non dissertation doctoral

Best Online Doctorate Degree No Dissertation Programs

Key Takeaways

You may be able to earn a doctoral degree without writing a dissertation by completing an applied research project.
Doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and psychology often do not require a dissertation.
The cost of a doctoral program varies, but online options can save money, and financial aid is available.

Earning a doctorate is a major accomplishment. But did you know that you can earn a doctorate without defending a dissertation? Many popular doctoral programs do not require a dissertation, including in fields such as business, healthcare, and education.

What is a dissertation? A dissertation is an in-depth, original research project that can be well over 100 pages long. Research for a dissertation can add years to your doctoral program.

Instead of a dissertation, some programs use an applied research or capstone project. These programs often emphasize practical knowledge and skills intended to prepare you for a career in your chosen field. If you want to attend a doctoral program without a dissertation, check out these programs.

Featured Online Doctorate Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Doctorate Degrees Do Not Have Dissertation Requirements?

Earn your doctorate without a dissertation by choosing one of these programs. Many also offer a doctorate degree online with no dissertation requirement. Make sure to research the specific program requirements before applying.

1. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Business is the most popular graduate degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . And a doctor of business administration is one of the most popular doctoral programs without a dissertation.

During a DBA, you’ll explore applied management and business skills. Instead of a dissertation, a DBA culminates in an applied research project. Graduate students may evaluate a business problem, propose solutions, or analyze the effectiveness of different approaches.

2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

A doctor of education degree strengthens leadership and problem-solving skills for educators. While a Ph.D. in education trains researchers and academics, an Ed.D. prepares practitioners for careers in the classroom, school administration, and education policy.

You can earn an education doctorate degree online with no dissertation requirement. During an Ed.D. program, you’ll complete an applied research project. This may include a case study of educational approaches, an in-depth policy analysis, or a data-focused analysis of student outcomes.

3. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A doctor of nursing practice program trains nurses for advanced practice roles, including as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. In contrast, a Ph.D. in nursing emphasizes research, often for academic or research careers.

During a DNP, nursing students strengthen clinical and leadership skills. They often complete a project rather than a dissertation. Topics may include quality improvement, compliance, or nursing leadership.

4. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Earning a doctor of psychology degree prepares you for licensure and careers as a psychologist. With its focus on clinical training, a Psy.D. emphasizes practice over the research-focused Ph.D. in psychology.

While psychology Ph.D. programs typically require a dissertation, in a Psy.D. program you’ll often gain clinical experience during a practicum and internship, which you’ll apply in a research project. These projects evaluate service delivery, therapeutic approaches, and clinical practice.

5. Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

A doctor of healthcare administration program prepares graduates for executive roles in healthcare facilities. At the doctoral level, you can also earn a Ph.D. in healthcare administration. These programs are more likely to require a dissertation than DHA programs.

DHA students often complete an applied research project rather than a dissertation. These projects focus on healthcare decision-making and problem-solving. For example, doctoral students may evaluate policy implementation, quality control, or patient outcome data.

6. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists need a doctor of physical therapy degree. A DPT, which typically takes around three years, instructs students in therapeutic care and advanced human movement.

Rather than a dissertation, DPT programs culminate in a research project. This capstone project examines the applications of physical therapy in different clinical settings, including projects focused on particular injuries or patient groups.

7. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A doctor of social work degree emphasizes social work practice. In contrast, a Ph.D. in social work leads to academic and research roles. During a DSW, you’ll explore advanced clinical practice, social work administration, and social work education.

DSW students often complete a capstone research project instead of defending a dissertation. Through applied data analysis, the capstone project evaluates a social welfare problem and develops a solution.

8. Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

A doctorate in organizational leadership prepares graduates for leadership positions in diverse sectors, including education, the public sector, and business. You’ll explore applied leadership research and learn how to resolve organizational problems.

While some organizational leadership Ph.D. programs include a dissertation, others incorporate a doctoral project that examines the application of leadership theories in practice. The project may analyze data on a specific organizational problem, recommend strategies to address issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches.

9. Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

A doctor of public administration emphasizes leadership and management skills for advanced roles in government or the nonprofit sector. You’ll explore public policy, public administration ethics, and administration.

Graduates from DPA programs often complete a doctoral study that explores a real-world problem instead of a dissertation. This doctoral project strengthens skills applicable to the profession, including policy analysis, project implementation, and public planning.

10. Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

With a doctor of public health degree , you’ll advance your public health policy and leadership skills without a dissertation requirement. These programs emphasize applied skills for public health roles.

Unlike a Ph.D. in public health, doctor of public health programs often do not require a research-based dissertation. Instead, you may complete a doctoral project or an applied research project.

How Much Do Online Doctorate Degrees Cost?

The cost of an online doctorate depends on the school, program length, and degree. On average, you can expect to spend around $41,000 per year for a Ph.D. program, according to BestColleges research . However, professional doctorates can cost around $58,650 per year.

Choosing an online format can help you save money. When researching doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, you can compare the most affordable options without needing to relocate. Attending an in-state public university can also mean lower tuition rates compared to an out-of-state or private school.

Finally, doctoral students at accredited universities qualify for several forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate Degree Without Dissertation Requirements

How long does a dissertation take.

Researching and writing a dissertation can take several years. Dissertations often run 100-300 pages , and you must make an original contribution to the field. As a result, doctoral students spend a significant amount of time researching, drafting, and revising their dissertations.

At the end of their program, they defend the dissertation in front of a faculty committee to earn their doctorate.

Can you get a Ph.D. without a dissertation?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. without a dissertation. Some doctoral programs incorporate a capstone project rather than a dissertation. For example, DBA, Ed.D., and DNP programs often end with an applied project that evaluates a problem in the field.

These projects still require research and writing, but they’re typically less time-consuming than a dissertation.

What is a doctorate without a dissertation called?

A doctoral student who has not completed their dissertation is often called all but dissertation, or ABD. You can also earn a doctorate without completing a dissertation, depending on the program.

Many professional doctorates do not require a dissertation. In fields such as business, psychology, and education, you can choose between a practice-focused doctorate with no dissertation or a Ph.D. with a dissertation.

When can you call yourself a doctoral candidate?

You can call yourself a doctoral candidate after passing your comprehensive exams and advancing to candidacy. In most programs, doctoral candidates move from coursework and exams to the dissertation phase. During this phase, doctoral candidates research and write their dissertations. After defending their dissertation, they earn a doctorate.

What is a dissertation vs. thesis?

A dissertation and a thesis are both culminating research projects. In the U.S., undergraduate and master’s students may complete a thesis, while doctoral students complete a dissertation. However, in the U.K., undergraduates and master’s students write a dissertation, while doctoral students write a thesis.

Dissertations are typically longer and more comprehensive than a thesis. Dissertations also require original research.

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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Top 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

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

Walden University

PhD in Education (P-20 Education)

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

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

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

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

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

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

EdD – Educational Leadership

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

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

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

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

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

Monmouth University

Online DNP Program

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

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

Bay Path University

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse

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

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

Physical Therapy

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

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy

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

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

Gannon University

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

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

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

Business Management

Capella university.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation

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

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

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

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

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

What Is a Dissertation and How Does it Work?

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

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

Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

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

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

Ranking Methodology for 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

Explore the Best 1-Year PhD Online Programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

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

What Is a Doctorate Without a Dissertation Called?

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

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

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

Lisa Marlin

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

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