all but dissertation candidate

All But Dissertation (ABD) Status 😬

A Plain-Language Explainer + Guide For Stuck Students

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024

When it comes to completing a PhD or doctoral degree, “all but dissertation” (or ABD) is all too often the danger zone for candidates. In this post, we’ll explore what it means to be ABD , look at the factors that contribute to students finding themselves in this position, and offer practical suggestions to help you navigate (or altogether avoid) ABD. 

Overview: All But Dissertation (ABD)

• What exactly is ABD?
• Why do students get stuck?
• How to avoid or escape ABD status
• Common questions about ABD

What Does “All But Dissertation” Mean?

As the name suggests, “all but dissertation” or ABD describes a PhD or doctoral-level candidate who’s completed all the necessary coursework and passed all relevant exams, but has not yet submitted and defended their dissertation or thesis (in which case, it’s called “All But Thesis”). In essence, it’s a form of academic purgatory – so close to the finish line, yet so far.

To be clear, achieving ABD status is no small feat – if you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely already conquered years of rigorous study, challenging exams, and the general academic torment that accompanies postgraduate-level study. So, pat yourself on the back. However, the challenge now is to push yourself past the plateau and complete your dissertation. Easier said than done, we know…

Need a helping hand?

Why Do Students Get Stuck?

Over the years, we’ve had many ABD students approach us for help in the form of private coaching . While everyone’s situation is unique, we’ve seen some patterns in terms of the underlying factors that contribute towards students getting stuck in the all but dissertation holding pattern.

Let’s unpack some of the most common contributing factors, after which we’ll discuss some practical measures you can take to mitigate them.

ABD Factor 1: Procrastination & Poor Time Management

Writing a dissertation requires a huge commitment of time and energy . Naturally, many students struggle with procrastination and/or poor time management, making it hard for them to maintain the consistent progress needed to conquer the dissertation mountain.

This is often exacerbated by a general lack of structure in terms of their approach. Without the routine of regular classes and clearly defined deadlines, students often derail and find themselves burning a lot of time on relatively low-value activities. In other words, they find themselves very “busy”, but not very productive.

ABD Factor 2: Supervision Issues & Social Isolation

As we’ve discussed before , maintaining high-quality engagement with your research supervisor is critically important throughout the dissertation process. It’s no surprise then that conflicts or a general lack of support from an advisor can significantly delay or even stall students’ progress . As the relationship erodes further and further, students lose more and more momentum, eventually grinding to a dead halt.

Related to this dynamic, a feeling of isolation and loneliness can often creep in over the months or years. This puts a major drag on students’ general feelings of well-being, further contributing to a l oss of momentum . In a nutshell, a lack of high-quality, productive relationships is a major contributing factor to getting stuck in all but dissertation status.

ABD Factor 3: Academic Burnout & Research Roadblocks

After years of intense study and research, some students will experience burnout. This feeling of mental and physical exhaustion then impedes their ability to complete their dissertation or thesis, and dampens their motivation to push on with the project. In other words, they burn out and lose the passion and enthusiasm they had at the start of their PhD journey.

At the same time, it’s not uncommon for students to encounter unexpected problems in their research . Quite often, we see students facing difficulties with data collection, changes in research direction, or challenges in interpreting results. These are par for the course in the research process, but dealing with them in an already burnt-out state is often just too large a rock to push up the mountain.

ABD Factor 4: Funding Issues

In many cases, doctoral programmes offer funding for a specific period of time (often 3-5 years). However, completing all the requirements for a PhD can sometimes take longer. When the funding runs out before the dissertation is completed, students face the challenge of supporting themselves financially while they finish their research work. As you’d expect, this leads to increased stress and oftentimes forces students to take on part-time or full-time jobs, which can significantly slow down their academic progress and get them stuck in ABD.

ABD Factor 5: Perfectionism

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the treacherous trait of perfectionism. All too often, we see hardworking doctoral candidates struggle with perfectionism, feeling that their dissertation or thesis is never good enough to submit. This can lead to a cycle where students continually revise their work, never feeling satisfied enough to consider it complete.

Given that a dissertation is a substantial and defining piece of work, the desire to produce something flawless can be particularly paralysing . Perfectionism can also then feed intro procrastination (which we discussed earlier), creating a vicious cycle of inaction.

Of course, these are just a handful of common contributors to students landing up in all but dissertation land – there are many other potential factors that can come into play. However, if you want to move past ABD status (or avoid it altogether), you’ll want to take a proactive stance to combat these issues.

How To Break Through The ABD Barrier

Whether you’re currently stuck in ABD or you’re just starting the dissertation stage and want to make sure you don’t hit a scholarly standstill, there are several simple but effective actions you can take to conquer the proverbial Mount Thesis.

Action 1: Establish A Well-Defined Routine

Creating a clearly defined daily routine is crucial for making steady progress on your dissertation. By setting aside specific times each day for writing and research, you can mimic the structured setting of coursework, which will help you maintain focus and productivity.

In practical terms, you’ll want to articulate a clear daily schedule of well-defined activities. Put these into your calendar and perhaps even consider using a time-tracking app such as Toggl Track . Also, it’s a good idea to find a consistent working location that’s free from distractions, so that you can cultivate an environment conducive to deep work.

In addition to maintaining a firm daily routine, you’ll also want to regularly assess your progress . So, take some time each week to review what you have accomplished, what you haven’t – and adjust your plans accordingly for the week ahead. This regular check-in will help keep you on track and prevent feelings of overwhelm.

Action 2: Set Realistic Goals (And Action Plans)

Setting realistic, achievable goals is key to making consistent progress and avoiding the dreaded all but dissertation limbo. To this end, it’s wise to begin by outlining the major milestones you need to achieve and then break these down into smaller , highly specific tasks. For example, instead of setting a goal to ‘write a chapter,’ you might set a goal to ‘write the introduction section of chapter one.’ This approach makes the task seem less daunting and more attainable.

With your goals set, you’ll then need to develop an action plan to achieve them. In other words, you need to define which specific actions you’ll take day in, day out to achieve each goal. It pays to get very specific here – for each goal, consider what exactly you’ll need to do, how much time it will take, what resources you’ll need, whose input you’ll require and so on. The more granular you get at this stage, the less chance of nasty surprises catching you off guard down the line.

A final thought on goals and goal setting. It’s important to celebrate your victories as you achieve them, no matter how small they might be. Recognise each task you complete and allow yourself to bask in a moment of pride. Ticking items off your to-do list is a simple practice, but this positive reinforcement can be incredibly motivating and will help you maintain a positive outlook throughout the dissertation process.

Action 3: Invest In Your Advisory Relationship

When it comes to conquering your dissertation or thesis, maintaining a strong working relationship with your advisor is critically important. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it’s the number one defence against getting stuck in all but dissertation mode. Making a concerted effort to grow this relationship pays significant dividends.

In practical terms, aim to have structured, regular meetings where you discuss your progress, challenges, and the next steps in your research. Being prepared with specific talking points or questions will make these meetings more productive – but it will also demonstrate to your advisor that you value their time and take the process seriously .

As an overarching philosophy, try to always put your best foot forward when engaging with your advisor. Don’t be the student who constantly whines and moans about every little obstacle. Bring potential solutions to the table – not just problems. Simply put, make yourself an attractive student to work with and you’re much more likely to have an invested advisor on your side.

Action 4: Build A Support Network

Building a strong network of peers and colleagues is key to mitigating the feelings of loneliness and isolation that will invariably present themselves during the research journey. While you must (by design) travel down a narrow, lonely path in terms of the intellectual focus, it doesn’t need to be a lonely path psychologically and socially.

To build a network, a good starting point is to engage with fellow PhD candidates in your department – or if need be, in other departments. You can also consider attending academic conferences and participating in online forums related to your research area. These interactions not only provide social support but can also lead to new insights and ideas for your own dissertation. Again, while everyone’s research focus will be unique, the experience (and its associated challenges) will be very similar across the board.

If you are fortunate enough to connect with candidates within your specific research area, you might also consider forming a study group where members can share their progress and provide feedback on each other’s work. Naturally, this collective approach can help you maintain motivation and reduce the sense of isolation.

Action 5: Be Proactive About Burnout

A surefire way to secure all but dissertation status is to burn yourself out midway through the research process. So, keep an eye out for common burnout warning signs such as chronic fatigue, disillusionment, and decreased productivity .

If you spot these red flags, you’ll need to take proactive steps to reduce your risk of hurtling over the edge and completely flattening yourself. In practical terms, this could include setting more reasonable work hours, ensuring you take time off for relaxation, and engaging in hobbies and exercise. Don’t underestimate the power of a little exercise – oftentimes, a little time away from the screen can do wonders for your writing.

If you find yourself already thoroughly burnt out, consider seeking professional help such as counselling or therapy. In some cases, universities themselves offer resources for stress management and mental health support. So, be sure to check what’s available to you.

Action 6: Say Farewell To Perfectionism

To move past ABD (or, ideally, avoid it altogether) you must move past perfectionism . To this end, start by defining what ‘good enough’ looks like for each stage of your dissertation. Here, it’s a good idea to consult with your supervisor so that you can align expectations. Remember, the goal is to complete a dissertation that meets the specified academic standards – not to produce a flawless piece of work, change the world or earn a Nobel prize.

Beyond defining what success looks like, it’s useful to cultivate a mindset that values progress over perfection . In practical terms, this could mean setting limits on the number of revisions for each section or chapter and using timers to enforce focused writing periods without self-editing. The aim here is to encourage yourself to move forward with the writing process, even when you feel that certain parts could be improved. Remember, done beats perfect – every day.

FAQs: All But Dissertation Status

All but dissertation faqs, can you get a phd abd degree.

No, you cannot get a “PhD ABD degree.” ABD status is not a degree; rather, it describes a stage in the doctoral study process. In some cases, universities may award a Master’s-level degree to ABD status students who drop out of the PhD programme, but this varies from university to university.

How long do students typically remain in ABD status?

The duration can vary widely among students and disciplines. Some complete their dissertation in a year or two, while others may take longer. Extending too long in ABD status can risk programme deadlines and even lead to students leaving the programme without completing their dissertation.

Can ABD status expire?

Yes, some programmes have a time limit by which the dissertation must be completed. If the dissertation is not completed within this timeframe, the student may lose their ABD status and might have to meet additional requirements to re-enter the programme or complete the degree.

Can ABD status impact my career prospects?

Being ABD has different impacts, depending on the field. In academia, not completing the dissertation can significantly hinder career prospects, as a completed doctoral degree is often required. In other industries, substantial coursework and research might still be valued even if the dissertation is not completed.

Can I use the title "Dr." if I'm ABD?

No, you cannot use the title “Dr.” The title is reserved for individuals who have completed all requirements of their doctoral degree, including the dissertation or thesis project.

Are there any specific support systems for ABD students?

Many universities offer specific resources for ABD students, including dissertation boot camps, writing retreats, and specialised advising. Private coaching can also prove invaluable for students stuck in ABD.

Wrapping Up

Navigating (or avoiding) all but dissertation status is undoubtedly challenging. But, with the right approach, it is certainly manageable. If you find yourself in ADB land, remember that you’ve already accomplished so much by reaching this point and you most certainly have what it takes to cross the finish line.

If you need 1:1 help moving past ABD status, be sure to check out our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through every stage of the research process.

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Navigating ABD: All But Dissertation Insights And Strategies

Discover the journey of ‘All but Dissertation’ – a compelling exploration of unfinished scholarly pursuits.

