including:

• nursing practice
• business administration
• public administration
• health care

But sifting through all those results for doctoral programs can be laborious and confusing. So, we’ll do it for you!

Below is a ranking of some of the easiest PhD programs online. These online doctoral programs represent some of the best options currently available. You can find an easy doctorate program online, no matter your area of interest. You can even find an 18 month doctorate without dissertation!

Many of these online doctoral programs allow transfer credits. You can shorten the time needed to complete the doctoral degree program by transferring credits. Likewise, many of the higher education programs listed below are quite affordable, so you can get the doctorate you want while also saving money.

Online Schools Report’s Methodology for Ranking the Best PhD Without Dissertation

The online doctorate programs listed below weren’t just randomly chosen from a Google search. Instead, each doctorate degree online meets a set of criteria that we use to determine the best options available for you. Our methodology includes several factors, including:

• online program criteria
• ancillary services
• school criteria

Let’s explore each doctoral degree online no dissertation in more detail.

Online Program Criteria

The largest component of our ranking methodology is program criteria. It is worth 50 percent of the total score.

When evaluating doctoral programs online with no traditional dissertation, we consider the following critical questions:

• Is the doctoral program 100 percent online? If not, how much of the program can be completed remotely? If campus visits are required, how long are those visits, and how frequent?
• What methods are used to deliver the program? Is it synchronous or asynchronous? Is the online experience intuitive and easy to use? Are there flexible due dates?
• Do the doctorate degree programs have good retention rates? What are the graduation rates like? How long does the program take? Is there an  18-month doctorate without dissertation option?

Using these and other program-related criteria, we can determine the value of an online doctoral program and rank it accordingly.

What Services are Provided?

Another important factor in determining the best online doctoral degree programs to list here is the ancillary services that the doctoral program offers.

For example, online doctoral programs with career services programs, job placement services, and tutoring are ranked higher than online programs that don’t.

Likewise, doctorate degree programs that offer “extras,” like internship placements or practicum placements in or near your hometown, get more points. These programs offer more value than those requiring you to do an internship at a location of their choosing.

Some doctoral programs even offer one-on-one learning. This benefits distance learners because you can work directly with a professor or mentors and discuss concepts you might need help mastering. It’s nice to have that one-on-one time with a professor to pick their brain, ask questions, and build rapport as well.

In other words, this component, which is worth 30 percent of the total score, is all about the flexibility a program offers.

Additionally, the services provided indicate the support you can expect during your learning experience.

School Criteria

The final 20 percent of our score for the easiest PhD degree programs is related to school criteria. This component relates to:

• Institutional accreditation
• The breadth and depth of the curriculum
• The school’s acceptance rates
• The experience level of the school’s professors

These are but a few examples. However, you can see how accredited schools with a high percentage of professors with a terminal degree would be ranked higher than a similar program that lacks both criteria.

Additional Criteria

Additionally, we narrowed our list down by selecting doctoral degree programs that meet the following criteria:.

• Positive reviews from students
• Offers a variety of online doctoral degree programs
• Offers some form of field experience, be that job shadowing, practicum, internship, or clinical experience.
• Offers an easy-to-use online learning portal

Additional Methodology Details

So, keep this methodology in mind as we explore some of the best doctoral degree online no dissertation. More details about this methodology are available here as well.

Note that these degree programs tick more of these boxes than most other online doctoral programs. This means they might provide you with a more well-rounded higher education.

Also note that the rankings below of the doctoral degree programs are in random order. Doing so allows you to determine which of these doctoral programs is a good fit without the distraction of numerical rankings to influence your choices.

Ranking the Best PhD Without Dissertation

Doctor of education in learning and organizational change, baylor university.

Baylor University offers this PhD program with a focus on educational leadership. The result is a Doctor of Education. This doctoral program aims to help doctoral students understand how to manage organizational change. This is done using the processes of teaching and learning.

Designed for education professionals, this is a top choice among online doctorate programs. It’s for teachers, administrators, and other educators who want a more prominent role in leading and managing school systems.

Likewise, this doctoral degree program prepares you to lead change-making in:

• government agencies
• businesses and corporations
• non-profit organizations

If you want online doctoral programs in education without dissertation, this is a great option.

Practitioner-Oriented

This is a practitioner-oriented doctoral degree program. This means you put what you learn about educational leadership into practice.

For example, you’ll take nine credits of learning foundations courses. There are 24 credits of organizational change courses. There are also nine credits of research methods courses. Then, you’ll put it all together at the end of your studies. Using the knowledge and skills you’ve gained about educational leadership, you’ll work on a Problem of Practice (PoP) and Capstone project.

The PoP experience challenges you to consider your professional experiences. You’ll explore what you’ve learned about educational leadership. You’ll consider how you can use your experience and learning to make measurable organizational change.

Program Features

• Weekly online courses provide you with guided learning opportunities and group discussions. Courses are delivered via video. You can interact with your professors and classmates in a real-time, face-to-face digital environment.
• On-campus immersion experiences are held twice during the program. These experiences give you and other doctoral students much-needed collaborative time to work on skill-building and knowledge-building about educational leadership.

Accreditations

Baylor University is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges .

Get more information about Baylor’s Online Doctor of Education Program in Learning and Organizational Change .

Doctor of nursing practice, bradley university.

Bradley University offers this online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It’s a top option in terms of the easiest doctorate to get.

Bradley University has three different doctoral program tracks to make it more accessible for students.

This doctoral degree program is for nurses interested in family practice. You need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited college or university to apply. Likewise, the BSN must be from a nursing program accredited by either:

This track is for nurses with a master of science in nursing (MSN) from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE-accredited program. If you’re interested in learning the administrative part of healthcare and want to take on a leadership role within a healthcare organization, this is the track for you.

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track is a great option if psychiatry interests you. You’ll learn therapeutic treatments, advanced nursing practice, and improve your psychological communication skills. You need a BSN from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE-accredited program to apply.

Regardless of which track you choose, you’ll learn from outstanding faculty with years of real-world nursing practice experience.

The program also takes a student-centered approach. You have access to Bradley’s learning tools and resources. You also get individualized attention that helps make your online studies a success. The emphasis on student support, working collaboratively with other doctoral students and professors, and the flexibility of choosing your preceptors for fieldwork are further reasons why this is on our list of easy doctorate degrees.

The Higher Learning Commission  accredits Bradley University. It’s recognized  by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top regional universities in the midwest.

Additionally, this Doctor of Nursing Practice doctoral degree online (DNP program) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .

Get more information about Bradley’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice .

Doctor of Criminal Justice

Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers this doctoral program. It’s likely to show up when searching for “what is the easiest doctorate degree?” There are many reasons for this.

First, the program is online. There is no residency requirement. There are no on-campus visits required.

Second, this online doctoral program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores. You can forgo those testing experiences, keep a little money in your pocket, and begin your studies faster. Of course, you must meet other admissions criteria (like already having a master’s degree). There’s no traditional dissertation process or dissertation in practice required, either!

Third, Northcentral University’s program is in a one-to-one format. You get individualized attention, guidance, and support to help you make your way through the program. This also means you can begin the program at virtually any time. You have the flexibility to start your studies when it works best for you.

Credits and Timeline

You’ll complete 18 courses worth 54 credit hours for this professional doctorate. You’ll need 45 months to meet these course requirements. This timeline might be reduced or expanded depending on your specific needs.

Coursework adapts to your interests as well. For example, this online PhD program offers specializations in:

• Organizational Leadership
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration

Whichever specialization you select, you’ll explore many different topics.

Sample Courses:

• Criminal justice
• Management and budgeting
• Civil and criminal liability
• Public safety

By completing doctorate degree programs like this, you set yourself up for career advancement in criminal justice.

For example, if you’re already a law enforcement officer, this degree could help you become a detective or criminal investigator. Likewise, if you work for a federal agency like the FBI, you could get a doctoral degree online and get a promotion to Special Agent in Charge. 

Other Possible Career Tracks:

• Intelligence Analyst
• Immigration and Customs Inspector
• First-Line Supervisor
• Compliance Manager
• Loss Prevention Manager
• Sheriff or Sheriff Deputy
• Police Detective

Northcentral University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .

Get more information about Northcentral University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice Online .

Doctor of business administration, walden university.

This Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree is offered entirely online by Walden University. It’s a top choice among online doctoral programs without dissertation.

One of the best features of this doctoral program is that there are many different options you can use to customize your learning experience.

Multiple Degree Tracks

For example, there are no less than 16 individual tracks from which you can choose, including:

• International Business
• Social Impact Marketing
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Energy Management

Of course, more traditional tracks like accounting, finance, marketing, and leadership are also available.

Capstone Project Possibilities

In addition to these specializations, you also get to choose among three capstone project options. These include:

• Traditional doctoral study

This allows you to pursue higher education in a manner that’s right for your interests and needs. A traditional doctoral study might be preferable for some doctoral students, particularly if they already have experience in research or higher education.

But for other students, a portfolio capstone project that reviews the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program might be preferable. Likewise, the consulting track allows you to get real-world experience working as a consultant, which you could then use to land a consulting job upon graduation.

Leadership Focus

In addition to focusing on specialized tracks and capstone projects, this program puts leadership and management skills front and center. You’ll learn how to think critically, become an excellent problem solver, and you’ll acquire the communication skills needed to be an effective leader in business administration.

Yet another factor that makes this a desirable program is that you can transfer up to 17 credits. So, if you’ve started your doctoral studies elsewhere, you might be able to move those credits to Walden and reduce the amount of time needed to finish your doctoral degree.

Upon enrolling in this program, you get access to many doctoral studies resources from Walden University. This includes access to a writing center that will help you develop your written communication skills.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Get more information about Walden University’s Online Doctor of Business Administration .

Doctor of physical therapy, arcadia university.

If you wish to continue your higher education in physical therapy, Arcadia University’s online Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a good option.

This doctoral program is not entirely online. But, the bulk of it is remote. Over six semesters, you’ll complete 110 credit hours. This includes coursework in:

• Differential Diagnosis and Intervention
• Integrated Patient Management
• Management and Leadership Principles in a PT Settings
• Exposure to Physical Therapy in a Health Care System

There are immersion experiences and clinical rotations as well.

Immersion Experience Details

Immersion experiences bring the cohort together on campus. These experiences allow you to study alongside your classmates and learn from professors in a real-world environment. They also let you practice the skills you’ve learned while using therapy equipment in a lab setting.

Additionally, there are 32 weeks of clinical practice. During practice, you’ll put what you’ve learned to the test in various settings.

For example, you’ll work in different clinical situations, with different patients, and with different supervisors. This gives you a complete picture of what it’s like to work as a physical therapist. This arrangement also allows you to practice your skills. You’ll get feedback on your work from multiple supervisors.

On top of all these features and benefits, this program is one of the top-ranked physical therapy degree programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Arcadia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well.

Get more information about Arcadia University’s Online Doctor of Physical Therapy .

Doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, university of wyoming.

This program is from the University of Wyoming. The EdD program in Curriculum and Instruction is 100 percent online. As part of your studies in this Doctor of Education program, you’ll take various curriculum design and instructional practice courses. This might include:

• Learning and cognition
• Action research
• Curriculum development
• Diversity in education
• Educational leaders as communicators
• Educational leaders as change agents

What is an Applied Program?

Unlike many doctoral programs, this is an applied program. It’s also a PhD no dissertation option. So, rather than traditional PhD studies with a research-based dissertation process, this program includes problem-based research, curriculum design activities, and field experiences. These experiences give you practical experience in curriculum and instruction.

You’ll complete a dissertation in practice. A dissertation in practice involves working on a highly complex education-related problem. You must solve the problem using innovative, research-based solutions. You have the option of working with:

• public schools
• private schools
• community-based educational organizations

You can also worth with other learning facilities to complete the dissertation in practice.

In-Person Option

While this is a 100 percent online doctoral program (which uses blended delivery methods like video conferencing, audio conferencing, and web chats), you have the option of attending courses on campus in Laramie, Wyoming, if you so choose.

Faculty members for the online courses are the same as for online courses. Whether you study online or make your way to Laramie, you’ll get the same high-quality higher education.

Other features of this education doctorate no dissertation include:

• the availability of assistantships on campus
• the ability to pursue a minor in a different field
• the opportunity to participate in high-tech teaching at the University of Wyoming Shell 3-D Visualization Center

At the Shell 3-D Visualization Center, faculty members engage in designing immersive learning experiences for students.

The University of Wyoming is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Get more information about the University of Wyoming’s Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction .

Doctor of leadership, andrews university.

Do you have a few years of work experience? Do you want to enhance your skills and abilities? The online Doctor of Leadership degree from Andrews University might be a good fit.

This is a project-focused doctoral program. There is no dissertation process or dissertation in practice requirement for this higher education leadership program.

Instead, you complete a final capstone project. A capstone project aims to meet competencies and use data to inform your decision-making process.

Hybrid Program

This is a hybrid program. Most work is remote. However, there is also a yearly visit required. The first visit is an orientation. Subsequent visits to campus are for an annual leadership conference. You’ll have roundtable discussions with your classmates and others in the leadership field during the conference.

One of the advantages of this program is that it’s short. There are 16 courses required for graduation. This is in addition to the doctoral project described above.

Andrews University works with you to build a learning program for your specific needs. You develop a plan of study that helps you meet your educational needs and achieve your career goals.

Other Features

• The ability to develop your own specialty
• Opportunities to learn from leaders from around the world
• A portfolio creation process with professional artifacts that are valuable when applying for jobs

This 54-credit program is shorter if you transfer applicable credits. This could make it one of the shortest doctoral programs on this list.

Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Get more information about Andrews University’s Online Doctor of Leadership .

Doctor of public administration.

Northcentral University’s online Doctor of Public Administration degree is one of the best PhD degree programs for working adults. This doctoral degree is 100 percent online. It’s a one-on-one learning format.

In other words, you can begin your degree when it’s right for you. Then, you can pursue your studies based on your schedule. You can continue working in your full-time job without school getting in the way.

Like other easy doctorates from Northcentral, this program doesn’t have a residency requirement. There isn’t a dissertation process or a dissertation in practice. In fact, there is no group work required. Instead, you can work at your own pace to get a doctoral degree and advance your career.

Learning Outcomes

• Learning how to formulate solutions to public policy issues at home and abroad
• Developing an understanding of how to contribute to the field of research in public administration
• Evaluating ethical issues and other problems in public organizations
• Creating strategies for improving organizations through evidence-based research
• Developing an understanding of the values that drive public administration

Additionally, you’ll learn about administrative law, principles of organization, and public management theory. The learning experiences in this program are many. They prepare to take the next step in your career.

Prepare for a Future Career or More Education

These outcomes are applicable in many areas of public administration. You might use this degree to advance to a higher position in your current workplace. You might also use it to find new employment at the management or executive level of:

• corporations
• state agencies
• federal agencies
• non-profits

This doctoral program includes 18 courses. You can finish in less than four years – all while continuing to work in your current job.

As a fully online, accredited program, the Doctor of Public Administration degree is a good option if you want a way to advance your career on your own terms.

Northcentral University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission . Accreditation is important to ensure that you’re getting the best possible education and that the learning outcomes are aligned with industry standards.

Get more information including scholarship and financial aid for Northcentral University’s Online Doctor of Public Administration .

Doctor of health administration, capella university.

Are you passionate about making positive changes in the healthcare system? The online doctoral program in healthcare administration from Capella University is worth a look!

This program includes multiple areas of specialty. You can tailor your learning to a specific area about which you are passionate.

General Health Administration

This is a good option if you want to become a health care leader. It has a focus on problem-solving and communication. Additional focuses are on collaboration and ethics.

Health Care Leadership

This track focuses on developing 21st-century leadership skills. You’ll also gain financial management skills and research skills. Together, this enables you to evaluate and interpret health care data.

Health Care Quality and Analytics

This option guides you in learning how to use analytics to improve patient outcomes. You’ll also learn how to increase the effectiveness of health care organizations and shape health care systems.

Health Policy and Advocacy

Studies in this track assist future health care professionals in developing skills needed to make organizational changes at the executive level that will positively impact patients’ lives.

A unique feature of this doctoral program is that it has an integrated capstone project and practicum experience.

Rather than completing a dissertation, you work with professors to solve a real-life health care organization problem in your capstone project. At the same time, you gain real-world experience by completing a practicum in a health care setting. Combined with a capstone project, this gives you excellent real-world experience before graduating.

If you’ve already begun doctoral studies in this field, you might be able to transfer up to 18 of those credits to apply towards this doctoral degree.

Capella University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Get more information about Capella University’s Online Doctor of Health Administration .

Doctor of public health, university of south florida.

The Doctor of Public Health online program from the University of South Florida is broad-based. It focuses on advanced education and training in public health.

Specifically, this doctoral program concentrates on the leadership roles you’ll be qualified for after completing this program. This can lead to employment in a wide range of settings, including:

• Health departments
• Community-based health organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• International agencies

To prepare you for competent practice, you’ll explore many topics. You’ll take courses related to lab management, global health assessment, and biocomputing, among others.

Throughout your course of study, you’ll develop advanced expertise in evidence-informed public health practice.

