online education doctoral programs without dissertation

EdDPrograms.org

Online Ed.D. Programs Without a Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

What is a Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dissertation in Practice (DiP)

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

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

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

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

Capstone Project

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

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

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

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

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

How an Ed.D. Capstone Project Works

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

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

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

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

Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation

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

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

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

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

All Online No-Dissertation EdD Programs

49 Schools Found

Arizona State University

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

EdD in Leadership and Innovation

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

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

Offered Online

Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

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

Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice

Tucson, Arizona

EdD in Educational Leadership

National university.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

University of southern california.

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

Isabelle Farrington College Of Education

Fairfield, Connecticut

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Wilmington university.

College of Education

New Castle, Delaware

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - District Leadership

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

School of Education

Washington, District of Columbia

Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Nova southeastern university.

Fischler College of Education

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

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

Gainesville, Florida

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

University of miami.

Coral Gables, Florida

Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences

Georgia southern university.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies - Cultural Curriculum Studies

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

University Park, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

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

National College of Education/School of Business and Management

Chicago, Illinois

Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership

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

School of Health Sciences

Waterloo, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education

University of saint mary.

Education Department

Leavenworth, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction

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

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning

Massachusetts, bay path university.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Boston college.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

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

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

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston, Massachusetts

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

Northeastern university.

College of Professional Studies

Doctor of Education

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

School of Arts and Sciences

Weston, Massachusetts

Andrews University

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Cornerstone university.

Adult & Graduate Studies

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development

Capella university.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

EdD in Adult Education

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

Graduate School of Education

Winona, Minnesota

Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership

The college of saint scholastica.

Duluth, Minnesota

Doctor of Educational Leadership

Walden university.

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Online Doctor of Education - Community College Leadership

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

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

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

College of Graduate Health Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

Omaha, Nebraska

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

University of nebraska-lincoln.

Department of Educational Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

Doctor of Education in Educational Studies - Innovative Learning Technologies

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

Department of Educational Leadership

Bronx, New York

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

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

Columbus, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

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

School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership - Athletic Training

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

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

South carolina, university of south carolina-columbia.

Columbia, South Carolina

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

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

Johnson City, Tennessee

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Lipscomb university.

Nashville, Tennessee

Doctorate in Education - Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

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

Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

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

Department of Educational Leadership & Technology

Stephenville, Texas

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

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

Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development

College Station, Texas

Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

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

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

College of Education and Social Science

Canyon, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

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

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

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

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

Lynchburg, Virginia

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

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

Curry School of Education

Charlottesville, Virginia

EdD in Administration and Supervision

Edd in higher education, virginia commonwealth university.

Richmond, Virginia

Doctor of Education in Leadership

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

Spokane, Washington

Doctor of Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Among Indigenous Peoples

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

Laramie, Wyoming

Online Ed.D. in Education - Higher Education Administration

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

25 Schools Found

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership

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

Department of Administration and Leadership

Riverside, California

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

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

School of Education and Human Development

Denver, Colorado

Doctorate in Education - Leadership for Educational Equity

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

Storrs, Connecticut

Delaware State University

Department of Education

Dover, Delaware

EdD in Educational Leadership in Higher Education

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

Newark, Delaware

Barry University

Miami, Florida

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

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

Tallahassee, Florida

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

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

Boca Raton, Florida

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

University of north florida.

Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management

Jacksonville, Florida

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Curriculum and Instruction

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

Honolulu, Hawaii

Education Doctorate in Professional Education Practice

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

Normal, Illinois

EdD in Education Administration and Foundations: P-12 Administration

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

Des Moines, Iowa

Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure

Edd in administration with superintendent licensure, university of iowa.

Iowa City, Iowa

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

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

Morehead, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership

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

Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky

University of Louisville

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

College Park, Maryland

Doctor of Education in School System Leadership

Michigan state university.

Department of Education Administration

East Lansing, Michigan

EdD in Educational Leadership - K12 Administration

University of mississippi.

University, Mississippi

EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Edd in math education, maryville university.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

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

Manchester, New Hampshire

Rutgers University

Camden, New Jersey

EdD in Design of Learning Environments

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

New York, New York

Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership

New york university.

Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

EdD in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Edd in higher education administration, 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

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

Clemson, South Carolina

Doctorate in Education in Education Systems Improvement Science

Texas christian university.

Fort Worth, Texas

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Brigham young university-provo.

McKay School of Education

Provo, Utah

University of Utah

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

Salt Lake City, Utah

EdD in K12 Leadership and Policy - Administrative Licensure

K12 edd program, university of vermont.

College of Education and Social Services

Burlington, Vermont

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Seattle university.

Seattle, Washington

Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

University of washington-tacoma campus.

Tacoma, Washington

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

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

Pullman, Washington

EdD in Educational Leadership - Administration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ed.D. Dissertation

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

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

Ed.D. Dissertation-in-Practice

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

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

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

Ed.D. Capstone Project

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

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

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

Online Ed.D. Programs with No Dissertation Required

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

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

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

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

Online EdD Program FAQs

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

15 Best Online EdD Degrees with No Dissertation Programs

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

Updated: May 13, 2024 , Reading time: 30 minutes

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A career in education is one of the most rewarding. Often working in school settings across all levels of learning, education professionals thrive in working with students or formulating initiatives beyond the classroom that can positively impact the educational system.

While an entry-level position in the field only requires at least a degree in education or a related field, many decide to solidify their knowledge and skills by pursuing an advanced degree. It is not uncommon to find teachers and other education professionals who enroll in doctoral degree programs.

This necessary step allows them to enhance their credentials and help them achieve higher and more important positions within the academe and related fields.

A Doctor of Education program is an ideal choice for those who want to boost their opportunities to land leadership positions. It also encompasses other aspects of the education profession, such as curriculum development , learning theory, and public policy . Fortunately, many of these doctoral degree programs are fully available online.  

Quick audio summary:

Online doctoral programs in education help working professionals pursue their terminal degrees while juggling their personal demands at home and work. These education doctorate degrees aid them in preparation to lead various academic levels, allowing them to take on leadership positions and drive change in the educational system.

Doctor of Education Concentrations

Education leadership.

This specialization provides educators with essential tools integral to their success inside and outside the classroom. As educational leaders , they are expected to lend administrative help to school principals, formulate techniques for classroom teaching, and develop initiatives for other educational professionals.

Students in this program are equipped to lead schools and organizations through conducting, interpreting, and evaluating research and data. They are then expected to diagnose and resolve organizational challenges that affect learning success.

Instructional Design

In this specialization, students are trained to examine the relationship between the design of technology, cultural context, digital media, learning, and social interaction. They are exposed to cognition and design theories while being encouraged to dive deep into them and learn how to apply such theories in their practice.

Students who pursue this major have an opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths, including faculty and teaching, administrative posts, and even government or nonprofit positions.

Learning Design

Those who wish to take on leadership roles in the field of education in relation to the latest theories and technologies may want to consider opting for the Learning Design specialization. This option allows students to prepare for strategic leadership roles in a variety of settings, including classrooms and corporations.

In this program, they are expected to master innovative learning practices in the digital context while ensuring their practical applications to real-world problems in the field of education.

Curriculum and Instruction

Designed for educators and practitioners, the curriculum and instruction specialization is an ideal choice for those whose interests lie in teaching in higher education or spearheading program improvements in various settings, such as education, social service agencies, military organizations, or businesses.

The program emphasizes the importance of identifying the obstacles to effective practice and program improvement by evaluating educational and clinical programs and their effectiveness.

Multicultural Education

This specialization is the best choice for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the diverse contexts within the field of education, including sociocultural, political, economic, and linguistic aspects. They will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed in teaching, scholarship, and advocacy.

This program is often grounded in common conceptual areas, including critical social theory and schooling, human rights and social movements, and alternative research paradigms, among others.

Special Education

One of the popular majors in many doctorates in education programs, the special education major , prepares the leadership personnel to serve in public or private schools and other educational environments and services.

Students are expected to develop knowledge and skills in various aspects, including management, leadership, collaboration, administration, supervision, and program evaluation, among many others.

This specialization is integral in preparing quality leaders who can transform the educational landscape for children with exceptional needs. They can advance their careers by taking on the administrator or executive leader position.

Urban Education

This particular specialization prepares aspiring urban school superintendents, central office administrators, and advocacy organization leaders to lead and transform complex educational systems in urban communities and contexts.

While most of the programs focus on urban school challenges, some recognize the interconnectedness of other issues, encompassing state, national, regional, and global scales.

What is a Capstone Project?

Talking about doctoral degree programs without dissertation-based final requirements, we’re brought to its alternative, which is t he capstone project . Its usage and popularity vary across countries’ higher education systems, but here in the country, many degrees feature the capstone project as the final requirement, including doctorate degree programs.

It is sometimes known as a Dissertation in Practice or Problem of Practice Project, and in the context of the doctoral degree, a capstone project is like a practical application period, where doctoral students take their learning throughout the program and use these to address a specific set of real-world problems, often from within their respective areas/workplaces.

It is also multifaceted in that students get to apply their coursework together with appropriate research methods in resolving their chosen problems and working together with their mentors; they often have a degree of freedom to tailor their projects as they see fit.

