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

Skip your dissertation with an accredited no dissertation doctoral program!

doctorate degree online no dissertation

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.

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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.

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.

Accounting DBA no dissertation

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

Business professionals walking

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

Computer Science managers inspecting server

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.

doctorate in criminal justice

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.

Online Doctoral Programs in Education Without 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.

Southern Mississippi No Dissertation Doctorate

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.

Financial managers downtown

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.

Healthcare administrators talking

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.

Criminal justice bachelors programs

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.

Phd in Management

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.

DNP students

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.

Government workers in meeting

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.

Public health programs

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.

Online PsyD without dissertation

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?

Financial Aid 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?

EdD Programs Without dissertation

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?

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!

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How To Get A Doctorate Degree Without A Dissertation

  • October 21, 2022

Earn a Doctorate Degree Without A Dissertation

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

DRP vs Dissertation: What’s the difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real-World Application of Knowledge

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

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

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

Flexibility and Completion Time:

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

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

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

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

Program Accreditation and Recognition:

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

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

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

How a DRP Works in an Online Doctorate Without Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DBA vs MBA: Understanding the Differences

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Doctor of Business Administration

Make your business leadership skills indisputable with a DBA degree made for real-life application.

online mba no dissertation

Finish in as little as 3 years † . No GMAT or GRE Required.

Learn 100% Online

An online DBA degree built for today's leader.

Business evolution is faster and more complex than ever. Leaders are expected to navigate technological and sustainable advancements while making decisions that impact their business, as well as their communities and society. Built for today’s business leader, The Bellevue University applied Doctor of Business Administration degree will prepare you to solve current problems in your industry, lead in top executive positions, and address the complexities of today’s business landscape with vision, knowledge, and clarity.

online mba no dissertation

Earn your doctorate in business administration in 3 years † — start to finish.

Time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. The Bellevue University program is structured so that you can earn your DBA online in only three years † — with built in two-week breaks — when you transfer in your MBA or equivalent master’s-level credits and finish each course with satisfactory grades.

Publish and present as an expert thought leader with a DBA.

Many Doctor of Business Administration programs prepare candidates for a teaching career or academic research. The Bellevue University DBA degree program is different. At Bellevue University, the DBA helps you become an expert and a thought leader in your chosen research topic to help tackle real challenges in the business world. Your research project will also provide you the opportunity to present and publish on your topic as an expert.

Complete a research project; not a dissertation.

The Bellevue University DBA degree does not require you to write a dissertation at the end of the program. Instead, you will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. Start in year one and work on it throughout the three-year program † — so when your courses are complete, your doctoral project is, as well.

Why Earn Your DBA Online at Bellevue University?

Doctoral research project.

You will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. You will start the project in year one and complete it during the three-year program † .

3 years start to finish †

We understand time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. Our program is structured so that you can earn your degree 100% online in only three years † .

Applied DBA

Many DBA programs prepare candidates for a teaching career in academia. Our DBA program, however, prepares you for the real-world business challenges that require informed, executive-level decision-making.

Two-week breaks

Life doesn’t stop when you earn your degree. We’ve built in a two-week break between every course to help you recharge and make time for other responsibilities.

† Students must receive satisfactory grades and complete all terms sequentially to complete the program in as few as three years.

Business as Usual? Not at Bellevue University.

Not all DBA programs are designed to complement the life of a business professional. As a leading university for working adults, at Bellevue University, we have addressed the obstacles that often stand in the way of completing a doctoral degree — empowering you to become an expert in a reasonable amount of time.

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What You’ll Learn

  • Communicate advanced business analyses to lead an organization effectively.
  • Assess advanced scholarly thinking to identify and resolve business challenges ethically.
  • Conduct business research for organizational and societal problems.
  • Combine experience, knowledge and judgment to build advanced competencies in business.

Transfer your graduate degree.

Over the course of your DBA online program, you will take 55 credit hours. When combined with an MBA of 36 credit hours* (or equivalent degree), you will have a total of 91 program credit hours upon completion

  • 36 Credits transferred from MBA or equivalent program*
  • 55 Total hours taken in Bellevue University DBA Program
  • 91 Total program credit hours

* Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Doctor of Business Administration Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “ Academic Progress ” for your curriculum requirements.