This is a hybrid program. This means that most courses are remote. But there is also an on-campus learning requirement. This on-campus experience includes three institutes. They allow you to collaborate with classmates and learn together in a real-life campus environment.

By mixing in-person learning with online learning, you can get the bulk of your studies done from home. However, you can still reap the rewards that in-person learning offers to students.

Another flexible feature of this doctoral program is the chance to choose from two tracks. You can select the Advanced Practice Leadership in Public Health option or choose the Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice option.

Either way, it’s a doctorate degree without dissertation. However, there is a doctoral project requirement that you complete in the field. This involves the delivery of three evidence-based outcomes as part of the project.

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges .

Get more information about the University of South Florida’s Online Doctor of Public Health .

Doctor of education in policy and leadership, american university.

This online EdD program from American University focuses on helping you develop the skills to be a leader and change-maker in the educational system.

In addition to allowing you to learn about educational theory, this doctoral program also emphasizes practice experience. The combination of the two enables you to lead the charge to change the American educational system for the better, and for all students.

Areas of Focus

You can use this doctoral degree to narrow your practical application of knowledge to one of many areas, including:.

• Policymaking
• Educational instruction
• Organizational leadership
• Strategic budgeting
• Talent management
• Collaborative inquiry

Additionally, you’ll take courses that help build skills related to:

• social justice
• systems change
• personal leadership
• educational research

This Doctor of Education program involves 40 credit hours of study. The coursework takes less than three years to complete. The bulk of the program is online. However, there are three required campus visits. There is one visit each in the first, fourth, and sixth terms of the program.

Like some of the other options on this list, this EdD program is cohort-based. This gives you the chance to build personal and professional relationships with your classmates over the course of the program. American University strives to create diverse cohorts that provide a rich learning environment.

Some of the courses are synchronous, meaning they are offered online and live at a certain time. Other courses are asynchronous and self-paced. This is a big bonus if you have work and family obligations. You can complete the self-paced courses as time allows. This makes this program a prime choice for an online doctorate no dissertation.

American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education .

Get more information about American University’s Online Doctor of Education in Policy and Leadership .

Doctor of psychology, southern california university.

Southern California University’s Doctor of Psychology program is for students with a bachelor’s degree. Likewise, if you have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, this is the program for you.

This program allows you to extend your studies. You can develop a higher level of skills related to clinical practice.

This 4-5 year program. Courses prepare you to meet the requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist.

This program includes courses related to:

• Advanced theories of personality
• Ethical and professional issues
• Physiological psychology
• Psychopharmacology
• Psychological assessment

In addition to these required core courses, you’ll take various elective courses. These classes are in your areas of interest as part of this doctoral program. Possible courses include sports psychology, the psychology of learning, and brief therapy, just to name a few.

But this program isn’t just about classroom learning. Instead, you also have the opportunity to participate in supervised clinical experiences. These experiences enable you to apply what you’ve learned to real-world clinical settings.

Rather than completing a lengthy dissertation, this program culminates with a doctoral project. The project is a practical application of your knowledge and skills. So, unlike a PhD, which focuses on research, this Doctor of Psychology program is much more focused on applying your learning in a clinical setting.

• Understanding appropriate communication skills for working with a variety of clients
• Understanding how social and cultural institutions influence each clients’ worldview
• Understanding how to design evidence-based treatment plans
• Understanding how to design psychometric assessments that are solidly based in proper theory
• Understanding how to study advanced psychological concepts

This program is 66 credits. It takes most students about four or five years to complete. However, California Southern University allows up to 30 transfer credits to speed up the process.

Likewise, you can take more classes each semester to shorten the timeline. Having that kind of flexibility is extremely valuable for any student. This is especially so if you have work or family obligations.

In addition to offering this easy doctorate degree online, California Southern University is also fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .

Get more information about California Southern University’s Online Doctor of Psychology .

Doctor of education in leadership for educational equity, university of colorado – denver.

This EdD program from the University of Colorado at Denver is cohort-based. You’ll study with the same group of students throughout the program.

You have additional flexibility because the program comes in a three-year or five-year format. It’s a great option if you currently work full-time.

This EdD program is specifically for people with experience as educators. The concentration of this program is on higher education.  You’ll gain the tools necessary to affect positive changes in higher education settings.

Rather than working on a traditional dissertation, this program requires you to complete a dissertation in practice. The goal of a dissertation in practice is to conduct research, problem-solve, and integrate principles of leadership and equity into this long-term assignment.

Topics of Study

• Leadership and equity
• Power and privilege
• Research methods
• Predictive analytics
• Finance and strategic resource allocation
• Strategic enrollment management
• Policy and governance / Law & ethics
• Organizational culture and performance

In addition to the 54 credit hours of online study, you must visit campus twice each year of the program. This equates to six or 10 campus visits, depending on which track you choose.

Admission to this program is much like the other online doctoral programs on this list. You must already have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. You also need to submit a curriculum vitae or resume and three letters of recommendation. Also needed are official transcripts, two professional artifacts, and a statement of purpose.

The University of Colorado at Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission .

Get more information about the University of Colorado at Denver’s Online Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity .

Doctor of business administration in financial management.

The PhD in Business Administration (PhD-BA)degree from Northcentral University concentrates on building skills related to financial management.

You’ll conduct research, analyze data, and learn how to manage financial resources. Likewise, your courses build knowledge to develop strategic financial planning measures. You’ll also learn how to maximize return on investment for your clients.

To do so, you’ll work closely with the faculty to explore topics such as:

• Financial statement analysis
• Investment selection techniques
• Risk management
• Financial business decision models

This program includes 20 courses worth 60 semester credit hours. It takes less than four years to complete this degree. Faculty with terminal degrees guide your studies.

Additionally, there are no scheduled class meeting times. There is no group work, and there are weekly course start dates.

This program has flexible due dates and the ability to schedule your courses around your work and life obligations. You can also work directly with your professors in a one-on-one format.

As a result of this, graduates of this program have the ability to:

• Evaluate business practices
• Defend business theories to diverse audiences
• Evaluate the interconnectedness of globalism and business decisions
• Develop a clear understanding of current business and finance theories
• Formulate solutions to critical business problems

You can also choose from a variety of related specializations.

PhD Specializations

You can choose from any of the following:

• Project Management
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Homeland Security Leadership and Policy
• Health Services
• Advanced Accounting
• Global Business Management
• Information Technology
• Strategic Marketing

Get more information about Northcentral University’s Online PhD in Business Administration in Financial Management . 

The university of arizona – global campus.

The University of Arizona Global Campus’ online doctor of psychology program is flexible. You can complete your doctoral degree on your terms.

The program includes 10 core courses. There are seven specialization courses and a capstone project as well.

You must complete an Applied Doctoral Project. This is instead of a dissertation. The Applied Doctoral Project consists of two planning courses. There are also five units of applied coursework.

This online doctoral program is 62 credits. Those credits consist of courses that are mostly six to nine weeks in length. There are also several on-campus weekend residencies.

Degree Outcomes

• The ability to apply best practices when working with clients
• Exhibit culturally diverse standards when working with different groups, communities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Develop a deep understanding of psychological theories, evidence-based methods, and appropriate research methods in psychology
• Exhibit leadership skills
• Possess the ability to critically evaluate applied psychological research methods

Additionally, this program offers three specialization areas. You may choose between Criminology and Justice Studies, Health and Wellness Psychology, and Sport and Performance Psychology. 

The University of Arizona Global Campus is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .

Get more information about the University of Arizona Global Campus’ Online Doctor of Psychology .

Doctor of social work, the university of tennessee- knoxville.

The doctor of social work program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is a specialized program that focuses on clinical practice and leadership.

Students who enroll in this program are typically working professionals in social work. The program helps advance your knowledge and skills to deliver improved services to your clients.

This is an intensive, accelerated program. It takes just three years to complete.

• An opportunity for advanced clinical practice rooted in evidence-based theory
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Yearly on-campus sessions

As part of the online coursework and yearly on-campus sessions, you participate in activities to develop clinical leadership skills. You also gain applied research skills and advanced practice skills in social work.

Sample Courses

• Neuroscience
• Psychopathology
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Clinical Research
• Trauma-Focused Interventions

You must meet several criteria to gain admission. You must have a master’s degree in social work. The master’s degree must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Additionally, you must have at least three years of clinical practice experience beyond your clinical practice from your master’s program.

It’s important to note that this is a professional practice degree – a DSW rather than a PhD. The difference is that a professional practice degree prepares online doctoral students for clinical practice and leadership in social work. A PhD in social work focuses on research and contributing to the research knowledge base in social work.

The University of Tennessee is fully accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges .

Get more information about the University of Tennessee’s Online Doctor of Social Work .

Occupational therapy doctorate, quinnipiac university.

Are you already a registered occupational therapist? The occupational therapy doctorate from Quinnipiac University allows you to gain advanced knowledge and skills. You can use what you learn to deliver improved services to your clients. Likewise, you might find that career advancement is more straightforward with a doctorate.

This program allows you to bring your past experiences as an occupational therapist to the virtual classroom. You can blend those experiences with skills development, new professional knowledge, and opportunities to learn from other professionals.

You’ll find that this program offers good flexibility. Courses are in a single module format. Each course’s duration varies depending on the content.

Most coursework is online. There is one campus visit, though. It’s a weeklong class in the summer. There’s also a Symposium Day after the final semester. Additionally, there is an optional on-campus orientation. It’s highly recommended that you attend that as well.

Furthermore, this occupational therapy program doesn’t interfere with your work schedule. Instead, the goal is to build new skills you can apply in your current job.

• Critical inquiry of scholarship
• Studies in evidence-based practice
• Innovations and emerging issues in children and youth
• Adult health care

There is also a doctoral capstone project. It allows you to contribute to the body of research in occupational therapy. You’ll also gain critical skills to apply in the field.

If you only have a bachelor’s degree, you can still enter this program. This is a unique feature. It might help you get your doctorate more quickly. You’ll have to complete Quinnipiac’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Occupational Therapy first.

Quinnipiac University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education .

Get more information about Quinnipiac University’s Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate .

Frequently asked questions about the best doctoral degrees online with no dissertation, are there any 1-year phd programs online.

There are some 1-year PhD programs online. Typically, online doctoral programs take at least three years to complete. In many cases, your studies might take up to five years.

Usually, 1-year PhD programs online are accelerated degree programs. You need prior knowledge and experience to enroll in a program like this. So, for example, if you have a master’s degree in business administration, you might be able to complete a PhD program in business administration in as little as one year or two years.

These higher education programs require you to attend school year-round to meet the year deadline. This means taking summer courses. You might also take intersession courses between the spring and summer semesters and again between the summer and fall semesters.

What is the easiest PhD without dissertation to get?

While PhD programs are rigorous, some online doctoral programs are less challenging than others. The level of challenge depends on other factors, too:

• your study habits
• your ability to finish coursework
• your existing level of education and experience

For example, if you already have a master’s degree in counseling psychology and have worked as a counseling psychologist for ten years, getting a PhD in counseling psychology will be easier for you than for those with less experience.

Having said that, there are some disciplines known for being easier than others. This might make getting a PhD in those areas easier.

PhDs with a reputation for being easy include:

• Educational Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Leadership and Management
• College Policy and Administration
• Health Sciences
• Business Administration
• Nursing Practice
• Technology Management
• Safety Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy

Many of the easiest PhDs to get are in the field of education. Again, a large part of this is because people that seek out education-related PhDs already have a great deal of practical experience in education. They likely already have a master’s degree in education as well.

How are PhD programs for working adults structured?

Many colleges and universities offer PhD programs for working adults that are highly flexible. You can get a higher education degree while working around your work and family schedules.

In most cases, these PhD courses are online. Completing your course requirements is much easier by removing the need to travel to a college campus for class and doing distance learning.

You can do this without sacrificing the classroom experience of working with your classmates and professors. This is because many online doctoral programs offer video conferencing and live streaming. You and your classmates can see and hear one another, interact with your professors, and work together on collaborative projects.

In some cases, online courses for working adults are in an asynchronous format. You can take courses in an order that best fits your schedule.

Furthermore, many of the courses in these types of degree programs are self-directed. This means you can complete assignments and other course requirements on your own schedule, not the professor’s.

Granted, self-paced learning is not a feature of all online courses that working adults might take. It is reasonable to assume that at least some of your courses will follow that format.

Another feature of online PhD programs is that they are often flexible in terms of how long you take to complete them. For example, if a higher education program normally takes three years to complete, you might be able to work on graduation requirements for four or five years to get the same degree. If going part-time works better for you, it might take longer but can still be accomplished.

There are typically many different class options as well. For example, a course might be offered in the spring semester and the fall, and perhaps even in the summer. This gives you greater flexibility for completing the necessary courses.

In some cases, you might also find that colleges and universities work with you to transfer existing credits or give you credit for work experiences. Doing so reduces the number of course credits you need to take to get the desired PhD.

This, in turn, reduces the amount of time you need to complete your PhD program. Not all schools accept transfer credits, though. Check with the schools you’re considering to be sure your existing credits are accepted.

Related Reading:

• Best Online Doctorates in Sports Medicine
• Best Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

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35 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Education without Dissertation [2024 Degree Programs]

Explore the 35 best accredited Online Doctoral Programs in Education without dissertation requirements with our program guide!

As an educator, one of your greatest joys in life may come from helping others grow in their knowledge. The more education you have, the more equipped you will be to help others learn.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Through a doctoral program in education, you can become an expert in your chosen field, but may not want to tackle a dissertation. There are more and more universities offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate Programs in Education Without Dissertation

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

The universities below offer doctorate of education degrees without requiring a dissertation. Under each school listed, you will find the specific EdD degrees offered. In addition, a number of schools have no GRE requirement for admission , though it varies by program.

1. Barry University

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Educational Leadership

2. Baylor University

Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Doctoral Degree in Education Programs

• EdD in Learning and Organizational Change

3. California University of Pennsylvania

Cal U is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Doctorate Degree in Education Program

• EdD in Education Administration and Leadership

4. Capella University

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Programs in Education

• EdD in Adult Education
• EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
• EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership
• EdD in Reading and Literacy

5. Concordia University, St. Paul

CSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Educational Programs

• Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)

6. East Tennessee State University

ETSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Doctoral Programs in Education

• EdD in Global Sport Leadership

7. Fordham University

Fordham is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Middle States Association.

Online Doctorates in Education

8. franklin university.

Franklin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Education Doctoral Programs

• EdD in Organizational Leadership

9. Governors State University

Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Doctoral Programs in Education Online

• EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership

10. Idaho State University

Idaho State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Online Doctor of Education Programs

• EdD in Educational Leadership – Instructional Design and Technology Concentration

11. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• EdD in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• EdD in Mind, Brain & Teaching
• EdD in Urban Leadership

12. Liberty University

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Elementary Education
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Middle Grades
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Secondary
• EdD in Curriculum And Instruction – Special Education

13. Maryville University

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs

• EdD in Higher Education Leadership

14. Morehead State University

Morehead is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Education Doctorate Degree Programs

• EdD in Adult and Higher Education Leadership
• EdD in P-12 Administrative Leadership
• EdD in Educational Technology Leadership

15. National Louis University

National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Doctoral Degrees in Educational Leadership Programs

16. nebraska methodist college.

Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Schools offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

17. New York University

NYU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Accredited Online Degree Programs in Education

• EdD in Leadership and Innovation

18. Northeastern University

Northeastern is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Doctoral Degree in Education Degree Programs

• EdD in Higher Education Administration
• EdD in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership
• EdD in Organizational Leadership Studies

19. Northern Illinois University

NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree Programs in Education

• EdD in Higher Education – Community College Leadership

20. Nova Southeastern University

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Doctoral Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Curriculum & Teaching
• EdD in Human Services Administration
• EdD in Instructional Technology & Distance Education
• EdD in Reading Education
• EdD in Special Education

21. Texas A&M University

TAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Education Schools Online Programs

22. university of dayton.

University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Colleges Online Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership for Organizations

23. University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Educational Degree Programs

• EdD in Educational Practice

24. University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Education Programs Online

• EdD in Educational Practice and Leadership (4 specializations)

25. University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University Degree Programs

26. university of southern california.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Educational and Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

• EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership

27. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

College and University Online Educational Degree Programs

• EdD in Education Administration
• EdD in Higher Education

28. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

College Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Curriculum & Instruction

29. University of West Alabama

UWA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

School Degree Programs Online

• EdD in Rural Education

30. University of Western States

University of Western States is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University Online Degree Programs

• EdD in Sport and Performance Psychology

31. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Educational Leadership Doctorate Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

32. Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

No Dissertation Doctoral Degree Programs

• EdD in Leadership

33. Walden University

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Higher Education, Curriculum, and Leadership Degree Programs

• EdD in Community College Leadership
• EdD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• EdD in Early Childhood Education
• EdD in Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure)
• EdD in Educational Technology
• EdD in Higher Education (Self-Designed)
• EdD in Higher Education and Adult Learning
• EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Management
• EdD in P–20 Education (Self-Designed)
• EdD in Reading, Literacy, and Assessment

34. Wilkes University

Wilkes University isaccredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Educational Leadership Doctoral Degrees

• EdD in Educational Leadership (3 concentrations)

35. Wilmington University

WilmU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online University Degrees in Educational Leadership and Higher Education

• EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation

Online EdD Programs Without Dissertation

Select the Education degree specialization that most interests you from the list below:

Adult Learning

Community college leadership, curriculum & instruction, early childhood education, educational administration, educational counseling, educational psychology, educational technology, higher education leadership, reading & literacy, special education.