For many doctoral candidates, the concluding stage known as the dissertation phase can be an elusive and challenging endeavor. This stage, commonly referred to as “All but Dissertation” or ABD, signifies the completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree, except the final dissertation. Doctoral candidates who find themselves in this unique academic position may wonder about the significance, challenges, and opportunities associated with ABD status. In this article, we will explain what ABD status entails, offering insights and strategies to navigate this phase with confidence and, ultimately, cross the academic finish line.

What Is ABD (All But Dissertation)?

ABD (All But Dissertation) is a term used in academic circles to describe a student who has completed all the requirements for a doctoral program, except for the dissertation. In a doctoral program, students typically go through a series of stages, including coursework, comprehensive exams, and the dissertation phase. The ABD designation is applied to a student who has successfully completed the coursework and passed the comprehensive exams, demonstrating their deep understanding of the subject matter. However, they have yet to complete the dissertation, which is the final and most significant component of a doctoral program. 

This status can be a transitional phase, as students work on their dissertations and conduct original research, moving closer to earning their coveted doctoral degree. The ABD phase can be both challenging and rewarding, as it represents the culmination of years of academic study and the final step toward becoming a recognized expert in the chosen field.

Reasons For Not Completing A Dissertation

Completing a dissertation is a significant academic accomplishment, but several reasons can lead to individuals not finishing this crucial component of their doctoral journey. These reasons include:

Lack of Time

Doctoral candidates often have demanding schedules, including jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. The extensive time required for researching, writing, and revising a dissertation can be a significant hurdle. Balancing these responsibilities while dedicating substantial time to dissertation work can become challenging.

Also read: Time Management for Researchers: A Comprehensive Toolkit

Academic Challenges

Doctoral-level research and writing are highly complex and require advanced critical thinking and analytical skills. Students may face difficulties in defining a research topic, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, or structuring and presenting their work. These academic challenges can create feelings of frustration and stagnation.

Financial Difficulties

Pursuing a doctoral degree can be financially burdensome. Tuition fees, research expenses, and the costs of educational materials can accumulate. Financial stress can become a barrier to dissertation completion, particularly for those who need to work while studying to cover these expenses.

Related article: Funding for Research — Why, Types of Funding, When, and How?

Emotional/Health Issues

Doctoral programs can be emotionally and mentally taxing. The stress associated with doctoral studies can take a toll on students’ emotional and mental well-being. The pressure to excel academically, meet deadlines, and complete a dissertation can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression. Health issues, whether physical or mental, can emerge, disrupting a student’s ability to focus on their dissertation.

Professional Opportunities Elsewhere

Some doctoral candidates encounter compelling professional opportunities during their academic journey. These opportunities might include high-paying job offers, significant career advancements, or projects they are passionate about. In such cases, the potential career gains may divert their focus from completing their dissertations.

Benefits Of ABD Status

There are several benefits of ABD status. One of them is about universities that can hire ABD candidates to teach undergraduate courses, especially in cases where their expertise aligns with the course content. Additionally, ABD professionals might find opportunities in research roles or within organizations that value their extensive knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking abilities. While it’s essential to acknowledge the potential limitations of not completing the dissertation, such as being ineligible for tenured positions at research-focused universities, ABD status can still lead to fulfilling and successful careers in academia, research, or other fields. It offers an opportunity to contribute to their chosen field, apply their knowledge, and make a meaningful impact while maintaining a work-life balance.

Access to Academic Resources and Networks

One significant advantage of ABD status is the continued access to academic resources and networks. Doctoral students who have completed their coursework, comprehensive exams, and some or most of their research may still access university libraries, research databases, and academic advisors. They can continue to collaborate with professors, researchers, and fellow students, which can be invaluable for further research or career development.

Achieving Doctoral-Level Expertise Without Completing the Dissertation

Another noteworthy benefit is the achievement of doctoral-level expertise without completing the dissertation. ABD students have typically engaged in advanced coursework, gained comprehensive knowledge in their field, and passed rigorous qualifying exams. This level of expertise can open doors to teaching positions, research roles, or advanced positions in various fields.

Alternatives To Earning a Doctoral Degree Without Completing the Dissertation Process

Alternatives to earning a doctoral degree without completing the dissertation process recognize that there are different paths to expertise and career growth, and they allow individuals to tailor their educational journey to their specific goals and circumstances. The choice between these options should be based on an individual’s career objectives, field of study, and personal preferences.

Related article: Doctorate Without Thesis: Everything You Need to Know

ABD Status or Testing Out Options in Higher Education Programs

Some higher education institutions offer flexible options for individuals who have achieved ABD status. These options are designed to acknowledge the extensive knowledge and expertise ABD candidates have gained throughout their doctoral studies. Universities may provide avenues for ABD students to finalize their degrees without the traditional dissertation route.

ABD Status Option

In some cases, universities offer formalized ABD status programs where students can complete their doctoral degrees without writing a traditional dissertation. These programs may involve alternative research projects, comprehensive exams, or specialized coursework, allowing ABD students to demonstrate their expertise in different ways. The specific requirements can vary by institution and field of study.

Testing Out Option

Another approach is the “testing out” option, where ABD candidates can take comprehensive exams or defend their knowledge in front of a committee. If they successfully demonstrate their expertise, they may be awarded a doctoral degree. This method acknowledges that some individuals possess the necessary knowledge and skills without requiring a dissertation.

Professional Certificates in Place of a Doctoral Degree

In some cases, individuals may choose to pursue professional certificates instead of completing a doctoral degree. These certificates offer a more streamlined path to specialized expertise in a field. They are particularly beneficial for those interested in gaining targeted knowledge for practical applications, such as leadership roles, without the need for extensive research or the dissertation process.

Examples of Professional Certificates

Many professional organizations and universities offer specialized certificates in various fields, such as project management, healthcare administration, data science, and more. These certificates typically involve coursework tailored to the specific subject matter and may be completed in a shorter timeframe than a full doctoral program.

Career Advancement

Professional certificates can enhance career prospects, providing individuals with in-demand skills and qualifications. For many professionals, this may be a more direct and practical route to career advancement than pursuing a full doctoral degree.

How to Explain Your ABD Status In An Academic Or Professional Setting

Explaining your ABD status in an academic or professional context involves articulating that you’ve completed all the requirements for a doctoral program except for the dissertation. It’s crucial to clarify your achievements, such as coursework, exams, and any research accomplishments. Be honest about your reasons for not completing the dissertation, and express your future career goals. Confidence and positivity are key, as is highlighting the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired. Seek support and mentorship, be prepared to answer questions, and leverage your ABD status as an opportunity to network and collaborate with professionals who appreciate your expertise, recognizing it as a valuable phase in your academic journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Moment

Decide when it’s appropriate to disclose your ABD status. It’s often best to bring it up during conversations about your academic background, career goals, or when discussing your qualifications.

Be Clear and Concise

When explaining your ABD status, use clear and straightforward language. You can say, “I’ve completed all the requirements for my doctoral program except for the dissertation.” Avoid jargon or overly technical explanations.

Highlight Achievements

Emphasize the coursework, research, and comprehensive exams you’ve successfully completed. Mention any notable academic achievements, such as publications or conference presentations, which demonstrate your expertise and commitment.

Explain Your Reasons

If relevant, share your reasons for not completing the dissertation. It might be due to personal circumstances, career opportunities, or a change in academic interests. Be honest but avoid dwelling on any negative aspects.

Express Future Intentions

Clarify your career goals and how your ABD status aligns with your professional aspirations. Mention your plans to complete the dissertation or how you intend to leverage your existing expertise.

Network and Collaborate

Use your ABD status as an opportunity to network with professionals and academics who appreciate your knowledge and skills. Seek collaborations and opportunities that align with your expertise.

Remember that ABD status is not a roadblock; it’s a stage in your academic journey. Many professionals and academics understand the challenges of doctoral studies and respect the dedication required to reach this point. By effectively explaining your ABD status, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and committed individual in your field.

Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to programs designed for those who have reached the ‘All But Dissertation’ (ABD) stage in their doctoral journey. These programs offer various alternatives to help individuals complete their dissertations and earn their coveted doctoral degrees:

10 Best All But Dissertation Completion Programs [2024 ABD Guide]

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Setting The Record Straight: ABD (All But Dissertation) Degree Status

Doctorate degrees are a lifetime achievement that few individuals pursue and complete. In fact, according to leading labor market analytics firm EMSI, only 3.6% of degrees completed in 2020 were doctoral degrees.

It’s not surprising that doctorates are completed by fewer individuals. Doctorate degrees are intensive, requiring the highest levels of scholarly research and writing. For many people, the dissertation is the most challenging part of getting a doctorate degree. That’s why “ABD,” or “all but dissertation,” has entered the mainstream terminology of doctorate degrees. However, the term leaves many confused if ABD is a type of degree or not. 

We’re here to help clarify what ABD means and how it relates to earning your doctorate degree.

Is ABD A Form Of A Doctorate Degree? 

No . High-quality doctorate programs require the completion of a dissertation to earn your doctoral degree (with the exception of professional and clinical doctorates in areas like law and nursing). ABD simply means you have completed all required doctorate coursework, but have not written and defended your dissertation.

While ABD brings you one step closer to completing your doctorate, achieving ABD status doesn't mean you can take your foot off the gas. ABD doesn’t hold academic weight and you can’t be called a doctor until you finish your dissertation. 

Unfortunately, many doctorate students stop at ABD. Let’s look at the reasons why.

Why So Many Doctorate Students Stop at ABD

There are a host of reasons doctoral students may dropout or take a break at the ABD stage of their doctorate program. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons students stop at ABD so you can navigate these pitfalls:

• Self doubt: Some students struggle with imposter syndrome and wonder if they’re really qualified to get their doctoral degree. Lack of confidence can leave students feeling unmotivated, causing them to put their degree on pause or dropout all together.
• Time Management: Once you get to the dissertation stage, you no longer have the structure of a typical course with weekly deadlines. Some students struggle with managing their time and fall behind. If procrastination gets the best of them, it may feel easier to quit than get back on track.
• Finances: Getting a doctorate degree is a significant financial investment. If students don’t properly budget, or face new financial challenges, they may pause their degree at ABD.
• Personal Circumstances: Whether students have family or professional changes, some situations that lead to ABD are unavoidable. If students need to take a break, they should put a plan in place for picking up where they eft off.
• Dissertation Intimidation: Starting a dissertation can feel like a stark departure from the familiarity of taking coursework. At this stage, students are put into the driver’s seat and are responsible for their own progression, which can feel daunting.
• Difficulty Writing: The dissertation is extremely research and writing intensive. Most dissertations are over 100 pages. If students struggle with focused and scholarly writing, it can be a detriment to finishing a doctoral degree.
• Lack of Support: Some students feel isolated when they move into the dissertation phase of their doctorate degree. If you don’t choose a program with support services or create a strong peer network, the solitary nature of a dissertation can deter students from finishing.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.

If you started but haven’t completed a doctoral program you aren’t alone. According to the Council of Graduate Schools, almost 50% of students who start a Ph.D. program don’t complete their degree. However, Ph.D. programs only represent one type of doctoral degree. Completion stats vary widely between universities and doctoral degree programs. The biggest difference in successful completion of a doctoral degree is often the university and program a student chooses. If you’re ABD, you need to find a student-centered program designed to meet the needs of ABD students.