DBA Requirements (55 Credit Hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

The online residency course will provide students with an overview of the university, the College of Business, the DBA program, faculty, and a time to meet their fellow classmates. Tutorials explaining the online learning platform and how to use the library for research will be covered. Students will be introduced to learning expectations and the rigors of doctoral studies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate relationships of business and society and how the human experience is affected and shaped through the social institution collectively known as business. Students examine complex interactions of people, businesses, and governments. Focus is on how these multifaceted interactions affect quality of life and economic value creation. Students examine social, ethical, political, legal, and regulatory implications of these relationships. The course explores how business leaders must achieve economic value creation while simultaneously providing meaning, purpose, and social value. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

2-Week Break

This course examines a number of ways leadership is perceived and practiced in global organizations. Accordingly, key theoretical perspectives and practical matters in leadership will be examined to determine desired leadership approaches in various cultures. Key topics include cultural diversity in organizations and ethical standards in multicultural leadership. Emphasis will be placed on complexity of diverse people, understanding and respecting differences, adaptive leadership, and ethical challenges of leading global and multicultural organizations. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course focuses on the development of human capital strategy that maximizes all human-derived sources of capital. Emphasis is placed on assessing and measuring human capital stocks and needs within the organization. Attention also is given to strategies that retain and motivate members to meet organizational needs while simultaneously looking for win/win partnerships between the organization and its employees and other stakeholders. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the first in the series of doctoral research projects to be completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis is placed on statement of the problem, purpose of the study, scope, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course provides the student with a variety of theoretical and grounded readings that address and examine challenging communication issues that modern business organizations face. Topics include, but are not limited to internal identity and value factors; company culture and internal knowledge factors; organization-society relationships; and internal/external stakeholder relationships. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers the quantitative analysis tools associated with professional practice in leading an organization. The focus is on practical application of statistics and data analysis techniques to maximize organizational outcomes. Successful students will become sophisticated designers and consumers of quantitatively-based research, reports, and communication. In addition, emphasis is placed on communicating statistically-based conclusions to stakeholders who may not have quantitative training. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course introduces students to the basic tools and concepts of qualitative business research. With this epistemological grounding, the seminar will then explore the core issues in case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative research design, including methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, congruence testing, and the use of counterfactual analysis. Students will look at business problems and situations, critique their assumptions, comparative strengths and weaknesses, and select proper tools for analysis. Students thereby develop their skills in participant observation, interviewing, and document analysis by using each method to investigate a topic or question of their choice. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the second in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project, applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a more substantial literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis will be placed on statement of the problem, developing a feasible topic, designing the study, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course explores the interconnectivity of energy, environment, and business strategy. Strategies for adapting to the impact of environmental changes, energy production and consumption, and government policies are discussed. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on economic, social, and environmental impacts, and plays an increasing role in organizational strategy, is explored. Major federal environmental laws and a study of local policy and regulations relating to sustainable projects are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the role of lean sustainable quality leadership (LSQL) and a systems approach, to successfully lead an always-improving, waste-limiting, and sustainable company in harmony with the environment. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate and apply financial management principles and strategies used by business leaders and boardroom decision makers in the pursuit of long-term financial and organizational success. The course focuses on applications of core principles and techniques of financial strategy, benefit-cost-value cash flow analysis, value-based decision making, financial statement analysis and holistic communication of financial performance and strategies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

In the Graduate Student Research Data bootcamp, doctoral students will be provided with the practical tools of completing scientific research in management, so they are able to collect, represent, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The bootcamp will enable students to answer testable questions and analyze data to answer a research question in social science, including running statistics programs such as SPSS. Any specific experience in data analysis and coding is not required. Students will gain hands-on learning experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods by completing a replication paper project.

This course provides the student with an examination of the interrelationship of company philosophy, purpose, and policy that are the foundation for strategy formulation and implementation. Topics include the role of the boards; business policy planning; long term economic, social, and cultural assessments; sustainable and adaptable value creation processes; competitive advantages; and organizational change. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course concentrates on strengthening strategic marketing decisions within a firm by examining its current position in the market in comparison to competitors and determining where it should invest monetary and human capital. Emphasis will be put on aligning decisions with core beliefs, mission, and vision. A central focus will be the ethical decisions and implications on stakeholders and society. Examining the theoretical and empirical research along with identifying new entrants in the market and market disruptors will be explored to enhance decision-making. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers promoting and marketing an entrepreneurial idea from its inception to the marketplace. The course is designed for exploring the unique marketing strategies required to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. It will also focus on issues surrounding companies with high growth potential, and how sustainability and the creativity is needed to develop innovative marketing for these environments. Students will practice with examples of early market disruption and innovation, explore their own creativity and work together on entrepreneurial ideas to solve contemporary business problems. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Organization survival requires constant adaptation, innovation and change. This course will address current issues, basic theories and practical strategies associated with organizational change and development in contemporary and global organizations, which are necessary for their enduring survival and success. It will cover the drivers of change, including the competitive environment, new technologies, consumer demand, economic conditions and government policy actions; why organizations fail to change; how to deal with resistance to change; how to plan for, implement, monitor and measure change; and the role of leaders and culture in effective change management. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

See the end at the beginning.