As with online Management doctoral programs, capstone project often results in innovative solutions that most often get adopted long-term in the settings in which they are applied. Given their practical aspect, the results of capstone projects also add to the overall body of knowledge regarding education and can also be replicated in similar contexts elsewhere.

We might compare the capstone project with dissertation research, but it’s certainly not the case that one is better than the other. It’s simply down to the design of the curriculum and the intended outcomes of doctoral programs. The traditional dissertation process aims to come up with original knowledge, which is why we see it in research-focused Ph.D. degree programs.

Capstone Projects are favored in EdD degree programs that prepare their graduates for their forthcoming higher education leadership roles by giving them a venue for the practical application of their learnings.

How an EdD differs from a PhD

As a whole, more people might have heard of a Ph.D.; after all, it is arguably the most common terminal degree across different higher education systems worldwide. EdD degree programs, on the other hand, are less numerous. So how does a Doctor of Education (EdD) differ from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree?

As a whole, there isn’t a very wide gulf between the two. They possess many similarities, with both being terminal degrees, that is, the highest degree/title that can be awarded to professionals in their fields, similar to Juris Doctor/JDs for lawyers and MDs for doctors.

Both doctoral programs require significant amounts of research, and students are trained accordingly with appropriate research techniques. Both degrees also require a form of published output from students as one of the requirements for graduation, with their output often published in academic journals.

Still, both degrees tend to have stringent and selective admissions processes, as candidates for the degrees are expected to have the potential to give solid contributions to the field’s body of knowledge. Lastly, both degree programs tend to have roughly the same amount of required credits and can be completed within the same amount of years.

The differences between the two doctoral degree programs lie in some key areas. First, the Ph.D. is more of a research-focused doctoral degree program. The Ph.D. also tends to have a more scholarly focus, with graduates often going on to work within academia and take up research-related roles. By their research-focused nature, the Ph.D. has final requirements that are expected to result in original knowledge, i.e., in the form of a doctoral dissertation.

Meanwhile, an EdD/Doctor of Education degree is generally a practice-focused degree, focusing on sharpening students’ skills through the combination of practice and established research methods. There is also an emphasis on honing educational leadership skills that they can apply to various settings and educational systems, whether K-12, higher education, or others.

This practical application is generally centered on a problem/set of problems that have been identified by the student together with their mentors. This is why students’ final requirements are often in the form of capstone projects. As a result of this practice-focused curriculum design, the EdD doctoral program opens a broader range of non-academic roles that graduates can enter into aside from within the educational system, such as leadership positions in government agencies or the private sector.

Top 15 Doctor of Education Online Programs Without Dissertation

Nova southeastern university.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Aiming to help students move education forward at various levels, Nova Southeastern University offers the online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program. This doctorate degree online helps them solve real-world problems through project-based planning and implementation. They will be taught to formulate innovative ways to improve the school and boost administrative competencies.

Unlike Ph.D. programs that are often research-heavy with their rigorous dissertation process, an education doctorate provides students with a hands-on learning experience. To successfully earn this degree, students need to complete a doctoral capstone project. They can choose among two options, but if they want to do away with the traditional dissertation, then opting for the Strategic Research Project is the best choice.

This degree is one of the online doctoral degree programs that is designed for practicing superintendents, principals, and lead teachers from public and nonpublic K-12 learning institutions. They must have a master’s degree in education or a related field in order to get admitted into the program.

Texas A&M University

Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Students who wish to specialize in leadership roles within the education system with an emphasis on curriculum development will want to consider earning a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. Like other online EdD programs, this specialization allows one to complete the coursework at their own pace through a web-based delivery system.

Requiring the completion of 64 credit hours, this degree focuses on three major goals of the program, including leadership, discovery, and application of knowledge. Students are expected to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in curriculum and instruction, preparing them for new leadership roles within the domains of educational practice. This includes roles in school change and improvement initiatives, professional development, curriculum leadership in schools or districts, and organizational management.

Students wishing to get admitted into the program must have earned a master’s degree and a minimum of five years’ worth of teaching experience.

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Curriculum

Vanderbilt University offers one of the quality online EdD programs under its Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations. The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Curriculum aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The online program can take 36 months to complete, designed to accommodate the needs of mid-career K-12 and higher education professionals.

The online format of the program means that working professionals in the field of education can still pursue their doctorate degree without compromising their blossoming careers. Students are equipped with robust knowledge and skills that will help them make a positive impact on education policy and practice. The program accounts for 84 credit hours, 30 of which can be admitted as credit transfers from a prior master’s degree.

As one of the online EdD degrees with no dissertation programs, this doctorate degree culminates in a capstone during the third and final year of study. Students must need to complete a year-long independent research and analytic task within a group project.

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership

Liberty University offers various online doctorate programs in education. Among the options is the Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership. Designed for students who are preparing for licensed school administration, this terminal degree provides studies and training integral to the management of education organizations.

By the end of the program, students are expected to learn all about education law and policies, leadership principles and ethics, and issues and trends in learning technologies. Some of the courses they cover in this online degree program include Educational Leadership and Public Relations, Theories of Educational Leadership, Advanced Learning Theory and Research, and Advanced Education Law, among others.

The degree is specifically designed for licensed educators pursuing endorsements in administration. To be qualified, they must document an active, renewable teaching license and a full-time contractual teaching experience under a license.

Spalding University

Doctorate of Education in Leadership

Spalding University boasts one of the interdisciplinary and dynamic online programs with its Doctor of Education in Leadership degree offer. This program is designed for those who want to earn their terminal degree and take on leadership roles within the school system.

The courses in this program are delivered one at a time, which means one can earn their degree within two years while juggling their personal and professional responsibilities. This degree will help students stand out as exemplary practitioners of ethical organizational leadership. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are Systems Theory and Leadership, Ethical Leadership, and Research Methodology and Problem-Solving.

For admission, students must meet the program requirements, such as a master’s degree from an accredited university and a GPA of 3.0. They must also submit their resume along with two letters of recommendation, a critique of a journal article, and official transcripts from the learning institutions they have previously attended.

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education and Leadership in Healthcare

The Doctor of Education in Leadership and Healthcare offered by Nebraska Methodist College allows students to accelerate their careers without compromising their pursuit of a terminal degree. The program’s online format allows them to find the right balance between their personal and professional life.

The program curriculum focuses on honing their knowledge and skills in transforming organizational culture through the use of concepts like reflection, relationship building, education, accountability, and organizational awareness.

Instead of an arduous dissertation process, students only need to complete a scholarly doctoral practice project where they can demonstrate the effective application of the theories and concepts to address education and practice issues.

The program can be completed within 24 months if students are enrolled full-time. Part-time students will be able to earn the degree in 36 months.

The University of Mississippi

Online Doctor of Educational Administration

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online doctor of educational administration with no dissertation requirement. This 54-credit-hour degree can be completed within three years and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

This program is most suitable for those looking to attain leadership roles in schools, helping them become an effective administrator at a district level. Students will gain real-world experience in solving on-hand issues as they work their way through the program. They will tackle theories of teacher supervision, school budgeting and finance, and educational leadership, among others.

Students can also avail of scholarship opportunities. In fact, the university offers an Online Student Scholarship program that grants first-time, fully online students with $500 for their first semester. The admission process requires a copy of the student’s current educator license with at least three years of teaching experience. 

Virginia Commonwealth University

Doctor of Education in Leadership

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership that can be completed entirely online. The 48-credit hour program has a 36-month/3-year completion time frame and is based on a cohort model, which they call a Learning Community. Each Learning Community, in turn, has cohorts that are based around the learning areas:

• Higher Education Leadership
• K12 Leadership
• General Leadership

The program begins each summer and features an action-oriented curriculum design that is anchored on principles of adult learning. The program’s curriculum design is also anchored on the analytical lenses of equity, accountability, and learning theory to facilitate learning through common perspectives. The degree program helps prepare students to become effective leaders in various careers.

While the program is delivered entirely online, students are required to attend a brief 2 to 3-day in-person residency every summer at VCU. This facilitates building relationships within the cohort, and provides students with guidance and support in the program.

As a final requirement, students participate in a 3-semester long collaborative capstone project called a Dissertation in Practice , where they work with a faculty chair and a community-based partner.

East Tennessee State University 

Ed.D in Educational Leadership Ed.D in Global Sport Leadership

East Tennessee State University offers two online doctoral degree programs: an Ed.D in Educational Leadership and an Ed.D in Global Sport Leadership. The former has three concentration areas and leads to a dissertation as the final output, while the latter leads to a capstone program as the final requirement.

The Ed.D in Global Sport Leadership is a unique 60-credit hour program and is aimed at preparing students for leadership positions in today’s highly competitive sports industry, whether at the academic or professional levels. The degree program is delivered 100% online and follows a cohort model.

In order to deliver a truly global perspective in sports, the degree program has global study abroad components on top of standard coursework. The degree requires students to attend international sporting events, which ultimately feeds into the final Doctoral Capstone Project.

University of Virginia

Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction

The University of Virginia offers its Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction as an online program. It is designed to prepare graduates to be effective practitioner-scholars who excel in localized problem-solving within settings that are focused on the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The degree program has a minimum of 72 credit hours and follows an asynchronous model.