Measuring Doctoral Student Success: Average Doctoral Program vs. Student-Centered Doctoral Programs at Franklin University

*Source: First Cohort Data January 2017-August 2021

Are you still feeling stuck at ABD? Let’s look at ways you can set yourself up to successfully complete your doctoral degree.

6 Tips to Complete Your Doctorate—from ABD to Dr.

No matter how long you've been ABD, you can regain your motivation and finish strong. Here are 6 tips that can help you graduate from your doctorate degree program:

• Get inspired early and start thinking about the topic of your dissertation at the beginning of your doctorate program. If you’re ABD, pick a topic you’re passionate about before restarting your doctorate.
• Create a plan that maps out steps and milestones to complete your dissertation in your desired timeframe. Being proactive and setting your own deadlines will help you stay on track.
• Get into a routine so that researching and writing your dissertation just feels like a normal part of your schedule. 
• Develop a support system —both at home and in your program. Your family and friends can help you stay motivated, while faculty advisors, committee members and peers can make writing your dissertation feel more manageable.
• Practice self care , because a dissertation isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Most students take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete the dissertation, but it can take longer based on the amount of time you commit.
• Find a student-centered universit y that offers dedicated support, including personal faculty advisors and a student support network, that make it easier to complete your doctorate.

Don’t Stop at ABD—Find The Right Program and Complete Your Doctorate Degree

Remember, ABD is not a recognized credential and there are ways to overcome the barriers that prevent many from finishing the work. A doctorate is the academic achievement of a lifetime and is attainable if you stay organized, motivated and dedicated. 

Choosing the right doctorate program is the first way to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or picking up where you left off, you need a doctorate designed for your unique needs.

Franklin University offers transfer-friendly online doctorate degrees that help working adults achieve their goals. From start to finish, you can complete your doctorate degree in as few as 3 years, including your dissertation. Franklin doctorate programs accept up to 24 hours of transfer credit, so if you have completed coursework, but not your dissertation, Franklin can help you get over the finish line.

Explore the doctoral programs offered at Franklin to see if there is a program that will help you take your career to the next level.

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What does ABD Mean?

The term “ABD” stands for All But Dissertation. This means that you have finished everything in a PhD program except for the dissertation. Someone who is ABD has successfully completed all of the required classwork and any required comprehensive exams. The term itself has no academic standing but is used to tell others where you are in your program.

Having completed in the neighborhood of two years of classwork, it is nice to have something to acknowledge this accomplishment. Many use the term “ABD” to let others know their position in their doctoral journey.

However, this should not be a destination. ABD should just be a way to tell people where you are on your journey, similar to telling someone that you just passed the hardware store on your way home. Home is your destination, not the hardware store.

Can You Get a “PhD ABD Degree”?

The short answer is no, there is no such thing as a “PhD ABD degree.” Rather, the term “PhD ABD” is used to refer to a place in one’s journey towards getting a PhD.

Another term that has begun to be used to connote a similar message to “PhD ABD” is “PhDc” (also expressed as “PhD(c)” or “PhD-c”). This term has gained popularity recently but there is concern about its use. The APA has expressed concern that the general public may not know what the term means and believe that the holder has completed her/his PhD. Similarly, the term “ABD Degree” makes claim to a degree that was never completed.

When a similar question was asked online, one user commented, “A PhD that’s All But Dissertation is like an espresso that is All But Coffee. It’s hot water with a bit of sugar, thus defeating the entire purpose of the exercise.”

Neither PhD ABD nor PhDc represents the achievement of a degree, so the use of either in a formal setting, such as your CV or in correspondence, should probably be avoided. Avoid making claims like holding an ABD Degree.

However, a new type of degree has arisen lately for those who stop their studies having completed all but their dissertation. This gives people something to show for their time in the PhD program. Called names such as Certificate of Doctoral Completion, this is a way to allow students who leave a program to do so with a degree–albeit, one not nearly as esteemed as a PhD. This may serve the purpose as an ABD degree.

All But Dissertation: Why Do So Many PhD Candidates Quit?

Around 50% of those who start a PhD program do not finish . Many of those who do not finish get to the All But Dissertation stage before they leave their program. Why would someone leave a PhD program after such a big time and effort investment?

There are many reasons why people leave at the ABD level. Among the reasons are:

Lack of funds

Getting a PhD takes time and money. For many people the money (or access to loans) can run out. If that happens, there may be no other option but to leave.

External obligations

Life happens and situations change. Maybe you have had two kids during the process and they need your time and attention, perhaps your aging parents need your care, or maybe your Aunt Melville died and left you her $30 million estate. We cannot predict the future, and valid reasons may arise to leave a program.

Bad situations

There are many stories about abusive advisors/mentors in PhD programs. There is an uneven power distribution between committees and doctoral students. This can turn into a reason to not finish a degree.

Realization that they don’t want/need a PhD

One of the things that you learn in PhD classes is critical thinking and asking questions. What is not part of these programs is solving problems. You learn to answer questions and leave the application/problem solving to others.

Some people get to the ABD stage and determine that they are more suited to being advocates and solving problems than answering questions, giving them an incentive to go out and begin solving the problems that they see. The world needs both types of people.

All But Dissertation: How Not to Stay There

Many people get stuck at the ABD phase of the journey and do not finish their degree. Most of the time, this leaves them with nothing to show for the considerable amount of coursework they completed.

If you decide to leave a program at the ABD stage, having loans can make it seem worse.  Eight months after you stop attending school, student loan payments kick in. No one really enjoys making student loan payments, and they can seem even worse if you left a program without a degree.

Here is my advice for powering through the all but dissertation phase and earning your degree.

Know what’s coming

When you were taking classes, your program was laid out in front of you. You knew which courses to take when and what grades you needed. As you enter the dissertation phase things are not as straightforward. You should read everything that your school provides on the process and become familiar with any templates that are provided. A good template can signal to you what sections are needed in each chapter and save you time.

Also understand the review process for the work you submit and plan accordingly. If it takes two weeks for your committee to review your Prospectus , then work on finding more literature for your eventual Chapter 2. If your Proposal is being reviewed, start preparing your IRB submission. Be as efficient as possible.

Work every day

There is a book titled “Writing Your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day.” The idea is that you need to work on your dissertation consistently, everyday. I find that people who put time in on a regular basis, daily if possible, tend to move forward faster than those who put in a lot of time on an irregular basis. If you have large amounts of time between sessions, you have to spend time remembering where you were. Make writing your dissertation a habit and you will move beyond the ABD stage.

Ask for help

In our society, we’re often taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But if you want to complete your PhD program, you’d better let go of that belief and recognize that asking for help is both wise essential for your success.

If you are in a graduate program there are people out there who can help you if you ask. For example, librarians can help you find material and save you lots of time. If your writing needs help, most schools have Writing Centers and if that is not enough, a good academic editor can save you a lot of time and help you move forward.

You dissertation chair and committee are resources as well. Ask the members of the committee for guidance (read: What to Do if Your Advisor is Ignoring You ).

If you are looking for more hands-on help, a dissertation coach can help you towards the finish line.

Be good to yourself

Graduate school is not a sprint. It can be a long, grueling process so you need to take care of yourself along the way. You don’t want to reach the end and be so burned out that you aren’t able to use the degree you worked so hard for.

Self care is very important. Try to add simple things like taking a walk of talking to a friend to your routine. This can save your sanity and help you move forward. For more on this see my article on self care .

Realize your progress

It is easy to get lost in the vastness of writing a dissertation and not realize how much you have actually accomplished. Sometimes it is good to stop and look back at what you have accomplished. For example, you have finished all of your coursework and comprehensive exams. You have done a great deal. Now you get to concentrate on something that truly interests you.

Reward yourself for genuine progress. Rather than paying attention to how much time you spent writing, set mile markers such as writing 2,000 words, finishing a draft of your Chapter One, or addressing all of your committee’s comments.

All But Dissertation: Summary

You have the chance to be one of the 2 percent of the population with a doctoral degree. Take care of yourself on the journey, stay dedicated to the process and call on all available resources. You can do this!

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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PhD ABD (All But Dissertation) [the scary reality]

All but dissertation is the equivalent of academic limbo. The scary reality is that there is a huge portion of students who make it to the dissertation stage but simply do not write up their thesis in order to finish their degree.

ABD stands for all but dissertation and refers to a PhD student who has completed all of the prerequisites (such as coursework, and research) but has not yet written up their dissertation.

There are a variety of reasons why people find themselves as an ABD student in this article will go through all of the important aspects of why people do not qualify despite having done most of the work of their doctoral degree.

What does ABD Mean?

ABD stands for “all but dissertation” and refers to someone who has successfully completed all the coursework and exam requirements for a doctoral program, but has yet to complete their final dissertation.

This means that they have often completed:

• literature review
• significant amount of research

but have still yet to write up their thesis.

ABD status is important because it signifies that someone has made significant progress towards earning their PhD, but it is not the same as having completed the degree program.

It is important to note that even though someone may be ABD, they are not yet a doctoral graduate until they have successfully written and defended their dissertation.

All But Dissertation: Why Do So Many PhD Candidates Quit?

It’s a surprising fact that many phd candidates quit at the ABD stage, for reasons that vary from personal to systemic.

There are many reasons why someone may not finish their degree and I have seen multiple students become stuck at the dissertation stage because:

• the supervisor does not help them with revisions
• they have left to get a job and say that they will “write up alongside a full-time job” – often this never ends up happening
• they don’t actually need a PhD for their current career directions so focus on growing and networking in their current role
• being overwhelmed by thought of writing such a large document

One major factor is the pressure and stress that the dissertation process entails.

Writing a dissertation takes a significant amount of time, research, and effort, and requires a student to write diligently every day for multiple weeks to complete.

There are loads of reasons why a PhD is hard to write – check on my YouTube video about the unglamorous truth about writing any graduate thesis.

Additionally, a lack of support from faculty members, financial struggles, and competing priorities, such as work or family, can also contribute to candidates dropping out of their PhD program.

Who is considered an ABD? Dissertation status?

If you are a PhD candidate and have completed all your coursework, passed comprehensive exams, and are now in the process of researching and writing your dissertation, you can consider yourself ABD (All but dissertation).

ABD means that you have finished all the requirements for the PhD except the dissertation. You are then considered a doctoral candidate, and not yet a doctor, until you have defended your dissertation.

ABD is a term used to describe the status of a graduate student who has completed everything for their PhD except the dissertation.

If you have submitted your dissertation proposal, conducted extensive research, and prepared your work for publication, but have yet to defend your dissertation, then you are considered ABD.

Once you have defended and successfully completed your dissertation, you will be awarded your PhD.

How Long Does the All But Dissertation Phase Last on the Doctoral Journey?

The length of the dissertation phase may vary significantly, depending on the program and the individual student’s progress.

Some doctoral programs require their students to complete the dissertation within a certain time frame, while others may not enforce strict deadlines.

I was able to write up my PhD thesis within three months . I had a very tight deadline and I spent eight hours a day in the library working in two sprints until my thesis have been written.

The ABD phase can last for a few months to several years, depending on the research work required, the amount of time the student can dedicate to the project, and the feedback provided by advisors.

I know of one person who took over 10 years to complete their PhD – much of it in the “all but dissertation” stage.

Here is my video on how to write up quickly if you just want to get over the all but dissertation hurdle:

Can You Get a “PhD ABD Degree”?

A PhD ABD degree refers to a student who has completed all the requirements of a PhD program, except for the dissertation.

It is not officially recognized or awarded as a degree but colloquially it is what many people refer to ADB students as.

While it is possible to have a successful career without completing a doctoral program, having an ABD status may limit some potential job opportunities.