Online education programs, especially those that don’t require dissertations, allow you to pursue doctoral studies through a format that fits your busy life.

Although educating children might be the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think about teachers, adult education is just as important. If you have a passion to equip adult learners with skills and knowledge, then consider an EdD with a specialization in Adult Learning.

Many graduates put this degree to work in higher education settings; for example, you could run programs to help people return to college after a break. Others provide training and education in public health, business or government settings.

Topics of study may include working with groups, providing ethical leadership and understanding learning styles.

Community colleges provide many people with access to affordable, convenient higher education. If you have a passion for helping college students succeed in the classroom, then a concentration in Community College Leadership can fuel your professional growth.

Your topics of study may include budgeting, educational technology, policy making, diversity and evaluation methods. You’ll also learn about organizational leadership and discuss how to guide organizations through times of transition.

After graduation, you are likely to hold a leadership position in a community college, but you could also work for related organizations, such as a government education agency.

If you’re passionate about education, then you probably want to help students learn in the best way possible. Whether your goal is to work with children or adults, a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction can help you become a more effective teacher or educational leader.

In your studies, you’ll learn more about the theories that shape teaching methods, curriculum styles and means of evaluating student progress. You may need to hold a valid teaching license before beginning this program.

After earning your doctorate, you might work in school administration, hold a leadership role among classroom teachers, teach in academia or serve as an educational consultant.

When you shape children during their early years, you can make a difference that lasts for a lifetime. By studying Early Childhood Education, you will become an expert in working with children up to age eight. This training can be useful in preschool and early elementary settings.

You can also apply your studies in government agencies or community programs, or you can prepare the next generation of teachers as an instructor at the college level.

You may want to look for a program that is accredited or recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

While teachers work in the classroom, administrators are working behind-the-scenes to ensure that high-quality education is being delivered throughout the institution.

Administrators work at all levels of education. For example, administrators in higher education may be responsible for maintaining a safe and satisfied student body, ensuring that legal regulations are being followed, or determining whether effective instruction and evaluation practices are being used.

With a concentration in Educational Administration, you could become a university’s dean of students, admissions director, academic dean or president. For schools with younger students, you could serve as the principal, special education director or superintendent.

To help others become effective counselors, consider a concentration in Educational Counseling. After earning this degree, you may serve in a supervisory or training capacity over counseling students or school counselors.

For success in this field, you must have a good grasp of counseling practices and well as effective instructional methods. Your curriculum may cover counseling theories, instructional methods, ethical practices and program evaluation. In addition, you may discuss case studies with your classmates and have hands-on opportunities to practice your supervision skills.

After graduation, you could work at a university or a healthcare facility, or you could join a government agency.

What factors influence how students learn and how teachers teach? With a specialization in Educational Psychology, you can delve into the psychological factors that play a role in educational processes. Through classes like Human Development, Personality Psychology, Evaluations and Analyses, and Ethical Psychology Practices, you’ll study topics such as motivation, social behaviors, growth and development, and cultural influences.

With this degree, you might decide to work in a school setting or serve as a corporate trainer. To hold a school counselor or school psychologist position, you may need to pursue licensure in your state; additional coursework may be required.

In many ways, technology is changing the face of education at all levels. If you want to be on the cutting edge of these educational developments, then you could pursue a concentration in Educational Technology.

During your doctoral work, you may study digital media, multimedia presentations and eLearning delivery methods, and you’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these platforms. Your program will also cover planning, implementing and evaluating organizational change.

You may want to look for a program in which the curriculum is aligned with the standards set by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Being a leader requires being able to navigate change and guide others through the transition process. As a student in the Higher Education Leadership specialization, you’ll study effective means of leading schools and other educational organizations.

Your curriculum may cover instructional methods and organizational psychology. Additionally, the doctoral program will address methods of motivating staff and students to implement new, more effective teaching and learning methods.

This specialization can prepare you for an administrative role at a community college or a university. You could also put your degree into practice as a workplace trainer or an organizational change consultant.

Strong reading skills can make all the difference during the school years and beyond. To help improve reading and comprehension for kids or adults, become an expert in the field with a Reading and Literacy concentration.

You’ll learn about working through language barriers, assessing literacy skills, applying for grants and implementing reading programs. Your degree program will also cover the various theories behind language and literacy education.

Although this degree can be quite helpful in a classroom setting, you can also pursue this field if you want to become a curriculum writer, a school consultant, a government policymaker or the director of a community program.

Teachers and administrators who work with special-needs students require a unique set of skills and knowledge. A Special Education concentration will hone the work you do among at-risk students, gifted learners, and those with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.

The coursework may cover legal issues, data interpretation and program implementation. With a doctorate, you could become the director of an elementary or secondary special education program, or you could teach in the education department of a university.

Of course, you might also choose to work directly with students in the classroom, or you could write curriculum for special-needs learners.

Education Careers & Salary

Earning a doctoral degree in education can open a number of career paths to you. Many of these options are in growing fields that offer promising salaries. For the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job-growth rate of 5% for teachers, trainers and librarians. Some doctoral-level positions within the field of education are expected to experience a faster growth rate.

School Principals

Administrators, such as principals, may work at the elementary, middle school or high school levels.

Job Growth:

• Job Growth: 4%

Average Salary:

• Annual Median Salary: $98,490

Professors and Other Postsecondary Teachers

In a higher-education setting, you could train future teachers or work with adult learners.

• Job Growth: 9%
• Annual Median Salary: $80,790

Instructional Coordinator

The responsibilities of an instructional coordinator include overseeing curriculum and teaching methods.

• Job Growth: 6%
• Annual Median Salary: $66,970

Corporate or Industrial Training Specialist

As a training specialist, you can help employees improve their professional skills.

• Annual Median Salary: $62,700

University Administrator

Student deans, academic deans, admissions directors and college presidents are part of a school’s administrative team.

• Annual Median Salary: $97,500

Accreditation

Any college or university that you attend should be regionally accredited. This means that the entire school has received the approval of one of the main regional accreditors , such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Your doctoral program may have additional accreditation from an industry-specific organization. The main accrediting body for schools of education is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Early childhood programs may receive a distinction from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Such accreditations affirm that a program is of the highest quality.

Financial Aid

The first step to obtaining financial aid for your doctoral program is to complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you’ve taken care of that, you may be able to qualify for financial aid in the form of:

• Scholarships
• Federal Work-Study
• Fellowships

Professional Organizations

Educators know how important it is to learn from one another, so there are many professional organizations available for people in this field. Becoming a member of one or more of these groups may offer you opportunities for networking, support, discounts and professional development.

Professional organizations include:

• American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
• American Association of University Administrators (AAUA)
• Association of American Educators (AAE)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• National Education Association (NEA)

What is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)?

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree is a terminal degree designed for individuals who aspire to become leaders and experts in various fields related to education.

The primary purpose of an Ed.D. program is to enhance the skills and knowledge of scholars, teachers, university faculty, and other professionals with a focus on improving teaching practices, shaping educational policies, and promoting effective learning environments in workplaces.

The benefits of pursuing an Ed.D. include gaining practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to one’s job, such as implementing applied research methodologies and utilizing decision-making rubrics to address real-life problems. The degree program often offers specialized concentrations tailored to specific career paths. For instance, a teacher, principal, or dean might choose a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction, while an education administrator might opt for Educational Leadership. Additionally, professionals in fields like nursing, the military, or business may find value in concentrations such as Organizational Leadership.

Is It Possible to Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online doctoral programs; from beginning to end, you may never have to step foot on campus or meet face-to-face with your faculty advisors. Other schools have hybrid programs that can be completed mostly online but may require some on-campus classes or in-person residencies.

In fact, some universities now offer EdD programs without GRE requirements.

Are There Doctoral Programs in Education That Do Not Require a Dissertation?

In a doctoral program, it’s important for the faculty to assess how much you know about your chosen area of study. A dissertation is one means of conducting that evaluation, but it’s not the only way. Some doctoral programs do not require a dissertation , but instead rely on capstone projects or other assessments.

What is the Difference Between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

An EdD is a professional doctorate designed for real-world application. It’s most suitable for those who want to continue working in the field.

A PhD may deal more with educational theory and research. It may be suited for those who want to conduct original research or teach at the college level.

What is the Difference Between an EdD vs. EdS?

The main difference between an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) program and an Ed.S. (Education Specialist) program lies in their academic focus, scope, and career outcomes. Both degrees are postgraduate programs in the field of education, but they serve different purposes and cater to distinct career goals.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

An Ed.D. is a terminal degree, similar to a Ph.D., and is designed for individuals seeking leadership roles and expertise in educational research, policy-making, and administration. Ed.D. programs focus on advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, emphasizing leadership and innovation in educational settings. Graduates often pursue careers as school superintendents, education policymakers, or higher education administrators.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

On the other hand, an Ed.S. program is an intermediate, post-master’s level degree. It provides specialized training for educators looking to advance their careers in specific areas, such as school counseling, curriculum development, or educational technology. Ed.S. programs concentrate on practical skills and application, preparing graduates to become specialists in their chosen field, typically working as school counselors, instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists.

An Ed.D. is a more research-oriented and leadership-focused degree, while an Ed.S. is a specialized program that enhances expertise in a specific educational area. The choice between the two depends on individual career aspirations, with the Ed.D. leading to higher-level leadership roles and the Ed.S. providing specialized expertise in a particular education-related field.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Education?

In general, a full-time education doctoral program may take three to four years to complete. A select few with accelerated tracks may be doable in just 18 to 24 months. Programs that require dissertations may take longer than non-dissertation doctorates.

Can I Work While Earning a Doctorate in Education?

Working full-time while going to school requires flexibility. Online doctoral programs can be ideal for those who need to balance school and employment. If you find that a full-time class load is too much, consider part-time enrollment.

What is the Biggest Difference Between a Traditional and an Online EdD Program?

Campus-based and online programs cover the same material and produce comparable results, but online EdD programs may offer greater scheduling flexibility. With >online classes, you may learn the material through a variety of media, including message boards, textbooks, interactive simulators, live discussions and prerecorded lectures.

How to Choose an Ed.D. Program

Choosing to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) can seem like a daunting task, as the landscape of available programs can be vast and diverse. To aid aspiring doctoral candidates in making a well-informed decision, we’ve created a list of essential considerations for selecting an Ed.D. program.

• Program Delivery : Decide on your preferred mode of instruction, whether it’s a fully online, on-campus, or a blended Ed.D. program, depending on your personal preferences and logistical requirements.
• Program Duration : Evaluate whether the doctorate in education program offers part-time or full-time options that align with your current work commitments, ensuring it can be accommodated within your schedule.
• Areas of Specialization : Assess if the available Ed.D. concentrations align with your educational and career aspirations, as this will directly impact your expertise and future career prospects.
• Faculty Qualifications : Evaluate the expertise and engagement of Ed.D. professors within the education profession. Assess if their research interests align with your own and if their experience is relevant to your leadership objectives.
• Financial Considerations : Investigate the availability of internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, to support your tuition costs. Additionally, consider the average loan burden of Ed.D. students and the potential for salary advancements after graduation.
• Required Coursework : Examine the relevance, currency, and applicability of the Ed.D. course content to your current or desired professional role, ensuring the program meets your specific career needs.
• Internship & Practical Experiences : Determine if you are interested in supervised leadership opportunities, as certain programs may include internships or fieldwork components to enhance practical skills.
• Dissertation or Culminating Project : Choose between a traditional dissertation or an alternative final project as the culmination of your doctoral studies, depending on your preferences and academic goals.

Keep in mind that the importance of each factor may vary based on individual values and priorities. Considering these key points will help you make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable Ed.D. program to meet your academic and career goals.

Exams Know-how

Earning Your Doctorate Without a Dissertation: Alternative Pathways to a PhD

What Is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is a lengthy and formal research document that is typically a requirement for the completion of a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). It represents a significant scholarly project that demonstrates a student's ability to conduct independent research, contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their field, and make an original and substantial academic contribution.

Depending on the academic institution and subject of study, dissertations come in a variety of lengths and formats. Some master's programs may also include a thesis or dissertation as a final project, even though these types of projects are most frequently associated with doctorate degrees. However, these types of projects are generally shorter and less comprehensive than doctoral dissertations. Yocket is your go-to resource for information, insights, and support on non-dissertation doctoral programs.  

Read Also - What is Dissertation

How does a dissertation work?

Students are frequently required to conduct research for their dissertations. They may pick the subject. They decide on the dissertation's subject matter. This essay-length document is lengthier. It might include tens of thousands of words. The objective is to convey their research on a certain subject or issue. There are quite stringent guidelines for some programmes. Others let the pupils entirely decide what to talk about.

Dissertations need a significant amount of time to finish. They demand that students invest significant time in thorough research. They could influence whether a student earns a degree. They must thus be finished carefully and with great care.

Why Are Dissertations Required for So Many Programmes?

The majority of programmes need dissertations to be completed. They facilitate the sharing of knowledge by pupils. Many of them are research articles that offer various points of view. Some are designed to be more of a discussion that has a resolution. Making sure a student can finish an independent research report is an aim for many colleges. To some extent, these skills could be quite helpful. They serve as the last grade in several schools.

They require a lot of time to finish. The longest and most significant task that most students will complete is a dissertation. They can need months to plan and finish. A lot of pupils will get assistance from their lecturers. They could be perfect for people who are fervent about a subject. Others may find them to be among the most taxing kinds of tasks.

List of Doctorates that Do Not Require a Dissertation

Numerous Ph.D. programmes do not demand a typical dissertation as the final output. Instead, the dissertation requirement is frequently replaced with alternate research or academic initiatives in these programmes. Following are some instances of such doctorates:

• Business Administration
• Computers & Information Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration
• Public Health

The particular prerequisites for doctorate programmes might change significantly across institutions and even between different programmes at the same institution, which is an essential point to remember. In order to choose a programme that fits your academic and professional objectives, investigate and evaluate several options if you're thinking about earning a doctorate without the conventional dissertation. When selecting a PhD programme , accreditation and programme quality should also be carefully considered. Get personalized advice, program recommendations, and more on Yocket premium .

18-Month Doctorate Without Dissertation Online

There are certain online doctoral programmes meant to be finished in a shorter amount of time, such as 18 months, and may not require a traditional dissertation, although traditional PhD programmes normally contain a dissertation and take several years to complete. These programmes frequently provide a different final project. The following are a few instances of 18-month doctorate without dissertation online:

• Business Programs-  You can obtain a PhD in business in either accounting or management. Obtaining a Master's degree in business administration with a focus in either of these two disciplines is often the initial step.
• Education- It is also feasible to pursue your studies and acquire a PhD in education. However, there may be a distinction between the standards you must satisfy if you wish to receive an 18-month doctorate education programme without a dissertation.
• Engineering- It's also feasible to obtain a PhD in engineering without completing a dissertation. The degrees, which may also be known as Doctor of Science in Engineering degrees, are often given out by institutions with a strong focus on research.
• Law- Without doing further coursework connected to finishing a dissertation, law degrees are also accessible. The average length of time to earn a law degree is 18 months, and most institutions that offer these programmes normally require an internship or practicum before you can graduate.
• Liberal Arts- A doctorate in liberal arts without a dissertation is also offered; it takes 18 months to complete. Schools that want their students to learn more in-depth information about specific subjects of study may give the degree, which may go by the designation of Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Sciences.
• Nursing- A doctoral programme in nursing can be completed via remote learning with or without the completion of a dissertation. Although some programmes can be finished in as little as 18 months, most students must still complete extra coursework and clinical training before receiving their diplomas.
• Science- Doctoral science programmes are typically offered by colleges and universities to entice young scientists to complete their education. While some of these programmes could be more focused on encouraging students to conduct research, others might be more concerned with preparing students for the workforce.

For people looking to acquire a PhD while adapting their particular circumstances and professional aspirations, earning a doctorate without the traditional dissertation is an increasingly practical and well-liked choice. We have examined a number of alternate routes that enable people to obtain the greatest degree of academic acknowledgment without the sometimes difficult dissertation procedure throughout this investigation. Explore non-dissertation doctoral programs and take the next step in your academic journey today with Yocket.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doctorate Without Dissertation

1. Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation?

A conventional dissertation is required for certain online doctorate programmes, but not all of them. This indicates that you can obtain your PhD without submitting a dissertation online.

2. What does PhD without dissertation mean?

With the exception of completing the dissertation (or thesis) and presenting it for final approval at the conclusion of a PhD programme, graduate students who have earned the informal title ABD have completed all programme requirements.

3. What is the quickest doctorate degree to get?

Online Doctoral Programmes for One Year: 1. Doctorate in Behavioral Health. 2. Doctorate Ethereal Degree in Grief Counseling. 3. Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy 4. Doctor of Nursing Practice. 5. Doctor of Occupational Therapy 6. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision.