In a nod to providing a flexible degree program, UVA lets students map out their own personalized academic plans, which adapt to their previous commitments. This highly adaptable and individualized arrangement conceivably lets students fulfill their coursework from anywhere in the world. Likewise, the degree allows up to 24 credits to be transferred in, provided that these were earned at an accredited institution within ten years of admission to the program.

The program’s final Capstone Project consists of 10 credit hours. 6 of these credits are dedicated to Field Study, where students are challenged to perform unpaid fieldwork at an education-related partner organization, addressing a specific Problem of Practice in the process.

Morehead State University

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Morehead State University offers its Doctor of Education degree program in a flexible self-paced online format. The program is aimed at preparing students to become practitioner-scholars who can assume multiple roles in educational leadership, all working towards the goal of improving educational attainment.

Morehead State’s Doctor of Education program has a choice of 4 specialization areas, namely Adult and Higher Education , P-12 Administrative Leadership , Educational Technology Leadership , and Exceptional Child Leadership , with all paths amounting to a total of 60 credit hours.

Each Specialization has its own further emphasis area, and while there are a set of emphasis areas pre-planned by faculty, they are meant to be flexible and can be adapted by students accordingly to fit their individual plans, aspirations, and professional interests.

As part of their final requirement, students must complete a doctoral capstone project regardless of their specialization area. This consists of a total of 12 credit hours.

West Texas A&M University

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D)

West Texas A&M University offers its Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership as an online program that has a total of 60 credit hours and lasts three years. The program also follows a cohort model and equips students with a skillset of great depth that can enable them to lead any school district of various sizes and locations. Students can also transfer up to 12 credits in the program.

While the program provides excellent leadership preparation for its students, it is designed with two distinct tracks aimed primarily at providing leadership to rural schools. The Doctorate of Educational Leadership track is focused on problems of practice in rural school settings, such as school districts that serve less than 1,000 students (it is noted that this is the case for 50% of school districts across Texas).

The Doctorate of Leadership in Higher Education, meanwhile, is designed for those who have Master’s Degrees in areas other than educational leadership but want to hold administrative positions in a higher education environment or in educational settings that serve rural schools and communities.     

Instead of the traditional dissertation, both tracks have a Doctoral Capstone Project as part of their final requirements. Students’ scholarly work throughout the program’s three years is meant to result in an extensive literature review, as well as two publication-ready articles.

Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a 78-credit hour hybrid Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program. The program follows a cohort model, and students can attend the program part-time or full-time.

The program has two concentration areas: PK-12 Education, and Higher Education. It features a curriculum design that is geared towards the goal of achieving socially-just transformative leadership in educational settings at the local, state, regional, and national levels. To this end, students take courses on educational leadership, research, and applied practice on top of their chosen specialization areas.

As part of the final requirements, students have a choice of completing either a dissertation or a capstone project in order to target a specific problem of practice that they have identified.

University of Illinois Chicago

Ed.D in Urban Education Leadership

Located in one of the country’s biggest cities, the University of Illinois Chicago offers an EdD in Urban Education Leadership. This nationally recognized program is designed to prepare and develop education leaders, primarily principals, to become effective leaders in urban school settings and work towards significantly improving teaching and learning in this milieu.

The intensive and highly selective program follows a cohort model and consists of a total of 80 credit hours, or 96 credit hours if the Superintendent’s Endorsement is included in the EdD.

The selection preference is on candidates that have exhibited instructional expertise and success in leadership roles, as well as a strong commitment towards improving schools and learning, given the high-need context of the area immediately served by the university.

The program features in-depth coursework that is designed to be immediately applicable and has individual courses that build upon each other. Students in the program likewise get on-the-job coaching throughout their stay in the program, as well as a full year of internship under a mentor-principal.        

Wilmington University

Ed.D in Educational Leadership Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership Ed.D in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation

Wilmington University offers 3 Doctor of Education degree programs that are delivered in a variety of formats. The Ed.D in Educational Leadership (49-51 credit hours) is a hybrid program, while the Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership (51 Credits) and Ed.D in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation (54 credit hours) are offered in traditional on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats. All three are also offered in Wilmington University’s FLEX format, which lets students attend classes synchronously online or face-to-face.

The three-degree programs are all designed with the aim of preparing students to effectively take leadership roles in their respective settings, whether they be school districts, higher education, or organizations. Students also get to choose from concentration areas in each degree program and are trained in skillsets that involve practical problem-solving as leaders.

As part of their final requirements, all three degree programs conclude in a doctoral capstone project—also known as an Applied Inquiry Project or a Dissertation in Practice Project—and are primarily focused on applied research aimed at a problem in practice identified by the student together with their advisor.

Typical Career Paths for Doctor of Education Graduates

University president.

Often considered equivalent to a CEO of a major corporation, a university president ’s responsibility extends to overseeing both the academic and administrative operations of an educational institution.

Most of them concentrate on enrollment rates and student GPAs, all the while making sure that the school stays within budget. They are also tasked to set and maintain school policy and to give recommendations for changes and improvement if warranted.

As of 2022, the median annual pay for a top executive is $100,090 . Beyond educational qualifications, becoming a university president draws more from experience in education and administration.

Chief Learning Officer

The role of a chief learning officer in an organization is to take charge of the learning strategy. They are primarily responsible for training employees and making sure they comply with the policies and regulations within the school. This can be done through mentoring and coaching. The chief learning officer also ensures that their workplace standard is met.

The latest statistics say that chief learning officers, also known as training and development managers, can earn a median pay of $120,000 annually .

School Superintendent

As a school superintendent, one makes sure that the daily operations and long-range planning of a school district are running smoothly. They serve as the point person for all district matters. It is their job to supervise school principals and district staff. They are also known to work with school board members and manage fiscal operations.

Sometimes, school superintendents also need to hire staff, solve problems, and lobby for resources. To become one, a superintendent must first gain ample experience in teaching in the classroom and serve as a school principal.

A master’s degree is needed to enter this position, but a doctorate degree can amplify their chances of landing the role.

Policy Maker

In educational institutions, a policymaker plays a critical role in ensuring that policies at all levels, from local and state to federal, are done with a systemic approach. They tend to focus on different things, depending on the priorities of the educational institution.

Some focus on reducing student absenteeism. Ultimately, policymakers decide the policies that will lead to positive changes that can impact the next generation.

As policymakers, one should have analytical skills and hefty expertise on important subject matters. At the very least, they should have a solid understanding of the complex issues in education, public policy, and legislation.

School Principal

Principals are integral to the smooth higher-level operations in a school. It is their responsibility to create safe learning environments for students and to set the goals that students and teachers should meet. They also make sure that school facilities are safe and protected, often planning regular maintenance of school grounds and equipment.

Beyond the obvious duties, they are also helping shape a vision of academic success for their students. They make sure to cultivate leadership in their teachers and other staff. According to BLS, school principals can get a median annual pay of $103,460 .

College Provost

Often considered postsecondary education administrators , provosts serve as academic chairs or heads of a college department or faculty. They usually report directly to the college or university president. While this position is exciting, it also comes with great responsibilities. Their duties include implementing academic priorities for the university. They make sure that there is a clear direction for the curricula and allocate resources to support initiatives.

Provosts work with department heads, academic deans, faculty, and staff. They often aim to ensure that students will receive a quality education. Annually, they can earn a median pay of $99,940 .

Curriculum Director

Hired by the school board, a curriculum director sets out an effective educational program in place to help students realize their learning potential. They often work closely with teachers when implementing and overseeing a high-standard curriculum. They make sure to provide solutions and initiatives that can meet the unique challenges of a particular school board.

Curriculum directors are expected to be good at planning and evaluating as well as developing a team. Their work also involves developing instructional materials and assessing their effectiveness. Every year, their median pay is around $66,490 .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to finish an online edd program.

The answer will often depend on whether students are earning the program full-time or part-time. It also depends on the term starts available in a higher learning institution.

Typically, a Doctor of Education program will take two to three to complete. For schools with multiple term starts and accelerated program options, the duration can be significantly cut. Other factors that can affect the program duration also include specializations and transfer credit policies.

Students enrolled on a part-time basis will understandably take longer to earn this terminal degree. Working professionals who go through the coursework at their own pace may take four to seven years to complete the program.

Is an online EdD degree worth pursuing?

The Doctor of Education program is offered as an alternative to a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, which is heavier on research. An Ed.D. program is more of a practitioner’s degree, making it a suitable choice for academic researchers and college professors. Those who work in K-12 schools or pursue a position as college administrators will find this degree quite useful.

A doctorate in education can help grow one’s skillset and boost one’s earning potential. It is especially valuable if they are aiming to attain positions in education and educational administration. This includes job positions such as education administrators, superintendents, provosts, academic deans, and so much more.

What are the most common admission requirements to an EdD program?

The admission requirements to a doctor of education degree program may vary from university to university.

Generally, one is required to hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. They must also have demonstrated experience in educational roles along with leadership potential. Other requirements may include the following:

• Graduate admission application
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation

What are the common requirements for admission into online EdD programs?

As is the standard with all graduate degrees, applicants to EdD programs are expected to have passed GPA standards, typically around 2.75 or 3 as a minimum. It varies between universities, but some may also require GRE / GMAT /MAT scores.

To prove that applicants have completed both the required Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees , they are required official transcripts, and most universities will prefer degrees awarded by institutions that have regional accreditation.