Quite often it is recommended that you do not put your ABD degree on your CV if it has been many years of writing.

Should you list PhD ABD on your resume? Academic jobs could be harmed.

Listing PhD ABD (All But Dissertation) on your resume is a personal choice.

It is important to consider what message you want to convey to potential employers and if they see your lack of submission as a negative.

For example, I was able to apply for a job with an ADB because my thesis had been submitted but not yet reviewed. Andy Stapleton

If your thesis is about to be submitted, reviewed, it’s probably okay to put on your resume. However, it is been many years since you had last contact with your PhD program is probably best to leave it off.

Potential employers may view this as incomplete education or lacking the necessary qualifications.

It is your decision whether or not to list PhD ABD on your resume, but it is important to consider the potential impact it may have on your job search.

Endless ABD Status?

Being in an Endless ABD Status can be frustrating for graduate students who have completed their coursework, but have not successfully defended their dissertation.

This can be a difficult phase for students as they are often dealing with limited funding, competing demands on their time, and the pressure of completing their dissertation within a reasonable timeframe.

I know of people who spend up to 6 months waiting for their thesis to be examined which severely limited their career momentum and this is very frustrating.

Graduate school is an already challenging experience, and the ABD phase can make things even more daunting.

Challenges of Being All But Dissertation

Being All But Dissertation (ABD) presents a unique set of challenges for graduate students in a doctoral program.

The pressure to complete the dissertation can be daunting and overwhelming. So much so, that many people do not finish.

The research, writing, and revision required to complete a doctoral dissertation can be time-consuming and mentally exhausting.

ABD status can become a barrier to professional opportunities both inside and outside of academia.

It is difficult to secure academic positions without a completed dissertation, and non-academic employers may not fully recognize the value of an ABD status.

This creates a challenging environment for those trying to navigate this stage of their doctoral program.

My recommendation is that if you are an all but dissertation, you should focus 100% of your efforts on your goal of completion if your circumstances allow.

Many people say that they will return to their thesis after a little break – many people I know and are leaving their thesis for ever after the get a job and move away from academia.

If your current career projection doesn’t require a PhD and you are happy with our PhD there is also no pressure for you to actually finish your dissertation.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Understanding the Definition of a Doctoral Candidate

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Informally known as "All But Dissertation" (or ABD), the doctoral candidate has completed all of the requirements for the doctoral degree with the exception of his or her  dissertation . A student usually advances to a doctoral candidate once he or she has completed all coursework required for the degree and has passed the doctoral comprehensive exam . As a doctoral candidate, the student's final task is to complete the dissertation.

The Long Road to Dissertation

Although coursework may have come to an end once the students submit to be doctoral candidates, their journeys to full accreditation as doctorates are far from over. Many doctoral candidates remain in the ABD status for several reasons including difficulty conducting research, time management and motivational deficits, interfering employment that distracts from research time, and ultimately a loss of interest in the subject matter. 

Throughout their education, the advisor will conduct weekly to bi-weekly meetings with the student, guiding them along the path to a strong dissertation. The earlier you start working on yours during medical school, the better. It's best to keep in mind that the dissertation you develop must contain a specific hypothesis that can be tested and peer-reviewed, supported or rejected by new data discovered by the student. 

Ph.D. candidates  must work independently, which often leads to lengthy periods at the ABD status, especially if students made the common grad school mistake of not vetting their dissertation ideas through colleagues and faculty members while enrolled in the doctoral program. Time is a huge factor in the ability of a doctoral candidate to complete his or her dissertation, so waiting until the last minute to begin could result in these candidates remaining in limbo for many years before publishing their work.

Defending the Dissertation

Once a student does manage to complete his or her dissertation, the Ph.D. candidate then must defend their statement in front of a panel of faculty members. Fortunately, a dissertation advisor and committee are granted to students hoping to complete their doctorate. As a student, you should utilize these advisors to the fullest extent to ensure that your dissertation is ready for the public forum in which you must defend it. 

Once the public defense of the candidate's dissertation is completed to a satisfactory level, the committee overseeing the defense will submit a Defense Final Report form to the program and the student will submit the approved dissertation electronically into the school's database, completing the final paperwork for their degree. 

After the Dissertation

From there provided that they pass the defense, the candidate will be awarded their full doctorate degree and will officially become an "M.D." or "Ph.D." and can begin shopping out their resume to potential employers and seek the recommendation letters of their advisors, faculty members, and friends in order to better their chances of gainful employment.

• A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Ph.D. Dissertation
• A Doctor of Philosophy or Doctorate
• Abbreviations and Titles All College Students Should Know
• How to Earn a Doctorate Degree Online
• What Comes After a Master's Degree?
• What is Grad School Like?
• How to Decide Between a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
• Asking Faculty to Sit on Your Dissertation Committee
• Should I Earn a Doctorate Degree?
• Considering a Graduate Degree in History?
• A Note About Masters and Doctoral Comprehensive Exams
• Why You Should Get a PhD in Chemistry
• What Is a Master of Social Work?
• Stop Procrastinating to Complete Your Dissertation
• Should I Earn a PhD in Business Administration?
• Types of Nursing Programs and Degrees

What Does All But Dissertation Mean? [2024 Guide]

While researching doctoral programs, it’s common to wonder, “What does All But Dissertation mean?”

All But Dissertation (ABD) status is a common label applied to students who haven’t finished their doctoral programs. A dissertation is a graduation requirement at many colleges and universities. It involves several years of research and writing and is considered one of the most challenging aspects of earning a PhD.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

If you’re hoping to earn your PhD, it’s important to know how ABD status can affect your academic journey and professional goals.

What Does All But Dissertation Mean?

All But Dissertation (ABD) means that a doctoral student has not yet finished their dissertation, but they have completed their required coursework. The dissertation, or final research project, is a core graduation requirement in most doctoral programs.

While earning a doctorate, a student must meet several criteria to qualify as being ABD. These are the requirements for ABD status:

• You’ve completed all required coursework.
• You’ve taken any qualifying or comprehensive exams.
• You have not finished writing or defending your dissertation.

Students who have ABD degree status are not yet considered doctors. They may plan to complete their dissertations in the future or may have stepped completely away from their doctoral programs.

ABD status is not a term that’s included on your degree or transcript. It’s a way of explaining where you are on your academic journey. If you’re applying for a professional role, you might use ABD to indicate to the company that you have finished your doctoral courses.

If a student fails to finish their dissertation, and it’s required by their doctoral program, they will not be able to complete their PhD.

What Is an ABD Degree?

The term “ABD degree” is not used by any colleges or universities because there is actually no such degree. Stating that you have an ABD degree could be misleading, as you haven’t yet earned your doctorate or PhD.

ABD status is an indicator that a doctoral student’s degree is still in progress, with the dissertation being the only outstanding requirement. Many people refer to a PhD ABD to explain that they’ve completed the necessary courses and exams for their program. All they have left is to complete their dissertation.

Why PhD Candidates Quit

In addition to answering the question “What does ABD mean?”, it’s also helpful to address why some students have this status. The most common reasons include:

• Low confidence . Doctoral programs are often intimidating, and the student may feel that they lack the ability to successfully complete a dissertation. They might also question their selected research focus.
• Poor time management . The dissertation stage of a doctoral program is unstructured and requires the student to work more independently. Students who struggle with managing their time may procrastinate.
• Lack of resources . Graduate school is expensive, and students may need to return to full-time employment before finishing their degrees. They may also struggle in schools with inadequate support programs.
• Personal circumstances . An illness can significantly delay the completion of a dissertation. Some students have to shift their focus to family members or childcare.
• Writing skills . Dissertations usually require students to write at least 100 pages about their research topic. This process can be especially difficult for those who don’t enjoy writing.

These challenges may cause students to drag out their dissertation projects or drop out of their doctoral programs altogether.

How to Complete Your Doctorate Degree

Although ABD status can be discouraging to some, doctoral students can still move on and finish their degrees. Following these tips may help you make steadier progress:

• Set up a designated workspace that minimizes distractions.
• Choose a dissertation topic that you find engaging.
• Create a schedule with specific times to conduct research and write.
• Establish milestones for when you’ll complete certain stages of your dissertation.
• Reach out to academic and personal support systems for help.
• Build in breaks to disengage from your dissertation so you don’t suffer from burnout.

How long does it take to write a dissertation ? Students aren’t expected to complete their dissertations in a matter of months, so it’s beneficial to give yourself credit for your achievements and pace yourself on the journey.

Earning Your PhD Degree

Completing a PhD program is an incredible accomplishment, even for online doctoral programs in education without dissertation , but it’s easy to get overwhelmed along the way. Having the status of ABD PhD acknowledges your hard work of completing all of your coursework requirements. All that’s left is to move forward and tackle your dissertation.

Some colleges and universities offer All But Dissertation programs that are designed for students who are struggling to complete their dissertations. They offer a high level of support during the research and writing process.

If you’re ready to finish your PhD, searching for ABD completion programs online could be a strategic next step in your academic journey.

ABD (“All But Dissertation”)

The prospectus is 20 double-spaced pages (excluding bibliography) and explores four aspects of the PhD candidate’s dissertation topic: the intellectual relevance of the topic chosen, previous scholarship on the subject, the techniques and methods the dissertation will employ, and the primary and secondary sources that will be consulted. Within (at most) twelve months of successfully completing the oral qualifying exam, PhD candidates must submit their dissertation prospectus to their first and second readers for approval. First and second readers must be members of the Graduate School Faculty at Boston University. Once both readers have approved the prospectus, it must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies for final approval, along with the Dissertation Prospectus Approval Form , which will be submitted to the Graduate School upon approval by the DGS.

Dissertation

The dissertation is written under the supervision of the first and second readers who approved the prospectus. It is a work of original research on a topic approved by the dissertation advisor. The dissertation should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to assemble all the available historical material bearing on the subject, to analyze and evaluate the material critically, and to interpret the evidence with impartiality and insight. It should also display a creative use of sources, interpretive independence, and the clear presentation of complex arguments. The dissertation should form the basis for a scholarly monograph that will make a significant contribution to existing scholarship.

Dissertation Defense

Upon completion of the dissertation, candidates for the degree defend their dissertation before a faculty committee.

In consultation with the first reader, the student assembles the Dissertation Defense Committee, which consists of at least four faculty members. These scholars must be members of the Graduate School Faculty of Boston University, either by regular or special appointment, though exceptions can be made for members from outside BU. After all revisions have been made to the satisfaction of the first and second readers, the student may begin the process of scheduling the defense. The final version of the manuscript must be provided to all committee members at least four weeks before the defense.  The student should then email the Department Administrator, requesting a room for the exam, list the committee members (and their roles) and provide the signature page.

The exam usually lasts for at least one hour. In consultation with the Chair of the Dissertation Defense Committee, BU faculty and graduate students may attend the exam. However, only the defense committee members may participate. To open the proceedings, the student must make a 10-minute presentation summarizing the findings contained in the dissertation. In addition to the grades of Pass or Fail, the examiners may award a grade of “Pass with Distinction,” which will be recorded in the student’s departmental file. Upon successfully defending the dissertation, the student must provide the History department administrator with a copy of the dissertation abstract, including whatever corrections have been agreed upon at the time of the defense.

Applying for Graduation

Students must file an application to graduate with the Graduate School office ( check with this office for deadlines ). Note that an application is good only for the specified date; if a student must postpone a dissertation defense, a new application must be filed. Note also that a student must be registered for the semester in which they graduate and in the preceding one and that a student must be registered for any semester in which a degree requirement is completed (such as submission of the research paper or passing the language examination).