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How To Get A Doctorate Degree Without A Dissertation

• October 21, 2022

Table of Contents

Getting a doctorate involves hard work and commitment, but not all doctoral programs are built alike. While some doctorate degrees online require a traditional dissertation, many other programs don’t. This means you can get your online doctorate without dissertation requirements.

This has become an attractive option for many aspiring scholars. Understanding the nuances between programs with traditional dissertations and those with alternatives, such as Doctoral Research Projects (DRPs), is crucial in making an informed decision.

How is it Possible to Get an Online Doctorate Without Dissertation Requirements?

Many online DBA programs , such as California Intercontinental University’s, include capstone projects known as Doctoral Research Projects (DRP) instead of traditional dissertations.  But what exactly sets these two paths apart? 

A Doctoral Research Project, in essence, puts your learning to the test while you solve real-world problems. You get to use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your studies.

DRP vs Dissertation: What’s the difference?

It all boils down to theoretical exploration versus practical application . Traditional dissertations involve extensive theoretical research and lengthy documents, while DRPs focus on hands-on application without the exhaustive writing process. Prospective students must consider their preference for academic rigor versus real-world relevance.

Essentially, DRPs prioritize applying knowledge in practical scenarios , offering a more flexible structure that blends research methods, critical thinking, and scholarly paper presentation without the frills of a traditional dissertation. 

Think of DRPs as the sweet spot where academic rigor meets real-world relevance. It offers a more hands-on approach without the marathon writing sessions.

While we’re at it, consider reading our article on the differences between DBA vs MBA .

Advantages of a Doctoral Research Project in an Online Doctorate Without Dissertation

There are three key advantages to opting for a DRP in an online doctorate without a dissertation:

• Practical approach to learning
• Less writing and more flexibility
• Accreditations and recognition

Real-World Application of Knowledge

The heart of a DRP lies in its emphasis on the practical application of knowledge . Students engage in research, plan and design projects, and present findings in a scholarly paper, demonstrating their ability to solve real-world problems. 

This approach ensures that the skills and knowledge acquired during the program immediately apply in various professional settings.

DRPs have real-world impact, as students work with real businesses and apply their knowledge to real projects. Therefore, the program goes beyond academic exercises and translates theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions for industry challenges.

Flexibility and Completion Time:

One of the significant advantages of pursuing a doctorate with a DRP is the flexibility it affords students. Unlike traditional dissertations, which may have more rigid timelines, DRPs allow learners to manage their time effectively . 

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with professional commitments or familial responsibilities, enabling them to tailor their studies to fit their unique schedules.

Completion times for DRPs vary, and prospective students should consider this aspect carefully. While some individuals may complete the program more swiftly, the flexibility allows others to pace themselves according to their circumstances.

Consider CIU’s Doctorate in Business Administration program, which allows students to earn a doctorate degree without dissertation requirements of any kind. The program is designed to be able to be finished within 3 years, but students are free to pace themselves as they see fit.

Program Accreditation and Recognition:

Ensuring the legitimacy of an online doctorate program is paramount. Programs offering DRPs, like California Intercontinental University’s DBA program, often hold accreditation from respected bodies like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). 

This accreditation guarantees the program’s quality and ensures that the degree earned is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, contributing to the credibility of the qualification.

Prospective students should thoroughly research the accreditation status of any program they are considering to ensure their investment of time and effort leads to a recognized and respected degree.

How a DRP Works in an Online Doctorate Without Dissertation

As a doctoral student in a program with a Doctoral Research Project, you will:

• Learn research methods
• Plan and design your research
• Present your findings in a scholarly paper. 

The project’s purpose is to make an original contribution to your field by creating a practical, everyday solution to a real problem or current challenge using sound evidence and thinking.

The DRP’s components demonstrate your competence in research and research design, your subject matter expertise , and your command of critical thinking and academic writing. Additionally, the DRP will prepare you for the career path of your specialization.

In conclusion, choosing between a traditional dissertation and a DRP is a significant decision that should align with an individual’s goals, preferences, and lifestyle. By carefully considering the differences, prospective students can select a program that meets their academic standards. Plus, it aligns with their aspirations for practical, applicable knowledge in their respective fields.

While a dissertation is the most common capstone project, a DRP in an online doctorate without dissertation requirements is an excellent alternative if you want to demonstrate your knowledge differently.

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Can you get a Ph.D. without doing a thesis or a dissertation?

Can a thesis be the same as a dissertation?

Although their precise meanings can fluctuate depending on the nation and academic institution, “thesis” and “dissertation” are frequently used synonymously. While “dissertation” is traditionally linked with research projects finished at the doctoral level, in other places, such as the United States, “thesis” is frequently used to refer to a research project completed at the master’s level. However, the terminology may be used differently or the distinction between them may not be as obvious in other nations or settings.

It’s crucial to remember that these phrases can have different meanings in different academic fields and settings. The word “thesis” may be used by some organizations or professions to refer to both master’s and doctoral-level research projects, whereas “dissertation” may be used in other instances. Consequently, it’s better to

To appropriately define and refer to your research topic, it is therefore best to refer to the specific rules and jargon that your institution uses.

In conclusion, although the terms “thesis” and “dissertation” are sometimes used interchangeably, their precise definitions and usage rely on a variety of variables, including the academic level, nation, academic institution, and topic of study.

Is a Ph.D. just a dissertation?

A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree is not just a dissertation. While a dissertation is a significant component of a Ph.D. program, completing a dissertation is one of the requirements for obtaining a Ph.D. degree.

A Ph.D. program involves several other components and requirements, including coursework, comprehensive exams, research seminars, and possibly teaching or other academic responsibilities. These components are designed to provide students with a broad understanding of their field, develop their research and critical thinking skills, and prepare them for independent scholarly work.

The dissertation is the culmination of a Ph.D. program and is an original research project that contributes new knowledge to the field. It requires an in-depth exploration of a specific research question or topic, often involving data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The dissertation demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct independent research, make a significant scholarly contribution, and communicate their findings effectively.

While the dissertation is a substantial part of earning a Ph.D., it is not the only aspect of the degree. Ph.D. programs are rigorous and comprehensive, encompassing coursework, research, and other academic activities, all of which contribute to the development of a well-rounded scholar.

Which doctorate does not require a dissertation?

While most traditional doctoral programs typically require a dissertation or an equivalent research project, some alternative doctoral degrees may not have a dissertation as a requirement. These alternative doctoral degrees often focus on applied or professional practice rather than original research. Here are a few examples:

Doctor of Education (EdD) : The EdD degree is primarily geared towards professionals in the field of education and focuses on applied research and practical applications. While some EdD programs may require a research project or capstone project, they generally place less emphasis on a traditional dissertation compared to a Ph.D.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) : The DBA is a professional doctorate in the field of business and management. It typically focuses on applied research and the practical application of knowledge in business settings. While some DBA programs may require a research-based dissertation, others may substitute it with a final project, case study, or a portfolio of professional work.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) : The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing practice and is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to enhance their clinical expertise and leadership skills. The DNP often emphasizes practical applications and evidence-based practice rather than a traditional research-based dissertation.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) : The PsyD degree is an alternative to the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology. The PsyD typically emphasizes clinical practice, counseling, or professional applications of psychology. While some PsyD programs may require a doctoral project or clinical dissertation, they may place less emphasis on original research compared to a Ph.D.

Final Verdict

In most traditional academic settings, earning a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree typically requires the completion of a thesis or dissertation, which is a substantial research project that contributes new knowledge to the field. However, there are alternative routes to obtaining a doctoral degree that may not involve a traditional thesis or dissertation.

Some professional doctorate programs, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), often focus more on applied research, practical applications, or professional practice rather than extensive original research. These programs may require a doctoral project, a portfolio of professional work, or a capstone project instead of a traditional thesis or dissertation.

Additionally, there are other non-traditional doctoral programs that do not require a thesis or dissertation. These programs often have specific requirements and alternative research or project components that allow students to demonstrate their expertise and make a scholarly contribution in different ways. These alternative routes are designed to meet the needs of students pursuing careers in specialized fields or professional practice.

It’s important to note that the availability of non-thesis or non-dissertation Ph.D. programs can vary depending on the country, institution, and field of study. It is advisable to carefully research and consider the specific requirements of the doctoral programs you are interested in to determine if they align with your academic and career goals.

Overall, while it is possible to obtain a Ph.D. without a traditional thesis or dissertation, the options and requirements will depend on the specific program and institution offering the degree.

12 Accredited Universities that don’t Require a Thesis for Online Masters Program

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Is it possible for someone to get into a PhD without a thesis in Masters-level?

Is it possible for someone to get into a Ph.D. without a thesis at Masters-level?

If someone doesn't have a thesis at his Masters-level, what other criteria can he fill in order to approach a potential supervisor?

• To clarify: do you have a Master's degree that did not involve writing a Master's Thesis? Or do you not have a Master's degree? –  wimi Commented Jan 2, 2020 at 7:46
• 2 I got a Ph.D. without a thesis at Masters-level, if by this you mean either without obtaining a Masters or by obtaining a Masters without writing a thesis. I did the latter, which for me involved an oral exam, but many in the U.S. don't bother with a Masters first. In the U.S., at least in mathematics, one simply applies to and gets accepted to a graduate program after undergraduate, takes courses and passes the qualifying exam to be admitted to candidacy, then writes an acceptable dissertation. However, the rules for something like this will vary with country (and, of course, the university). –  Dave L Renfro Commented Jan 2, 2020 at 7:48

4 Answers 4

I assume that you have a Master's degree but not a Master's Thesis. The answer to your question depends on the location.

In the UK and the US , a Master's degree is not a requirement to start PhD studies, and therefore a Master's Thesis is also not a requirement. The admissions committee will compare your achievements with those of other students who only have a Bachelor's degree, and the expectations in terms of research output and thesis writing will correspond to that level.

In other locations, such as Germany , starting doctoral studies without a Master's degree is possible but very rare (unfortunately, the link is in German, but it says that only 1300 out of 108000 doctoral students that started on the winter semester 2011/2012 had no Master's degree).

The traditional way of starting doctoral studies in Germany is to contact a professor directly, and be selected by the professor, without the participation of any admissions committee. Professors will generally expect a Master's degree, and will want to have access to some of your research output to see how good your research is. They will by default look at your Master's Thesis for this, but you might be able to also get selected without a Master's Thesis if you have enough research output (publications or written reports of research projects).

There are also structured doctoral programs in Germany. These function in a similar way to PhD programs in the US/UK (with admissions committee and more course work), and are more likely to accept students without a Master's degree or thesis. These programs are, however, much less common than "traditional" doctoral studies as per the previous paragraph, so you might have a hard time finding one that interests you.

• Maybe to add to that, because it’s not 100% clear from the question whether you’re simply not yet finished with your Masters: I was admitted to and enrolled into a PhD programme a few months before I defended my thesis and obtained my degree. This took place in a central European country with a very similar university system as Germany. –  christoph Commented Jun 5, 2020 at 11:09
• As a data point to add to @wimi's excellent answer, I am a PhD student at a large US research institution, and I did not have a master's degree beforehand. –  ComputerScientist Commented Jun 5, 2020 at 21:44
• To add to this, at least at some universities in Germany also a Master's Thesis is required. –  user151413 Commented Dec 29, 2020 at 23:23

I have advised PhD students who had a masters when they started their doctoral studies, and others who didn't. I did not have a masters when I started my PhD. As noted in another answer, in some countries, having a masters is not required to start doctoral studies. This is, for example, also the case in Hong Kong.

what other criteria can [a prospective candidate] fill in order to approach a potential supervisor?

As an advisor, I would like to see a prospective doctoral student demonstrate ability to work independently. One of the principle differences between undergraduate and doctoral studies will be the expectation to perform independent research; many candidates fresh out of a bachelors degree may have never undertaken more substantial research than writing a term paper. A few examples of independent work could be:

• an undergraduate honors thesis or "capstone" project
• an engineering or software product
• an invention
• a community service project involving organization of meetings/town halls, etc. and/or interviews (could be especially desirable for students in the social sciences)
• an internship that led to a product (such as a company internal report)

When prospective graduate students without a masters degree approach me about starting doctoral studies, I generally recommend a graduate school path that allows the student to acquire a masters during the course of study. Such an option may provide a graceful "bail-out" option for both the student and advisor, for example if the student discovers after a year or two that research is not for her/him. I realize that such an arrangement is not an option in all countries.

You can still pursue a PhD after doing a non-thesis master's degree. Contrary to popular belief, the thesis master's degree is not the only path to doctoral studies and the world of academia. Although there are a few exceptions, you can enrol in many PhD programs after completing a non-thesis master's degree.

In India, it used to be the case that you can join a PhD with a master degree. It is not necessary to have a masters that requires writing a thesis. E.g., A MCA(master in computer application) (where writing a thesis is NOT part of the course) degree holder can join PhD in computer science. It is not necessary to have a MTech (where writing a thesis is usually part of the course). Now it is also possible to join PhD even with a BTech degree(Again, where writing a thesis is NOT part of the course).

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DOCTORAL ALL BUT DISSERTATION (ABD)

Did you get to your dissertation and then have to put your Ph.D. on hold? Union Institute & University’s ABD or “All But Dissertation” program is perfect for you. This new program provides an opportunity for students who have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. at another institution, except their doctoral dissertation. Union Institute & University welcomes all applicants who have achieved this stature in their graduate education and whose work aligns with one of our areas of concentration. Now is the perfect time to finish earning your doctorate.

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FINISHING YOUR PH.D.

A number of factors may have inhibited your program completion - quite apart from intellectual potential. There are only a few programs in the country designed to streamline completion of the Ph.D. program for those who have made it to the dissertation stage.

• 9-12 credit hour program
• Full & part-time options
• *Hybrid program
• January & July start dates
• Complete your degree in as little as 3 years

*100% online classes with a one-week residency in Cincinnati at the start of each term.

The successful ABD student will take two advanced courses in their area of concentration - the dissertation literature review and the dissertation proposal. Both are offered in sequential semesters after which students undertake the dissertation, thus enabling completion in as little as two years.

PhD concentrations

Union's Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies focuses on four different concentrations described below.

About the Concentration in Educational Studies

Union’s Educational Studies (EDST) concentration is designed to prepare individuals to address the leading education issues through an integrative, holistic, and critical lens. Union’s strength is demonstrated by close collaboration with diverse disciplines engaged in today’s complex problems. The program stands in support of emergent activist scholars by reflecting voices of the global majority (including, but not limited to Black, Brown, Indigenous, Women, Gender fluid, LGBTQIA+, and neurocognitive diversity).

About the Concentration in Ethical & Creative Leadership

Union’s Ethical & Creative Leadership (ECL) concentration is unique in addressing all forms of leadership, stressing values and their application, cultivating one’s creative power and imagination, and connecting leadership philosophies to practical leadership experiences. ECL offers leaders an intellectual grasp of the makings of effective leadership in a diverse multicultural world, equips them with practical strategies and tools for various leadership roles and prepares them to tackle social justice challenges in their institutions and communities.

About the Concentration in Humanities & Culture

Union’s concentration in Humanities & Culture (HMC) allows you to study the human condition, explore creative ways to advance social justice and acknowledge differences among individuals and social groups. HMC draws on a variety of humanities fields – social and political philosophy, history, religious studies, literature, and aesthetics – that relate to social justice and cultural differences.

About the Concentration in Public Policy & Social Change

Union’s Public Policy & Social Change (PPS) concentration prepares students to critically re-examine the principles and values that undergird the public policy process. PPS challenges students to critically interrogate governmental policies through the lens of ethical leadership, creative problem-solving, social justice, diversity, and global interdependence. Students develop multifaceted expertise through courses such as policy processes, policy analysis, conflict resolution, community development, democratic theory, human rights, and global studies.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must provide:

• All graduate transcripts from accredited institutions, showing award of the master’s degree and subsequent training.
• Documentation of doctoral program completion except for the dissertation by the Registrar or a faculty member affiliated with the prior program.
• Two letters of recommendation, including one reference from someone who holds a Ph.D. (Starting with our January 2022 term, we will require three letters of recommendation).
• A Statement of Purpose which describes the intended dissertation topic, identifies the preferred concentration (HMS, PPS, ECL, or EDST), outlines the circumstances which led to the interruption in doctoral training, and discusses the applicant’s currency in research topics related to the planned dissertation.
• Formal course descriptions for all prior training that supports the selected concentration must also be submitted. If the prior program requires a Comprehensive Exam for doctoral students, that step must have been successfully completed prior to making an application to the Union doctoral program.

Applicants should consult the catalog for the area of concentration requirements. Students whose primary doctoral training is in the biological or physical sciences cannot be considered. Students with credits earned outside the U.S. should have their course work reviewed by AICE or NACES.

Admissions Review Process

The application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If materials are deemed appropriate for the next step, the applicant will be interviewed by a member of the Admissions Committee or their designee. If admission is recommended, the course history will be reviewed in light of particular concentration requirements. The admission letter will stipulate which of Union's courses must be completed. Admission may be provisional (to be reassessed after one year), or without condition. Initial review will occur within 48 hours of receipt. 