Usually, a dissertation waits at the end of most doctoral programs, a giant obstacle to overcome. This isn’t the case in the Bellevue University DBA online program. Instead, you will undertake an applied research-based doctoral project that seeks a solution to a business challenge you are passionate about. With a structured plan, you’ll work on your project throughout the DBA program—so when coursework is finished, your doctoral project is complete as well.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org) .

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

Students applying for professional license or certification should verify the University’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Learn more about business courses that can make the difference in your career.

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

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Cohort learning: a proven model for busy professionals.

When you’re ready to enroll in the highest level of education, there’s no better place to turn than to an experienced leader in adult learning. The Bellevue University Online Cohort Learning Format has been specifically designed—and proven to work—for busy adults. You register for all your courses upfront, and then move through them step-by-step with your peers. It’s our most popular and effective learning format for adult learners.

Learn from expert faculty.

Throughout your DBA degree program, you will learn from award-winning faculty with practical experience and doctoral education.

Get to know your instructors.

Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore image

Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Ph.D. Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, program director for the Doctor of Business Administration program, has held positions at companies across the Midwest. Her professional experience and academic research span a wide variety of subjects, including business strategy, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and dissertation research.

Dr. Cronin-Gilmore is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. In addition, she has earned numerous certifications and received several awards for her contributions to both teaching and business. These awards include an Excellence in Teaching Award from the United States Distance Learning Association, and Marketer of the Year and Pinnacle Awards-both from the American Marketing Association, Omaha chapter-among others.

Gregory Ashley image

Gregory Ashley, Ph.D. Dr. Greg Ashley brings extensive experience in building curriculum, instruction, and teaching business, economics, and industrial-organizational psychology courses at all academic levels. His special research interests involve social capital, self-awareness, humility, leadership, and psychometrics. Ashley also directs the Bellevue University Ph.D. in Human Capital and chairs its Dissertation Committee.

Inhyun Han image

Inhyun Han, Ph.D. Dr. Han specializes in leadership and organizational behavior, bringing her interdisciplinary management research experience and novel insights to the DBA program. Her research interests include the leader's mindset, proactive behavior and decision-making, negotiation, stereotype threat, and first-generation college students and their real-world outcomes. Dr. Han's research has been published in the International Journal of Conflict Management and she has presented her work at numerous research conferences. Dr. Han welcomes opportunity to collaborate on intriguing research projects with DBA students in management.

John Kyndt image

John Kyndt, Ph.D. Dr. John Kyndt specializes in energy, water purification, and sustainability. He brings valuable experience in renewable fuels research and in building sustainable systems, as well as know-how for startup technology ventures. His instructional repertoire includes biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, energy, and sustainability. Dr. Kyndt is co-author of the book, Algae: Coloring the future green.

Stephen Linenberger image

Stephen J. Linenberger, Ph.D. With many years of teaching, course development, research, and training experience, Dr. Linenberger offers expertise in leadership education and practice. He has created and taught courses in social psychology of leadership, leadership ethics, human capital, and organizational leadership. Dr. Linenberger has presented his research at academic conferences and won an international award for his research in leadership education for medical schools. He also has leadership experience from his prior work in human services and retail management.

Paul Poppler image

Paul Poppler, Ph.D. Dr. Paul Poppler's extensive experience in research, publication, speaking and program/course development enhances the dynamic aspect of the DBA program. His research interests include business policy and strategy, human capital, human resource management, and ethics.

Kevin Schieuer image

Kevin Schieuer, Ph.D. Dr. Kevin Schieuer brings valuable insights and connections to the DBA Program from his diverse work and educational experiences in math, physics, electrical engineering, business administration, agriculture, law, and finance. Dr. Schieuer directed the Business Administration Program for many years, serves as Co-Director of the MBA Program and Director of the MS Strategic Finance Program and earned the Excellence in Teaching and University Service Kotouc Professorship Award, among others.

Linda Thiede image

Linda Thiede Thomas, Ph.D. As Director of Graduate Programs for the College of Business, Dr. Linda Thomas has vast experience in providing an administrative perspective to students. Her research interests and teaching experience include organizational behavior and management, human capital, leadership, and management research. Dr. Thomas previously directed the Bellevue University MBA program and has received the ConAgra Distinguished Professorship Award, among others.

Nicholas Wolff image

Nicholas Wolff, Ph.D. Dr. Nick Wolff brings an entrepreneurial and innovative approach to curriculum development and instruction in the fields of business, human capital, leadership, and entrepreneurship. His special research interests involve interactive learning, leadership, conflict management, values, and psychometrics. Dr. Wolff also teaches courses in the Bellevue University Doctorate in Human Capital Management program.

Enroll in a DBA degree crafted for you and your priorities.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Doctoral degrees can be more affordable than you think..

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one.

2023 / 2024 Academic Year

$799 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements) Application Fee (non-refundable): $100 General College Fee (per term): $250 Graduation Fee: $100

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

$810 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.

