dissertation doctorate degree

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="dissertation doctorate degree"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Guide to writing your thesis/dissertation, definition of dissertation and thesis.

The dissertation or thesis is a scholarly treatise that substantiates a specific point of view as a result of original research that is conducted by students during their graduate study. At Cornell, the thesis is a requirement for the receipt of the M.A. and M.S. degrees and some professional master’s degrees. The dissertation is a requirement of the Ph.D. degree.

Formatting Requirement and Standards

The Graduate School sets the minimum format for your thesis or dissertation, while you, your special committee, and your advisor/chair decide upon the content and length. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanical issues are your sole responsibility. Generally, the thesis and dissertation should conform to the standards of leading academic journals in your field. The Graduate School does not monitor the thesis or dissertation for mechanics, content, or style.

“Papers Option” Dissertation or Thesis

A “papers option” is available only to students in certain fields, which are listed on the Fields Permitting the Use of Papers Option page , or by approved petition. If you choose the papers option, your dissertation or thesis is organized as a series of relatively independent chapters or papers that you have submitted or will be submitting to journals in the field. You must be the only author or the first author of the papers to be used in the dissertation. The papers-option dissertation or thesis must meet all format and submission requirements, and a singular referencing convention must be used throughout.

ProQuest Electronic Submissions

The dissertation and thesis become permanent records of your original research, and in the case of doctoral research, the Graduate School requires publication of the dissertation and abstract in its original form. All Cornell master’s theses and doctoral dissertations require an electronic submission through ProQuest, which fills orders for paper or digital copies of the thesis and dissertation and makes a digital version available online via their subscription database, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses . For master’s theses, only the abstract is available. ProQuest provides worldwide distribution of your work from the master copy. You retain control over your dissertation and are free to grant publishing rights as you see fit. The formatting requirements contained in this guide meet all ProQuest specifications.

Copies of Dissertation and Thesis

Copies of Ph.D. dissertations and master’s theses are also uploaded in PDF format to the Cornell Library Repository, eCommons . A print copy of each master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation is submitted to Cornell University Library by ProQuest.

• Dissertation

Requirements, deadlines, and other information on preparing and submitting a dissertation.

• Fellowships
• Maximizing Your Degree
• Before You Arrive
• First Weeks at Harvard
• Harvard Speak
• Pre-Arrival Resources for New International Students
• Alumni Council
• Student Engagement
• Applying to Degree Programs
• Applying to the Visiting Students Program
• Admissions Policies
• Cost of Attendance
• Express Interest
• Campus Safety
• Commencement
• Diversity & Inclusion Fellows
• Student Affinity Groups
• Recruitment and Outreach
• Find Your Financial Aid Officer
• Funding and Aid
• Financial Wellness
• Consumer Information
• Life Sciences
• Policies (Student Handbook)
• Student Center
• Title IX and Gender Equity

PhD candidates must successfully complete and submit a dissertation to qualify for degree conferral. It is perhaps the most important and far-reaching undertaking in the entire doctoral program, having an impact that extends well beyond graduate studies. 

Requirements and Deadlines 

Each graduate program maintains specific requirements for the content and evaluation of the dissertation. Be sure to review your program’s departmental requirements prior to beginning the process. You should also review Harvard Griffin GSAS’s dissertation policies for important information about formatting, submission, and publishing and distribution options, including embargoes.  

Degrees are awarded in November, March, and May. Dissertation submission deadlines are noted in the Degree Calendar section of Policies . 

Help with the Dissertation 

Library research .

It’s never too early to start planning for your dissertation. The Harvard Library can help! The Library maintains a guide for graduate students engaged in scholarly writing titled the Writing Oasis . They also offer access to Overleaf , which is an online LaTeX and Rich Text collaborative writing and publishing tool that makes the process of academic writing, editing, and publishing quicker and easier. Overleaf has a section on Writing Your Dissertation that you may find useful.  

Writing 

Students can find support with planning and preparing to write the dissertation from their academic advisors and programs. The Fellowships & Writing Center also offers workshops on various aspects of dissertation writing, holds brainstorming office hours during which students may discuss their dissertations, and provides written feedback on dissertation chapters.  

Dissertation Completion Fellowships 

Harvard Griffin GSAS provides a dissertation completion fellowship (DCF) for one academic year to eligible PhD students in the humanities and social sciences who anticipate completing their dissertations within the year. Find out more in Policies .

Student Affairs

Share this page, explore events.

LET US HELP

Welcome to Capella

Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

Connect with us

A team of dedicated enrollment counselors is standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you get started.

• Capella University Blog
• PhD/Doctorate

The difference between a dissertation and doctoral capstone

May 30, 2023

Estimated reading time:  3-4 minutes

If you’ve been researching doctoral degrees, you may notice that virtually all PhD programs require a dissertation, while some professional doctorates require a doctoral capstone or an alternative doctoral project.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

What do a dissertation and doctoral capstone have in common?

All doctoral programs help prepare students to contribute evidence-based practice in their field. Students learn to apply leadership principles and strategies that promote community support, diversity and individuality in the workplace, and the community.

Completing either a dissertation or a doctoral capstone requires intense preparation and a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking. Both culminate in a final document or project that demonstrates a broadened knowledge of relevant theory and practice. 

What are the main differences between a dissertation and a doctoral capstone? 

The Capella doctoral experience offers a good comparison of the two types of final project.

The Capella dissertation is a traditional five-chapter research document that you’ll develop as you work with a faculty mentor and dissertation committee members. It’s meant to be a work of high-quality academic research that contributes to your field of study.

The doctoral capstone can take many different forms depending on your program, your specialization or area of interest within your subject and other variables. Working with a faculty mentor and committee, you’ll complete a project that offers solutions or improvements to a real-world problem relevant to your field of study. 

• Project focus
• Project deliverable
• Deliverable detail

Doctoral Capstone

• Extends or applies research to solve a real-world problem
• Provides a solution to a problem within a specific organizational setting
• Presents the results in a deliverable (paper, product, or portfolio) and a final report that describes the creation of the deliverable

Dissertation

• Involves a quest for new knowledge to solve a real-world problem
• Addresses a research problem in one field of specialization
• Involves either quantitative or qualitative research methods
• Paper, Product or Portfolio
• Action research
• Clinical Research Paper
• Program Curriculum
• Change Management Plan
• Chapter 1. Introduction and Statement of the Problem
• Chapter 2. Literature Review
• Chapter 3. Methodology
• Chapter 4. Data Analysis and Results
• Chapter 5. Conclusions and Recommendations

Ready to explore the doctoral path that could work best for you? Capella University offers PhD and professional doctorate degree programs ranging from business and education to health care and technology.