PROGRAM COMPLETION

Ordinarily, the successful “ABD” applicant will take 850 and 860 courses in their area of concentration in sequential semesters, then undertake the dissertation, thus enabling completion in four semesters. If core learning areas are deemed insufficient in the particular concentration, additional courses may be required. The applicant who has completed a recent dissertation proposal may petition the Dean to waive the 850-course requirement and begin with 860. Students must attend at least one residency, nominate a dissertation Chair who agrees to serve in that role, form a dissertation committee, pass the proposal defense, conduct the dissertation, and pass the dissertation defense. Academic progress is a condition of subsequent term registration.

Dissertation Information and Examples

The program supports a variety of formats for doctoral dissertations, including theoretical, historical, and interpretive research, social action research projects, empirical research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, and creative dissertations. Below are some examples from each concentration

Education Justice & Equity:

• Hopson, J. (2021).  Texas A&M university system website analysis: Disability and diversity 
• Madry, T. S. (2020). Mentoring: A Leadership Tool for Black Greek Fraternities.
• Maples, G.L. (2019). Surviving the Invisible Wounds of War: As Told by the Unseen Heroes.
• Bolton, D. (2018).  Motivating African American Male Readers Through Mentorship.

Ethical & Creative Leadership:

• Crudup, Larry Terrell (2021). Walk Together Children: Black Congregational Leadership-as-Social Ethic .
• Worthen, Merritt (2020). Showing Faith through Work(s): Examining how Christian-Based Businesses are Practicing Faith in a Materialistic Society .
• Bradbury, Douglas S. (2019) . Quantum Reconciliation: A Framework for Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Inescapable Mutuality . ”
• Washington, Michael A. (2019) . Prince Hall Masonic Order Leader and Leadership Development .

Humanities & Culture:

• François, Emery (2021). The Beauty and the Strife: A Memoir of Haiti and Her Legacy in the United States .
• White, Tamara (2020). Visually Representing Diabetes Management for Incarcerated Women in California: A Creative Dissertation .
• Reinstatler, Michelle L. (2019). Becoming Legend: Constructing Paranormal Experience and Cultural Performance in Ghost-Hunting Reality TV shows and Recreational Ghost Hunting .
• Johnson, Jr., James L.  (2018). Sympathy for the Devil: Thawing the Ego and Fostering Empathy through a Theory of Lacanian Reader-response.

Public Policy & Social Change:

• Lewis, Jacinda (2020).   Exploring sex offenders’ experiences through the lens of social justice .
• Nauta, Carmen (2019). Understanding the challenges to lactation initiation and duration among low-income WIC participants in the South Bronx: A phenomenological study
• Rojas, Gina Augon (2018). Navigating Contested Terrain: A Critical Case Study of Guam’s Chamorro Land Trust Residential Land Lease Program.

FINANCIAL AID

All resources available to students who begin the Ph.D. program at Union will be available to “ABD” students unless the length of enrollment at the university is a criterion for a particular scholarship.

Funding Your Future

Explore your financial aid & scholarship options. We strive to make college affordable. See what makes Union the best value.

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Earn a Doctorate Online With No Dissertation

These research projects allow students to influence policy and practice changes by conducting research with a narrow focus that solves a problem.

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) offers doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Education and Leadership in Healthcare (Ed.D.), with no dissertation requirements. 

Because NMC has adopted the scholarly research project, students are making a difference in healthcare, academia and communities.

The online doctorate for healthcare professionals gives students the opportunity to integrate the guiding values of NMC - caring, excellence, holism, learning and respect - at the upper echelons of both academic and healthcare institutions. 

Here’s what makes this online Ed.D. program with no dissertation stand out in a competitive field.

Online Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership: Beyond the Dissertation

Revolutionizing ed.d: the scholarly research advantage over dissertation.

The doctoral dissertation has been a common requirement of doctoral programs, but many colleges and universities are taking a more modern approach. 

Debate in academic circles about the value of a doctoral research project has led to a change in philosophy about what is most beneficial for students.

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Consortium issued a statement that called for a transformation of the doctoral candidate’s culminating academic work. 

The call for change resulted in the scholarly research project, which acts as an exemplar of the student taking all that they’ve learned and demonstrating the impact of their knowledge with real, concrete results.

The difference between a dissertation and a scholarly project is the type of research being conducted.

While a dissertation is original research with a goal to generate new knowledge, the doctoral scholarly project is translational research, which ‘translates’ the research into practice through quality improvement or evidence-based practice initiatives.

Our emphasis on the doctoral research project represents a modern approach to a candidate’s final demonstration of expertise in the subject matter, allowing students to apply theory to solve problems in a real-world practical setting.  

All of this is accomplished without losing any of the academic rigor that one would expect of a doctoral program.

NMC is a leader in putting forth this new academic ideal, with students whose breadth of knowledge encompasses the most innovative practices in the modern world. 

The doctoral scholarly research project is a showcase of their work and the core knowledge they’ve gained through the academic process.

Read more: Why NMC’s Online Doctorate Has No Dissertation

Merging Healthcare and Education

While NMC may be known for our nursing programs, including our Doctor of Nursing Practice , we’ve recognized a need for non-nursing doctorates online.

NMC’s Doctor of Education and Leadership in Healthcare is for leaders who want to develop effective management solutions in healthcare, education or the community.

Healthcare and education are industries that are in the midst of upheaval. 

The healthcare industry is managing the organization-wide changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act and an aging population while successfully making the transition to a preventive healthcare model that emphasizes value over volume. 

Higher education is coping with a mounting student debt dilemma, substantial shifts in financial aid and demographic patterns, and ongoing accreditation considerations.

Education and leadership doctoral programs, like the one at NMC, prepares students to meet the demands of healthcare and education.

Career Impact of an Online Healthcare Leadership Ed.D.

A Doctor of Education can open up leadership opportunities and advance your career.

“An Ed.D. provides a competitive advantage in attaining leadership roles in healthcare, community-based and private organizations, and education,” said Dr. Alice Kindschuh, director of doctoral studies at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).

“It also demonstrates a commitment to your profession to employers and strengthens your skill-set as an innovative change agent.”

NMC’s education doctorate program has two tracks:

• Education and Leadership in Healthcare

You can choose to study education and leadership to become a college or university professor, researcher, program director or administrator. 

A doctorate in public health policy will allow you to work as a public health consultant, health policy advisor, health and safety engineer, public health program specialist or an executive director of a public health non-profit.

Read more: Getting a Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy Online

We understand the management skills it takes to successfully run enterprises as wide-ranging and ever-evolving as healthcare and education. The Ed.D. program allows us to pass those skills on to the next generation of leaders, who will be ready to meet challenges that are only beginning to take shape.

Read more: What Job Can I Get With a Doctor of Education?

Evolving Higher Education: Introducing the Streamlined Online Ed.D.

With just 24 months of full-time study, you’ll be able to add “Dr.” to your name.

We thought long and hard about how to make this program convenient for the modern professional without losing any of the scholarly rigor that defines the doctoral degree. 

Other programs require a longer time commitment, due to a dissertation process that has stymied even the best candidates.

We came to the conclusion that two years is the perfect amount of time to provide this education. It’s long enough to attain the ultimate expertise in a given subject matter while still creating a viable timeframe that won’t have you feeling like you’ll never be done with school.

What’s more, a flexible doctoral degree online allows students to balance coursework with their professional lives more than would be possible with an on-campus degree. 

While you still have assignments on a regular basis, you choose when and where to complete them. 

Read more: Steps to Succeed in Online Learning as a Graduate Student

Support and Resources for Online Ed.D. Students

As an online student at NMC, you have access to academic and technical support to help you succeed during your program.

• On-staff writing coach and statistician to assist in planning and evaluating scholarly research projects. 
• Networking and community building through online discussion boards.
• Digital library and on-staff librarian to help with research.
• Faculty office hours.

Testimonials: Success Stories from our Online Ed.D. Graduates

Graduates of NMC’s doctoral degree programs take on leadership positions in healthcare systems and education. Here’s what some of our graduates had to say about their experience in the education and leadership doctoral programs:

Josey Harris, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

“The Ed.D. program is very well designed, which facilitated my ability to manage the competing priorities of my home life, my career and my schooling simultaneously. 

“Larger assignments in one course are balanced by having smaller assignments in your other courses, which helps to minimize feelings of being overwhelmed. 

“In addition, the one-week break after every five weeks of class is a lifesaver. It allowed me to decompress a little and start back refreshed every time!”

Lacey Petersen, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

"I am so proud of completing my doctoral research project and earning the distinction of being able to say that I have earned a Doctor of Education.

“The NMC faculty are truly some of the most diverse, compassionate and educated individuals that I have ever been blessed to meet. I am humbled by the variety of backgrounds, level of experience, and expertise that my professors at NMC had. 

“I will forever be grateful how they shared this knowledge with us as they facilitated our education. I am most definitely a more well-rounded individual for the insight and perspectives that they shared with us throughout this program. 

“From the first day to the last day, I was always made to feel cared for, important, and valued as a student!”

Vanessa Humphreys, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

“Through the Ed.D. program, I am most proud of expanding my knowledge in the fields of education, public policy, healthcare and community needs. 

“The online discussion forums with fellow students, projects and activities throughout the program not only made me more aware of the various challenges presented in our communities, but the steps we can take to work towards effective change. 

“The coursework also allowed me to reflect more on my personal goals, professional aspirations, workplace environment and the community I live and work in. The online Ed.D. program allowed me time to celebrate all that we have accomplished so far, and critically think about the role I would like to take in my community moving forward.

"Interacting with faculty, staff and students was also such a humbling and inspiring experience. To learn about what each member of the program was working on has motivated me to connect with local organizations in order to continue the scholarly research work I started in the Ed.D. program."

Embracing Change: How Our Online Ed.D. Makes a Real Difference

In creating the healthcare and leadership doctorate online, we sought to make a program that offered an exceptional academic experience while still being flexible enough to accommodate the needs of the modern professional.

Earning your terminal degree will be a challenge, but we want to make sure that challenge comes from the pedigree of the coursework, not the unreasonable criteria of a dissertation, technological hurdles or the prospect of having to come to campus.

Ready to advance your career with a flexible, innovative online EdD program? Learn more about our no-dissertation Doctor of Education and Leadership in Healthcare , and take the first step towards educational excellence and professional growth. Apply now and transform your future in healthcare leadership!

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9 Best Online DBA Degrees with No Dissertation Programs

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: August 29, 2024 , Reading time: 28 minutes

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The vast and diverse world of business presents a wealth of opportunities to students pursuing a career in this exciting and lucrative field. According to BLS, the employment trend in business and financial occupations is projected to rise by 4% between 2022 to 2032 . This can give way to a tremendous increase in new jobs over the decade, amounting to 911,400.

For Master’s in Business Administration holders seeking credential enhancement and career advancement, earning a Doctor of Business Administration is the way to go! This terminal program allows one to focus on a specific problem in business and apply their research skills to solve it.

This business administration program can set up experienced professionals in the field of business, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and eventually apply them in real-world settings. Fortunately, many universities and colleges offer a doctor of business administration program online.

Working professionals will be able to juggle their personal and professional responsibilities without compromising one over the other.

Check this out:

• The Best Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degrees
• The Best Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Online Graduate Schools
• The Best Ph.D. in Accounting Online Programs

Quick audio summary:

These online doctoral degree programs equip students with effective skills and strategies that have real-world applications. An online doctor of business administration degree helps students bolster credibility, expand career opportunities, and earn higher salaries in management and leadership roles.

Common Courses in DBA Programs

The curriculums of various online doctorate programs are typically designed by universities according to the learning outcomes that they have predetermined, along with the expertise of their faculty.

These doctoral degree programs may, in turn, have their own sub-specializations, such as human resource management, healthcare management, or project management. These contribute to the variance in courses that are offered and the number of credit hours in that degree.

There are, however, a number of standard courses found across all these business administration programs. These may differ in their name, but they generally teach the same content/theme. Let’s look at some of them.

Research Design

As the next natural step after identifying a problem, a significant amount of effort is spent on crafting the proper research design to ensure that the needed data is gathered and that the data-gathering process avoids errors and takes inherent shortcomings into account.

DBA curriculums will almost always have a separate course dedicated to research design, as this is a skill set that has applicability that lasts long after a student earns their degree.

Quantitative and/or Qualitative Research

With the final research-based output in mind, some Universities may offer special separate courses on both Quantitative and Qualitative Research. While both are valid lines of inquiry that students can pursue (although quantitative research remains the more popular method by far across disciplines), they are different enough to warrant being treated separately.

Contemporary Global Issues/Current Topics

Universities may or may not subdivide these into courses that are more focused on specific topics, but most online doctorate degree programs will typically have a course on relevant global issues or current trends in the industry. This ensures that students get a more comprehensive grounding, as they may not necessarily be up to speed on all relevant aspects.

Organizational Behavior

This course forms part of the fundamental courses of most doctorate degree programs. As business professionals, it is essential to have an understanding of human behavior as it relates to the dynamics present within the organization’s structure.

Ethics in Business & Management

The curriculum design of some universities may place heavier emphasis on this course than others, but it is a matter of course that businesses and organizations have to adhere to standards of ethics and integrity in order to ensure success, not just for the sake of regulatory compliance.

Ethical standards come into play in many aspects of a business’s operations, from employee treatment to fair market practice to financial management. Like in other courses, this course often makes use of case studies and real-world insights.

Managing Innovation & Change

This course may have different names or a slightly different treatment, but most doctoral degree programs in business administration will feature this course. It is crucial for businesses to be able to anticipate changes and keep up with trends and innovations to maintain their edge, and it is important that business leaders be trained in this highly important skill set.

Business Strategy

Some DBA doctoral programs may also have a separate course on business strategy, often incorporating a component of actual practice/simulation within the context of business realities.

This course may also integrate the other crucial skill sets learned throughout the program. This helps refine the long-term strategic thinking and decision-making skillsets of students as business leaders.

Marketing Research

This course is a specialized research course focusing on consumer behavior and their response to trends, products, or services, often according to different classifying characteristics like age bracket. This is a crucial discipline that business leaders learn in order to better gauge the performance of their products and/or services, as well as help them anticipate trends and changes in consumer preferences.

Business Intelligence/Business Research

Business decisions are built on a foundation of data. This course discusses the principles related to data-driven business decision-making and introduces students to the various tools and techniques that aid in this regard.

Differences between a DBA and a Ph.D. in Business Administration

Let’s start with the similarities. A DBA and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, which means they are the highest possible educational attainment that can be awarded in the field of business administration.

Being doctorate degrees, both also require some form of research-related/research-based work as part of their final output. However, a DBA is a terminal degree specific to business administration, while a Ph.D. will cut across disciplines and is a universal doctoral degree.

Another key difference between the two is in terms of the type of intellectual emphasis and/or learning outcome. DBAs are a professional terminal degree, and as a result, they tend to have a practice-focused curriculum that aims to produce highly skilled practitioner-scholars who bring advanced skillsets to their workplaces and industries.

A Ph.D. in business administration, meanwhile, has a primarily scholarly emphasis. This means that these degree programs aim for the production of new knowledge or the revisiting and updating of previous knowledge, all of which contribute to the overall body of knowledge and the theoretical basis upon which the discipline of business administration is founded.

PhDs, with their focus on scholarly research, tend to favor dissertations as their final requirement. Some DBAs also require dissertations, but with the practice-focused emphasis of DBA degrees, it’s not uncommon to have degrees that require capstone projects, i.e., applied research, as their final output, as this gives students an excellent avenue to put their coursework learnings into a practical research-based production, often called a problem-of-practice project.

With this difference in focus, graduates of DBA degree programs can have a variety of career paths they can take, as they invariably bring their new skillsets back to their industries. Graduates of Ph.D. programs also have this opportunity; however, given the scholarly focus of their degrees, a majority of them tend to go on to work in academia, taking up research and/or teaching roles.

Specializations in an Online Doctor of Business Administration Program

Earning an online DBA program requires careful consideration. Many universities offer specializations in their business administration doctoral degree programs. It is important that prospective students choose the right business administration degree that aligns with their goals and helps them succeed in their chosen fields.

Students who want to gain a solid understanding of the practical applications of a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge will want to choose the accounting specialization. It will help them explore relationships among business activities and performance and economic outcomes.

This specialization covers the analysis of advanced management and organization of business transactions, mostly related to assets, liabilities, and the results from business operations.

Entrepreneurship

Focused on entrepreneurship principles, this specialization may tackle entrepreneurship from startup to exit strategy to small business management. Students will be able to delve deep into advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods along with foundational applied research.

It often includes courses such as raising capital for business, strategy formulation, and strategic thinking. Graduates of this DBA program are expected to identify market opportunities, manage risks, pioneer innovations in the industry, raise capital, and so much more.

Designed to help students become well-rounded managers, just like conventional finance degree programs, this specialization equips them with an advanced level of financial and business knowledge. They will cover financial analysis, decision-making in finance, capital investment decisions, managing value creation, and managing for value creation, among others. They will also be able to explore essential theories like option pricing, hedging, and derivatives.

Healthcare Administration

More important than ever, healthcare administrators are integral in leaving a positive impact on healthcare organizations and communities they serve. The Healthcare Administration specialization in a DBA program helps students acquire strong management and business leadership skills to make sound decisions with regard to healthcare policy and economics.