As a graduate student, you may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.

And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.

Learn more about financial aid >

See how expert faculty and a proven program model make your DBA degree at Bellevue University more than worth the cost.

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

How to apply for the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Prior to applying for enrollment into the DBA program, students must possess a regionally accredited MBA, or equivalent master’s degree. A maximum of 36 credit hours from approved master’s programs may be transferrable. If the student has an MBA from an accredited college or university, it will be accepted in whole. Students entering with non-MBA master’s degrees must take equivalent courses from Bellevue University’s MBA program to make up for any core deficiencies.

  • 1. Possess a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the U.S., or a U.S.-equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university outside the U.S.
  • 2. Have five years of professional experience.
  • 3. Submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee for doctorate programs (this fee is waived for Bellevue University alumni) and a 1,000-word statement describing your interest in the DBA.
  • 4. Provide all official transcripts for previous graduate coursework. Showing a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
  • 5. Submit a resume.
  • 6. Submit one letter of nomination from an employer and one letter of recommendation from a peer or personal reference.

Note: Because of the cohort and concentrated nature of the Doctorate of Business Administration program, doctoral-level credit hours from other university programs will typically not be accepted in transfer.

For International Students: International students who do not possess a degree from a post-secondary institution, where English is the principal language of instruction, must have a minimum score of 575 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International credentials must be submitted to World Education Services (at the applicant’s expense) for a formal course-by-course evaluation at www.wes.org .

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online mba no dissertation

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EdDPrograms.org

Online Ed.D. Programs Without a Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

What is a Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dissertation in Practice (DiP)

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

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

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

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

Capstone Project

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

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

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

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

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

How an Ed.D. Capstone Project Works

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

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

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

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

Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation

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

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

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

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

All Online No-Dissertation EdD Programs

48 Schools Found

Arizona State University

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

EdD in Leadership and Innovation

  • Curriculum Info
  • How To Apply

EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

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

Offered Online

Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

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

Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice

Tucson, Arizona

EdD in Educational Leadership

National university.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

University of southern california.

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

Isabelle Farrington College Of Education

Fairfield, Connecticut

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Wilmington university.

College of Education

New Castle, Delaware

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - District Leadership

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

School of Education

Washington, District of Columbia

Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Nova southeastern university.

Fischler College of Education

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

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

Gainesville, Florida

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

University of miami.

Coral Gables, Florida

Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences

Georgia southern university.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies - Cultural Curriculum Studies

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

University Park, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

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

National College of Education/School of Business and Management

Chicago, Illinois

Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership

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

School of Health Sciences

Waterloo, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education

University of saint mary.

Education Department

Leavenworth, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction

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

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning

Massachusetts, bay path university.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Boston college.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

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

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

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston, Massachusetts

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

Northeastern university.

College of Professional Studies

Doctor of Education

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

School of Arts and Sciences

Weston, Massachusetts

Andrews University

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Cornerstone university.

Adult & Graduate Studies

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development

Capella university.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

EdD in Adult Education

Edd in performance improvement leadership, edd in reading and literacy, edd, curriculum and instruction, the college of saint scholastica.

Duluth, Minnesota

Doctor of Educational Leadership

Walden university.

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Online Doctor of Education - Community College Leadership

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

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

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

College of Graduate Health Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

Omaha, Nebraska

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

University of nebraska-lincoln.

Department of Educational Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

Doctor of Education in Educational Studies - Innovative Learning Technologies

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

Department of Educational Leadership

Bronx, New York

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

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

Columbus, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

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

School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership - Athletic Training

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

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

South carolina, university of south carolina-columbia.

Columbia, South Carolina

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

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

Johnson City, Tennessee

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Lipscomb university.

Nashville, Tennessee

Doctorate in Education - Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

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

Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

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

Department of Educational Leadership & Technology

Stephenville, Texas

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

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

Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development

College Station, Texas

Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

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

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

College of Education and Social Science

Canyon, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

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

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

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

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

Lynchburg, Virginia

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

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

Curry School of Education

Charlottesville, Virginia

EdD in Administration and Supervision

Edd in higher education, virginia commonwealth university.

Richmond, Virginia

Doctor of Education in Leadership

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Spokane, Washington

Doctor of Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Among Indigenous Peoples

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

Laramie, Wyoming

Online Ed.D. in Education - Higher Education Administration

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

25 Schools Found

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership

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

Department of Administration and Leadership

Riverside, California

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

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School of Education and Human Development

Denver, Colorado

Doctorate in Education - Leadership for Educational Equity

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Storrs, Connecticut

Delaware State University

Department of Education

Dover, Delaware

EdD in Educational Leadership in Higher Education

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

Newark, Delaware

Barry University

Miami, Florida

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

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

Tallahassee, Florida

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

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Boca Raton, Florida

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

University of north florida.

Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management

Jacksonville, Florida

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Curriculum and Instruction

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Honolulu, Hawaii

Education Doctorate in Professional Education Practice

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

Normal, Illinois

EdD in Education Administration and Foundations: P-12 Administration

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

Des Moines, Iowa

Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure

Edd in administration with superintendent licensure, university of iowa.

Iowa City, Iowa

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

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Morehead, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership

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Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky

University of Louisville

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

College Park, Maryland

Doctor of Education in School System Leadership

Michigan state university.

Department of Education Administration

East Lansing, Michigan

EdD in Educational Leadership - K12 Administration

University of mississippi.

University, Mississippi

EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Edd in math education, maryville university.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

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Manchester, New Hampshire

Rutgers University

Graduate School of Education

Camden, New Jersey

EdD in Design of Learning Environments

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New York, New York

Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership

New york university.

Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

EdD in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Edd in higher education administration, the sage colleges.

Esteves School of Education

Troy, New York

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Doctorate in Education - Educational Administration

North carolina, east carolina university.

Greenville, North Carolina

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Gardner-webb university.

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership

Western carolina university.

Human Services Department

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Executive Leadership

Miami university-oxford.

Oxford, Ohio

Ohio State University-Main Campus

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

Department of Secondary Education

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Education Doctorate in Transformational Teaching and Learning

University of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

Department of Administrative and Policy Studies

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EdD in Health and Physical Activity

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Clemson, South Carolina

Doctorate in Education in Education Systems Improvement Science

Texas christian university.

Fort Worth, Texas

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Brigham young university-provo.

McKay School of Education

Provo, Utah

University of Utah

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

Salt Lake City, Utah

EdD in K12 Leadership and Policy - Administrative Licensure

K12 edd program, university of vermont.

College of Education and Social Services

Burlington, Vermont

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Seattle university.

Seattle, Washington

Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

University of washington-tacoma campus.

Tacoma, Washington

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

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Pullman, Washington

EdD in Educational Leadership - Administration

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

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Shortest Doctoral Programs Online

  • Online Degrees

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the pursuit of doctoral degrees has become increasingly accessible through online platforms. The year 2024 marks a significant leap in offering diverse and flexible doctoral programs online, catering to professionals seeking advanced degrees without the traditional time commitment. This guide delves into the easiest and shortest online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, highlighting key features such as accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible learning options.

Understanding Doctorate and Ph.D. Programs

Before exploring specific programs, it’s crucial to distinguish between a Doctorate Degree and a Ph.D. While both are esteemed achievements, they cater to different academic and professional pursuits. Ph.D. programs, or Doctor of Philosophy degrees, are heavily research-oriented, focusing on theoretical and abstract aspects of various fields. They are ideal for those interested in academic, research, or theoretical applications of their study area.

In contrast, Doctorate programs tend to be more practice-oriented, emphasizing the application of knowledge in professional settings. These programs are tailored for individuals aiming to advance to the forefront of their fields, often in more hands-on roles.

The programs listed below are all online phd programs for working professionals .

Easiest and Shortest Online Doctoral & Ph.D. Programs

1-year ph.d. programs online.

  • Chatham University: Offers a 1-year online DNP program, designed for nurses aspiring for leadership roles.
  • Breyer State Theology University: Provides a unique 1-year online Ph.D. in Grief Counseling.
  • American International Theism University: Features accelerated doctoral degrees in various disciplines, all achievable within a year.

15-18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation

  • Boston University: A Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, completed in 18 months.
  • Frontier Nursing University: Offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that spans 18 to 20 months.
  • Maryville University: Provides various online doctoral degrees in fields like Nursing Practice and Health Administration, achievable within 18 months.

24 Month Doctorate Programs

  • University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: Offers a range of online doctoral programs including a Ph.D. in Nursing and a Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy.
  • Grand Canyon University: Features over a dozen online doctoral degrees in areas such as Organizational Leadership and K-12 Leadership.
  • Liberty University: Offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed in 30 months.

Ease of Ph.D. Programs

While no Ph.D. program can be deemed ‘easy,’ certain fields are considered more accessible than others, such as education, humanities, and social sciences. Factors like reduced residency requirements, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia can make some programs more attainable.

Financial Aspects of Online Doctoral Programs

The cost of pursuing an online doctoral degree varies widely among institutions. While online courses might be more affordable than on-campus ones, they still require a significant financial investment. Prospective students should consider tuition, materials, and other expenses while making their decision.

FAQs: Easiest PhD and Shortest Doctoral Programs Online 2024

Q1: What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate Degree?

  • A1: A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, focuses more on theoretical and abstract aspects of a field, emphasizing research and academic pursuits. In contrast, a Doctorate degree is often more practice-oriented, focusing on the application of knowledge in professional settings.