As previously mentioned, EdDs tend to have a degree of selectiveness and stringency that is typical of doctorate degrees. Universities tend to require applicants to have verifiable references and recommendation letters aside from a CV/Résumé.

Most importantly, in order to assess the capability of students to convey their ideas and conduct rigorous academic work, a personal essay from the applicant is typically required, which is complemented by interviews done by university faculty.

As a final note, this is not necessarily a university requirement, but it is a general rule that students enrolling in doctoral degree programs should already have a well-formed seed of an idea or problem they would like to pursue. That way, they would be better able to fit their forthcoming degree plans accordingly, and their mentors would be able to help them better.

Any lack of pre-existing ideas/research problems would be detected in students’ personal essays and subsequent interviews. As they say, never go to battle unprepared, and this is especially true with doctorate degrees.

How much do online EdD programs cost?

There is a wide variance between universities in terms of the total cost of their degrees. They each have their own set of fees that support the university on top of the cost of the degree itself, and some may have different rates for out-of-state students.

To get a rough sense of part of the costs involved, per-credit-hour costs for online EdD programs can range between $600-$1000, and they can have a total of a little more or less than 60 credit hours. To get the most exact costs for tuition, it is best to reach out to the universities themselves, as they will have dedicated personnel that assist students with concerns regarding how to finance degree programs.

However, graduate degrees and terminal degrees, such as online doctorate programs, tend to be on the more expensive side of the tuition costs scale. There are, however, several ways students can offset these costs aside from loans .

Federal financial aid is always available, even for graduate students, and students may be able to access grants. It differs between universities, but most will have some form of Scholarship that eligible students can access. Lastly, this may be more toward on-campus students, but Graduate Assistantships are also an option.

What are the benefits of earning a doctorate degree online?

It will invariably require the student to invest in time, effort, and finances, but being a terminal degree, a doctorate degree represents the peak of a professional’s career advancement and educational achievement.

A doctorate degree signifies that one has contributed (and continues to contribute) original knowledge through research, which ultimately benefits the discipline they belong to. On a more practical note, the learnings one gets from the courses in a doctorate degree and the opportunity to apply these are invaluable to students who, by this point, are already working professionals.

Meanwhile, earning a doctorate degree online has the distinct benefit of giving students more flexibility to balance their careers and their coursework. There may also be savings for students since they do not have to attend classes in person. Still, for some, enrolling in an on-campus doctorate degree that they like or that fits them might involve having to move into a new city, which can be a great cost.

Granted, on-campus/in-person classes have aspects that are very hard, if not impossible, to replicate in online classes, but the latter does bring its own set of benefits and advantages.

Key Takeaways

As alternatives to dissertation research, the capstone research project provides venues for doctoral students to provide real-world practical solutions to problems in areas or fields that they believe must be addressed. The practical focus of a doctoral research project is what makes them a good fit for the desired outcomes in Doctor of Education programs.

Like most doctoral degree programs, Doctor of Education degrees have concentration areas. These online Ph.D. programs add specialized courses on top of a degree’s core course content, translating to crucial skills and insights that students can apply to their professional milieu.

Ph.D. Degrees are generally orientated toward research-focused roles within academia and require dissertation research as their final requirement.

EdD degrees, meanwhile, have an added applicability toward taking leadership roles; hence they are often designed with capstone projects that enable online doctoral students to apply their knowledge to solve issues relevant to their field.

Additional Resources:

• The Best Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Graduate Schools
• The Best Online Doctor of Educational Psychology Degree Programs
• The Best Online Doctor of Counseling Education and Supervision Degrees

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

Education (Educational Administration P-12) EdD

An online educational administration doctorate with no dissertation required, program-at-a-glance (graduate).

Credit Hours:

Total Hours: 54

Cost per Credit Hour:

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Special Requirements:

Copy of current educator license (with at least 3 years of teaching experience).

Learn more about this program:

Thank you for your interest in online at southern miss.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are an educator looking to become a leader in your school, the online Educational Administration EdD Degree will teach you how to be an effective administrator at the building or district level. The best part? No dissertation is required!

The online E ducational Administration EdD offers a unique learning experience with synchronous classes. These live, online classes allow you to meet with your instructor and classmates each week and learn with a community of your peers. Your classes will meet at the same time and on the same day each week, typically night classes.

With this degree, you’ll be gaining real-world experience and solving hands-on issues as you work through the program. This program will immerse you in theories of teacher supervision, school budgeting and finance, educational decision-making, and leadership as it relates to becoming a principal, superintendent, or program coordinator.  Applicants are required to have at least three years of teaching experience .  

Looking for more education-related degrees? Check out our other fully-online options ! Want more info about this degree ? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page  now!

What can you do with an Education Administration EdD?

An Education Administration EdD provides you with the knowledge and necessary skills for leadership roles in educational institutions, policy development, and program management in education.

We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.

We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.

Core Courses (30 hours)

Select 1 course:

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin . Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/ .

To find pricing information,   visit our pricing page . For financial aid information,  view our financial aid page . For detailed tuition information,  visit our business services page .

Yes! To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the  Graduate Admissions Funding Resources  page.

You can earn an a dministrative license if you do not already hold it, and you can earn a s uperintendent license if you already hold administrative license. Also you must have held a license for three years to be admitted. However, l icensure requirements and approval are determined by each state’s licensing board. For general information about professional licensure, please review the Online Programs & Professional Licensure Page .

Either the GRE, PRAXIS or any other nationally recognized graduate-level exam is required for this program.

You will need a USM application, resume, letter of interest, official transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation.

The program, including the final Capstone Project, may be completed over three years.

Yes, the online Education Administration Doctorate degree program is delivered 100% online.

No. Instead of a dissertation, this program requires a capstone research project that is focused on a real-world problem of practice that you encounter in your workplace. The capstone is completed in courses that are schedule alongside the content courses so that you will be able to complete the capstone as you complete the required coursework.

At the discretion of the academic program, the Ed.D. program will accept up to 18 transfer hours so long as the credits have not been applied to a previously conferred degree.

No, there is no out-of-state tuition associated with the online program.

If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page , or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in  Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must meet the following requirements and submit the following documents:

• Official GRE scores or other acceptable standardized graduate-level exam scores
• Statement of Purpose – In a letter or essay format, describe your professional experiences and goals and how obtaining this degree will help you to realize those goals.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Copy of current educator license (with at least three years of teaching experience)

This program admits new students each fall. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies See  General Degree Requirements  and  General Academic Information .

The online Educational Administration Doctorate is nationally recognized by CAEP, and the program is aligned to the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards. It is a part time, fully online program redesigned to accommodate the schedule of current educators. The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online Educational Administration doctorate is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.

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Earn a Doctorate Online With No Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

Online Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership: Beyond the Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merging Healthcare and Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

Career Impact of an Online Healthcare Leadership Ed.D.

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

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

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

NMC’s education doctorate program has two tracks:

• Education and Leadership in Healthcare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support and Resources for Online Ed.D. Students

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

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

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

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

Josey Harris, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

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

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

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

Lacey Petersen, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

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

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

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

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

Vanessa Humphreys, Education and Leadership in Healthcare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs Empowering Leaders in Education through Advanced Research and Practice

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100% online, 8-week courses

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Become a Leader of Distinction in Education with One of Our Online Doctoral Programs in Education

Reach the pinnacle of your profession and impact the field of education with Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. In our online Ed.D. programs, you’ll study education administration, curriculum development, learning theory, and the latest research to gain the advanced knowledge you need to positively influence the world of education. Check out our available online EdD programs .

Additionally, you’ll conduct your own research in order to provide practical solutions to challenges in the field of education with a capstone project. Liberty’s online doctorate in education is a model of high academic standards and leadership in education. With a degree like this, you can become better equipped to become an effective educational administrator, university faculty member, senior-level educational leader, or educational policymaker.

• By pursuing your doctorate at Liberty, you can better prepare for careers or career advancement in various school and administrative settings within the field of education.
• As you continue your studies with Liberty’s School of Education, you can be confident that you are receiving a quality education based on the principles of God’s Word.
• You can learn to be a positive influence in the lives of young people in your school and community and make an impact for Christ!

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

The biggest difference between an EdD and a PhD in education is the scope of the degree itself. While a PhD is primarily concerned with producing original research in the form of a dissertation, our EdD is designed so that you can complete exemplary research in the education field. As more of a practitioner’s degree, the EdD blends praxis and scholarship so that you can be better prepared to impact the field of education wherever you go. If you are more interested in producing original research to further the field of education, you may be interested in our  PhD in Education .

What Will You Study in a Doctorate in Education ?

The core content of our online EdD programs is designed to enhance your understanding of essential educational concepts while giving you practical classroom management tools. The online doctorate in education can help advance your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods of research, advanced learning theory, research skills, and provide many other essential competencies for advanced educators like yourself.

While completing a Liberty University doctoral program, you can choose specialized tracks to further equip you for an administrative role. We offer tracks in leadership, higher education, and curriculum and instruction, so you can pick the degree that gives you the right tools to achieve teaching excellence.

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Education .
• View the  Graduate Education Course Guides  (login required).
• View the  Doctoral Advising Guide .