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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.

Total credits

Cost per credit hour

Next Start Date

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.

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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.

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• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
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Doctor of Business Administration – All But Dissertation Track

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All But Dissertation Program: Doctor of Business Administration

Are you a doctoral candidate on the path to your dissertation but have yet to complete it? Then the Doctor of Business Administration – All But Dissertation Track was designed exclusively for you. This highly flexible program offers All But Dissertation doctoral candidates a unique opportunity to organize their path to completion. Under this program, candidates can leverage their professional experience and prior academic knowledge. You’ll gain access to seminar-based courses specific to areas where additional support may be necessary, and the opportunity to begin the dissertation track at UBIS immediately .

Program Overview

• Online course delivery designed with high flexibility for industry professionals.
• Designed to be completed in 1-1.5 years.*
• A candidate may elect to take advantage of one or more of the available seminar courses offered in support of preparing for and completing the dissertation process. **
• Personalized coaching and guidance by doctoral faculty.
• Flexibility to focus on your desired research topic as long as the research is connected to management.

* This represents an average. Completion times may vary based on a candidate’s elected pace, seminar participation, and movement through the dissertation progression. 

DBA All But Dissertation Pathway

All But Dissertation DBA candidate are eligible to engage the dissertation track immediately. UBIS provides best “All But Dissertation” completion programs online with a high level of flexibility and support for dissertation topics and progression.

• Research Success Strategies  – Research Topic Scanning and Selection
• Research Proposal  – Research Work with Support
• Literature Review  – Research Work with Support
• Preliminary Dissertation : Methodology – Research Work with Advisory Support
• Revised Preliminary Dissertation:  Data Collection & Pretests – Research Work with Advisory Support
• Data Analysis & Findings
• Draft One of Dissertation
• Dissertation Defense and Publication

Dissertation Seminars are optional to DBA candidates that enter the program as “All But Dissertation.” A candidate may opt-in to these seminars in order to help their progression in the dissertation track. Electing to take a seminar may increase both the time to complete the program and the cost of completing the program.

• Seminar One  – General Research Methodology
• Seminar Two  – Research Methodologies for Business and Management
• Seminar Three  – Quantitative and Qualitative Research 1
• Seminar Four  – Quantitative and Qualitative Research 2

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to identify problems related to global businesses and to respond artfully to these challenges. in addition, graduates will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to work as leaders in business organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and international entities., graduates of the doctor of business administration can:, research and dissertation overview.

Every student selected for the UBIS DBA program receives rigorous individualized coaching from our doctoral faculty.

The research and thesis portion of the program consists primarily of individual research, under the supervision of internationally recognized professors with a broad range of expertise.

Virtually all topics related to management are accepted. Depending on student needs, the program can cover traditional research topics in fields such as management, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and non-traditional topics. Each module will contribute to the research for your Dissertation.

Other doctorate programs are based on research alone. Our DBA is skills-based, and we’ll teach you how to perfect your public speaking skills to help you stand out in your professional career.

Throughout the program you’ll be guided by a professor with a deep understanding of the field you will be studying— but at the end of the day, the expert on the particular topic will be you.

Program Duration

All but dissertation - dba program overview, tuition fees.

* Total cost may increase for ABD candidates that elect to take support seminars. 

Program Structure

Degree level, our advantages, international network, close links with the corporate world, international accreditation, dual degree programs, international locations, outstanding selection of professors, online – blended, (transfer between formats), 9 terms per year, flexible schedule, global university, international faculty and student body, 84% study abroad alumni felt their studies abroad helped them build valuable skills for the job market, transfer your credits, ubis welcomes students who wish to continue their studies by transferring to the university. ubis has three 16-week semesters per year and offers students 9 entry dates per year-more flexibility in starting your studies..

Acceptance of transfer credit is always a decision of receiving institutions. UBIS does not guarantee transferability. Any student interested in transferring UBIS credit to another university should check directly with the receiving institution.

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ABD Company

What’s worse than getting a ph.d. in today’s job market not finishing one..

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When I first began my Ph.D., I kept hearing other graduate students bandy about the term “ABD,” but I had no idea what it meant. Arrested Botox Detonation? Anointed Between Demigods? I didn’t dare ask, because Rule No. 1 of Grad School Fight Club is that you never admit that you don’t know something in public. (“Oh, Phenomenology of Spirit ? I’ll have to re -read that this semester.”)

Eventually, I figured it out: ABD stands for “all but dissertation,” a description of a student who has finished coursework and passed comprehensive exams, but has yet to complete and defend the doctoral thesis. Today, the Ph.D. Completion Project estimates that the ten-year completion rate (that is, someone’s status a decade after they begin) is 55–64 percent in STEM , 56 percent in the social sciences, and 49 percent in the humanities. Not all Ph.D. dropouts advance to the dissertation stage before they leave—but since the project’s charts start leveling out around Year 8 (the dissertation begins in Year 3 or 4), it’s safe to assume a hell of a lot do.

Aside from the obvious professional consequences (it’s hard enough get a job with a doctorate!), there are also psychological ramifications to leaving grad school without finishing. Last month, Jill Yesko, an ABD in geography, took to Inside Higher Education with a wrenchingly honest look at how she and many of her fellow ABDs feel:

Only in the parallel universe of academia is it possible to log years of Herculean scholarship, write and defend a complex dissertation proposal, and – upon failing to complete one’s dissertation – come away with nothing to show but the humiliation of not being recognized by the academic industrial complex for one’s blood, sweat and uncompensated toil.

Many programs do disown their dropouts, refusing to write letters of recommendation and often cutting off all contact. But the anger, disappointment, and betrayal Yesko expresses here reveal far more about the lasting emotional damage that leaving graduate school can cause. It is, in fact, especially wrenching to students who never envisioned a life outside of academia (and, often having gone directly from college to graduate school, have never lived one). In recent years, many , many online resources have sprung up to offer academic cast-asides the support they otherwise lack.

Speaking of which: Reaction on IHE to Yesko’s piece—and her solution, to offer a new kind of degree between an M.A. and a doctorate—was a snide pile-on. “Can we make sure that the Certificate of Doctoral Completion also comes with a little plastic trophy and a large green ribbon signaling excellent participation?” sniped one commenter. Added another: “These degrees aren’t soccer trophies for young childrens [ sic ] whose spirit might get crushed. Terminal ABD has a meaning: Failure.” And you, dear reader, may also feel, right this second, as if those who leave Ph.D. programs simply couldn’t hack it.

Maybe they couldn’t. But that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Dissertations—some 250 pages of original research in the humanities, and topping 400 in the social sciences—are objectively, indisputably difficult. It sometimes takes years just to collect data or comb through the necessary archives, and then the damn thing must be written, often in total isolation. Dissertations are not impossible, but they are very hard, and most people in the world—including, perhaps, you, my friend—cannot complete one.

There are innumerable reasons for this, and I know them all, because when I quit academia , I started working for a company that “coaches” dissertators who are blocked, stalled, or simply in need of some practical guidance. Thus, I happen to have firsthand knowledge of the countless obstacles put in the way of ABDs—by outside forces, and by themselves—because it is my job to.

First, the outside hindrances: Some advisers are helpful and supportive. But many run the gamut between absentee, excoriating, and micromanagerial. There are the advisers who retire, leave, or even die. Then there’s the total lack of preparedness for such an extensive and rigorous project: A seminar paper is a 5K fun run; a dissertation is an ultramarathon . And in the social sciences and STEM fields, there are data sets or experiments that simply fall apart.

Then there are the inner hindrances, the ones that cause procrastination, and then shame, and then paralysis. Here’s my favorite: believing, erroneously, that one must read and master every single word of existing scholarship before even beginning to write. Here’s my least favorite (which happens to my clients all the time): refusing to turn in any chapter that isn’t perfect, and thus not turning in anything at all—which results in the adviser getting irate, which puts even more pressure on the student to be even more perfect, ad infinitum . This is how dissertations are stalled, often forever.

So what can be done to fix this? The Izzy Mandelbaums of academia may argue the system is fine the way it is : In a field that requires extended independent work to succeed, the trial by fire of the dissertation is an apt initiation. (“All aboard the pain train!”) But does it have to be this way? I see no reason why, for example, more dissertation advisers couldn’t be enthusiastic about seeing early drafts, to provide guidance and support. Some already do this (mine did), but far too many of my clients say their advisers won’t even look at anything that isn’t “polished.” Every adviser who says this is part of the problem.

Another step in the right direction would be not just to hold dissertation workshops, but also to make them mandatory. A lot of grad students are simply too paralyzed (or ashamed to admit they don’t know what they’re doing) to attend one of their own volition. A mandatory workshop frees them to get the help they need, without having to admit they need help.

And, most importantly, though I’m not sold on Yesko’s idea for an in-between degree, Ph.D. programs need to stop disowning the students who do not graduate. Whatever inconvenience a jilted adviser suffers from an ABD is nothing compared with the ABD’s fractured life and career. The least an adviser can do is write a letter. And, finally, along with the current drive to require programs to publicize their real (i.e., full-time) job placement rates , so should they be compelled to list attrition.

Finally, here’s what ABDs can do to help themselves. Dare to stop reading and start writing, and revel in an early draft that is an unabashed hot mess. Realize that the greatest misconception of dissertation writers is that the project must be perfect. In fact, for a career academic, the dissertation should actually be the worst thing you ever write.

Sure, the best way to avoid the psychic wounds of not completing the dissertation is to squeeze that bad boy out any way you can. But we must also remember that students leave Ph.D. programs for innumerable reasons, usually complex combinations of things in and out of their control. Terminal ABDs will work for much of their lives to overcome what is at best a sense of lingering incompleteness, and at worst lasting anguish and damage. But it is the academic establishment’s treatment of those who fail initiation—disowning, shame, refusal to reveal attrition—that is one of its dirtiest secrets. 

Online ABD (All But Dissertation) Doctoral Degree Completion Program

Are you an experienced educator who is abd (all but dissertion) in an edd or phd program   in any academic discipline.

If so, you have the experience. You’ve completed the coursework in a doctoral program. But, you haven’t completed your dissertation. Now, you have a path to leave your ABD (All But Dissertation) status behind with Gwynedd Mercy University.

Our innovative Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education degree completion program for ABDs offers qualified candidates with significant educational experience the opportunity to finish developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to earn your EdD. The program is helmed by Raymond Bandlow, PhD, who received this prestigious award for innovation in higher education  from the American Association of University Administrators.

See Program Details

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Complete the form below and an admissions counselor will contact you to answer any questions and help as you assemble all the components of your admissions file.

Program Details

Prepare for an advanced career in teaching at the college level, school administration, research, or policy analysis. Our Online Accelerated Doctorate Completion Program for ABDs will strengthen your skills in instruction and leadership in:

• U.S. and international schools
• School districts
• Colleges and universities
• Educational policy organizations
• Government and nonprofit organizations that support education

In 18 months, our rigorous course of studies will honor your previous experience with the global outlook, research skills, policy analysis capabilities, instructional expertise, and practical executive leadership abilities you need to lead and transform educational institutions to meet the needs of all learners. 

Continue developing your dissertation in one of four areas of interest:

• Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts (superintendent letter of eligibility courses may be included)
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Leadership in Special Education (special education supervisory certification courses may be included)
• Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

ABDs in Education may elect any of the above areas of interest. ABDs in any discipline other than education may apply for the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program.