Q2: Can I complete a doctoral program online in one year?

  • A2: Yes, there are institutions that offer 1-year doctoral programs online. For example, Chatham University offers a 1-year online DNP program for nurses, and Breyer State Theology University provides a 1-year online Ph.D. in Grief Counseling.

Q3: Are there doctoral programs available that do not require a dissertation?

  • A3: Yes, some doctoral programs, like the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Boston University, do not require a dissertation but may have other project requirements.

Q4: What are some examples of 24-month doctoral programs?

  • A4: The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill offers a Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy that can be completed in 24 months, and Grand Canyon University has various 24-month online doctoral degrees in areas like Organizational Leadership.

Q5: What fields are considered easier for pursuing a Ph.D.?

  • A5: Generally, fields like education, humanities, and social sciences are considered easier for pursuing Ph.D. degrees, due to factors like reduced residency requirements and flexible coursework.

Q6: How much can an online doctoral program cost?

  • A6: The cost varies widely among institutions. For reference, annual tuition rates can range from about $9,400 at public institutions to $37,600 at private not-for-profit institutions.

Q7: How do I choose an online doctoral program?

  • A7: Consider factors such as the program’s marketability, cost, difficulty, your interest in the subject, and how well it aligns with your career goals. Research and compare different programs to find the best fit for you.

Q8: How long does it typically take to complete a Ph.D. program?

  • A8: The length varies by country and program. In the U.S., it typically takes 5 to 6 years, while in the UK and many European countries, it takes about 3 to 4 years. Part-time programs may take longer.

Q9: Are there fully funded online Ph.D. programs available?

  • A9: Yes, some institutions offer fully funded online Ph.D. programs. Examples include Brown University’s Ph.D. program in computer science and Emory University’s online Ph.D. program in economics.

Q10: What are some of the best Ph.D. programs in the U.S.?

  • A10: According to Study.com, some of the best Ph.D. programs include those at Cornell University, Northwestern University, Stanford University, and the University of California in Berkeley.

The landscape of online doctoral programs in 2024 offers diverse and flexible options for professionals seeking advanced degrees. From accelerated Ph.D. programs to practical doctorates without dissertations, these online offerings cater to a range of academic and professional needs. As the demand for higher qualifications grows, these programs provide a viable path for many to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

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Grad Coach

Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

Dissertation structure and layout - the basics

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

  • Acknowledgements page
  • Abstract (or executive summary)
  • Table of contents , list of figures and tables
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Chapter 2: Literature review
  • Chapter 3: Methodology
  • Chapter 4: Results
  • Chapter 5: Discussion
  • Chapter 6: Conclusion
  • Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

  • The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
  • The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
  • The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
  • The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

A dissertation's structure reflect the research process

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

  • Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
  • Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
  • Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

  • The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
  • The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
  • Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Dissertations stacked up

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

  • Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
  • Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
  • Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
  • Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

  • Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
  • Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
  • Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
  • Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

online mba no dissertation

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

  • What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
  • Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
  • What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
  • What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
  • How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
  • How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

  • What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
  • Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
  • How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
  • How does your research contribute something original?
  • How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Dissertation writing

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

  • Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
  • Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Dissertation and thesis prep

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

  • Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

online mba no dissertation

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project. 

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36 Comments

ARUN kumar SHARMA

many thanks i found it very useful

Derek Jansen

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Sue

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

hayder

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Tim

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Ade Adeniyi

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Aswathi

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Jp Raimundo

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Karmelia Renatee

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

moha

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Krishnan iyer

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Alwyn Malan

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Rose

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

yemi Amos

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

Kgomotso Siwelane

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

dauda sesay

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Patrick Mwathi

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Adao Bundi

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

SAIKUMAR NALUMASU

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

mwepu Ilunga

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Rami

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

Chrisogonas Odhiambo

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

Luke

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Judy

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Christine

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Simon Le

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

Brhane Kidane

It is so necessary or avital course

johnson

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

avc

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

Emmanuel Manjolo

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

Paul I Thoronka

This is so good

Tesfay haftu

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

Lisa Marlin

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Top 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

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

Walden University

PhD in Education (P-20 Education)

Walden University logo

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

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

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Nebraska Methodist college logo

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

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

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

EdD – Educational Leadership

NSU Florida logo

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

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

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maryville University logo

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

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

Monmouth University

Online DNP Program

Monmouth University logo

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

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

Bay Path University

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse

Bay Path University logo

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

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

Physical Therapy

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

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill logo

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

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

Gannon University

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Gannon University logo

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

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

Business Management

Capella university.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation

Capella University logo

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

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

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Liberty University logo

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

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

What Is a Dissertation and How Does it Work?

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

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

Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

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

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

Ranking Methodology for 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

Explore the Best 1-Year PhD Online Programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

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

What Is a Doctorate Without a Dissertation Called?