Students are expected to develop a better understanding of the theoretical and research-based healthcare industry management issues.

Human Resource Management

Professionals in the human resource management field will want to assume critical seats at the executive table as strategic partners. Earning a DBA degree program specializing in human resource management can help them prepare for this leadership position by gaining ample theoretical knowledge, industry insights, and solid capabilities to lead, build, and empower a diverse workforce.

They will cover contemporary organizational issues, including succession planning, corporate social responsibility, management of external strategic partnerships, and more.

International Business

Another popular specialization in an online DBA program is international business. This particular concentration equips graduate students with the skills needed to lead the business world with integrity and excellence. It is designed to help students become global business leaders and change-makers.

They will typically tackle business subjects such as global trade, international business environment, global financial markets, market-based global operations, and international strategic management.

It is crucial to have a capable person leading the business in the right direction. DBA graduates who wish to brush up on their leadership skills amid the increasing advancements in technology and the rapid changes in the overall business landscape will want to take a specialization in leadership. Most leadership specializations cover various leadership principles and practices.

Students in this DBA program are expected to demonstrate an effective entrepreneurial and leadership mindset in the face of new ventures and innovative economic development.

Project Management

This specialization emphasizes the importance of proactive leaders that advance the organization’s strategic objectives. They are taught to study the processes for successfully managing a complex portfolio of projects and analyzing opportunities that contribute to improved portfolio performance.

Students are expected to learn project-based strategic leadership skills and organizational practices that support the vision and growth of a business organization.

Organizational Behavior is a DBA specialization that aims to understand individuals and organizations and their role in shaping the economic and social life of societies. Some of the subjects tackled in this concentration include organizational design, corporate governance, organizational identity, negotiation, leadership, teams, and institutional change, among others.

Information Systems Management

In this DBA specialization, students will acquire knowledge and skills that will improve their capabilities in managing information systems. They will be able to understand and apply information systems in various management scenarios. Students in this online DBA degree specialization are expected to help businesses by providing technological solutions and leveraging them to enhance an organization’s competitive position in the market.

Lucrative Career Paths to Pursue a Doctorate in Business Administration

Earning a doctor of business administration degree can do wonders for one’s career. They can enhance their professional credentials by acquiring marketable, high-level skills that are in demand in today’s employment landscape. For those looking for more opportunities to expand their current career and grow their compensation, the following careers are ideal choices.

Business Consultant

In the United States, management consultants receive more than $2 billion for their services . They are primarily responsible for solving clients’ problems and making recommendations based on the diagnosis. They often collect information on the clients’ business using various tools, including surveys, shadowing, interviews, and reading reports, among others.

As a business consultant, one needs to be knowledgeable about the many facets of the business and get insights into market trends and forecasts. They are known to be good at problem-solving, analytical thinking, and innovation, all of which are vital to increasing profitability and efficiency. At present, business consultants have a median pay of $93,000 annually .

Considered financial experts, economists study market activity to collect and analyze financial and socioeconomic data. They are responsible for advising businesses and other important organizations on economic decisions. They are also tasked to develop models for economic forecasting. Economists often work with a team of financial analysts to understand economic trends and help business leaders make better decisions and succeed in achieving their goals.

Economists are expected to have exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. They must also employ logic and problem-solving acumen in order to be successful. Annually, economists receive a median pay of $113,940 .

Project Manager

Companies that aim to finish projects from beginning to end will want to hire someone who can oversee the whole thing and make an impact on the whole organization. Project managers fulfill this role. Their responsibilities include conceptualizing, planning, developing, and implementing projects. It is also part of their jobs to set deadlines and monitor the project’s progress.

To lead the project successfully, project managers must possess strong knowledge of the risk management process. They must have good leadership and management skills to thrive in this role. Project managers can expect a median pay of $95,370 per year .

Logistician

Tasked to analyze and oversee the global supply chain management and life cycle of assigned products in an organization, logisticians ensure the smooth process of the whole operation, from distribution to delivery. They are responsible for communicating with customers and ensuring their needs are met, along with the coordination and allocation of available materials, supplies, and finished products.

Successful logisticians are known for their extensive knowledge of supply chain management, namely acquisition and distribution. Every year, the median pay for logisticians is $77,520 .

Organizational Development Manager

Often acting as a liaison and advisor to an organization’s leadership, organizational development managers plan, develop, and implement programs that help train and develop employees. They spearhead the needs assessment for training and staff development to help advance effective employee performance that leads to the realization of company goals and objectives.

Organizational development managers must be excellent at written and oral communication. They must demonstrate effective management skills and multimedia expertise. The annual median salary of this job position is $120,000 .

Director of Human Resources

Every organization needs a solid human resources department. As the director of human resources, one will lead, plan, develop, and coordinate important policies and activities, ensuring the legal compliance of the organization’s talent strategy. They are expected to deal with the recruitment, interview, hiring, and training of the new HR department staff and organize or facilitate human resource development programs.

As human resources directors, they need to have excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills. This job position can provide a median salary of $130,000 annually .

Government Program Manager

The primary role of a government program manager is to coordinate multiple government projects to ensure that all goals are aligned. Part of their tasks include the creation and management of long-term goals, budget development, and team management. At times, government project managers must also identify solutions to challenges when necessary.

Project management specialists can receive $101,610 annually for their median pay , according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nonprofit Executive Director

Chief executive officers often deal with the creation of business plans, improving performance, and overseeing the day-to-day activities of an organization. As a non-profit executive director, one is expected to do the same thing. However, they must be guided by the goal of setting the nonprofit organization apart from the competition. They are also likely to develop and implement consistent inventory and cost accounting procedures.

Non-profit executive directors must employ multi-tasking, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Their median annual salary is $100,090 every year .

Strategic Planner

Strategic planners are integral to the overall business strategy as they often develop strategic plans and asses the company’s performance. Their primary responsibility is to conduct research and analyze data that can help them make informed business decisions. They need to help shape the company’s direction and reach the set objectives.

The skills needed for strategic planners to succeed include understanding market research and data analysis, business process analysis, strategic thinking abilities, and organizational and leadership skills.

Market Research Analyst

To identify new markets and sales opportunities, market research analysts must be experts at researching, compiling, and analyzing product and market conditions information. They often make recommendations related to their findings and deliver reports and presentations to the executive management.

As a market research analyst, one is expected to have excellent organizational and communication skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their median pay annually amounts to $68,230 .

9 Top Online DBA Programs that Do Not Require Dissertation

Bellevue university.

Doctor of Business Administration

The doctor of administration degree offered by Bellevue University is designed to be completed in three years, with built-in two-week breaks. This is possible if one transfers their MBA credits and finishes the courses with satisfactory grades.

This program helps graduate students in solving current problems in the business industry. They will be well-equipped to lead in top executive positions by addressing the complex business landscape with the use of their vision, knowledge, and clarity. It is also one of the online DBA programs that do not require a dissertation. Instead, they are tasked to complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares them to be experts and thought leaders.

Plus, the online format of the program allows working business professionals to complete their doctoral degrees in a reasonable amount of time. Students are not required to render on-campus residency.

Graduates become equipped to lead organizations effectively through communicating advanced business analyses and scholarly thinking. The program curriculum has a total of 91 credit hours.

Franklin University

Another DBA program that is available 100% online is offered at Franklin University. This program helps students prepare to manage corporate-wide business initiatives for competitive advantage and profitability. They are taught to keep business administration leadership practices in mind and apply them in the real world.

The program requires the completion of 58 credit hours, which is possible to accomplish in as few as three years. Students are allowed to transfer as many as 24 credit hours of previously earned credits. Some of the courses covered in the program include Organizational Leadership, Organizational Performance Analysis, Ethics, and Social Responsibility, Change Management and Organizational Development, and Strategic Thinking, Decision Making, and Innovation, among others.

These DBA online programs can also be customized with a variety of electives.

Capella University

Students who want to advance as business leaders may want to consider earning a Doctor of Business Administration degree at Capella University. This program equips students with practical tools to reach the goals of the business.

The program has several specializations to help one build the skills needed to become a leader, consultant, or educator. The three specialization options are General Management, Organizational Leadership and Development, and Strategy and Innovation.

Instead of a dissertation, students are required to complete a capstone doctoral research project. It gives emphasis to applied research to help solve real-world problems within the organization. Students can also choose between two learning formats, namely GuidedPath for a flexible yet structured approach or FlexPath for a self-paced format.

Thomas Edison State University

The online doctorate degree program in business administration offered at Thomas Edison State University has several available areas of study for graduate students to choose from, including Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management. This business administration online program is designed to help business students and professionals grow in their careers as executive leaders, educators, and consultants.

This affordable online DBA program has a unique curriculum design composed of unique content domains, namely:

• critical thought and action,
• integrated topics in business and management,
• teaching and consultative professional practice

Students can expect a personalized instructional delivery within a full-distance learning environment.

At the end of the business administration online program, students must be able to integrate financial, operational, and cultural data analysis in organizational strategic planning and management. They must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online doctorate in business administration degree program that offers students a wide range of 11 specialization areas, designed to give experienced business professionals and academics a good venue to gain crucial and highly sought-after skills in a flexible format that adapts to their prior commitments.

The program is Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs-recognized and has a generous maximum time limit of 8 years. Students can likewise transfer in up to 17 previously earned credits. For their final requirement, students should complete a capstone project.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University’s online Doctor of Business Administration degree program is designed for managers, leaders, consultants, and those in educator roles, increasing their skillsets and capacities in preparing them to become critical thought leaders.

The program is accredited by the IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education) and contains a total of 54 credit hours. The degree program coursework has a 2½-year completion timeframe, and there is a projected additional time of 1-2 years to complete the final requirement, which can either be a doctoral dissertation or a research project.

Likewise, the program design allows students to complete the program at their own pace but, at the same time, fosters a high degree of interaction and participation.

Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University offers its Doctor of Business Administration degree program in an online format. The degree is designed to equip students to thrive in corporate or academic settings, giving them skillsets that can also be applicable in teaching and consultant roles.

The degree program’s coursework can be completed within 32 months, and there are also no residency requirements. Students are grouped into cohorts, but class sizes are kept small, pegged at a maximum of around 19 students per class. As part of the final requirements, students are given a choice of completing either a Doctoral Dissertation or an Applied Doctoral Project.

University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word offers its Doctor of Business Administration in a blended format combining online and in-person classes, although students can also opt to complete the program entirely online.

The degree program has a total of 45 credit hours, and each semester is 16 weeks long. Some of us who’ve earned a business-related Master’s Degree before may have run into time crunch issues, so students will welcome the generous 10-year maximum completion limit for this degree program, plenty of time to work on their final requirements, which takes the form of either peer-reviewed publications, conference presentation, or work-based project.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Doctor of Business Administration – Dissertation OR Work Project

Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers a DBA degree program that prepares students to become skilled scholar-practitioners who can contribute meaningfully in a variety of settings, be it the classroom or the board room.

The OKWU Doctor of Business Administration degree program contains a total of 56 credit hours, and classes are arranged sequentially. Students take one class at a time, with each class lasting eight weeks. This way, the whole program can be finished within three years.

Likewise, the required separate residency time in other degree programs is already integrated directly into the coursework flow. Students can also transfer up to 15 credits upon enrollment into the program. Lastly, as part of the final requirements, students can choose between completing a Doctoral Dissertation or a Work Project.

Grants & Scholarships

Universities will typically have a set of grants and scholarships that can be availed by students. Unlike loans, these do not have any attached expectation of being repaid; however, there can be other things expected of students, such as maintaining a grading standard in the case of scholarships, aside from the grade standards set by the degree program.

Scholarships also tend to be quite selective, and scholarship funds will have their target sectors and corresponding criteria, such as financial needs, based on socioeconomic standing.

Federal aid

Most degree programs offered by reputable universities will invariably qualify for federal financial aid. Along with undergraduate students, federal aid is available for graduate students as well. Some other forms of financial aid, such as Pell grants, are also accessed through the FAFSA.

The abiding message that gets repeated every year is for students to put in the time to fill out the paperwork and apply, as students miss out on a significant amount of college aid because they do not apply. 

Special discounts

Some universities offer special tuition discounts to students who belong to a certain sector. The most common of these are military discounts that are often given to members of the armed forces—either active duty or veterans—and even their family members. Rates vary, but some universities can give up to 10% off for some items like cost per credit hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the timeline for earning an online doctor of business administration degree program.

An online Doctor of Business Administration program typically requires the completion of 54 to 60 credits. The program duration will depend primarily on whether the DBA students are earning the degree full-time or part-time.

For full-time students, it is possible to complete the program in three to five years. Some online Doctor of Business Administration programs may offer generous transfer credits policies and accelerated degree programs, which can significantly cut down the length of time it needs to complete online DBA programs.

Other schools offer multiple start terms, so it can also affect the time it takes for one to earn their online DBA degree program.

How much does an Online Doctor of Business Administration degree cost?

There is a degree of variance between universities in terms of overall cost due to a number of factors. Some degree programs require fewer credit hours in their curriculum than others.

Some universities may provide books and other course material for free, while students may have to purchase their own with others. Universities may also have differentiated in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, with the latter tending to be higher. Still, some universities may be in cities or states that have a higher overall cost of living, and that will invariably show up in their tuition rates.

A good starting point to get an estimate, meanwhile, would be to use costs per credit hour multiplied by the number of credits in a given course. Online DBA programs have a ballpark range of $600-$1,000 per credit hour and typically have a little more or less than 60 credit hours in total.

Other costs, such as textbooks and technology fees, are then added on, but it’s not unusual for DBA online doctoral degree programs to run into several tens of thousands of dollars for the total costs for the 2-3 years that they last.

Of course, like any graduate degree, there are a number of options students can avail of in order to help them finance their education, aside from the standard financial loans. Here are some of the typical financial aid options that are available.

Who is the DBA program for?

Designed for senior executives and other top business professionals, a DBA program is ideal for those who want to enrich their track record in management and leadership roles. This program is a good choice for senior managers who seek to acquire insights and expertise that will advance their senior roles. This program can also help them develop new business models and strategies through utilizing research and analysis.

What are some common requirements to get into online DBA programs?

Universities will have slight differences in their procedures when reading the fine print, but DBA degree programs will have a standard set of requirements that are also in typical graduate degrees. Standard GPA cutoffs are most often observed, typically around the 3.0 mark. Some universities also require GRE/GMAT/MAT scores, although some waive this requirement or mark them as optional.

Universities will also need proof of having earned the required previous education, i.e., a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree, and official transcripts will be required. More importantly, universities look for a form of quality assurance from applicants, and they would often require/prefer that the previous degrees be awarded by colleges/universities that have regional accreditation.

As an added quality assurance requirement of student applicants, universities often require them to have character references, often as letters of recommendation. Being a terminal degree, there is a degree of selectiveness.

Universities would prefer students who are intellectually/mentally ready for the coming coursework, and they would screen for this using personal essays at the minimum, complemented by subsequent interviews with faculty members.

What are the requirements to successfully earn the Doctor of Business Administration program?

Most online DBA programs have a rigorous curriculum that contains major courses, electives, and research core courses. Most DBA programs require 60 credits, more or less.

While it is typically required to complete the doctoral dissertation process to earn the DBA degree, some programs have alternatives to dissertations. DBA graduates must meet the requirements for graduation, often encompassing a doctoral capstone project or research project.

What are the benefits of completing a web-based doctorate program?

As is the case with DBA doctoral programs, there can be significant associated costs, but there are certainly benefits to pursuing this degree, aligning with everyone’s overall goal of not stagnating.

Being a terminal degree, the title of Doctor of Business Management represents a significant peak of professional achievement. It also implies that the degree holder has substantial experience under their belt within the industry: as with other professional terminal degrees, it dramatically helps if students have a reservoir of experience and insight that they can draw on to get a more meaningful learning experience out of their coursework.

Earning a doctorate degree also opens the door to other opportunities both within a certain industry or in a related field; graduates can add to their expertise and move up to more challenging responsibilities and positions, launch a career as industry consultants, or even take up teaching careers for some.

Meanwhile, online learning may have its tradeoffs, such as losing the unique interactions and overall learning atmosphere that comes with face-to-face classes, but it certainly has its benefits, particularly to typical students of Doctor of Business Administration degrees who are most often busy working professionals.

Online degree programs are specifically tailored to fit their prior professional commitments. These degree programs may follow self-paced or asynchronous models, which means students retain their flexibility by letting them access coursework at their most convenient time.

Some doctor of business administration degree programs may also follow a cohort model, which means they still get to build meaningful partnerships with other students in their cohort, partnerships that they can readily transfer into their professional sphere, as they often come from within the same industry.

No need to worry about educational quality either when it comes to online learning. Online learning may still have some connotations of being of less quality, but they are often held by universities to the same standard as they do with their traditional degree programs.

Programs that have both a traditional and an online delivery format within the same university will invariably follow the same curriculum design, have the same coursework, and be taught by the same faculty.

Key Takeaways

The DBA is a practice-focused degree and is aimed at producing graduates who are business leaders with advanced skill sets. The Ph.D. in Business Administration, meanwhile, is a scholarly-focused degree and produces graduates who work on the theoretical basis of the business management discipline.