Learn more about Capella’s online doctoral programs.

You may also like

Can I transfer credits into a doctoral program?

January 8, 2020

What are the steps in writing a dissertation?

December 11, 2019

What you need to know about paying for your doctorate

November 11, 2019

Start learning today

Get started on your journey now by connecting with an enrollment counselor. See how Capella may be a good fit for you, and start the application process.

Please Exit Private Browsing Mode

Your internet browser is in private browsing mode. Please turn off private browsing mode if you wish to use this site.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

Masters Thesis vs. PhD Dissertation: Key Differences

Whether you are a graduate student just starting out in academia or a professor advising a student, making the distinction between a dissertation and a thesis is critically important to writing a strong dissertation and becoming a stronger writer. Unfortunately, the difference remains unclear since the terms are used interchangeably by graduate students, doctoral researchers, academic publishers & universities.

If you’re not sure whether you’re writing a thesis or a dissertation, this article will help you understand the differences between the two whether you’re a PhD or master’s degree student.

Main Differences Between a Dissertation and a Thesis

While theses and dissertations share many similarities (they are both advanced graduate research papers), they actually refer to two different types of academic writing, and their differences include important concepts such as scope, purpose, length, and research requirements.

Most importantly, the difference between a thesis and a dissertation depends on the level of education. Far beyond being a simple essay, a thesis is for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree while a dissertation is written by doctoral students, also referred to as PhD candidates.

There are a few key differences between a thesis versus a dissertation.

The biggest difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis makes arguments based on existing research. Meanwhile, a dissertation often requires the PhD candidate to conduct research and then perform an analysis.

More specifically, a thesis often takes the form of a literature review , which is a compilation of research knowledge in a particular field of study that proves one is competent in that subject. On the other hand, a dissertation is a more specific type of research paper written by those working toward a specific doctorate degree that contributes knowledge, theory, or methods to a field of study.

What is a master’s thesis?

A master’s thesis is an academic research paper that requires a greater degree of research than an undergraduate thesis or term paper. It is marked by a higher standard of writing, and students are expected to demonstrate competence, literacy, and mastery of a subject. It usually takes two or three years to complete. Finally, a master’s degree thesis is usually written in order to obtain a research degree and is not intended to be published separately.

What is a PhD dissertation?

A PhD dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research that is required of all students who are pursuing a doctorate degree. It is a piece of original work that has not been published elsewhere and, most importantly, makes a new contribution to the field. This contribution may be a new way of thinking about an existing topic or even a novel theory. The research performed for a dissertation is usually conducted over a period of several years to half a decade.

Features of a Master’s Thesis vs PhD Dissertation

Content and structural differences.

So how is dissertation writing different from thesis writing?

Now that you know the definitions of a dissertation and thesis, let’s dive into some clear ways in which they differ in structure and other main characteristics.

How long is a thesis vs dissertation?

Length is the most obvious factor in differentiating between writing a thesis or dissertation. 

Generally, a doctoral dissertation has greater breadth, depth, and intention than a master’s thesis since it is based on original research. While the standard length of a master’s thesis is around 100 pages , a doctoral dissertation can be upwards of 400-500 pages. 

While most students can finish their PhD dissertation or thesis in as little as 1-2 years, it can take as long as 7 years depending on the school, program, and dissertation topic. As doctoral programs have their own formatting requirements, check with your school or university to find out what you need for your own dissertation or thesis. Most dissertations are organized into chapters, but the number of chapters varies as well.

Differences in research methods

A thesis and dissertation are both graduate-level research reports. This means they require students to investigate and report on a specific topic. But what is the difference in the scale of research between a master’s versus doctoral degree? The answer comes down to how much and what type of data you collect .

Data sources for a thesis vs dissertation

A master’s thesis is limited to secondary or reported knowledge . This knowledge has already been published, analyzed, and scrutinized in the literature. A thesis does not typically offer anything new in that regard. Your purpose is usually to write a comprehensive literature review on a novel or underreported topic using already-reported data.

On the other hand, a doctoral dissertation reports on  novel data  and is published so it can be scrutinized by others. It culminates in your dissertation defense.

The above lists clearly show that a PhD researcher and dissertation writer must have specific hands-on experience about not only the result of others’ research but also how the researchers obtained the data. A dissertation must venture into criticism of how other studies performed their experiments, whereas a master’s student will only report on and evaluate the results.

Differences in research scope 

As mentioned above, a thesis is more of a literature review written to demonstrate competence and mastery of a field of study. In short, you are a reliable “reporter” of information related to that subject. A thesis shows that you know the technical jargon, understand the subject, are familiar with industry tools, and can translate that information to a general audience. This is why a master’s degree is sufficient and often preferred for industry jobs.

In contrast, a doctoral dissertation goes beyond simply using the building blocks of your subject and actually creates new tools, knowledge, and theories to advance the subject as a whole. If a master’s degree holder is like a seasoned Rolling Stone journalist, then a doctorate is the band/musician who actually makes the music.

So should you pursue a thesis or a dissertation?

The benefits of earning a graduate degree are huge. According to the US Census Bureau , those with an advanced degree earn 3.7 times as much as a high school dropout, and 13.1% hold a master’s, professional, or doctorate degree. If you’re a curious undergraduate student thinking of applying to graduate school, which is the right choice?

In short, a dissertation is more focused and in-depth than a thesis. While a doctoral dissertation is based on original research, a thesis is often an extension or review of others’ research in order to demonstrate literacy. Further, a dissertation can be used as the basis or subject of a thesis, but not vice versa.

Editing a Dissertation vs Thesis

So far, we’ve focused a lot on differences such as research and purpose, but in the end, a thesis or dissertation is a written document that requires skill, focus, discipline, subject knowledge, organization, and scheduling. 

For non-native English speakers, the challenge is especially difficult since English is the lingua franca of academia and research. 

How does an editing service improve your dissertation or thesis ?