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• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Careers for Liberty’s Ed.D. Doctoral Programs

• Curriculum specialist
• Elementary educator
• Gifted-student instructor
• Instructional supervisor
• Middle school educator
• School administrator
• Secondary school educator
• Special education instructor
• University professor

Degree Options for Our Online Ed.D. Programs

We know that you have specific goals. With a wide offering of Ed.D. programs, you can be confident in partnering with Liberty as you continue your educational journey.

Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership  degree is designed to provide studies and training in the management of education organizations to help prepare you for licensed school administration.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage .

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Curriculum and Instruction

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction  degree can help you build on your foundational knowledge and further master all aspects of education. This education doctorate gives you the flexibility and freedom to mix and match elective courses so you can create a personalized degree program that fits your passions and interests.

View the  Degree Completion Plan.

Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology  degree covers theories of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan – enabling you to meet your students right where they are and provide the support they need to thrive. Through this program, you can become equipped to improve teaching and learning processes in your school using a fundamental understanding of how people learn and retain information.

Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education  degree is designed to equip you for a variety of teaching roles – including general education and community classroom settings. You will study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solve problems. In addition, you will explore research and instructional approaches for managing student behaviors effectively with an emphasis on individualized, classroom, and school-wide behavior support.

Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology  degree is designed to equip you for the modern classroom. By incorporating new technology and methods of instruction into the classroom, you can engage students in new and exciting ways. Your experience can also be valuable in settings outside of the classroom including corporate training, curriculum design, and as a leader in the educational technology field.

Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education  degree is designed to strengthen your teaching ability through individualized and collaborative professional development opportunities. You will study curriculum development, usage, and evaluation. Additionally, you will apply considerations of preadolescent physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development to various school processes and teacher interaction with middle school students and families.

Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning  degree covers a variety of advanced educational topics, specifically those that can prepare you for roles in online programs. In this degree, you will study trends in learning technologies and curriculum and instruction. You will also study curriculum theory, applied research methods, and much more!

Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education  degree addresses curriculum function, development, and evaluation. Our program is designed to provide you with a detailed overview of technology usage in the classroom as it relates to student learning, the effectiveness of administrative processes, and service to students and parents. You will also study various theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education  degree is designed to help you analyze processes for assessing students with special needs. Additionally, you will develop ways of effectively using various technology for communication and collaboration as you improve classroom instruction. You can learn to use different theories, models, and strategies as a practical guide to solving problems.

Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership  degree is designed to train you on best practices in education and technology to help you enhance student learning, become a competent administrator, and best serve your students and their parents. This program focuses on translating classroom theory into real-world application and is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to effectively lead and manage in an educational environment.

Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation  degree covers research-based approaches to analyzing student learning, curricula, academic programs, student services, and institutional structures. In this program, you’ll explore how to help colleges and universities maintain high standards of quality and accreditation so that their students receive the best education possible.

Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership  degree can help you strengthen your leadership skills and advance your career in postsecondary education administration. You will analyze the major challenges facing today’s educational leaders and explore methods for helping colleges and universities thrive.

Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership  degree is designed to provide training in university administration and advanced business topics. You can develop essential skills in business management and use your business knowledge to help your college or education-related organization thrive.

Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs  degree can help you learn how to support college students’ personal, professional, and academic development. That way, you can help them develop essential skills for navigating challenges in school – and in life.

Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Education in  Instructional Design and Technology  investigates the intersection of education, technology, and creativity. You can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a leader in designing and implementing effective educational strategies using cutting-edge technology.

Special Education

Liberty University’s online  Doctor of Education in Special Education  degree can help you learn how to manage and construct educational programs geared for those students with additional educational needs. You can have a profound impact on the lives of your students with the concepts you can master in this program.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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Admission Information for Liberty’s Online Doctoral Programs in Education

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants must submit a copy of their current initial state teaching or school counseling license to  [email protected] .
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get a doctorate in education.

Through Liberty University’s online EdD programs, you will have the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable education professionals who want to mentor and help you to become an advanced educator, administrator, and researcher. Our doctorate in education offers a robust, theoretical framework that can advance your teaching methods and theories to a higher order of application, allowing you to evaluate and address teaching challenges in K-12 institutions and at the university level.

Is a Doctorate in Education worth it?

Yes – we think so! You can be better prepared to take advantage of the increased market demand for leaders in education

• With an online doctorate in education, you may be  eligible for higher pay  than those who hold a master’s degree alone.
• Throughout the program, you can network with your peers and professors while developing your writing and research for the final capstone project phase.
• Completing an online EdD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

What can Liberty’s doctoral programs do for you?

Liberty University’s doctoral programs can offer you advanced academic training and practical skills that align with your professional aspirations and personal values. These programs are designed to enhance your expertise in a specific field, such as education, business, or divinity, enabling you to contribute to academic knowledge, apply practical solutions in real-world settings, and ascend to higher positions in your career.

You can benefit from flexible learning options, including online courses that allow you to balance your studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Liberty’s commitment to integrating ethical and faith-based principles into its curriculum can also provide you with a unique perspective that is valued in many professional settings. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to engage with experienced faculty and like-minded peers, expanding your professional network and gaining support that can be crucial for both academic and career advancement.

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EdD in Learning and Organizational Change | Online

Become a Changemaker

The key skill that all leaders share? The ability to inspire positive change. Grounded in the principles of teaching and learning, our proven  EdD in Learning & Organizational Change  online doctoral program empowers students to lead change in many organizations, from schools to businesses to non-profits and beyond.

Request More Information

Why earn an edd degree online in learning and organizational change.

Organizations — such as government or private corporations, nonprofit and community organizations, or school and university systems — evolve at the hands of motivated leaders who possess the skills to impart systemic change. Baylor’s EdD in Learning and Organizational Change degree equips students with the skills and knowledge to examine educational practices in all settings by taking both a micro and macro view of learning. Graduates emerge prepared to address cross-functional challenges, influence systemic growth opportunities, and foster effective learning environments based on data-driven processes.

Curriculum and Instruction Methods

The EdD in Learning and Organizational Change program emphasizes the development of a broad understanding of the educational process. It also helps students build a skill set that can be adapted to a variety of leadership situations. Courses take a practitioner-oriented approach and help to shape transformative leaders into change experts. Coursework is delivered online with weekly live sessions, and the program is designed for full-time working professionals.

The EdD online in Learning and Organizational Change is a 54-credit program that can be completed in as few as 36 months — or on a flexible schedule based around your professional and personal obligations. The curriculum consists of:

• Learning Foundations Courses
• Organizational Change Courses
• Research Methods Courses
• Problem of Practice Dissertation

Learning Objectives

Through the program’s practitioner-focused curriculum, students develop a multitude of skills that can be applied across many professional settings. Graduates will be ready to demonstrate leadership in areas such as the dynamics of organizational change, contextual learning design, program assessment and evaluation, professional development, research design, and the science of teaching and learning.

Application Information

A master’s degree is required to apply.

GRE test scores are not required to apply.

The EdD in Learning and Organizational Change is a 54-credit program that can be completed in as few as 36 months or on a flexible schedule tailored to you. Engage in a robust curriculum featuring foundations courses, organizational change courses, research methods courses, and immersion and dissertation experiences.

All applicants must submit:

• The online application
• A resume/C.V.
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A video interview (4-5 minutes long)  

Our admissions team is available to answer any questions regarding application requirements, however, they cannot accept submissions of application materials. All application materials must be submitted to our application services team [email protected] . Application materials that are not submitted through application services will not be accepted.

For questions about the program or admission requirements, please contact one of our admissions counselors at (254) 710-6111 or  [email protected] .

All applicants must have earned a master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA that demonstrates strong academic success, which is normally 3.0 or higher. The master’s degree may be in any field relevant to the applicant’s profession, but the applicant should also have the appropriate background, experience, and goals for pursuing an EdD.

Join Our Fall 2024 Doctoral Class

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited. Fall trimester begins on September 3, 2024. • Priority Deadline: June 24  • Regular Deadline: July 8  • Final Deadline: August 16

What to Expect

One of the core strengths of the Baylor University School of Education is its diverse, tight-knit community. The EdD in Learning and Organizational Change program from Baylor upholds the same high level of collaboration and engagement available to on-campus students.

Students attend weekly live online classes. These sessions are led by award-winning faculty who engage their students in group discussions and in guided learning. Classes that utilize webcams allow students to interact face-to-face regardless of their location.

In-person immersions bring students and faculty together at Baylor University’s Waco campus. The immersion experience, held twice during the program, allows participants to apply new skills and creatively solve problems collaboratively.

The PoP dissertation gives doctoral candidates the opportunity to engage in research that’s applicable to their own professional experiences. It also helps them gain advanced skills at creating measurable organizational change.

The online EdD degree received the 2022 Program of the Year  from the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), a leading doctoral education organization. CPED is a consortium of more than 100 colleges and schools of education committed to critically examining doctoral education programs.

CPED lauded the program for its innovation, the diversity of its faculty and students, and for its appeal to “students across a breadth of industries beyond the traditional field of education.”

The online EdD degree in Learning and Organizational Change has also been listed as a Featured Program for Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2023 by the Princeton Review. Baylor received this recognition for its dedication to flexible, affordable, and rigorous online learning.

Are you looking instead for a scholarship-supported K-12 chief executive leadership program to prepare for high-level positions and superintendent certification?