DBA programs are often designed with specialization areas, containing specialized courses that cater to student’s specific areas of interest or overall career plans. 

Degrees that do not require dissertation research as their final requirement require a capstone project that integrates practice-based applied research. This serves as the first venue for students to put their learning into practice.

Related Posts

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Question: Are there any online EdD programs that do not require a dissertation?

Answer: Yes – Several schools that offer Doctor of Education degrees online do not require students to complete a traditional dissertation. However, these programs typically include another type of capstone requirement, such as an applied project or requiring students to publish a journal quality research article.

At this time, the majority of online Ed.D. programs require students to complete a dissertation in order to earn their doctorate. There are, however, options for those who do not wish to write a traditional research-based thesis. Several programs now offer students the opportunity to develop and implement a more action-oriented “dissertation-in-practice” dissertation or an applied capstone project. While these capstone options also require a considerable amount of research and writing, they differ from traditional dissertations, focusing more on producing direct solutions to existing problems in education or organizational leadership, instead of furthering theory in the field.

A traditional dissertation has a formal five-chapter structure and aims to contribute to the existing scholarly literature on a topic in education development or leadership. The dissertation-in-practice, on the other hand, is an applied dissertation that still maintains the formal structure of the traditional dissertation, but focuses more on specific education challenges that students experience in their place of work. In contrast, the applied project is distinct from a dissertation in that it does not abide by the formal five-chapter dissertation structure, and has a more applied objective that relates to investigating or solving an educational practice or learning outcomes problem. In most cases, students who choose an applied project are tasked with examining an education challenge at their current place of employment (or one that is present regionally), and making an improvement to strategies or methods used in their organization or district.

Students should note that regardless of the option they choose, all three culminating experiences require rigorous research and writing. To learn more about the differences between these three capstone experiences, and to see a list of online programs that include an applied project option, continue reading below. (Note: At this time, the majority of online Ed.D. programs require students to complete some sort of a capstone experience whether it is a traditional research dissertation, a dissertation-in-practice, or an applied doctoral project.)

Ed.D. Dissertation and Dissertation-in-Practice vs. Applied Project

While each is an extensive undertaking, intended to represent the culmination of one’s doctoral studies, a traditional Ed.D. dissertation, a dissertation-in-practice, and an applied capstone project are all similar to and distinct from each other depending on how you compare them. Additionally, for Ed.D. students, one option is not inherently better than the other; therefore, it is important to understand the similarities and differences and to choose an option that best aligns with a student’s educational and professional goals.

For students who are worried about the time it may take to complete a traditional dissertation, many Ed.D. programs are now better incorporating dissertation work into the curriculum. From the beginning of students’ enrollment, these programs have a structured environment in which students conduct their research, write their dissertation chapters, and consult with instructors for their dissertation work. This is a fairly recent change from the way dissertations have historically been completed in doctoral programs, where the student embarks on his or her dissertation work after he or she completes all of the program coursework.

Ed.D. Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research study, in which students use qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to examine and analyze a specific issue related to education. The goal of this project is to contribute new insights on a particular topic in the field, making a positive impact on established methods or theories by advancing existing research.

Students typically begin the dissertation process by formulating a specific research question to investigate. After reviewing past research on the subject, they then design and conduct a study of their own and analyze the results. The final product is a five-chapter document detailing the entire dissertation process, including students’ research methodology and conclusions drawn from their findings. Overall, students can expect to spend a significant portion of their Ed.D. studies planning for and completing their dissertation. Most programs include multiple courses related to dissertation research and development, and allow for one or more years of independent study to finish the project. The entire process is typically overseen by a dissertation committee comprised of program faculty, who provide mentorship and make sure students reach certain deadlines along the way. In most cases, students must present their initial research proposal to this committee for approval, as well as explain their findings during a formal dissertation defense at the end of their studies. For Ed.D. students, a traditional dissertation is very similar to what students in a Ph.D. program complete.

Ed.D. Dissertation-in-Practice

Unlike a Ph.D. in Education, the Doctor of Education degree is more focused on practice than scholarly research. Indeed, with the establishment of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED) as a guiding organization in the area of Ed.D. curriculum development, a growing number of Ed.D. programs have joined CPED and expressed their commitment to the scholar-practitioner model. As such, many Ed.D. programs are beginning to offer alternative dissertation options that more closely align with the Ed.D.’s role as a practitioner’s degree. Therefore, students who prefer to focus on practical skills and real-world applications over intensive academic inquiry should look for programs that offer a dissertation-in-practice and/or an applied project option.

The dissertation-in-practice is, in many ways, a compromise on the historical requirement that students must complete a dissertation in order to earn their doctorate, and the central mission of the Ed.D. degree to train students to be advanced scholar-practitioners (i.e. educational leaders who use research to solve education problems and challenges in their place of practice). Instead of focusing on furthering scholarly understanding of a particular issue in education, the goal of a dissertation-in-practice is to address a specific problem of practice (as such, a dissertation-in-practice is often referred to as an applied dissertation). Students who elect to complete a dissertation-in-practice identify a research question pertaining to a specific problem they wish to solve in their own place of work, or an educational issue that is affecting their region (e.g. school district or community).

Students completing a dissertation-in-practice utilize qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies to investigate their research question, and to gather data that will provide insights on addressing, preventing, or mitigating their chosen education problem. They also generally follow the same process that students completing traditional dissertations follow, which includes forming a faculty research committee, submitting and presenting a research proposal, writing their paper, and presenting their final conclusions to their committee. In general, dissertations-in-practice also follow the same formal five-chapter structure as a traditional dissertation, but the implications of students’ research are much more aligned with the goal of directly improving learning outcomes or enacting positive change in organizations and systems of education.

Ed.D. Capstone Project

An Ed.D. capstone project, on the other hand, is quite different from a traditional dissertation or even a dissertation-in-practice. While an applied project may have a similar scope or address a similar question as a dissertation-in-practice, instead of creating a traditional five-chapter dissertation, students typically have a much more concrete deliverable, designed to be implemented immediately with the goal of improving performance or learning outcomes in a particular setting. This can take many different forms, such as a new curriculum plan for students, a staff training program, a piece of learning software, a district-wide technology strategy, potential policy changes, or recommendations for other organizational improvements that may help solve a current educational issue.

As with a dissertation, students typically complete this project under the guidance of faculty mentors. They must submit their initial proposal for approval, as well as defend the final product in front of their project committee. Most Ed.D. programs that have an applied project option also include a number of credits or courses directly related to capstone development, as well as certain deadlines students must meet during the process. In the end, these projects are generally just as rigorous as a traditional dissertation, requiring a similar time commitment as well as substantial research and writing.

Note : For the most detailed information on a program’s dissertation or capstone requirement–as well as how the program may define a traditional dissertation vs. a dissertation-in-practice vs. a capstone project–it is always best to contact the program directly.

Online Ed.D. Programs with No Dissertation Required

Below is a list of online Doctor of Education programs that include an applied project rather than a dissertation (e.g., traditional research dissertation or a dissertation-in-practice) as their capstone requirement. Students interested in earning their Ed.D. without completing a dissertation have a variety of degree options to choose from, with specializations ranging from P-12 Educational Administration to Global Sport Leadership. Keep in mind, the requirements and goal of each program’s capstone project or culminating experience may vary, depending largely on the degree’s particular area of focus within education or organizational leadership.

Below are the schools that currently offer Ed.D. programs online which do not require a dissertation (either a traditional dissertation or a dissertation in practice):

• A.T. Still University : Doctor of Education in Health Professions (Doctoral Research Project)
• Boston College : Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education (Professional Capstone Project)
• Bradley University : Doctor of Education – Higher Education Administration (Action Research Project and an Applied Internship)
• Cornerstone University : Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development (Organizational Leadership and Development Project)
• East Tennessee State University : Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership (Doctoral Capstone Project)
• Kent State University : Online Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership (Comprehensive Paper or Capstone Project)
• Liberty University : Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Capstone Project)
• Liberty University : Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Capstone Project)
• Marymount University : Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation (Doctoral Project/Final Research Paper)
• Morehead State University : Doctor of Education with Specializations in Adult and Higher Education Leadership, P-12 Administrative Leadership, and Educational Technology Leadership (Doctoral Capstone Project)
• National Louis University : Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership (Doctoral Capstone)
• National University : Doctor of Education in Organizational Innovation (Culminating Project)
• Nebraska Methodist College : Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership in Healthcare (Capstone Project)
• New York University : Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation (Capstone Project)
• Rockhurst University : Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership (Capstone Project)
• The University of Louisiana at Monroe : Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Capstone Project or Three Publishable Research Articles)
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill : Doctor of Education in Organizational Learning and Leadership (Three Semester Capstone Courses and Project)
• The University of Southern Mississippi : Doctor of Education in P-12 Educational Administration (Four-chapter Capstone Project)
• The University of Southern Mississippi : Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (Field-based Capstone Project)
• University of Miami : Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences (Group Project and Individual Paper)
• University of Virginia : Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Capstone Project)
• Vanderbilt University : Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations (Group Capstone Project)
• Virginia Commonwealth University : Ed.D. in Leadership (Collaborative Group Study Capstone)
• West Texas A&M University : Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Two Publication-worthy Research Articles)
• Wilmington University : Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership (Applied Inquiry Project)

When researching potential programs, students should decide which type of capstone experience best fits their academic and professional goals. Ultimately, it is important to choose a degree that both aligns with one’s particular learning style and provides them with the type of training needed to advance in their field of interest. To learn more about any of the Ed.D. programs listed above, as well as their specific capstone requirements, students should visit the school’s website or contact an admissions representative.

Online EdD Program FAQs

• Are there any fully online EdD programs?
• FAQ: Are there any online EdD programs in kinesiology?
• FAQ: Are there any online EdD programs in TESOL and English Language Learning?
• Are there any online EdD programs that can be completed in 2 years?
• Are there any online EdD programs that do not require a master’s degree for admission?
• Are there any online EdD programs that do not require the GRE for admission?
• Are there any online EdS to EdD degree programs?
• Are there any schools that offer faith-based EdD programs online?
• Are there online EdD programs with an ABD option?
• How long does it take to complete an online EdD program?
• What is an embedded dissertation in EdD programs?

2024-2025 University of Denver Graduate Bulletin

The Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation represents the culminating research experience for doctorate of philosophy students through which degree candidates are expected to complete quality original scholarship that contributes to the theoretical/research knowledge base of the candidate’s field of study. The college, school or department determines the amount of credit allowed for research and work on the dissertation. Students should consult the Office of Graduate Education website for instructions regarding how to prepare and format the dissertation.

The Graduate School of Professional Psychology requires their doctorate of psychology candidates to complete a doctoral paper instead of a dissertation and should consult with their program regarding requirements for the doctoral paper.

The Morgridge College of Education requires their doctorate of education candidates to complete a dissertation in practice instead of a dissertation and should consult with their program regarding requirements for the dissertation in practice.

Program-Level Dissertation Proposal Committee

All candidates for the doctorate of philosophy degree must have a dissertation director who is in the student’s graduate program. Programs may require that dissertation proposals be approved by or defended before a committee within the department. Programs reserve the right to determine the composition of the dissertation proposal committee. However, only those who meet the following University requirements may serve as voting members of the oral defense committee.

Doctoral Dissertation Oral Defense Committee

The doctoral candidate’s dissertation oral defense committee will be submitted to the Office of Graduate Education for approval by the Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education. OGE staff will review the committee to ensure that it meets University policies and the Vice Provost will work with the department/program chair to resolve any concerns that the proposed committee may not adhere to University policies. 

Prior to coming to OGE the department/program chair is responsible for confirming the committee membership is appropriate for the dissertation subject matter and for supporting the student’s academic needs. If rejected by the chair or the Vice Provost, the dean or designee can review an appeal of committee membership.

The  Thesis/Dissertation Oral Defense Committee Recommendation form (found on the OGE website ) should be returned to the Office of Graduate Education as soon as the dissertation proposal has been approved or 30 days following IRB submission but no later than the first day of the quarter in which the student expects to complete the degree.

Composition

Dissertation director.

The dissertation director is ordinarily a tenure-line or research faculty member of the candidate’s graduate program. Under some circumstances, faculty with other designations (e.g., clinical) can serve as the dissertation director with approval of the department/program chair and dean/designee. The process for approval is the same as for other committee members (see below).

It is the dissertation director’s responsibility to ensure that the student’s research meets appropriate academic standards for the discipline in which the degree is being conferred. The dissertation director is a voting member of the committee.

Committee Members 

The committee is composed of a minimum of three and a maximum of six voting members, including the dissertation director. This includes the dissertation director but does not include the Oral Defense Committee Chair, who is a non-voting committee member.  Tenure-line and research faculty from DU (or approved Iliff faculty for students in the DU-Iliff Joint PhD program), including those outside the student’s program, are automatically eligible to serve on dissertation committees if the dissertation subject is appropriate to their field of expertise.

Faculty with other designations (e.g., clinical, teaching, professor of the practice) are eligible to serve as voting members of the committee if they have been actively [1] involved in research and scholarship in a relevant field and meet the following requirements:

• Possession of the research doctorate, terminal degree in the field, or equivalent record of research, scholarship, or achievement appropriate for the program; and
• Professional productivity as evidenced by achievement such as: 
• Publication of a book or books recognized in the field as scholarly work;
• Publication of articles in recognized, peer-reviewed scholarly journals;
• Publication of articles in conference proceedings; 
• Current award or completion of an externally-funded project (e.g. grant recipient or program manager);
• Possess national eminence in the topic field; 
• Juried performances, exhibitions, or creative works that have received significant regional, national, or international recognition. 

Department/Program chairs should submit the CV of an individual to the dean or designee for approval. Once approved, the Office of Graduate Education will maintain these approved lists for individual programs for three years without additional review.

Individuals from other academic institutions may serve as voting members (not director) of the committee. If in a tenure-track or research faculty position in a relevant field at a university or research position in a National Laboratory, they are automatically eligible; if not, individuals must submit a current CV through the department chair for approval by the dean/designee. Once approved, the Office of Graduate Education will maintain these approved lists for individual programs. No more than one committee member can come from outside DU, with the exception of the DU-Iliff joint PhD program, in which case multiple members may come from Iliff.

[1] Actively is defined as contributing to research in the last three to five years

Oral Defense Committee Chair

The role of the oral defense committee chair is to ensure a fair examination process that adheres to the policies outlined in the Graduate Bulletin. The chair should provide a non-specialist’s perspective on the quality of the dissertation. The chair must be familiar with the standards for doctoral research and should have some general knowledge of the topic of the student’s dissertation. The chair is expected to have read the dissertation prior to the defense and to participate in the defense as their academic expertise permits, but the chair is not a voting member.

The committee chair must be a tenured member of the DU faculty and must be from a department, school, or college other than that of the candidate [1] .  There will be no exceptions to this element of the policy. When a doctoral degree is interdisciplinary, the defense committee chair should whenever possible be from a discipline not represented in the degree. Exceptions to this policy can be approved by the dean or designee when accompanied by a conflict of interest disclosure. Those faculty holding only courtesy appointments in a program are not considered “within” the program.

It is the responsibility of the student and dissertation director to find an appropriate oral defense committee chair who meets these requirements and agrees to serve. In case of difficulty reaching agreement, the chair of the department/program will make a decision. This decision is not appealable.

[1] Students in the DU-Iliff Joint PhD program may have an outside chair from the Iliff School of Theology, but that faculty member must be outside of the field of specialization represented by the student’s dissertation.

Emeriti Faculty

• Emeriti faculty may serve as a voting committee member or outside chair. 
• They may continue to finish out advising their students as a dissertation/thesis director but cannot take on new students as director.  Before retiring, faculty should work with their department chair to confirm the students and their expected graduation term in which they will continue to serve as their director.  The department chair should then submit the approved plan to the Office of Graduate Education.

Retired Faculty

• Retired faculty may serve as a voting committee member so long as the associate dean and department chair approve.  The Office of Graduate Education will keep these approvals on file for 3 years.
• Retired faculty may serve as an outside chair for up to one year post retirement so long as they had tenure prior to retiring and the associate dean and department chair approve.  The Office of Graduate Education will keep these approvals on file for one year.

Appeal of Defense Committee Composition

If the department/program chair rejects the composition of the dissertation committee, the student can appeal to the dean or designee. The appeal should include CVs of each proposed committee member, along with a statement explaining why the student believes the composition of the committee is appropriate for the project. The appeal must be signed by the dissertation director to confirm their agreement with the student’s proposed committee.

The dean or designee will review the appeal and respond in writing to approve or reject the committee within 10 business days. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Unit-Specific Requirements

Schools and departments reserve the right to establish additional requirements that exceed the University standards. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether or not the unit has requirements in addition to University policy and the unit’s responsibility to ensure that those requirements have been met before submitting the Oral Defense Committee Recommendation form to the Office of Graduate Education.

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Theses and Dissertations

Cornell theses.

Check Cornell’s library catalog , which lists the dissertations available in our library collection.

The print thesis collection in Uris Library is currently shelved on Level 3B before the Q to QA regular-sized volumes. Check with the library staff for the thesis shelving locations in other libraries (Mann, Catherwood, Fine Arts, etc.).

Non-Cornell Theses

Proquest dissertations and theses.