From body spacing and pagination, to font size and citation formatting, the dissertation guidelines are exhaustive. Even worse, they vary by school. So besides the actual English writing and grammar, graduate students must worry about consistency, formatting, nomenclature, and terminology. That’s quite the burden!

This is why it’s very common for graduate students, especially ESL and foreign ones, to seek out dissertation editing services that specifically cater to the academic needs of researchers and students.

Here are just a few reasons why dissertation proofreading is so helpful and what these editors do:

• Correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, and structural errors
• Offer suggestions to rewrite, remove, and revise writing
• Ensure formatting and nomenclature are consistent
• Knowledgeable academic editors with master’s and PhD degrees
• Free up your time to focus on research, revisions, and content instead of looking for mistakes
• Provide a  language editing certificate , which may be necessary for non-native English-speaking students

Lastly, most PhD advisors recommend that students seek out professional editing services , specifically thesis editing or dissertation editing , since professors prefer to assess the actual research content of a dissertation, not mundane writing errors. Any graduate student reading this knows professors don’t like their time to be wasted! 

Be sure to check out other academic resources on how to improve your academic manuscript and the benefits of proofreading and editing.

And try the Wordvice FREE Citation Generator, which provides citations for four academic formatting styles:  APA Citation Generator , MLA Citation Generator , Chicago Citation Generator , and Vancouver Citation Generator .

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Indianapolis Indiana University Indianapolis IU Indianapolis

• Attendee Information
• Exhibitor Information
• Getting You Into IU Indianapolis
• Student Awards
• Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars
• Commitment to Diversity
• IUPUI Graduate Emissaries for Student Diversity
• Measures of Quality
• Doctoral - Research Student Data
• Accelerated Degrees
• Graduate Non-Degree Program
• Future Student FAQs
• About IUPUI
• Visit IUPUI
• How to Apply
• Tuition & Fees
• Indiana Partner Tuition Participating Programs
• Fellowships & Awards
• Travel Fellowships
• Student Loans
• Tax Information
• IU Graduate Bulletin
• Responsible Conduct and Ethics
• Timeline for Graduation
• IU Degree, Transcript, Diploma/Certificate
• IU Dissertation Defense Announcements
• Getting Oriented
• Events and Resources
• 3MT and 3MP Competitions
• IUPUI Graduate Mentoring Center
• IUPUI Graduate Commons
• Grad Parent Network
• CIRTL at IUPUI
• Research Funding
• Campus Transportation
• Campus Safety
• Health & Wellness
• Health Insurance
• IUPUI Dining Services
• Disability Services
• Virtual Resources for Current Students
• Virtual Resources for Prospective Students
• Fellowship Subcommittee
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Graduate or Professional Degree Program
• Graduate or Professional Degree Certificate
• Graduate or Professional Degree Sub Plans (tracks, transcripts)
• Propose Accelerated or Dual Degree
• Graduate or Professional Degree Minor
• Changes to Existing Degrees
• Add or Change Courses to Curriculum
• Academic Reviews
• Graduate Recruitment Council
• Graduate Faculty Council
• Membership to Graduate Faculty
• Mentor Graduate Students
• School of Science Realignment FAQ for Graduate Students

Indiana University Graduate School Indianapolis

• Purdue Graduate Students

Theses & Dissertations

Graduate students in Purdue programs at IUPUI who are depositing a thesis or a dissertation need to follow the Purdue deposit process including templates, forms and deadlines.  Click below for the full Purdue graduate student site or for the Purdue deposit process information.

Purdue Graduate Students Site

Purdue Deposit Process Page

IU Graduate Students in UGS Programs

The thesis or dissertation is the capstone work of your academic career. This is your opportunity as a graduate student to apply everything you have studied during and leading up to graduate school and contribute to the academic community.

A thesis or dissertation can take months or even years to complete, and it is one of the final steps in achieving a graduate degree.

At IUPUI, master’s degree candidates complete theses, while doctoral candidates complete dissertations. Each work comes with its own set of requirements, including formatting and deadlines , and both have multiple options for submission . A doctoral dissertation also comes with the added requirement of a defense .

By participating in The Graduate Student Writing Group , you’ll receive feedback on your work, participate in skill-building activities, discuss ideas with peers, and set aside designated time to write. Email [email protected] to join.

The IU Graduate School Indianapolis will make forms or documents available to those who cannot access them via this website. Please contact gradoff@iupui.edu to request the document you wish to see.

Indiana University Graduate School Indianapolis resources and social media channels

• Give Now - support graduate students

• Request Info

• B.A. in Professional Studies
• B.S. in Business Administration & Leadership
• See All Business
• B.A. in Education Studies
• See All Education
• B.S. in Healthcare Administration
• See All Healthcare
• See All Leadership
• See All Nursing
• See All Bachelor's
• Business Programs
• Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training
• Certificate in Content Area Instruction
• Certificate in Principal Preparation
• Certificate in Teaching English Learners
• Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education
• Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education
• Florida Educational Leadership Program
• Healthcare Programs
• Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study
• Certificate in Teacher Leadership
• Certificate in Texas Educational Leadership
• Nursing Programs
• See All Certificates
• Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
• Ed.D. in Instructional Technology
• Ed.D. in Leadership
• Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction
• Ed.D. in Special Education
• Ed.D. in Public Health Education
• Ed.D. in Nursing Education
• See All Doctoral
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education
• Ed.S. in Instructional  Technology
• Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction
• Ed.S. in Special Education
• Ed.S. in Public Health Education
• Ed.S. in Leadership
• Ed.S. in Nursing Education
• See All Education Specialist
• M.Ed. in Educational Business Administration
• M.S. in Organizational Leadership
• M.A. in Elementary Teaching
• M.A. in Secondary Teaching
• M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training
• M.Ed. in Advanced Studies
• M.Ed. in Biology Education
• M.Ed. in Chemistry Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
• M.Ed. in Educational Technology
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education
• M.Ed. in English Education
• M.Ed. in Health and Wellness Education
• M.Ed. in Higher Education
• M.Ed. in History Education
• M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology
• M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum
• M.Ed. in Literacy
• M.Ed. in Mathematics Education
• M.Ed. in Science Education
• M.Ed. in Social Science Education
• M.Ed. in Special Education
• M.Ed. in STEM Education
• M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
• M.Ed. in Teaching English Learners
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Master of Public Health
• See All Master's
• Micro-Credential in Early Childhood Special Education
• Micro-Credential in Learning Behavior Specialist 1
• Micro-Credential in Public Health and Health Leadership
• Leadership Programs
• See All Micro-credentials
• Find Your Course
• See All Courses
• Find Your Program
• Academic Calendar
• Payment Options
• Grants and Scholarships
• Virtual Open House
• Education Solutions
• K-12 Education Partners
• Academic Partners
• Community College Partners
• Healthcare Partners
• Business Partners
• Non-profit Partners
• Support Services
• Tuition & Tech Support
• Alumni Achievement Award
• Success Stories
• Current Catalog
• Internship and Student Teaching
• Commencement
• Accreditation
• History and Mission
• Rankings and Accolades
• Social Responsibility
• Student Right to Know
• Annual Reports
• Regulatory Affairs
• Content Resources
• Education Specialist
• Certificates
• Micro-Credential
• Current Students
• MyACE Student Login

Online Doctoral Degrees

Find your program and advance your career.