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

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

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

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

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

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Masters Degree

Online master’s in business administration (non-thesis), mba (non-thesis) online program summary:.

The online MBA (Non-Thesis) program provides students with the knowledge of the different principles which are key in the operation of today’s business organizations. Through the Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) program, OEd Post Grad aims to foster students in the Philippines with advanced technical knowledge in a specialized field, develop a global perspective in them, and enhance each of their strategic thinking so that they can each contribute to a better society.

Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) Objectives

The Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) program has been designed to provide students in the Philippines with knowledge of the principles that are fundamental to the operation of all business organizations, as well as advanced technical knowledge in a specialized field.

The online MBA (Non-Thesis) program aims to:

  • Develop a global perspective in all candidates.
  • Develop each candidate’s strategic thinking.

asian woman studying

Curriculum:

The Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) is a comprehensive program designed to help students manage and succeed in business operations inside and outside the Philippines. With this, students are expected to strengthen their analytic skills as well as their strategic and problem-solving capabilities. Courses included in our MBA (Non-Thesis) program include Leadership and Organization, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Business Policy in the Philippines, and rooms for specialization.

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Darrell Steward

onlinepostgrad faculty

Eleanor Pena

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Samuel Nguyen

Online admission process for postgraduate students, registration.

Student Applicants should register at  oedportal.amauonline.com . Once registered, the mobile number (local) and email address should be verified. Log-in at  oedportal.amauonline.com  using the email address and the temporary password sent via email. Update your profile including the Personal Information, and Educational Background.

Once updated, Go to Enrollment Tab and click the Add New Category, choose your preferred program then Provide scanned copies of the following requirements for initial evaluation: -Diploma -Transcript of Records -Birth Certificate -Application Form (please send it at  [email protected] )

-Two recommendation letters (for DBA and DIT applicants)

Please be informed that original copies of these documents should be submitted within 90 days of enrollment. Including 2by2 photo with white background, Certified True Copy of Diploma, PSA Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records with Remarks: Copy for AMA University

The evaluation will take 24-48 hours. You will be notified by your OEd buddy about the result. Confirm the evaluation results of your online postgraduate admission and choose the subjects you wish to take, minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4.

Activation Once evaluated, you can proceed to the payment process by going to the Enrollment tab and click the View Assessment. Review the assessment and click Proceed to continue. Choose your preferred payment terms and mode of payment then select Pay. Pay the exact amount using your preferred payment method and wait for the payment confirmation. Your subjects will be activated right after payment has been confirmed.

Mylms you can access your subject 24/7 in your mylms. we encourage you to check all the activated subjects to make sure that they are correct. to report any issues or concerns, please use the post a student concern. , master’s in business administration (non-thesis) faqs.

Yes, it is! Postgraduate degrees, no matter what kind, opens a multitude of opportunities. It gives the bearer a significant advantage over their peers when it comes to job hunting, makes them more likely to receive promotions, allows them to be eligible for higher wages, and gives them more credibility in their respective fields.

It takes an average of 1 and a half terms to complete an MBA (Non-Thesis) degree.

Yes, you can get a Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) in the Philippines completely online! There’s no need for you to ever set foot in the OEd campus, not even to submit your application requirements nor for graduation. An online MBA (non-thesis) course is the same as a traditional course both in terms of curriculum and credits earned. Online degrees go through the same accreditation process from CHED as all the other traditional schools. The biggest difference between the two is the flexibility that comes with online learning.

Graduates of OEd’s online MBA non-thesis degree typically find jobs in the corporate world as financial advisors, management analysts, investment bankers, finance managers, HR managers, and business consultants.

Interested in learning more? Explore all our programs today.

Get in touch, need more information about our online mba courses, fill-up the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours, need more information about our online cpd courses, need more information about our oed short courses.

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  6. online mba without bachelors

COMMENTS

  1. 12 Best Online DBA No Dissertation Programs [2024 Guide]

    In addition, the universities included below offer Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs that do not require a dissertation. 1. Bellevue University. DBA. Bellevue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 2. California Southern University. DBA.

  2. 10 Best Online DBA Degrees with No Dissertation Programs

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

  3. Inside Online DBA Programs with No Dissertation

    Applicants with a non-business master's degree may be required to complete graduate-level pre-requisites prior to admission. CIU is an excellent option for students looking for affordable online DBA programs. The current tuition rate for the 60-credit program is $529 per credit and the estimated total program cost is $36,675.

  4. 24 Low Cost Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degrees

    Online DBA. Website. Baker College offers a 60-credit hour affordable online doctorate in business administration program from its Center for Graduate Studies. The program features five areas of specialization: Leadership, Finance, Human Resources, Management Information Systems, and Marketing.