Explore the Baylor EdD in  K-12 Educational Leadership .

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Home / Online Doctorate Degree Programs / Online Doctor of Education (EdD) — Higher Education Leadership

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) — Higher Education Leadership Program Online Doctor of Education (EdD) — Higher Education Leadership Program Online Doctor of Education (EdD) — Higher Education Leadership Program

Take your next brave step.

Receive information about the benefits of our online programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.

Great leaders don’t accept the status quo. They accept a challenge.

How do you improve delivery and efficacy in higher learning? How can you better prepare students for the workforce? How can you adapt educational settings to emerging technology and modern faculty-administration dynamics? Answering today’s big questions in higher education takes reflective, future-focused leadership. Maryville University’s online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership program can provide you with the leadership abilities and perspective to meet the challenges of today — and tomorrow .

Explore higher education-focused leadership theory and develop the expertise to apply it in real-world situations. Build a contemporary understanding of administrative relationships and the student experience. Gain actionable insight into higher-ed governance, policy and financing to help you effect institutional change. Pursue your online Doctor of Education at Maryville and learn to impact higher education on a sweeping scale in ways that matter most.

View our program guide for more information.

Take Your Next Brave Step

Receive information about the benefits of our programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.

Access coursework  100% online  with no campus visits required.

Attend residency  on campus or virtually .

Complete your  courses and dissertation simultaneously .

Receive  personal mentorship  from scholar-practitioner faculty.

Benefit from the added support of our  cohort learning model .

Graduate in as few as  32 months .

Why choose Maryville for your online EdD program?

Our online EdD program offers unique benefits.

Our dissertation is different

Most doctoral programs conclude with a dissertation, but we believe your dissertation should be more than just a paper. It should inform your research, drive your leadership focus and keep your writing and thinking sharp throughout the doctoral program. Our approach allows you to apply valuable knowledge as you learn it.

Our focus is different

The online EdD program is more than a doctorate in education — it’s an innovative program that will provide you with a doctorate in higher education leadership You’ll focus squarely on impacting higher education at the institutional level, helping institutions grow in the face of a fluctuating economy, changing technology, increased competition and an influx of degrees in the job market.

We’re cohort based

This means you benefit from smaller class sizes, collaboration and individual attention and mentorship from faculty members. You also get to continue coursework with the same cohort so you can develop your skills together.

We provide greater support

As you work on your assignments and dissertation, you’ll have complete access to the Maryville library and librarians. Additionally, your courses will include integrated writing tools, such as pre-submission proofreading with detailed feedback.

What can you do with an online Doctor of Education?

Our online Doctor of Education program is a leadership-focused degree that promotes strategic high-level decision making. Our online EdD graduates can teach, but the degree is most applicable outside of the classroom. Positions at the top levels of higher education can empower you to have a greater influence. They can also be financially rewarding. Earning your online doctorate in education is a great way to advance your career and increase your earning potential while shaping the future of higher education.

Career opportunities with an EdD in Higher Education Leadership

Professionals with a  Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership  possess the skills and knowledge to identify problems and opportunities in higher education and make improvements in the field.

Completing your online EdD in Higher Education Leadership at Maryville can qualify you for leadership roles such as:

• Academic dean
• Admissions director
• Chief academic officer
• College/university administrator
• College/university president
• Dean of students
• Department chair
• Education researcher and consultant

In settings such as:

• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private businesses

Learn more on  our careers page .

What is the typical Doctor of Education salary?

With your  online EdD in Higher Education Leadership , you can build a foundation to pursue careers with median salaries of leadership positions such as:

College/University President

College/University Administrator

Department Chair

Dean of Students

Admissions Director

Chief Academic Affairs Officer

Why earn an EdD instead of a PhD in Higher Education?

The value and utility of doctoral degree programs in higher education vary significantly. It is crucial to ensure that the skills acquired from your online education degree align with your aspirations. Let’s explore why pursuing an online Doctor of Education could be the best option for you.

Time —  Our online Doctor of Education program is a 32-month, 48-credit program. Compared with a PhD in Higher Education, this credential could save you one to three years in completion time.

Practice-Based Research  — In a PhD program, your primary goal is to master and extend the body of knowledge on a subject. However, your research isn’t necessarily applicable in a leadership role. With our Doctorate in Educational leadership online program , you can apply existing research methods to the critical issues affecting your institution and inform decision making directly.

Leadership —  An online Doctor of Education is all about leadership. PhD programs are typically designed for educational leaders in specific academic disciplines. With an online EdD degree , you have the potential to become a provost or president of a university.

Faculty insights

We asked  Jason Castles , director and assistant professor of higher education leadership, for his thoughts on the online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership program. Here are his responses:

What are some of the trending areas of focus in the online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership program?

We strive to stay current on trends and the future of higher education. Some recent areas of focus include the impact of the pandemic in higher ed (budgeting, enrollment, and mental health); diversity, equity and inclusion work; and demographic shifts (who is attending and how many students are attending). Additional trends impacting higher ed include data analytics; financial sustainability and affordability; changes to tenure systems; and the growing reliance on adjunct faculty members.

What advice would you give to someone studying higher education leadership?

• Have a plan/create a schedule, as time management is crucial.
• Consider the “cost” of attending, weighing factors such as being a full-time student, working full time and commitments to family and friends.
• Try not to get “stuck” in one area and strive to broaden your perspective.
• Have an open mind.
• Enjoy the process — both classes and your dissertation.

What are the most important skills employers are looking for?

Employers value flexibility, data analysis skills and the ability to develop outcome assessment plans. They also look for candidates with cultural competence, empathy and active listening skills (especially during the pandemic).

Why should students choose to take this program at Maryville?

We offer a high level of student support and engagement from faculty and staff, providing students with constructive feedback and tools to learn to be successful in higher ed. We also offer a financially efficient 32-month, 48-credit program with a solid, rigorous curriculum.

Online EdD in Higher Education Leadership curriculum

The best higher education doctoral programs prepare you to address the critical issues that will shape the future of higher ed. That’s why we focus on topics such as quantitative and qualitative data analysis, future-focused governance and finance, contemporary student experiences, new and innovative technologies, and just about anything else you may face in an educational leadership role. We also let you explore your individual interests through professional practice courses based on current trends in higher education.

Our  online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership  program is designed for completion with 48 credit hours and in as little as 32 months of year-round study. Find out more about our program on  our curriculum page .

Lead inside and outside of the classroom.  Our curriculum can help you develop the competencies to be a top educator in the classroom or apply your knowledge and skills toward outstanding research. Learn to solve the complicated challenges of classroom dynamics in courses such as Leadership in Higher Education and Leading in a Complex Environment, and hone your research skills with Research Residency I and II and Understanding Data and Analysis.

Experience a dynamic, future-focused education doctorate. Maryville University has been an innovator in education for nearly 150 years. When you earn your Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership with us, we can help you take that pioneering spirit with you. Through courses such as Strategic Change and Innovation, you can develop a progressive and change-oriented mindset, so wherever you go in your education career, you will go with confidence.

Discover that leadership starts with compassion. As an educator, your students are a primary focus. That’s why our curriculum includes courses such as The College Student Experience and Reflective Leadership Practice and Inquiry to help you understand your students and design your higher education strategies around their needs, concerns and abilities.

Online Doctor of Education admission requirements

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for master’s transcripts
• At least three years of professional experience in higher education (exceptions considered for demonstrated professional leadership experience transferable to higher ed)
• Both bachelor’s and master’s transcripts
• Personal essay: 500–600 words

Learn more on  our admissions page .

Frequently asked questions

What can i do with an online doctor of education in higher education leadership degree.

Our online EdD in Higher Education Leadership prepares students for careers in educational leadership, growing their knowledge of advanced theories and practical skills so they can manage organizations, solve problems and promote positive change in higher education. Graduates of our online EdD program may advance to administrative roles, overseeing higher education institutions, programs or departments. They may work behind the scenes to assess, improve and create new curricula and instructional methods, train other educators or conduct research to advance higher education.

What is the typical salary for online EdD program graduates?

The median annual salary for professionals holding an EdD in Higher Education Leadership can vary significantly depending on factors such as industry, location, years of experience, specialization, and job role.

What does the future hold for the higher education industry?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of postsecondary education administrators to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032. 7 The need to replace professionals who change roles, switch careers or retire will drive most of this growth.

How long is the online EdD program?

Our online EdD program is a 32-month, 48-credit program. Compared with a PhD in Higher Education, this credential could save you one to three years in completion time.

What are the benefits of earning an online EdD degree?

Earning your online EdD can put you on a path for career advancement, higher earnings and administrator-level leadership positions. An EdD is practice based, meaning it allows you to research your areas of interest and also leverage the results of your research to influence the decision-making process of an institution or organization. Pursuing an EdD means you will focus on identifying problems and developing strategies to help solve those problems. An EdD program prepares you with skills in conducting qualitative research, collecting data, conducting interviews, making observations and participating in focus groups. If time to completion is important to you, consider that EdD students generally finish their programs faster than PhD students. On average, a PhD takes five to six years to complete, with some studies showing that students regularly take as many as eight years. On the other hand, earning an EdD generally takes between three and four years. Students can complete ours in as little as 32 months.