Our doctoral online degrees are designed to help you advance in your field through research that inspires you. Our dedicated faculty guide your research and support you through each chapter of your dissertation to help you complete your degree and make a positive difference in your field. Depending on your background and pathway, you can finish your doctoral online degree in 3 years or less. Find the doctoral program for you and pave the way toward professional advancement.

filter programs (3)

Filter programs, degree level, area of interest, quality you expect.

Our entire existence is dedicated to you and you expect a high-quality education. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success. Our practical programs and courses apply to your work today and your success tomorrow.

Low Cost You Deserve

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $9,500 . In addition to our industry-low cost, we award over $1.5M each year in scholarships and grants.

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your bust schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

A Note About Licensure:

Graduates of online degree programs which are approved to lead to licensure, endorsement or certification may be subject to additional requirements for the receipt of initial licensure, endorsement or certification in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate.

Students are strongly encouraged to check licensure requirements in the state in which they intend to teach or administrate to determine whether they are eligible for licensure, endorsement or certification.

It is vitally important that students know and be continually aware of the requirements for licensure in their state. State licensing requirements and licensing agency information may be found here .

High Quality Online Education You Can Afford

• High quality you expect
• Low cost you deserve
• Flexibility you need

Let’s Get Started

Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.

Currently there are no programs available in your state. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at +1-800-280-0307 with additional questions.

• Select Your State * (Required) Select Your State *
• Degree of Interest * (Required) Degree of Interest *
• Program of Interest * (Required) Program of Interest *
• Preferred Start Date * (Required) Preferred Start Date *
• First Name (Required)
• Last Name (Required)
• Email (Required)
• Phone Number (Required)
• Zip Code * (Required)
• By clicking “REQUEST INFORMATION,” express consent is given to be contacted by American College of Education (ACE) regarding educational services by email, telephone, or text at the email address(es), telephone number(s) provided. Message/data rates may apply. I consent to receive auto-dialed/pre-recorded telemarketing calls from or on behalf of ACE. I understand my consent is not a condition to enroll or acceptance into any ACE academic program. View Privacy Policy .
• By clicking “VIEW OPEN HOUSE,” express consent is given to be contacted by American College of Education (ACE) regarding educational services by email, telephone, or text at the email address(es), telephone number(s) provided. Message/data rates may apply. I consent to receive auto-dialed/pre-recorded telemarketing calls from or on behalf of ACE. I understand my consent is not a condition to enroll or acceptance into any ACE academic program. View Privacy Policy .
• Hidden CRMVal

• Business Management
• Early Childhood Education & Adolescent Development
• Criminal Justice Management
• Emergency Services Management
• Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation
• Social Work
• Applied Nutrition & Dietetics
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Health & Wellness
• Human Lactation Studies
• Health Care Leadership
• Organizational Leadership
• Design your own MBA
• Cybersecurity
• Integrative Learning
• Montessori Integrative Learning
• All But Dissertation (ABD)
• Educational Justice & Equity
• Ethical & Creative Leadership
• Humanities & Culture
• Public Policy & Social Change
• Martin Luther King Jr. Studies
• Doctoral Certificates
• All But Dissertation (EdD - ABD)
• Applied Nutrition and Health Education
• Educational Leadership (Pre-K-12)
• Higher Education
• California Teacher Permit
• Health Education
• Online Teaching & Learning
• Creativity Studies
• History & Culture
• Literature & Writing
• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling
• Cannabis Studies
• Leadership in Public Service
• Social Justice
• ETSA Catalog
• Ed2Go Catalog
• U4U! Early College Program
• University Catalog
• Tuition & Fees
• Payment Options
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid Overview
• Federal Work Study
• Net Price Calculator
• How to Register
• Transfer Students Overview
• Certified Learning
• Transfer Partnerships
• International Students
• Military Students
• Accreditation
• Board of Trustees
• Hispanic-Serving Institution
• Leadership & Offices
• Rankings & Awards
• Giving to Union
• Share Your Story
• Union Store
• University Calendar
• What’s Happening
• 2023 Commencement
• Request Transcript
• Academic Services
• Career Services
• Disability Services
• Mental Health Services
• Online Library
• Military at Union
• Educational Justice & Equity
• Public Policy & Social Change
• All But Dissertation (EdD – ABD)

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.

FINANCIAL AID

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

Funding Your Future

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

30 Best Doctorate Degrees Online No Dissertation Required [2024 Doctoral Programs]

Skip your dissertation with an accredited no dissertation doctoral program!

In the past, the majority of doctoral programs always required students to write a dissertation.  Now, instead of spending years working on a dissertation, a growing number of universities offer doctoral students an alternative to the dissertation process: a capstone project.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering No Dissertation Online Doctorate Degree Programs

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

Arizona State University

• Online DBH (Doctor of Behavioral Health)

ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bay Path University

• Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
• Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Bay Path is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Baylor University

• Online EdD – Learning and Organizational Change

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

Capella University

• Online EdD or DBA – Multiple Concentrations

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

East Tennessee State University

• Online EdD – Global Sport Leadership

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

Eastern Kentucky University

EKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Gannon University

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

Georgia College & State University

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

Indiana State University

Indiana State has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Johns Hopkins University

• Online EdD (Does not require a traditional dissertation process; students work on an applied dissertation that is part of EdD coursework)

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

Liberty University

• Online DBA Programs – they offer applied research projects.