All of your coursework for the ABD degree completion program, except residencies, will take place online. Those in the degree completion program are only required to take one weekend residency at our Gwynedd Valley campus, just north of Philadelphia.

From the very beginning, you’ll be matched with a faculty advisor who will meet with you in regular dissertation advisement sessions. With GMercyU, there’s no reason to wait any longer — trade up from ABD to EdD and take your place among the next generation of education leaders.

What You Will Learn - Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD Completion Program

As a GMercyU ABD doctorate graduate, you will be able to:

• Provide leadership in teaching and learning at the K-12 and college levels
• Articulate an educational organization’s mission, goals, and guiding principles that distinguish the organization from others
• Understand the foundational base of organizational theory and demonstrate the ability to bridge theory and practice
• Given scenarios of conflict, choose ethical courses of action, consistent with Gospel values
• Synthesize and analyze data to reveal relations and causality and convert raw data into actionable information
• View problems and challenges through the lens of a scientist, seeking evidence-based conclusions
• Practice and model steward leadership in transforming organizations to better serve all constituents
• Demonstrate facility in the application of technology to solve problems, analyze and synthesize data, and manage information

Personal Support for ABD Students from Day One

GMercyU faculty members understand the challenges of ABD completion programs. That’s why they’ve helped us develop a program specifically for ABD students like you. Right away, you’ll join a small cohort of classmates and be matched with a faculty advisor. You’ll take supervised dissertation courses early in the program to keep your research and writing on track. Day in and day out, you’ll have the support you need to pursue research that improves education for students and the educators who serve them.

After graduation, you’ll join our extensive national and world-wide network of alumni. The colleagues, contacts, and friends you meet will inspire you.

Admission Requirements – Doctorate of Education Degree Completion Program for ABDs

To qualify for admission to our EdD in Education Degree Completion program, you must provide:

• Proof of A.B.D. or Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy or equivalent status from a regionally accredited institution
• A portfolio of coursework, scholarship, and career evidence for the Prior Learning Assessment
• Official graduate transcripts
• A Graduate Record Examination score of 155 or higher or a Miller Analogy Test score of 385 or higher (waived if you had a graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater)
• A resume showing professional experience and academic scholarship
• Three letters of reference from persons in leadership roles in your chosen area of concentration attesting that you have the ability to engage in studies at the doctoral level and to conduct research
• A personal interview with a member of the graduate faculty representing the applicant’s preferred area of concentration (in person or via electronic means, if the distance is a factor) 
• Evidence that you have received a minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your first language.

Applicants who cannot meet one or more of the above requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Director for a review of qualifications. After enrollment, you will also need to obtain a Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Check, and Federal Criminal History.

Learn more about GMercyU's online and accelerated   financial aid and tuition. 

You must complete at least 27 credit hours of coursework and practicum experience at Gwynedd Mercy University while completing your EdD with us. We will carry out a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) before your program begins and develop tailored coursework and practicum experiences that respect your previous experiences.

The credit value of your practicum may vary between 3-6 credits depending upon the breadth and depth of your prior learning. In all, your program will take no more than 18 months to complete.   Required courses for all ABD completion students include:

In addition, you must take three courses in your concentration area:

If you wish to become eligible for a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 360 hours of district office practicum. You may also need to take the following prerequisites:

Doctorate in Education: Leadership in Special Education

If you wish to obtain Certification as a Supervisor of Special Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 360 hours of central office practicum experience. Doctorate in Education: Leadership in Higher Education

Doctorate in Education: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

To review course descriptions, please refer to the  graduate catalog.

Meet the Faculty

Carol Etlen, PhD Associate Professor and Director, Masters in Educational Administration Program Read bio

Doctorate in Education

Lead in 21st century education.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Learn more about   GMercyU's accreditation . You can also   view our current accreditation status . 

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UC Davis Graduate Studies

Master's & doctoral candidacy, candidacy topics, doctoral candidacy & final requirements, master's candidacy & final requirements, thesis & dissertation committees, submitting the candidacy application, candidacy application faq's.

Candidacy is the second and advanced phase of graduate study.  To be eligible for candidacy, students must fulfill certain standards determined by their degree objective and their graduate program requirements.  Students must also demonstrate adequate preparation to begin work on their final requirements (thesis, dissertation, comprehensive exam, capstone) and select an advanced degree committee. 

Students advance to candidacy using one of the plans that have been approved for their program.  Each plan includes specific requirements for committee membership and eligibility, final degree requirements, and for master's degrees, the minimum number of units required to complete the degree.  Program degree requirements may include additional standards beyond the minimum required by Academic Senate.   Approved candidacy plans are identified on each Program page  in the 'Degrees Offered' section. 

Doctoral Candidacy  & Final Requirements

Most doctoral students advance to candidacy by the 10th registered quarter, but programs may set earlier time expectations in their degree requirements.  Doctoral candidates in some fields are referred to as ‘ABD’ - All But Dissertation, because their remaining academic responsibility is researching and writing the dissertation.  Candidacy is the transition from being a traditional student to becoming an academic researcher.  

Advancing to candidacy may create more funding opportunities, such as eligibility for dissertation fellowships, and may make the student eligible for a higher academic employment pay level.   For international doctoral students, advancing to candidacy initiates the nine quarter non-resident tuition (NRST) waiver. Information about NRST waivers is available in the FAQ below and the Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Programs page .  

Doctoral students are eligible to advance to candidacy when they have: 

• Completed all required coursework and any other program degree requirements except the dissertation (e.g. language requirement, preliminary exam, etc.), i ncluding resolution of any incomplete grades .  
• Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Passed the  Doctoral Qualifying Examination .
• Secured dissertation committee members who will provide mentorship and evaluate the dissertation.  The committee is proposed through the Candidacy Application , and reviewed for eligibility by Graduate Studies.  
• Registered full-time in the current or upcoming quarter.  Doctoral students may not be part-time after passing the QE (starting the quarter after the QE).  

Doctoral Candidacy Plans

Each doctoral degree program votes on and is approved to offer one of the three doctoral candidacy plans (Plan A, B, or C).  Students may only use the candidacy plan approved for their program.  The committee configuration and final requirements prior vary by plan.  Ask your Graduate Coordinator which candidacy plan is used by your program, or check your Program Page . 

Plan A, B, and C regulations are located in  Academic Senate DDR 520(c) .  

• Doctoral Candidacy Plan A
• •  Requires a minimum of three reading members and two additional members designated 'Final Exam Only'.    - Programs may set higher member requirements in their degree requirements.    - 'Final Exam Only' members do not sign the dissertation title page. •  This committee will be designated as the Dissertation Committee and Final Examination Committee and the chair of this committee will be the candidate’s major professor.  •  A final oral examination is required. •  Admission to the final examination may be restricted to members of the committee, members of the Academic Senate, and guests of equivalent rank at other institutions.
• Doctoral Candidacy Plan B
• •  Requires  a committee of a minimum of 3 members, including its chair. This committee will be designated as the Dissertation Committee and the chair of this committee will be the candidate’s major professor.       - Programs may set higher member requirements in their degree requirements. •  The Dissertation Committee shall determine whether the candidate has met the requirements for the degree.  They are responsible for guiding the candidate in their research, reading, and evaluating the dissertation. •  At the discretion of the Dissertation Committee, a final oral examination may be held.    - If the Dissertation Committee decides to hold a final oral examination, it will assume the role of the Dissertation and Final Examination Committee. •  At the discretion of the graduate program, an exit seminar may be required of all candidates. Satisfaction of this requirement is verified by the chair of the Dissertation Committee.
• Doctoral Candidacy Plan C
• •  Requires a minimum of 3 members, including its chair, designated as the Dissertation & Final Examination Committee.      - Programs may set higher member requirements in their degree requirements •  The Dissertation & Final Examination Committee shall determine whether the candidate has met the requirements for the degree.  They are responsible for guiding the candidate in their research, reading, and evaluating the dissertation. • A final oral examination is required. •  There is no exit seminar requirement for this plan.

Final Requirements

All doctoral students must complete a dissertation, receive approval from the Dissertation Committee, and file the dissertation electronically with Graduate Studies.  These final steps are part of the filing process every doctoral student must complete to graduate and be included on the degree list. 

The Final Exam

The Final Exam regulations are available in Academic Senate DDR 520(E) .  Students in Plans A & C are required to take a Final Exam prior to the committee members signing approval of the dissertation.  Final Exams for Plan B students are permitted but not required by policy.  The student's dissertation committee may require a Final Exam in order to approve the dissertation.  Students should discuss the process for scheduling and conducting the Final Exam with their Graduate Advisor and major professor.  Typically, the exam is held immediately before a student plans to file their dissertation with Graduate Studies. Following the Final Exam, the committee chair will report the results to Graduate Studies using the Final Exam Report form.  If passed, the committee members sign the dissertation title page, and the student may file their dissertation and paperwork with Graduate Studies.  

• Plan A -  Report of Final Examination for Ph.D., Plan A (GS325)
• Plan C -  Report of Final Examination for Ph.D., Plan C (GS326)

The Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is the culminating paper that synthesizes a student's years of learning, experience, research, and writing on a specialized topic within their field.  It is the final requirement for all doctoral students and, once approved and filed, signifies completion of the degree.  For almost all students, completing the dissertation will be an entirely new experience from anything they have undertaken before.  As the project develops, many student's research topic and questions change (sometimes drastically). 

Just as the literature and methods in each field differ, the standards and expectations for the dissertation also vary by field.  The dissertation committee members have likely all published the student's field or one related, and they serve as the student's primary resources for mentorship in all stages of the dissertation process.  When the dissertation has been completed and approved by the the committee, students must electronically file it with Graduate Studies.  Information about the filing process is available on Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation .  

Master’s Candidacy & Final Requirements

By advancing to candidacy, master's degree students officially submit their program of study to Graduate Studies, identify their faculty mentor(s), and state which master’s plan they will pursue. 

Master’s students are eligible to advance to candidacy when they have:

• Passed at least half of the coursework required according to the program degree requirements.   Developed a program of study including all coursework taken and remaining for the degree.  These courses will be listed on the Candidacy Application, and passing/pending grades will be verified by Graduate Studies.  
• The Graduate Coordinator or Graduate Advisor should advise students not to include courses on the candidacy that are not degree requirements.
• Registered full-time or part-time in the current quarter, or the upcoming quarter if advancing in summer or between quarters.  
• Master’s students may be registered part-time throughout their course of study with approval from their program and OUR.  
• Plan I Thesis or Plan I MFA - Secured members for the thesis or MFA committee who are willing and qualified to provide mentorship.   
• Plan II - The graduate program will assist students with selecting an approved committee.  Plan II committees are not reviewed for eligibility by Graduate Studies.  

Master's Candidacy Plans

Each master's degree program votes on and is approved to offer one or both of the Master's Plans (I & II).  Students may only use a candidacy plan approved for their program.  The plans differ in number of required units, coursework level requirements, committee eligibility, and final requirement.  Ask your Graduate Coordinator which candidacy plan your program uses, or check your Program Page . 