  5. Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

    A research project beginning in the first year helps establish the participant as a thought leader. This DBA program requires no dissertation. Two-week breaks between courses help participants manage their schedules. Admission to the online doctorate in business administration requires an MBA or equivalent master's.

  6. Top 20 Cheapest Online DBA Programs 2021

    Website. The University of the Incarnate Word has ranked and accredited online DBAs. Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,122. The hybrid online DBA at the University of the Incarnate Word is considered one of the most affordable programs available. The doctoral program blends technology with face-to-face instruction.

  7. 50 Best Doctorate Degrees Online No Dissertation Required [2024

    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.

  8. Online Doctorate Programs With no Dissertation

    DNP graduates who specialized as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $123,780 in May 2021 (BLS). 12. Online Doctorate of Public Administration. An online doctorate of public administration prepares you to create and shape policy for organizations and industries.

  9. Doctorate Degree Without A Dissertation

    It offers a more hands-on approach without the marathon writing sessions. While we're at it, consider reading our article on the differences between DBA vs MBA. Advantages of a Doctoral Research Project in an Online Doctorate Without Dissertation. There are three key advantages to opting for a DRP in an online doctorate without a dissertation:

  10. Doctor of Business Administration

    Over the course of your DBA online program, you will take 55 credit hours. When combined with an MBA of 36 credit hours* (or equivalent degree), you will have a total of 91 program credit hours upon completion. 36 Credits transferred from MBA or equivalent program*. 55 Total hours taken in Bellevue University DBA Program.

  11. Online Ph.D. Programs With No Dissertation in 2024: Specializations

    What are the benefits of getting an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation? An online Ph.D. with no dissertation can lead to advanced positions in the academe, including professor and researcher roles. According to 2023 data, Ph.D. graduates may earn over $100,000 a year, depending in the industry they choose to work in.

  12. 90+ Online EdD Programs No Dissertation Required

    Nebraska Methodist College's Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare. This "No Dissertation" degree contains an 8-credit capstone split into four courses over a six-term program. National University's Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation, which requires a culminating project, worth 9 quarter credits.

  13. Business Administration (without Thesis), M.B.A.

    MBA and Marketing masters programs are open to applicants from all academic backgrounds with academic CGPA above 2.5 out of 4.00 or its equivalent. ... fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities around the world. Take A Free Practice Test! Aon International Student Insurance . Partner with Aon to give you peace ...

  14. Online Doctorate Degree With No Dissertation Requirements

    Program: Doctor of Audiology; Match results with professional focus and career goals. Program requirements: GRE scores, Undergraduate degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders, 3.2 GPA in undergraduate, Three letters of recommendation. Why no dissertation: Clinical evaluation as well as internship and externship.

  15. Best Online DBA Degrees Of 2024

    Best Online DBA Degree Options. Walsh College. Northwood University. University of La Verne. Wilmington University. City University of Seattle. Franklin University. Johnson & Wales University ...

  16. Shortest Doctoral Programs Online

    15-18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation. Boston University: A Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, completed in 18 months. Frontier Nursing University: Offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that spans 18 to 20 months. Maryville University: Provides various online doctoral degrees in fields like Nursing ...

  17. 12 Accredited Universities that don't Require a Thesis for Online

    The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public university located in Springfield, Illinois. It is ranked as #42 in Best National University and #22 in Kiplinger. The Online Master of Computer Science in Data Science is a program of study that leads to the MCS degree using courses that focus on data science.

  18. Online MBA Capstone Projects and Thesis Guide

    While a capstone and thesis serve similar functions, most MBA programs distinguish between the two projects. MBAs typically include practicum/internship components, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in professional business environments. Capstones build on this experience, requiring students to develop practical solutions to real ...

  19. Online DBA Programs Without Dissertation

    The MBA Without Dissertation degree is for people who want to build their knowledge within the Business Administration field without requiring a dissertation. The DBA Without Dissertation online programs prepare graduates for management level positions, but students do not have to submit a paper doctoral dissertation. It is really easy to ...

  20. Dissertation Structure & Layout 101 (+ Examples)

    Time to recap…. And there you have it - the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows: Title page. Acknowledgments page. Abstract (or executive summary) Table of contents, list of figures and tables.

  21. Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs [2022]

    This flexible PhD without dissertation requirements is a fabulous education program where you can design your study based on your interests. Courses: Leading the future of education, governance & politics of education, and learning experiences in supportive environments. Credits: 86. Delivery: Online.

  22. MBA (Non-Thesis) Online Program in the Philippines

    The online MBA (Non-Thesis) program aims to: Develop a global perspective in all candidates. Develop each candidate's strategic thinking. Curriculum: The Master's in Business Administration (Non-Thesis) is a comprehensive program designed to help students manage and succeed in business operations inside and outside the Philippines. With ...

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