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

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Morehead State University

• Online EdD – 3 doctoral specializations available

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

National University

• Online EdS – 16 Graduate level concentrations available, but not a doctorate degree. No dissertation required.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Nebraska Methodist College

• Online EdD – Education & Leadership in Healthcare

NMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

New York University

• Online EdD – Leadership and Innovation

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

Quinnipiac University

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

Temple University

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

Texas Woman’s University

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

University of Massachusetts – Boston

UMB is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Southern California

• Online DSW (Doctor of Social Work)

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

University of Southern Mississippi

• Online EdD – Educational Administration

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

University of Virginia

• Online EdD – Curriculum & Instruction

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

University of Western States

• Online EdD – Sport and Performance Psychology

UWS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Utica College

• Online DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

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

Vanderbilt University

• Online EdD – Leadership and Learning in Organizations

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

Virginia Commonwealth University

• Online EdD – Leadership

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

Walden University

• Online PsyD – Behavioral Health

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

West Virginia University

WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

These programs can work around your existing obligations such as family or work commitments, and will allow you to advance in your career and contribute to your field in ways that don’t require a massive research paper and the massive amount of dissertation research that goes along with it!

List of Doctorate Degrees without Dissertation Requirements

Here is a list of doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project or a doctoral study project.

Click on your desired field of study to jump to that section:

• Business A dministration
• Co mputers & Information Technology

Criminal Justice

Healthcare administration, homeland security, public administration, public health.

Like dissertations, capstone projects are a culmination of your education. They usually involve some original research or some type of applied practical knowledge in your field. It all depends on the school and program.

Be sure to check out the specializations available, as well as the particular requirements for each of these non dissertation PhD programs to be sure you select the one that will best suit you and help you achieve your goals.

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in accounting and focuses on domestic and international managerial accounting.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , financial managers are in high demand with a mean salary of $134,180.

In addition, the need for financial managers in leadership positions is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

Business Administration

A Doctor of Business Administration is the highest academic degree program in the business world and is ideal for business professionals in corporations, the public sector, or academia.

Quite a few Online DBA concentrations are available without involving the dissertation process and associated research. Instead, you complete a capstone project or doctoral study project. These projects provide real-world learning and leadership opportunities.

An online DBA program focuses on advanced decision-making and leadership skills, integrating business theory and applied research. The capstone project or doctoral study project will relate to the specialization you have chosen and prepare you for that particular career path.

Most online DBA programs allow you to tailor your education by selecting the specialization that best suits your interests and aspirations.

Below are a few common DBA concentrations available without a dissertation.

• Entrepreneurship
• General Business
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems Management
• International Business
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

Whether you work full time as a business consultant or manager, as an entrepreneur, as a school administrator or in government, programs like this may help you take your education – and your career in business – to the next level.

Computers & Information Technology

A doctoral degree in computer information systems or information technology trains you for senior management roles in corporations, government agencies, and non-profits.

The Doctor of Information Technology and the Doctor of Business Administration are applied doctorate degree programs.

These online doctorate programs can prepare you for top-level positions such as IT strategist, IS manager, chief information officer, or even college faculty member.

Earning your doctorate in criminal justice gives you the tools needed to analyze and operate in the social sciences in areas such as law and society, crime, policing, homeland security, and criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice programs are often offered as follows:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Management (DM) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

Of these five degree program types, the PhD in Criminal Justice is the most common. However, the other four types of doctorates are professional doctorates and are more likely to require a capstone project instead of a dissertation.

Having an advanced level degree in education can really set you apart and open new doors. That’s where Doctor of Education programs come into play.

More and more universities are now offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements, which means you may be able to complete the program sooner, without neglecting your other obligations, and without writing that massive research paper!

Unlike a PhD in Education which is heavily focused on research, a Doctor of Education (EdD) program is more focused on the real world practical application of knowledge.

With the creation of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED) which looks at EdD curriculum and its development, an increasing number of universities are adopting a more practical approach in their curriculum.

For this reason, Doctor of Education programs are starting to offer capstone projects (or similar applications) as an alternative to the lengthy, research-intensive dissertation process.

There are two main education doctorate options: a Ph.D. in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD). So which is the best choice?

A Ph.D. in Education is ideal for someone interested in academic and/or research positions in higher education, or in a corporate, military or government position, but typically requires a traditional dissertation.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs, however, focus more on developments in the field and prepare you to work in a classroom or for a school district. Quite a few schools now offer online Ed.D. programs without dissertation requirements.

The University of Southern Mississippi, for example, offers a part-time, fully online EdD program that culminates in a capstone project in educational administration instead of a traditional dissertation process.

Be sure to select one of the doctorate degree without dissertation  programs that will work with your lifestyle and commitments, and help you achieve your long-term career goals.

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in finance and focuses on international finance, entrepreneurial finance, law, and compliance.

In addition, the need for financial managers is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management provides advanced training in organizational leadership, professional management, and human resource development.

DBA in Healthcare Management degree programs will prepare you for senior-level leadership positions in the healthcare field.

Explore cutting-edge strategies in leadership and decision-making while gaining a deep understanding of both theory and practice.

With the global increase in terrorism and natural disasters, the need for homeland security leaders well-trained in crisis planning is on the rise.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security addresses global terrorism, risk analysis, policy challenges, organizational leadership, and emerging trends.

Courses include an in-depth look into homeland security policies, homeland security business planning, and business infrastructure vulnerability analysis, among others.

A Doctor of Business Administration with a focus in management is designed to prepare you for strategic leadership. Not only will you develop advanced research skills, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new ways to address complex problems within your industry.

A Doctor of Business Administration is a professional doctorate that can help prepare you for high-level management positions in corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for management professionals is $109,760, which is the highest wage  of all major occupation groups.

Instead of following a traditional dissertation process in your studies, you will complete a DNP practicum.

Nurses participating in the DNP program will learn to take evidence-based research and put it into practice to improve patient outcomes.

This DNP can be completed in as little as two years:

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Leadership and innovation are also areas of focus to help encourage innovation and positive change in the healthcare system.

The Doctor of Public Administration is an applied doctorate that gives you the in-depth knowledge you need to lead effectively and help create positive change in non-profits, government agencies, or similar organizations.

Doctor of Public Administration degree programs can help prepare you for a career in academia or to work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows high-demand in the field. For example, the need for social and community service managers will grow by 15% in the next ten years.