According to ProQuest, coverage begins with 1637. With more than 2.4 million entries,  ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global  is the starting point for finding citations to doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. Dissertations published from 1980 forward include 350-word abstracts written by the author. Master’s theses published from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts. UMI also offers over 1.8 million titles for purchase in microfilm or paper formats. The full text of more than 930,000 are available in PDF format for immediate free download. Use  Interlibrary Loan  for the titles not available as full text online.

Foreign Dissertations at the Center for Research Libraries

To search for titles and verify holdings of dissertations at the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), use the CRL catalog . CRL seeks to provide comprehensive access to doctoral dissertations submitted to institutions outside the U. S. and Canada (currently more than 750,000 titles). One hundred European universities maintain exchange or deposit agreements with CRL. Russian dissertation abstracts in the social sciences are obtained on microfiche from INION.  More detailed information about CRL’s dissertation holdings .

Additional Resources

Please see our resource guide on dissertations and theses for additional resources and support.

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• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

What Is a Dissertation? | Guide, Examples, & Template

A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program.

Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you’ve ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating to know where to begin.

Your department likely has guidelines related to how your dissertation should be structured. When in doubt, consult with your supervisor.

You can also download our full dissertation template in the format of your choice below. The template includes a ready-made table of contents with notes on what to include in each chapter, easily adaptable to your department’s requirements.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

• In the US, a dissertation generally refers to the collection of research you conducted to obtain a PhD.
• In other countries (such as the UK), a dissertation often refers to the research you conduct to obtain your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

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Table of contents

Dissertation committee and prospectus process, how to write and structure a dissertation, acknowledgements or preface, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review, methodology, reference list, proofreading and editing, defending your dissertation, free checklist and lecture slides.

When you’ve finished your coursework, as well as any comprehensive exams or other requirements, you advance to “ABD” (All But Dissertation) status. This means you’ve completed everything except your dissertation.

Prior to starting to write, you must form your committee and write your prospectus or proposal . Your committee comprises your adviser and a few other faculty members. They can be from your own department, or, if your work is more interdisciplinary, from other departments. Your committee will guide you through the dissertation process, and ultimately decide whether you pass your dissertation defense and receive your PhD.

Your prospectus is a formal document presented to your committee, usually orally in a defense, outlining your research aims and objectives and showing why your topic is relevant . After passing your prospectus defense, you’re ready to start your research and writing.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

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The structure of your dissertation depends on a variety of factors, such as your discipline, topic, and approach. Dissertations in the humanities are often structured more like a long essay , building an overall argument to support a central thesis , with chapters organized around different themes or case studies.

However, hard science and social science dissertations typically include a review of existing works, a methodology section, an analysis of your original research, and a presentation of your results , presented in different chapters.

Dissertation examples

We’ve compiled a list of dissertation examples to help you get started.

• Example dissertation #1: Heat, Wildfire and Energy Demand: An Examination of Residential Buildings and Community Equity (a dissertation by C. A. Antonopoulos about the impact of extreme heat and wildfire on residential buildings and occupant exposure risks).
• Example dissertation #2: Exploring Income Volatility and Financial Health Among Middle-Income Households (a dissertation by M. Addo about income volatility and declining economic security among middle-income households).
• Example dissertation #3: The Use of Mindfulness Meditation to Increase the Efficacy of Mirror Visual Feedback for Reducing Phantom Limb Pain in Amputees (a dissertation by N. S. Mills about the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on the relationship between mirror visual feedback and the pain level in amputees with phantom limb pain).

The very first page of your document contains your dissertation title, your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date. Sometimes it also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo.

Read more about title pages

The acknowledgements section is usually optional and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you. In some cases, your acknowledgements are part of a preface.

Read more about acknowledgements Read more about prefaces

The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150 to 300 words long. Though this may seem very short, it’s one of the most important parts of your dissertation, because it introduces your work to your audience.

Your abstract should:

• State your main topic and the aims of your research
• Describe your methods
• Summarize your main results
• State your conclusions

Read more about abstracts

The table of contents lists all of your chapters, along with corresponding subheadings and page numbers. This gives your reader an overview of your structure and helps them easily navigate your document.

Remember to include all main parts of your dissertation in your table of contents, even the appendices. It’s easy to generate a table automatically in Word if you used heading styles. Generally speaking, you only include level 2 and level 3 headings, not every subheading you included in your finished work.

Read more about tables of contents

While not usually mandatory, it’s nice to include a list of figures and tables to help guide your reader if you have used a lot of these in your dissertation. It’s easy to generate one of these in Word using the Insert Caption feature.

Read more about lists of figures and tables

Similarly, if you have used a lot of abbreviations (especially industry-specific ones) in your dissertation, you can include them in an alphabetized list of abbreviations so that the reader can easily look up their meanings.

Read more about lists of abbreviations

In addition to the list of abbreviations, if you find yourself using a lot of highly specialized terms that you worry will not be familiar to your reader, consider including a glossary. Here, alphabetize the terms and include a brief description or definition.

Read more about glossaries

The introduction serves to set up your dissertation’s topic, purpose, and relevance. It tells the reader what to expect in the rest of your dissertation. The introduction should:

• Establish your research topic , giving the background information needed to contextualize your work
• Narrow down the focus and define the scope of your research
• Discuss the state of existing research on the topic, showing your work’s relevance to a broader problem or debate
• Clearly state your research questions and objectives
• Outline the flow of the rest of your work

Everything in the introduction should be clear, engaging, and relevant. By the end, the reader should understand the what, why, and how of your research.

Read more about introductions

A formative part of your research is your literature review . This helps you gain a thorough understanding of the academic work that already exists on your topic.

Literature reviews encompass:

• Finding relevant sources (e.g., books and journal articles)
• Assessing the credibility of your sources
• Critically analyzing and evaluating each source
• Drawing connections between them (e.g., themes, patterns, conflicts, or gaps) to strengthen your overall point

A literature review is not merely a summary of existing sources. Your literature review should have a coherent structure and argument that leads to a clear justification for your own research. It may aim to:

• Address a gap in the literature or build on existing knowledge
• Take a new theoretical or methodological approach to your topic
• Propose a solution to an unresolved problem or advance one side of a theoretical debate

Read more about literature reviews

Theoretical framework

Your literature review can often form the basis for your theoretical framework. Here, you define and analyze the key theories, concepts, and models that frame your research.

Read more about theoretical frameworks

Your methodology chapter describes how you conducted your research, allowing your reader to critically assess its credibility. Your methodology section should accurately report what you did, as well as convince your reader that this was the best way to answer your research question.

A methodology section should generally include:

• The overall research approach ( quantitative vs. qualitative ) and research methods (e.g., a longitudinal study )
• Your data collection methods (e.g., interviews or a controlled experiment )
• Details of where, when, and with whom the research took place
• Any tools and materials you used (e.g., computer programs, lab equipment)
• Your data analysis methods (e.g., statistical analysis , discourse analysis )
• An evaluation or justification of your methods

Read more about methodology sections

Your results section should highlight what your methodology discovered. You can structure this section around sub-questions, hypotheses , or themes, but avoid including any subjective or speculative interpretation here.

Your results section should:

• Concisely state each relevant result together with relevant descriptive statistics (e.g., mean , standard deviation ) and inferential statistics (e.g., test statistics , p values )
• Briefly state how the result relates to the question or whether the hypothesis was supported
• Report all results that are relevant to your research questions , including any that did not meet your expectations.

Additional data (including raw numbers, full questionnaires, or interview transcripts) can be included as an appendix. You can include tables and figures, but only if they help the reader better understand your results. Read more about results sections

Your discussion section is your opportunity to explore the meaning and implications of your results in relation to your research question. Here, interpret your results in detail, discussing whether they met your expectations and how well they fit with the framework that you built in earlier chapters. Refer back to relevant source material to show how your results fit within existing research in your field.

Some guiding questions include:

• What do your results mean?
• Why do your results matter?
• What limitations do the results have?

If any of the results were unexpected, offer explanations for why this might be. It’s a good idea to consider alternative interpretations of your data.

Read more about discussion sections

Your dissertation’s conclusion should concisely answer your main research question, leaving your reader with a clear understanding of your central argument and emphasizing what your research has contributed to the field.

In some disciplines, the conclusion is just a short section preceding the discussion section, but in other contexts, it is the final chapter of your work. Here, you wrap up your dissertation with a final reflection on what you found, with recommendations for future research and concluding remarks.

It’s important to leave the reader with a clear impression of why your research matters. What have you added to what was already known? Why is your research necessary for the future of your field?

Read more about conclusions

It is crucial to include a reference list or list of works cited with the full details of all the sources that you used, in order to avoid plagiarism. Be sure to choose one citation style and follow it consistently throughout your dissertation. Each style has strict and specific formatting requirements.

Common styles include MLA , Chicago , and APA , but which style you use is often set by your department or your field.

Create APA citations Create MLA citations

Your dissertation should contain only essential information that directly contributes to answering your research question. Documents such as interview transcripts or survey questions can be added as appendices, rather than adding them to the main body.

Read more about appendices

Making sure that all of your sections are in the right place is only the first step to a well-written dissertation. Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for editing and proofreading, as grammar mistakes and sloppy spelling errors can really negatively impact your work.

Dissertations can take up to five years to write, so you will definitely want to make sure that everything is perfect before submitting. You may want to consider using a professional dissertation editing service , AI proofreader or grammar checker to make sure your final project is perfect prior to submitting.

After your written dissertation is approved, your committee will schedule a defense. Similarly to defending your prospectus, dissertation defenses are oral presentations of your work. You’ll present your dissertation, and your committee will ask you questions. Many departments allow family members, friends, and other people who are interested to join as well.

After your defense, your committee will meet, and then inform you whether you have passed. Keep in mind that defenses are usually just a formality; most committees will have resolved any serious issues with your work with you far prior to your defense, giving you ample time to fix any problems.

As you write your dissertation, you can use this simple checklist to make sure you’ve included all the essentials.

Checklist: Dissertation

My title page includes all information required by my university.

I have included acknowledgements thanking those who helped me.

My abstract provides a concise summary of the dissertation, giving the reader a clear idea of my key results or arguments.

I have created a table of contents to help the reader navigate my dissertation. It includes all chapter titles, but excludes the title page, acknowledgements, and abstract.

My introduction leads into my topic in an engaging way and shows the relevance of my research.

My introduction clearly defines the focus of my research, stating my research questions and research objectives .

My introduction includes an overview of the dissertation’s structure (reading guide).

I have conducted a literature review in which I (1) critically engage with sources, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of existing research, (2) discuss patterns, themes, and debates in the literature, and (3) address a gap or show how my research contributes to existing research.

I have clearly outlined the theoretical framework of my research, explaining the theories and models that support my approach.

I have thoroughly described my methodology , explaining how I collected data and analyzed data.

I have concisely and objectively reported all relevant results .

I have (1) evaluated and interpreted the meaning of the results and (2) acknowledged any important limitations of the results in my discussion .

I have clearly stated the answer to my main research question in the conclusion .

I have clearly explained the implications of my conclusion, emphasizing what new insight my research has contributed.

I have provided relevant recommendations for further research or practice.

If relevant, I have included appendices with supplemental information.

I have included an in-text citation every time I use words, ideas, or information from a source.

I have listed every source in a reference list at the end of my dissertation.

I have consistently followed the rules of my chosen citation style .

I have followed all formatting guidelines provided by my university.

Congratulations!

The end is in sight—your dissertation is nearly ready to submit! Make sure it's perfectly polished with the help of a Scribbr editor.

If you’re an educator, feel free to download and adapt these slides to teach your students about structuring a dissertation.

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Home > Theses and Dissertations > 7710

Theses and Dissertations

Placebos, rhetoric, and the power of expectation.

Jennifer M. Reeher , University of South Carolina Follow

Date of Award

Document type.

Open Access Dissertation

English Language and Literatures

First Advisor

John Muckelbauer

Placebos, Rhetoric, and the Power of Expectation examines the relationship between persuasion and health to determine what interventions rhetoric could make in the interdisciplinary field of placebo studies. This exploration of the relationship between rhetoric and placebo responses relies on non-anthropocentric definitions and theories of rhetoric as well as a multifaceted archive that includes patient narratives, clinical intake forms, and peer-reviewed scientific studies of condition-specific placebo responses. The impact of this investigation spans the practical and the theoretical. First, rhetorical study highlights the importance of a patient’s perception of care in patient recovery. To this end, rhetoric offers audience-focused methods that may help medical professionals ensure that their attempted or intended care is read as such by their patients. Second, this investigation offers a path forward for communication futures in medicine, as rhetorical understandings of persuasion, the spread of ideas, and expectation development could benefit medical professionals who communicate with and treat patients. To this end, changes to medical education curricula, patient treatment, and trial design that focus on the impact of persuasive elements would help medical students, physicians, and clinical trialists to effectively consider patient expectations in clinical interactions. Finally, though the main focus is on what rhetoric can offer placebo studies, this exchange is a two-way street. Because placebos are sometimes described as persuading a patient or a patient’s body, this interdisciplinary conversation also invites us to turn a mirror on rhetoric itself. As a result of this study of placebo responses, I posit a “rhetoric of expectation” that provides a new way to frame, understand, and theorize the process of expectation development (and the expression and impact of expectations) from a rhetorical perspective.

© 2024, Jennifer M. Reeher

Recommended Citation

Reeher, J. M.(2024). Placebos, Rhetoric, and the Power of Expectation. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7710

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Graduate Studies

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Fighting racism and hate: a case study of black graduate students' perceptions of a university president's responses to racialized incidents.

Kaleb L. Briscoe , University of Nebraska-Lincoln Follow

0000-0002-6333-9867

First Advisor

Deryl K. Hatch-Tocaimaza

Committee Members

Christina W. Yao, Stephanie Bondi, Sydney Freeman, Jr., Amanda Morales

Educational Studies (Educational Leadership and Higher Education)

Date of this Version

Document type.

Dissertation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Educational Studies (Educational Leadership and Higher Education)

Under the supervision of Professor Deryl K. Hatch-Tocaimaza

Lincoln, Nebraska, February 2020

Copyright 2020, Kaleb L. Briscoe.Used by permission

This qualitative, single case study examined Black graduate students’ perceptions of a university president’s responses to racialized incidents and how these perceptions inform Black graduate students’ larger contextual understanding of campus racial climate. Guided by Hurtado et al.’s (2012) Multi-Contextual Model for Diverse Learning Environments, the research questions were: What are Black graduate students’ perceptions of a university president’s responses to racialized incidents at a PWI? How do Black graduate students’ perceptions of a university president’s responses to racialized incidents inform their larger contextual understanding of campus racial climate at a PWI? Data was analyzed on an institutional-level through institutional documents, president statements, and one, 60 minute interview with 4 staff members and on an individual-level through a demographic survey and two, 60-90 minute interviews with 12 Black graduate students from a large, predominantly White institution in the Mid-Atlantic, the University of Maryland.

The findings were displayed through narrative summaries. As a result of the president’s responses to racialized incidents, Black graduate students felt othered, marginalized, and silenced. Findings demonstrated the lack of institutional response strategies that the president of University of Maryland used to address racialized incidents. Overall, participants viewed the president’s responses to racialized incidents as being untimely, inadequate, and inappropriate. Almost all students and staff participants shared that the president’s responses to racialized incidents through campus statements used non-performative and anti-Blackness rhetoric. Black graduate students reported that the president’s responses, from their vantage point, lacked action-oriented language, next steps, and strategies to assist them during the aftermath of the incidents.

The findings from this study underscored a direct connection between the president’s responses to racialized incidents and how Black graduate students at one campus perceive racial climate as being negative. This further illustrates the significance of the role of the presidency when addressing issues of race and racism, and how their responses have the power to disrupt or harm both the personal lived experiences of individuals and the broader campus racial climate for Black graduate students. Several implications for practice and recommendations for theory and future research are offered.

Recommended Citation

Briscoe, Kaleb L., "Fighting Racism and Hate: A Case Study of Black Graduate Students' Perceptions of a University President's Responses to Racialized Incidents" (2020). Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023– . 208. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissunl/208

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DIS-9200A Completing the Dissertation Proposal v1

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DIS-9200A: Completing the Dissertation Proposal

Welcome to the NU Library Guide for DIS-9200A .

Resources are included within the Lessons of your course and below are common resources you may need as you progress. Your Chair may also provide you with additional resources specific to your study.

• Weekly Progress Update Form: Past, Present, and Future Use this document to provide your Chair an update each week you are not ready to submit a milestone for review. Submit this to the Dropbox once completed. Contact your Chair with any questions.
• Quant is not Scary National University GSSC. (2024, May 30). Quant is not scary [Video file].

• Quantitative Methodology and Hypothesis Testing National University GSSC. (2023, March 23). Quantitative methodology and hypothesis testing [Video file].

• National University GSSC. (2022, December 8). Fundamentals of qualitative research: A broad overview [Video file].

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Book Review Article (English)

• ISSN: 1035-8811 , 1757-6547
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• Title: Book Review Article
• Published in: The Australian Journal of Anthropology ; 11, 1 ; 59-77
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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• Publication date: 2000-04-01
• Size: 19 pages
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1835-9310.2000.tb00263.x
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