Apply to the online Doctor of Education degree program at Maryville University

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  1 Top Executives. (2023). Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

  2 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

  3 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics . Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote referenceReturn to footnote reference

  4 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics . Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote referenceReturn to footnote reference

  5 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics . Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote referenceReturn to footnote reference

  6 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics . Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote referenceReturn to footnote reference

  7 Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics . Retrieved February 9, 2024. arrow_upward Return to footnote referenceReturn to footnote reference

• List of Colleges

Online Programs

• Advantages & Challenges

Choosing a Program

• Financial Aid

Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation [2024 Guide]

An 18-month doctorate without dissertation is a strategic option for those looking to advance their education quickly and efficiently.

This guide explores a variety of professional doctorates, covering diverse fields from business administration to social work. You can gain insights into the subjects each degree covers as well as the potential career paths they can lead to.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or pivot to a new field, read on to discover a range of accelerated doctorate programs that don’t have a dissertation component.

List of Colleges Offering No Dissertation Doctorates

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

Boston University

Boston University’s 18 month post-professional OTD program is tailored for occupational therapy graduates and focuses on innovative practice and research. It requires the completion of 33 to 37 credits, depending on prior coursework. Classes are online and 7 weeks long, allowing flexibility with three annual start dates. Students work on their doctoral projects each semester instead of completing a final dissertation.

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

Chatham University

Chatham University offers a 16 month online OTD program designed for occupational therapists aspiring to leadership roles. It requires the completion of 30 credits over 4 terms and allows students to progress by taking two classes at a time. Some courses in the curriculum are 7 weeks long, while others are 14 weeks long. The program is 100% online, providing flexibility for professionals to balance their studies with other commitments.

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

Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is intended for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical, leadership, and organizational roles. It’s an 18 month, online program that requires the completion of 30 credit hours.

Students undertake a Quality Improvement project instead of a dissertation, focusing on enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes through practical, evidence-based initiatives.

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

Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University’s post-professional OTD program is tailored for practicing registered occupational therapists. It has minimal campus requirements and may be completed in 5 semesters.

Courses are offered in varying durations (5, 7, and 14 weeks long) and designed for working professionals. The program seeks to help students become leaders and evidence-based scholars without a dissertation requirement.

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

Utica University

Utica University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program combines online and on-campus learning and may be completed in 3 years. It’s crafted to enhance evidence-based practice, clinical, and research skills, aiming to equip aspiring physical therapists for the licensure exam. The curriculum encourages the development of diagnostic and critical thinking skills through a mix of instructional methods and practical case studies.

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

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University’s online post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DROT) is a 30 credit, fully online program. It is designed to be completed over 4 semesters and a capstone, potentially in just 18 months. It aims to prepare graduates for advanced roles in mentorship, education, evidence-based practice, and policy-making. The curriculum focuses on innovation without requiring a dissertation.

Valparaiso University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau , there’s a growing trend in higher education, with more people earning advanced degrees. Online doctorate programs that don’t require a traditional dissertation can often be completed in less time, some in as little as 18 months.

The following degree options showcase the wide range of fields that offer accelerated doctoral programs. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Doctorate in Accounting
• Doctorate in Business Administration
• Doctorate in Computers & Information Technology
• Doctorate in Criminal Justice
• Doctorate in Education
• Doctorate in Engineering
• Doctorate in Entrepreneurship
• Doctorate in Finance
• Doctorate in Healthcare Administration
• Doctorate in Information Technology
• Doctorate in Liberal Arts
• Doctorate in Marketing
• Doctorate in Ministry
• Doctorate in Nursing
• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy
• Doctorate in Public Administration
• Doctorate in Public Health
• Doctorate in Psychology
• Doctorate in Social Work

The program that’s best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

DBA in Accounting

An online DBA in Accounting helps you develop advanced accounting expertise and qualifications. This doctorate emphasizes applying accounting principles and strategies directly to professional settings, equipping you with skills to lead in dynamic business environments.

Key subjects studied include advanced financial reporting, strategic taxation, and auditing practices. With a focus on real-world financial challenges and strategic decision-making, an online DBA with no dissertation program can help prepare you for high-level finance roles, such as chief financial officer or financial strategist.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

An accelerated Doctor of Business Administration program with no dissertation offers a swift path to advanced business leadership expertise.

Key subjects studied include global business strategies, organizational leadership, and business analytics. This program is beneficial for those aspiring to senior management roles or consultancy, as it focuses on broad-based business acumen applicable across various industries.

A DBA can help you develop practical skills for effective leadership and strategic planning in the ever-evolving global business landscape.

Computer Science

An 18-month non-dissertation doctorate in computer science program is a rapid route to advanced technological expertise.

This program is aimed at professionals who are eyeing leadership roles in tech industries. It emphasizes cutting-edge computing technologies and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Key subjects studied include advanced algorithms, data analytics and big data, and cybersecurity.

You can learn to apply advanced computer science principles in areas like software development, data security, and AI.

Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

An accelerated Doctor of Criminal Justice program offers a fast-track to expertise in criminal justice leadership. With a focus on contemporary issues in the criminal justice system, the program covers key subjects like advanced criminology, law enforcement leadership, and criminal justice policy and administration.

You can become better equipped to make informed decisions and lead effectively in various criminal justice settings. Many graduates pursue high-level positions in law enforcement, policymaking, or justice administration.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A non dissertation EdD program is designed for rapid advancement in educational leadership and innovation. This program emphasizes applying educational theories and practices to address contemporary challenges in education.

Key subjects studied include curriculum design and assessment, educational leadership and policy, and instructional technology. An EdD is common for aspiring educational leaders, administrators, and policymakers.

With in person or online doctoral programs in education without dissertation , you can become adept at implementing effective educational strategies, driving organizational change in educational settings, and contributing to policy development.

Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng)

A non-dissertation Doctor of Engineering program offers a rapid path to advanced engineering leadership. This program is designed for professionals who want to pursue executive or high-level managerial roles in engineering.

A DEng program helps prepare you to effectively lead engineering projects and innovations, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on application in a variety of engineering fields. Key subjects studied include advanced engineering management, sustainable engineering practices, and emerging technological innovations.

DBA in Entrepreneurship

An online DBA in Entrepreneurship program without a dissertation is a streamlined path to mastering entrepreneurial leadership. This specialized DBA is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs or business leaders, helping you hone skills in creating, developing, and managing successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Core subjects studied include innovation and venture development, strategic entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial finance. With an entrepreneurship DBA, you can grow your knowledge of how to launch and grow businesses, apply innovative strategies, and lead entrepreneurial initiatives.

DBA in Finance

A DBA in Finance emphasizes strategic financial management and decision-making in business. Key subjects studied include advanced corporate finance, investment strategies and analysis, and financial risk management.

A finance DBA is geared toward professionals who want to pursue roles such as CFOs or financial consultants. As a graduate, you may be ready to take charge in finance departments, handle complex investment portfolios, and tackle the intricacies of financial markets.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

A Doctor of Healthcare Administration focuses on managing healthcare systems effectively and ethically. This doctorate program is designed for professionals who are seeking leadership and executive roles in healthcare organizations.

A DHA combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for real-world healthcare management. Key subjects studied include healthcare policy and regulation, organizational leadership in healthcare, and health services management. You can become better equipped to improve healthcare delivery, lead healthcare organizations, and influence policy.

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

A doctorate in information technology is beneficial for professionals who are eyeing senior and leadership roles in the IT sector. DIT programs emphasize the strategic application of IT in business and organizational contexts.

Key subjects studied include advanced data analytics, cybersecurity management, and IT strategic planning. You can become better equipped to tackle complex IT challenges, lead technology-driven initiatives, and drive IT strategies that align with organizational goals.

Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA)

A Doctor of Liberal Arts offers an advanced education through diverse interdisciplinary studies. A DLA is aimed at professionals in education, policymaking, and cultural sectors.

While this program involves a broad perspective on arts and humanities, key subjects include cultural studies, ethical and political theory, and interdisciplinary research methods. Graduates can could apply their comprehensive liberal arts knowledge in a variety of fields, promoting understanding and innovation in both academic and real-world settings.

DBA in Marketing

A DBA in Marketing blends advanced marketing strategies with practical applications. This program focuses on applying contemporary marketing theories to real-world business scenarios.

Key subjects studied include consumer behavior analysis, digital marketing strategies, and brand management. This program can help you develop the skills to lead innovative marketing campaigns and strategies. A marketing DBA is especially beneficial for professionals working toward senior marketing roles.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

A Doctor of Ministry focuses on practical ministry skills and leadership strategy. Since it’s designed for ministry professionals, it emphasizes real-world application of theological concepts and leadership in faith-based contexts.

Key subjects covered in a DMin program include pastoral care and counseling, theological reflection and application, and ministry leadership dynamics. A DMin could help prepare you to lead congregations, manage ministry programs, and engage effectively with communities.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP program is designed for nurses seeking advanced nursing roles and leadership roles in healthcare settings. This program focuses on applying advanced nursing skills to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy and advocacy, and nursing leadership and management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , 45% job growth is projected for nurse practitioners over the next ten years, making it one of the fastest growing occupations.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

An online Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is tailored for occupational therapists aiming for higher-level clinical or administrative roles. This type of program emphasizes enhancing therapeutic practices and leading in healthcare settings.