The Doctor of Public Health is a professional doctorate degree intended for individuals already working in the field of public health.

The field is interdisciplinary and covers topics ranging from advocacy and marketing to communications and leadership.

A number of concentrations are available such as epidemiology and biostatistics. Career options vary but can include health officer, health policy advisor, and community health director.

The Doctor of Psychology is a professional degree program that covers both Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

There are a few online PsyD programs that require no dissertation .

Some common fields of specialization include:

• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Behavioral Psychology
• Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Couple or Family Therapy
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Mental Illness
• Neuropsychology

Instead of a dissertation, some PsyD programs (like Capella) allow you to complete a capstone project related to your field of specialization.

What is a Doctoral Dissertation?

A doctoral dissertation, the culmination of most doctoral degree programs, is a substantial written document in which the student uses the teachings and skills gleaned from the entire program to develop and discuss an original concept, theory or practice that will help advance the field.

Writing a dissertation is no easy feat! They are typically hundreds of pages long, and students work on them for over a year, reviewing research, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Because this project is daunting, demanding, and often requires years of research, many universities have come up with alternatives that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and provide worthwhile contributions to their field without completing a traditional dissertation.

What Are All But Dissertation Completion Programs?

“All But Dissertation” (ABD) completion programs, also known as PhD completion programs, are designed to help students who have completed all the requirements of a doctoral degree program except the dissertation.

Quite often, students work diligently through the coursework of their doctoral program, but fall short when it comes to completing the required dissertation. According to the Council of Graduate Schools , only about 56% of those who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate or PhD within 10 years. Completing a dissertation is an enormous project that entails extensive research — and life, family, careers and other obligations sometimes get in the way.

For example, the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offered by National University is one example of a structured program that transfers credit for prior academic coursework and provides guidance and mentorship as you work to finish your dissertation. This type of program typically takes 2-3 years.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

Not always. In the past a dissertation was required for a PhD, but a growing number of institutions have started to offer online doctoral programs no dissertation.

Instead, students may complete a capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge and provide new contributions to the field. This may be a combination of a research paper and fieldwork, or perhaps you might do some consulting work at a functioning business. However, it most cases, it will require considerably less independent research than what is required for a dissertation.

Capstone projects vary from school to school, and program to program.

One of the benefits of non-dissertation doctorate degrees is that you can finish in less time. Check out our guide on accelerated online doctoral programs for a deeper look.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online PhD Programs?

Looking to manage the costs of an online PhD program? You’ve got options.

First up, the FAFSA – it’s not just for undergrads and can open doors to federal grants and loans. Don’t overlook state financial aid either; many states offer loan programs that might be more budget-friendly than private loans, helping to reduce the cost of repayment.

Also, keep an eye out for scholarships and grants tailored for online doctoral students. These can take into account your academic achievements and work experience.

Many universities now offer affordable online programs, designed to provide quality education without the hefty price tag of traditional on-campus degrees.  For more specific details and info about reducing these costs, the financial aid office at your university is a great resource. They can guide you through the maze of options and help you find the best fit for your financial situation.

Federal Financial Aid

First, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , just like you did when you were an undergraduate student. This will open the door to federal grants and loans, as well as many other resources.

State Financial Aid

In addition to federal financial aid, almost 40 states offer student loan programs. Like Federal loans, the interest rates offered by most state programs are generally less than those charged by private student loan lenders. You can get more info on individual State Financial Aid programs here.

Scholarships and Grants for Online Doctorate Programs

Additionally, online PhD and doctoral students are often eligible for grants, fellowships, and scholarships. These may be available through the school, large corporations, or professional associations that take your work experience into account.

You can generally also get more info from the financial aid office at the university or college you choose to learn more about institutional funding and financial aid opportunities.

Can You Get a No Dissertation Doctorate Online?

Yes! A growing number of reputable, accredited colleges and universities offer non-dissertation doctorate programs. We’ve compiled a list of universities offering online doctorate degrees without dissertation requirements in the next section.

Are There Any PhD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are quite a few doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, but PhD programs without dissertation requirements are few and far between. In these cases, instead of the dissertation most commonly used in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a capstone project is required to help you put your new-found skills to good use.

In the past, dissertations were required so that you could demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. But universities have started to realize that there are quite a few ways you can do that.

As you can see with the online DBA programs , a few colleges are no longer requiring dissertations. They allow you to complete a doctoral capstone project instead. No, it’s not technically a dissertation. But you do prove that you have acquired a high level of expertise in your field of study.

Higher education is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As another example, a number of PhD programs without GRE requirements are appearing.

How Many Credits Do PhD Programs Require?

Most PhD programs require between 54 and 90 credit hours. That’s between 18 and 30 courses. This is true for both campus-based PhD programs and online PhD programs.

Let’s look at one of National University’s online programs as an example. The online DBA in Accounting is 54 credit hours and consists of 18 courses (most courses are 3 credit hours).

In contrast, if you attend a state university campus program like the University of Illinois, the PhD in Business requires 64 credit hours (around 21 courses), provided you already have your master’s degree.

Are There Any EdD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are a number of EdD programs without dissertation research papers. Here is a list of Ed.D. concentrations / specializations without a dissertation requirement: Online Doctor of Education list .

Do All Doctoral Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. A wide-range of doctoral programs do not have a dissertation. Instead, graduate schools allow you to complete a capstone project which focuses on solving a real-world problem.

You can also earn your doctorate through an accredited online program if you don’t want to attend on campus.

Is a PhD Program Without a Dissertation Respected?

A dissertation allows students the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in their field of study through extensive research and an associated dissertation research paper.

In certain fields, a dissertation will be the measure of quality. This is true for academia should you ever want to be a tenured professor at Harvard. But if that’s not your goal, doctoral programs in higher education, leadership, or business administration are reputable – provided you earn your doctorate from a graduate school with regional accreditation.

Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes. There are dozens of online doctorate degrees with no dissertation being offered from accredited universities. The most common doctoral degree programs are the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Are There Any 18 Month Doctorate with No Dissertation Programs?

Yes. Some online PhD no dissertation programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

To finish in a short time like this, you will need to be enrolled full time and progressing through your doctorate program courses successfully. You will also need your capstone project to be approved in a timely manner. Again, in order to complete your doctorate in less than 18 months, you’ll need to enroll in a PhD without thesis or dissertation requirement.