Master's Plan I and II regulations are located in  Academic Senate DDR 520(c) .  The requirements below do not include 

• Master's Plan I (Thesis)
• •  Plan I programs must included a minimum of 30 units, but programs may specify requirements in addition to those listed here.     -   At least 12 of the 30 units must be graduate work in the major field. •  A committee of at least three members must be appointed to read and evaluate the master's thesis.      - Committee membership must be reviewed and approved by Graduate Studies - see Thesis & Dissertation Committees below.    - Each thesis must be prepared in the form prescribed by the Graduate Council, and submitted electronically to Graduate Studies. •  MFA programs use the MFA Candidacy - Plan I, and committees must be reviewed and approved by Graduate Studies, but MFA students do not submit the thesis to Graduate Studies.    - The MFA committee chair submits the MFA Report to Graduate Studies, notifying them of the results of the final requirements.   •  Programs may specify requirements in addition to those listed above to be completed by their students under either plan.
• Master's Plan II (Exam/Capstone Project)
• •  Plan II programs must included a minimum of 36 units, but programs may specify requirements in addition to those listed here. •  A t least 18 units must be graduate courses in the major field.    - Not more than 9 units of research (299 or equivalent) may be used to satisfy the 18-unit requirement.  The final requirements may include a comprehensive exam, a project, or a capstone course.    - These are evaluated by a committee approved by the student's graduate program.      - The committee chair submits the results of the final requirement to Graduate Studies using the Master's Plan II Report.

Master's Final Requirements

• Master's Thesis
• A master's thesis is an original scholarly work, about a specific subject in the field, written under the guidance of the major professor.  The thesis synthesizes the student's learning, research, and development in the graduate program.  An eligible thesis committee reads and evaluates the thesis, and if approved, the student submits the thesis electronically to Graduate Studies.  Information about the filing process is available on Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation .  
• Master's Comprehensive Exam or Capstone Project
• After a Plan II student has advanced to candidacy, they are eligible to take the comprehensive exam or complete the capstone project. The format, content, and timing are determined by the student's graduate program, and the program is responsible for evaluating and reporting the results to Graduate Studies.   The Policy on UC Davis Master's Degree Capstone Requirement includes four standards for master's capstones: 1. Capstone projects should be synthetic, tying together two or more areas of specific content that would typically be the subject of a class or a sequence of classes 2. Capstone projects can be individual or group-based exercises. If a project is group-based, the individual student’s achievements and contributions should be assessed through robust means. 3. The report should be evaluated by at least two reviewers; and at least one of them should have no direct vested interest in the success of the student 4. To ensure the consistent quality and scope of capstone projects, there should be a single coordinator or adviser who judges the appropriateness of planned projects and their timelines, following guidelines established by the program faculty.

The Service on Advanced Degree Committees policy (GC1998-01) includes regulations for committee and member eligibility, but programs may establish more restrictive requirements for advanced degree committees. These are included in the program degree requirements and/or bylaws available on each Program page .   Many programs have guidelines and processes for advising students on selecting committee members.  Students should seek guidance from their Graduate Advisor and major professor about best practices for forming committee, and to discuss any additional program requirements. 

Policy Regulations for Thesis/Dissertation Committee

Graduate Advisors, Graduate Coordinators, and Graduate Studies use the committee eligibility categories in the  Service on Advanced Degree Committees policy (GC1998-01) to determine member and committee eligibility.  Regulations for committee membership are included below.  

• Number of Committee Members

  • Each thesis or dissertation committee must include a minimum of three readers, unless the program degree requirements mandate a higher number.      - All Plan A Candidacy programs also require two final exam only members who do not sign the dissertation).        - Students may include more readers than required, but this is not recommended.  Extra readers increase the logistical considerations and the number of approvals required.

Committee Chair Eligibility

  • The Chair of the thesis or dissertation committee must be from categories 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the “ Eligible Personnel ” section.   • Most often the student’s major professor serves as the chair of the committee.   • With approval from the program and Graduate Studies, two members of the committee may serve as Co-Chairs.

Member Program Affiliation

  • At least one committee member must be from the student’s major program, although programs may establish higher limits in their degree requirements.

Committee Membership Eligibility

  • Any member of an advanced graduate degree committee should hold a degree at least equivalent to the degree objective of the student.   • In each committee, at least one member must be a member of the Davis Division of the Academic Senate.   • Only a total of two members from categories 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 in the “ Eligible Personnel ” section may be appointed to serve on a single committee.   • No more than one member in category 7 (program non-faculty affiliate) may be appointed to serve on a single committee, except with special advance approval from Graduate Studies.

Optional External Member (not employed by a UC)

  • Optional external member (category 6) - no more than one member may be category 6 (external member - not employed by a UC), and they must be reviewed and approved by the Graduate Studies Associate Dean for Students.     - If you propose an external member, you must include a signed External Member Request , and the member’s CV (document not web-based) with your Candidacy Application.     - If the external member was approved to serve on the student’s Doctoral QE committee, the student must submit a new External Member Request for the member to serve on the dissertation committee.     - External committee members may only serve on one committee (or two for a student’s QE/Dissertation committees) across all graduate academic programs.     - All proposed e xternal members are reviewed by the Graduate Studies Associate Dean for Students, and require additional time for review.

Changes to the Thesis or Dissertation Committee

If at any point after advancing to candidacy, a doctoral or master’s Plan I/MFA student would like to change the membership of their thesis or dissertation committee, the student must submit a Reconstitution of Committee Membership Request .  The changed committee must follow the same regulations for committee membership (including allowing no more than one external member), and the full committee must be re-evaluated and approved by Graduate Studies.  

Students should be advised to submit a Reconstitution Request as soon as possible when adjusting committee membership.  When a student files to graduate, the committee included on their candidacy is compared to the committee included on the thesis or dissertation title page.  If these differ, the student must submit a Reconstitution Request, but approval is not guaranteed.  Graduation could be delayed if either an individual member or the committee as a whole is ineligible.  

• Doctoral students  should ask their Graduate Coordinator or check ‘Degrees Offered’ on their  Program page to determine if the program uses Candidacy Plan A, B, or C.  Students will work with their major professor and Graduate Advisor to propose an eligible committee.  Doctoral students do not include a program of study with the candidacy.  The Graduate Advisor and Graduate Coordinator are responsible for verifying the student has completed the coursework and program requirements. 
• Master’s Plan I (Thesis) and MFA students should ask their Graduate Coordinator for assistance listing their required program of study.  Plan I students must complete at least 30 units, but each program may require more.  The student's Graduate Advisor and major professor should advise them on thesis committee selection. 
• Master’s Plan II (Exam/Project/Capstone) students  s hould ask their Graduate Coordinator for assistance listing their required program of study.    Plan II students must complete at least 36 units, but each program may require more.  Plan II committees are not reviewed by Graduate Studies, and aren’t included on the Candidacy Application. 
• If proposing an external committee member, the External Member Request and member’s CV must be submitted to Graduate Studies with the Candidacy.
• External Member Requests are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Students and require additional review time. 

​​​​​​ Candidacy Fees

In addition to the Candidacy Application, students must pay a candidacy fee ($90 for doctoral students or $55 for master’s students).  Students completing both a master’s and doctoral programs must complete separate forms and pay separate fees for each candidacy.  

Candidacy Fees support professional development programming available to master’s and doctoral students through the GradPathways Institute for Professional Development .  

• ​​​​​ When should I submit the Candidacy Application

Doctoral students should submit the Candidacy Application to their Graduate Coordinator after passing the Qualifying Exam, and before their next registered quarter.  International doctoral students see NRST question below for waiver information.  

Master’s students should submit the Candidacy Application to their Graduate Coordinator after completing approximately half of their required coursework - usually after the second quarter for three-quarter programs, and after the third quarter for six-quarter programs. 

• How do I pay the Candidacy Fee?

  • Select Doctoral Candidacy and enter your name and student ID to add the fee to your cart.   • Initiate checkout, and enter your email address, credit card info, and billing address.   • Forward the email receipt along with your candidacy form to your Graduate Coordinator.

  • Obtain all signatures prior to submitting payment.  The Cashier’s Office will email you the form with a receipt stamp after your payment is processed.  Forward the stamped form to your Graduate Coordinator.       •  In person - Bring a copy of the signed form with a check or money order to the Cashier’s Office in Dutton Hall.       •  By mail - Mail a copy of the signed form with a check or money order, in the same envelope, to the Cashier’s Office.        • Checks should be made payable to ‘UC Regents’. 

• When will my Non-Resident Student Tuition (NRST) Waiver be processed ( International Students Only)

UC Davis offers nine quarters of NRST waiver, followed by six quarters of NRST non-competitive fellowship, for international students who have advanced to candidacy.  The deadline to obtain the NRST waiver is the first day of the quarter in which the waiver will be initiated .  If the candidacy is submitted after the first day of the quarter, the NRST waiver will be activated for the following quarter.

Graduate Studies SAA’s process candidacies for NRST waivers based on the day they are received from your Graduate Coordinator.  If your Coordinator submits the forms by the first day of the quarter deadline, you will receive the NRST waiver for that quarter when your candidacy is approved and processed.  

Do I need to submit separate Candidacy Applications if I'm completing multiple degree objectives or the same objective in different majors?

Yes, students completing multiple objectives or majors must submit a separate Candidacy Application and pay the candidacy fee for each degree sequence.  

I already advanced to candidacy, but I'm switching my candidacy plan.  Do I need to submit a new Candidacy Application?

Yes, students who have advanced to candidacy, but change plans (e.g. changing from the MS to the MENGR), must submit a new Candidacy Application reflecting the requirements for the new plan.  Students do NOT need to pay a new candidacy fee for a plan change.  

My Candidacy Application was approved, but my anticipated date of graduation has changed.  Do I need to update my Candidacy?

No, you do not need to update your anticipated date of graduation with Graduate Studies.  The date listed on your Candidacy Application is only an estimate.  If you do expect to complete later than anticipated, be sure to communicate this with your program Graduate Advisor.  They may be able to provide you with helpful resources and discuss program expectations.  

Who can I ask if I have questions about my committee or Candidacy Application?

The most knowledgeable contacts for program processes, coursework and degree requirements, and committee membership are your Graduate Coordinator and Graduate Advisor.  You are also welcome to contact y our SAA   for questions or concerns about Graduate Studies review, graduate policy, committee eligibility, student status, or NRST.  

• dissertation defense essays applied microeconomics anna jaskiewicz

Dissertation Defense: “Essays in Applied Microeconomics” Anna Jaskiewicz

Anna Jaskiewicz, P hD Candidate, University of California, Santa Barbara

The first chapter studies the impact of anti-Black hate crimes on health outcomes of Black Americans. In 2019, hate crimes reported in the United States rose to the highest level in a decade. High exposure to race-motivated violence may induce psychological stress among Black individuals, contributing to racial disparities in health. In this paper, I conduct two separate yet complementary studies that document the adverse effects of anti-Black hate crimes on the health outcomes of Black infants and adults. First, I leverage a rich data set consisting of all nationwide birth records from the National Center for Health Statistics to show that in utero exposure to local anti-Black aggravated assaults is associated with lower birth weights and shorter gestation lengths among Black infants. Second, using restricted-access Emergency Department Data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, I find an increase in the volume of chest pain-related Emergency Department visits among Black adults following an anti-Black aggravated assault in their area of residence. In contrast to these results, I report that the effects on White infants and adults are negligible in magnitude and largely insignificant. Taken together, this suggests that stress associated with exposure to local anti-Black hate crimes may be a contributor to the racial health disparities present in the United States.