Are There Any PhD Without Dissertation Programs Online?

Yes, a number of universities offer online doctoral degree programs without dissertation to help working professionals juggle full time jobs with their studies. We’ve compiled a list of them above. As more universities offer no dissertation doctorates, we will update the list.

It’s worth noting that while these programs do not require traditional dissertations, there will usually be a research project (usually known as a Capstone) through which you demonstrate what you have learned. Each program should detail the capstone experience requirements and the opportunities you will have while enrolled.

A growing number of universities allow you to complete your program as a full time, working professional from the comfort of your own home!

Chicago teen who started college at 10 earns doctorate degree at 17

Dorothy Jean Tillman II’s participation in Arizona State University’s May 6 commencement was the latest step on a higher-education journey the Chicago teen started when she took her first college course at age 10.

In between came associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

When Tillman successfully defended her dissertation in December, she became the youngest person — at age 17 — to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State,  associate professor Leslie Manson told ABC’s “Good Morning America”  for a story Monday.

“It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” Manson said. “But this is still something so rare and unique.”

Tillman, called “Dorothy Jeanius” by family and friends, is the granddaughter of former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman.

When most students are just learning to navigate middle school, her mother enrolled Tillman in classes through the College of Lake County in northern Illinois, where she majored in psychology and completed her associate’s degree in 2016, according to her biography.

Tillman earned a bachelor’s in humanities from New York’s Excelsior College in 2018. About two years later, she earned her master’s of science from Unity College in Maine before being accepted in 2021 into Arizona State’s Behavioral Health Management Program.

Most of her classwork was done remotely and online. Tillman did attend her  Arizona State commencement  in person and addressed the graduating class during the ceremony.

Tillman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that she credits her grandmother and trusting in her mother’s guidance for her educational pursuits and successes.

“Everything that we were doing didn’t seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention,” said Tillman, now 18.

There have been sacrifices, though.

“I didn’t have the everyday school things like homecoming dances or spirit weeks or just school pictures and things like that ... that kind of create unity with my peers,” she said.

She has found time to dance and do choreography. Tillman also is founder and chief executive of the Dorothyjeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. The program includes summer camps designed to help young people in the arts and STEM subjects.

She said her plans include public speaking engagements and fundraising for the camp, which Tillman said she hopes to franchise one day.

Tillman is motivated and has innovative ideas, said Manson, adding, “And truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader.”

Jimalita Tillman said she is most impressed with her daughter’s ability to show herself and her successes with grace, but to also understand when to “put her foot down” when choosing between social outings and her education.

For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter .

The Associated Press

Graduate students win Dissertation Completion Fellowship Awards

Graduate students Wayne Water Vigil Jr. and Giulia Alboreggia have each won a Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award. The award, given by the UCR Graduate Division , is given to doctoral students for up to two quarters.  

Vigil Jr. and Alboreggia are the first two graduates with doctoral degrees from the Biophysics Graduate Program , directed by Roya Zandi , a professor of physics and astronomy. 

Vigil Jr. who works with Russ Hille , a distinguished professor of biochemistry , has won the award for the spring quarter and will receive $10,000. He plans to use the award money to pay his rent while completing his dissertation work. 

Vigil Jr. will graduate next month with a doctoral degree in biophysics, after which he will start a postdoctoral appointment at UCR. He was drawn to the new Biophysics Graduate Program because he “liked the idea of trailblazing something that hadn’t been done before.” 

“There’s a familiarity in the unknown,” he said.

Vigil Jr. is a self-proclaimed “desert rat from the mountains of New Mexico.” A first-generation college student, he worked full time as an emergency medical technician during his high-school and undergraduate years. He received his dual-major from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology: one degree in chemical engineering with a minor in chemistry and the second a degree in biomedical sciences. 

“I have been beyond fortunate in my time here at UCR, from getting an amazing mentor, Dr. Hille, who has been nothing short of phenomenal,” he said. “I got to travel to Europe to present my research in 2021 and receiving the Science of Sustainability Fellowship last year. All the ups and downs have made for a wild time here at UCR and I’m glad the coin-flip that brought me down to Riverside landed heads and not tails.”

Vigil Jr. has two pet rabbits.

“One uses her five pounds of fluffy might to terrorize me given the opportunity,” he said.

Alboreggia works with Maurizio Pellecchia , a professor of biomedical sciences and the Daniel Hays Endowed Chair in Cancer Research in the School of Medicine . She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Insubria in Italy.

Related Awards

Psychology researcher named aaas fellow, history professor wins emory elliott award for book on native women, self-talk helps highlander take third place at uc grad slam, doctoral student brenda lopez awarded uc president’s postdoctoral fellowship.

Teen walks at graduation after completing doctoral degree at 17

Dorothy Jean Tillman II was 10 when she entered college as a freshman.

A teenager from Chicago walked in her graduation ceremony this month after earning her doctoral degree at 17.

Dorothy Jean Tillman II told " Good Morning America " that she was homeschooled in her early years before entering college at age 10.

In 2020, she said she earned a Master of Science degree, and then, one year later, at age 15, was accepted into the Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program at Arizona State University.

In December 2023, at 17, Tillman successfully defended her dissertation to earn her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from ASU's College of Health Solutions.

On May 6, she walked at ASU's spring commencement ceremony.

Tillman told "GMA" she has always held education in such high regard in part due to her family's background.

"People in my life like my grandmother, who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always," Tillman said. "But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about."

She continued, "I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn't exist for me."

Teen who battled leukemia and homelessness as a child graduates college at 18

Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at ASU, told "GMA" that Tillman is the youngest person in school history to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health.

Manson said she oversaw Tillman's dissertation for the doctoral program offered through ASU Online.

Similar Stories

A Chicago teen entered college at 10. At 17, she earned a doctorate from Arizona State

• May 14, 1:59 PM

Moms of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA speak out

• May 14, 9:43 AM

Steve Buscemi OK after recent assault in NYC

• May 13, 11:00 AM

During her studies, Tillman wrote a journal article of her dissertation and completed an internship at a university student health center, according to Manson.

"She really led change and worked on different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services," she said of Tillman. "It was wonderful to see her and help her navigate some of those personal and professional interactions and grow through those experiences."

Manson described Tillman as an "inquisitive" and "innovative" student, and emphasized just how rare it is to accomplish what she has so far.

"It's a wonderful celebration ... but this is still something so rare and unique," she said. "She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader."

Manson said she hopes Tillman continues to inspire people with her love of learning, saying, "That curiosity is always there, and I think all learners come with that, but it's great to be able to see it in someone so young as well."

Her inspiration and how she gives back to community

Tillman said her own journey wouldn't be possible without the support of her mom, who she said is one of her biggest motivators.

"Seeing my mother consistently work so hard to continuously uphold our family's legacy, and be that person that everyone was able to go to, if they needed anything ... always seeing [her] like [a] 'wonder woman' definitely made me want to grow up [into] an accomplished person," she said.

An advocate for education, Tillman is also the founder and CEO of a leadership institute that emphasizes the arts and STEM.

"I feel like adding art and putting a focus on it throughout science, technology, engineering and math makes the kids excited to learn all those things," she said. "And it opens them up to all of the possibilities and all the knowledge provided in that area of just STEM."

'Super dad' graduates with master's while working 3 jobs

As for her plans after graduation, Tillman said she is "just like any other teenager, still figuring out what my specific dreams and goals are."

"I'm really just grateful that the world is my oyster, and that I've done so much so young," she said. "And I have time to kind of think that through."

Tillman added that she hopes young people will take away from her story that it's OK to continually figure out what you want to do in life.

"Always remember that everyone has points in their life where they feel like they're figuring it out," she said. "And so figuring things out, not knowing what you want isn't a bad thing. But making the choice not to sit down and try to figure it out is."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional quotes from Tillman since its original publish date of May 13, 2024.

The partnership is the largest for a public HBCU

• May 17, 5:24 PM

Quintuplets with different majors graduate

• May 19, 9:23 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Dorothy Jean Tillman II Earns Doctoral Degree From Arizona State University At 17

Congratulations are in order for Dorothy Jean Tillman II. The 17-year-old Arizona State University student graduated with her doctoral degree on May 6, earning a degree in integrated behavioral health, according to Good Morning America (GMA).

The extraordinary graduate embarked on her academic journey early, stepping into college at the tender age of 10 to pursue her associates in psychology. By the age of 13, she had already earned her Bachelor’s degree, and at 15, she secured a coveted spot in Arizona State University’s Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management program.

Related Stories

Black Excellence: 17-Year-Old In Chicago Earns Her Doctorate From Arizona State University

Love To See It!: Alabama Native Harvard Professor Dr. Imani Perry Named 2023 MacArthur Fellow

College Graduate Goes Viral After Snatching Mic From White Faculty Member At Graduation

Hailing from Chicago, Tillman II credits her family, especially her grandmother, for instilling in her a deep passion for learning.

“People in my life like my grandmother, who was part of the Civil Rights movement, she of course harped on the importance of education and consistently learning something always,” Tillman II told GMA .

“But the way I always held education so high on my own, aside from being raised that way, was finding different things to be educated about.”

The 17-year-old graduate added, “I feel like that urge to learn something new just never didn’t exist for me.”

To fulfill the criteria for her doctoral degree, Tillman II authored a journal article as part of her dissertation and undertook an internship at the university student health center. There, she dedicated her efforts to effecting positive changes for fellow students.

Dr. Lesley Manson, a clinical associate professor at Arizona State University, highlighted that Tillman II’s project centered on enhancing  “different forms of management to really reduce healthcare stigma and improve that student population there to be able to enter and accept student health services.”  The passionate teen successfully presented her dissertation in December 2023 at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions.

Manson told GMA that she was impressed to see Tillman II’s “innovative” work and described her as an “inquisitive” student. She noted that the bright teen was the youngest person in school history to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health.

“It’s a wonderful celebration … but this is still something so rare and unique,” she said. “She has innovative ideas and motivation, which is wonderful, and truly, I think what is inspiring is that she embodies that meaning of being a true leader.”

Tillman II’s endeavors to instigate change extended beyond student health services at Arizona State University. Alongside her role as a health advocate, she spearheaded a leadership program that she founded and led as CEO. This initiative uniquely emphasized the intersection of arts and STEM.

“I feel like adding art and putting a focus on it throughout science, technology, engineering and math makes the kids excited to learn all those things,” she said. “And it opens them up to all of the possibilities and all the knowledge provided in that area of just STEM.”

After her graduation ceremony, Tillman II took to the stage at Arizona State University’s Health Solutions Convocation event on May 8. Speaking passionately, she urged fellow students who shared her thirst for knowledge and desire for change to pursue their dreams and aspirations. A video capturing her inspiring speech was shared on her Instagram account on May 15.

“I am sharing with the hopes to inspire others across all generations to go for your dreams, lean into your village, and pivot when necessary. The world is yours,” the 17-year-old star  wrote in the caption. 

Congratulations Dorothy Jean Tillman II!

RELATED CONTENT: Black Girl Magic! Janiya Baker Becomes 1st Student In Miami-Dade County History To Jump From 9th Grade To 12th Grade

Denzel Washington Breaks Down Why 'Fences' Needed A Black Director

Say What?! Chatty Toddler Blabs Out ‘B---h’ After Woman Calls Her A ‘Goofball’

WHO'S THE BIGGEST BULLY? Mike Tyson And Cannon Briggs Reunite In Brownsville In Playful Brawl

DC Young Fly Questioned Why Other Women Survived Their BBL Procedures And Not Jacky Oh

Pam Grier Says Her Film With Cardi B May Hit Theaters In 2 Years, The Rapper's Teaching Her To Pole Dance

French-Malian Singer Aya Nakamura Has Controversy Surrounding Her Possible Performance At The Paris Summer Olympics

Shyne Maintains That He Was Diddy's Fall Guy For The 1999 Club New York Shooting

'The Gates': All-Black Soap Opera Set To Debut On CBS

We've joined the BHM Digital family of websites and have updated our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

• Entertainment
• Privacy Policy
• COOKIE SETTINGS
• Terms of Service
• Advertising

MadameNoire is a sophisticated lifestyle publication that gives African-American women the latest in fashion trends, black entertainment news, parenting tips and beauty secrets that are specifically for black women. Black women seek information on a wide variety of topics including African-American hair care, health issues, relationship advice and career trends - and MadameNoire provides all of that.

An Urban One Brand

MadameNoire ® Copyright © 2024 BossipMadameNoire, LLC All Rights Reserved | BHM Digital