The second chapter, co-authored with Michael Topper, explores how in utero exposure to gunshot noise affects birth outcomes of mothers in California. Gun violence is ubiquitous across the United States, with gun-related deaths reaching an all-time high in 2021. The prevalence of gunfire results in loud and potentially stress-inducing sounds, which may adversely affect critical stages of in utero development. However, gunfire is largely unreported, creating a unique challenge for researchers to understand its consequences. In this paper, we mitigate this shortcoming by leveraging data from ShotSpotter—an acoustic gunshot technology which uses an array of sensors placed on city structures to detect the sound of gunfire. We combine this unique data source with the universe of births from nine California cities, each matched to a mother's residence. Using the variation in gunfire detections from ShotSpotter at the census-block level, we employ a difference-in-differences methodology and find that gunshot noise creates substantial increases in very low birth weight (< 1,500 grams) and very pre-term births (< 32 weeks). These effects are driven by times of the day when mothers are likely to be at-home and are particularly concentrated among mothers with low levels of education. These results suggest that gunshot noise is a major factor contributing to the income inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

The last chapter--joint work with Dingyue (Kite) Liu, Ruth Morales, and Jinglan (Caroline) Zhang--is a field experiment investigating if online leaderboards can positively shape student study behaviors. Procrastination is a common occurrence in everyday life, particularly among students. In this paper, we explore the implementation of a gamified leaderboard within an undergraduate economics course to assess its impact on class engagement and procrastination reduction. The leaderboard is integrated within weekly online assignments, auto-graded using an AI-assisted platform. Students achieving a full score and submitting their work earlier are ranked higher on the leaderboard. Our results suggest that the treated group, i.e., the group exposed to the leaderboard, exhibits earlier completion times relative to the control group. i.e., the group not exposed to the leaderboard. This points to the positive influence of gamified leaderboards on reducing procrastination tendencies and motivating students to complete tasks earlier.

JEL codes : I14, I18, K42, A22

Event Details

Join us to hear Anna’s dissertation defense. She will be defending her dissertation, “ Essays in Applied Microeconomics ” To access a copy of the  dissertation, you must have an active UCSB NetID and password.

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Lake County News-Sun | Lake County GOP chair angered by new…

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Lake county news-sun | lake county gop chair angered by new ballot-access law; ‘we will challenge it in court’.

He is planning a challenge.

“You only change the rules when you think you’re party is going to lose,” Brin said. “That’s exactly what the Democrats have done. It’s offensive. It’s terrible.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law last week — approved by the Illinois Senate and the state’s House of Representatives — no longer allowing local political parties to appoint people to fill ballot positions when there were no primary candidates.

Before the law changed, parties had 75 days after the primary — June 3 this year — to appoint a candidate. Brin said the individual then had to circulate petitions to gather the same number of signatures that would have qualified them for the primary ballot.

Brin said last month the Lake County GOP intended to fill all empty ballot slots, including one state Senate seat, and three in the lower chamber, by the deadline as long as they were “good candidates.” The new law only applies to Illinois General Assembly positions.

Not to be stopped, Brin said the county GOP has selected Benton Township Trustee Ashley Jensen to oppose state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, in the Nov. 5 general election.

“She is getting her petitions signed,” he said. “When she submits them, we expect they will be rejected. As soon as they do that, we will challenge it in court.”

Independent candidates still have time to file nominating positions to be placed on the November ballot. Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said Saturday independents can start filing their petitions on June 17. The last day to file is June 24.

Though either Democrats or Republicans can assist a potential candidate in gaining a ballot slot as an independent and then work to get them elected, Brin said he will not take that route.

“We are the Republican Party, and our goal is to find Republican candidates and get them elected,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to challenge this law instead of backing an independent candidate.”

In another race impacting Lake County, Daniel Behr of Northbrook filed his nominating petitions to oppose state Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, D-Northbrook, at 8:41 a.m. Friday after GOP officials appointed him to run. It was six minutes after Pritzker signed the new law.

In other state legislative races in districts that include parts of Lake County, three Republican slots and one Democratic position are unfilled. Along with Muhl, state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Gurnee, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, and state Rep. Tom Weber, R-Lake Villa, will be unopposed unless any challenge to the new law is successful.

Not impacted by the new law are candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives, countywide offices or members of the Lake County Board. Brin has already said the party will fill as many ballot spots as they can with “good candidates.”

Since the March 19 primary, GOP officials in the 9th Congressional District named Seth Cohen of Skokie to oppose U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston, in November.

Attempts to reach Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash for comment were unsuccessful.

Chicago Tribune reporter Rick Pearson contributed to this story.

More in Lake County News-Sun

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Lake County News-Sun Opinion | Outdoors column: Spring Bird Count reminds us of the miracle of migration

Daily Southtown Sports | Baseball and local scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County

Lake County News-Sun | Wauconda-area crash leaves two women dead, another injured

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Lakers News: Another Possible HC Candidate Officially Becomes Unavailable for LA

Ricardo sandoval | may 6, 2024.

Another one bites the dust for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are launching their head coach search. According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic , Jason Kidd has agreed to a multi-year extension to stay with the Dallas Mavericks long-term. 

The terms of the deal have not been released.

In a recent presser, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said the team wanted Kidd to remain the head coach for a long time. 

"I have known Jason for a long time, and I cannot think of a better, more qualified candidate to lead this team going forward," Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison declared. "As a former NBA champion Hall of Fame player, Jason brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role which cannot be duplicated. He has earned the trust and respect of our players and that of so many across the league, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build upon the culture and foundation of success he's helped foster throughout his tenure as head coach."

ESPN's Dave McMenamin  reported earlier this month that the Lakers were interested in Kidd becoming the next head coach for Los Angeles to replace Darvin Ham. The Dallas front office heard word of that and wasted no time keeping Kidd at the helm long-term. Before Kidd became the head coach for the Mavericks, he was the assistant coach for Los Angeles under Frank Vogel from 2019-2021, winning a title with the team in 2020.

The 51-year-old head coach was hired by the Mavs in 2021 and has led the team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022. This season, he's led the Mavs to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, which tips off on Tuesday. 

The Los Angeles Clippers want to do the same with  current head coach Ty Lue . There are reports that the Lakers are also interested in Lue as their next head coach. However, the Clippers front office and Lue are said to do what they can to agree on an extension.  

The head coaching search will continue for the Lakers with little doubt on Lue and zero chance on Kidd.

Who will it be now?

More Lakers: Impending Free Agent Hoping for Los Angeles Return

RICARDO SANDOVAL

Staff Writer

Follow @_RicardoSand

Primary season isn't over yet - these are the states still to hold theirs

President Joe Biden and his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, are the presumptive presidential nominees for their parties going into November's general election, but nine states still need to hold their primaries before the presidential conventions later this summer.

Sign up for Your Vote:  Text USA TODAY reporters and the elections team by  joining our SMS service.

Here’s a list of the primary dates and states still to come and which contests will be on the ballot in statewide races.  

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

• President Joe Biden, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump will be on the Republican ballot.
• Other statewide contests include the primary for one U.S. Senate seat.
• President Joe Biden and Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Perry Johnson and former President Donald Trump will be on the Republican ballot.
• Voters will be able to choose a Libertarian or Legal Marijuana NOW ballot if they would prefer to vote in those primaries instead of the Democratic or Republican races.
• Other statewide contests include the primaries for two U.S. Senate seats. One seat will be for a six-year term, and the other will be for a two-year term.
• President Joe Biden, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, Marianne Williamson and an “uncommitted” option will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Ryan Binkley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former President Donald Trump and an “uncommitted” option will be on the Republican ballot.
• President Joe Biden and Marianne Williamson will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Former President Donald Trump will be on the Republican ballot.
• Other statewide contests include the primaries for secretary of state, state treasurer and attorney general.  

District of Columbia

• President Joe Biden, Marianne Williamson and Armando Perez-Serrato will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• The Republican presidential primary was held in March .
• President Joe Biden and a “no preference” option will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Former President Donald Trump and a “no preference” option will be on the Republican primary ballot.
• Other statewide contests include the primary for candidates seeking their party’s nomination to run for one U.S. Senate seat, the governor and lieutenant governor’s seat, secretary of state, attorney general, state auditor and state superintendent of public instruction.
• President Joe Biden and Terrisa Bukovinac will be on the Democratic primary ballot.
• Former President Donald Trump will be on the Republican primary ballot.
• Other statewide contests include the primary for candidates seeking their party’s nomination to run for one U.S. Senate seat.
• The Democratic primary ballot will include President Joe Biden, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, Marianne Williamson, and an “uncommitted” option. Vivek Ramaswamy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former President Donald Trump and an “uncommitted” option will be on the Republican ballot. Lars Mapstead and an “uncommitted” option will be on the Libertarian ballot.

South Dakota

• President Joe Biden, Marianne Williamson, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and Armando Perez-Serrato will be on the Democratic primary ballot.

Geography PhD Candidate Awarded 1st Place for Presentation at Annual California Geographical Society Conference

In perfect view of Mount Shasta, doctoral candidate Germán Silva (they/them) was recognized for the presentation of their dissertation work at the 2024 CGS Annual Conference.

April 26th - 28th, 2024 marked the 78th annual gathering of the California Geographical Society (CGS) at Shasta College in Redding, CA. CGS is organization that promotes the interaction between academic and applied geographers, as well as members of the general public who share an interest in geography throughout California. Each year the organization draws in geographers (and those of related fields) of all levels and college systems, including students and faculty from the CCC, CSU, and UC, and provides a supportive environment with a long tradition of student engagement and recognition, including travel grants and presentation awards.

As part of that long tradition, Germán , who is currently a member of Dr. King's DECOMP and Dr. Robert's VIPER labs, was awarded first place for their paper presentation titled "Elevating Remotely Sensed Data to Estimate Wetland Salinity" at this annual meeting. Germán, who is currently the Southern California CGS Student Board Member, has been attending CGS meetings since they were an undergrad and feels it is an important part of building their professional network and community. This year's award adds to a growing list of recognitions they have received from CGS and they appreciate the continued support of the wider California geography community.

Next year's annual meeting of CGS will be held next April at Germán's alma mater, Stanislaus State in Turlock, CA! They look forward to helping organize the meeting and finish their last year as a student member of the CGS Board at the place that their journey through higher education all began.

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Voters, candidates to meet at forum

Southwestern Community College's Allied Health building will host a forum among the Union County Board of Supervisors candidates Thursday.

The four candidates running for the two Union County Supervisor seats have their work cut out for them.

Regardless of how they answer during a candidate forum scheduled Thursday, for the June 4 primary election to be effective, the top two winning candidates need to each at least get 17.5% of the total votes cast to be declared a winner.

Creston News Advertiser, KSIB Radio and Creston Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a forum of the four candidates. The forum will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at the Southwestern Community College Allied Health Building. Panther TV will livestream the event. Go to youtube.com and search for Panther TV-Creston High School.

Candidates are incumbents Dennis Brown and Rick Friday and contestants Tom Spencer and Bill Oetken. All are on the Republican ticket.

If the ideal voter results don’t happen to name two winners, the Union County Republican party must convene and determine the winners by their processes.

Whoever does not win in June can’t file again later this year as an unaffiliated candidate to be on the November ballot.

Union County Auditor Sandy Hysell said voters can request an absentee ballot through her office. Those ballots will be mailed beginning May 15. Ballots must be returned no later than June 4 to be counted.

At the forum, each candidate will make an opening statement. After the opening statements prepared questions will be asked to each candidate. No rebuttal will be allowed unless a specific candidate is named and then that candidate will have one minute to respond. The final segment of the forum will be a closing statement from each of the candidates.

JOHN VAN NOSTRAND

An Iowa native, John's newspaper career has mostly been in small-town weeklies from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River. He first stint in Creston was from 2002 to 2005.

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