Core subjects include advanced clinical practice, occupational therapy leadership, and evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. Graduates may apply their skills in diverse healthcare environments, implementing innovative therapy techniques, managing therapy programs, and contributing to the development of OT practices.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

A Doctor of Physical Therapy is the minimum educational requirement for aspiring licensed physical therapists. This program focuses on applying advanced therapeutic techniques and leading in diverse healthcare environments.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical biomechanics, physical therapy in special populations, and health care policy and administration in PT. A DPT can help equip you to improve patient rehabilitation, bring new approaches to physical therapy, and effectively manage physical therapy departments or practices.

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

A doctorate in public administration is designed for professionals who aspire to lead in government or non-profit organizations. This program centers on applying advanced concepts to public administration challenges.

Key subjects studied include public policy analysis, organizational leadership in government, and public financial management. A DPA program can help prepare you to shape policies, lead public organizations, and manage resources effectively, making a meaningful impact in public service.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

A Doctor of Public Health is designed for professionals who want to pursue senior or leadership roles in the public health sector. This program emphasizes the practical application of public health theories in addressing global and community health challenges.

Key subjects studied include epidemiology and biostatistics, health policy and management, and community health promotion. DrPH graduates may be equipped to lead in public health organizations, design effective health programs, and influence health policy.

Psychology (PsyD or PhD)

Doctoral psychology programs help prepare you for careers in clinical psychology, counseling, or research.

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) focuses on practical psychological skills. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology tends to emphasize research and theory in the field. Key subjects include clinical practice and assessment, counseling techniques, and behavioral therapy.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) , psychology professionals work in various settings, like schools, healthcare facilities, and private practice.

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A Doctor of Social Work is geared toward social work professionals who want to pursue leadership roles in agencies or nonprofits. This program can help you hone skills in both clinical practice and social work administration.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical practice, social policy analysis, and leadership in social work. Advanced social work roles include clinical directors, policy advisors, and heads of social service organizations.

Advantages and Challenges of No Dissertation Doctorates

Exploring the shortest doctoral programs without dissertation is beneficial if you’re looking to fast-track your career with practical skills. It’s helpful, though, to first weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you.

At the end of the day, the easiest doctorate degrees or easiest PhD without dissertation programs are beneficial if they help you work toward your personal, professional goals.

When choosing an online 18 month doctorate program, here are some key factors to consider:

• Accreditation . It’s beneficial to make sure the school is accredited. This stamp of approval means it meets certain quality standards, which is crucial for your degree’s value.
• Program flexibility . You can look for programs that fit your schedule, especially if you’re balancing work or personal commitments.
• Faculty expertise . You can research the faculty’s background. You might prefer experienced instructors who are experts in their fields.
• Curriculum relevance . You can check whether the coursework aligns with your career goals and interests.
• Technology and resources . Some schools offer robust online resources and tech support—essential for a smooth online learning experience.
• Cost and financial aid . You can evaluate the total cost as well as what financial aid or scholarships are available.
• Alumni network and career services . A strong network and career support can be invaluable for post-graduation opportunities.

The right program for you is the one that not only meets your preferred criteria but also fits your personal and professional aspirations.

Admissions Requirements

Each program has its unique admissions requirements, but here are some common criteria for doctoral programs:

• Advanced degree . Many doctoral programs require a master’s in a related field.
• Professional experience . Relevant work experience showcases your practical knowledge in the field.
• Letters of recommendation . These can come from academic or professional references who can vouch for your qualifications.
• Personal statement . You can explain your motivations and goals for pursuing a doctorate.
• Standardized test scores (if required) . Some grad programs ask for GRE or GMAT scores.

Tailoring your application to each school’s criteria will strengthen your chances of success.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid options can help make paying for a doctorate more manageable. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It will determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and other federal aid. You can also check out what financial aid opportunities your state offers.

If you’re working, you could see if your employer has tuition assistance programs. Many employers are willing to invest in their employees’ education. In addition, you can keep an eye out for scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, or community groups. They can help cover the cost of higher education.

Find quick answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes, you can get a doctorate degree without a dissertation, and it’s becoming a popular choice for many. These programs focus on practical knowledge and skills rather than traditional research.

Instead of a dissertation, you might work on a capstone project, an applied research project, or a professional portfolio that’s more aligned with your career goals. This approach is especially appealing if you’re a working professional looking to advance your career without the time-intensive commitment of a traditional dissertation.

How Is a Doctorate Without Dissertation Different from a Traditional PhD?

Here are some of the differences between a doctorate without a dissertation and a traditional PhD.

Both the fastest PhD programs online and accelerated doctorate programs without dissertations have their merits. You can choose the path that best fits your career aspirations.

Program Cost

The cost of an 18-month doctorate program can vary. But according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) , the average cost of graduate tuition and required fees for an academic year is $12,596 at public institutions and $29,931 at private nonprofit institutions.

Keep in mind, these are averages. The actual cost could be different based on the specific program and school. When considering a program, it’s helpful to look at the detailed tuition fees and factor in other expenses like books, program fees, and living costs. This helps you plan financially for your educational journey.

Are 18-Month, Non-Dissertation Doctorates Credible and Accredited?

There are 18-month, non-dissertation doctorates that are both credible and accredited. Accreditation is key here, especially regional accreditation, which is regarded as the gold standard in higher education.

When a program is regionally accredited, it means it has met rigorous standards set by a recognized accrediting agency. This stamp of approval ensures the quality and credibility of your degree, making sure it’s recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

So, when you’re scouting for programs, it’s always strategic to check their accreditation status. You can find more information and a list of accredited institutions on the US Department of Education’s website.

Can You Get a Doctorate Without a Masters Degree?

Yes, you can get a doctorate without a masters degree. Some PhD programs welcome candidates straight from their bachelor’s program, especially if you have a strong academic record and relevant research or work experience.

These programs typically integrate the coursework of a master’s degree into the PhD curriculum, so you’re not missing out on any vital knowledge. Every program has its unique admissions criteria, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the schools you’re eyeing. That way, you can find a path that fits with your educational background and career goals.

What Kind of Career Opportunities Can I Pursue with an Accelerated Doctoral Degree?

The jobs available to you with a doctoral degree depend on a number of factors, including your degree specialization, work experience, and geographic location.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few roles that typically require doctoral degrees.

Your career opportunities will likely depend on your field of interest, skill sets, and experience.

Getting Your Degree Online

Diving into an 18-month doctorate program without a dissertation component can be a game-changer for your career.

It’s a fast track to advancing your expertise with a practical focus that fits into your busy life. The key is to choose an accredited doctoral program that aligns with your goals. So, why wait? You can start exploring your options today!

The sooner you find the accredited school and program that’s right for you, the sooner you can take that next step in your educational and professional journey.

Top Online PhD Without Dissertation

• by Canice Silas

Online PhD without dissertation is a way of pursuing a PhD using work experience that offers a different and unique approach compared to the traditional route. Some exceptional programs even eliminate the need for a lengthy and conventional doctoral dissertation and certain doctorate degrees may not necessarily include a research component.

While a traditional PhD journey usually encompasses five years of extensive research and culminates in a lengthy dissertation, it is crucial to note that there are alternate pathways available that allow individuals to bypass such arduous written requirements, making the pursuit of a PhD a more flexible and customizable experience.

Many students who wish to get a PhD get scared away as a result of the dissertation requirements that unnecessarily prolong the completion time for a PhD . However, with our list of 10 online PhD without dissertations, we have ensured that we touched across all sectors and industries. Be it finance, administration, health, arts or whatever career you wish to pursue, there is an online doctorate that does not require a dissertation for you.

Table of Contents

Why Online PhDs Without Dissertations Are the Future

The process of writing a dissertation showcases one’s academic abilities. A doctoral thesis aims to make a discovery or contribute to human knowledge. However, the pressure to continuously make progress and the fear of making mistakes can be demotivating. The current academic culture values progress over learning experiences. This repetition and fear of failure often lead to dropouts or increased completion time. The system needs a shortcut, such as online PhD programs without dissertations, hence one can say online PhDs without dissertations are the future for the following reasons.

Fast Track to Expertise

Online doctoral programs are designed to help you further specialize in your academic area of career. You can obtain your PhD in your field of Psychology or another field in Counseling. Each doctoral program sets its own curriculum requirements so it is best to research course requirements at several schools to find a program that best fits your career goals. Some online 1-year PhD programs in Europe skip the dissertation and instead require a capstone writing project. This project consists of publishable scholarly articles on a topic in the field of study.

Saves Money and Time

Online PhD study can provide a more cost-effective and time-efficient path to a PhD . Students can work from their own homes on their schedules as opposed to relocating. This means that they can continue in their present employment or seek work whilst studying. The cost of living for a student living away from home can usually be saved.

Work-Life Harmony Redefined

Another reason that many individuals cite for considering online PhD programs without dissertation programs is work-life redefinition. Many students work full-time jobs, have families, or have other obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional PhD programs. Hence with online doctorate studies, they can comfortably attend classes from anywhere without distorting their schedules.

It Focuses on What Matters

These online PhD programs focus on streamlined coursework that equips you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen field. This means less time spent on theoretical research and more time developing the expertise that will make you a valuable asset in the workforce.

The following can be said to be the benefits of pursuing an online PhD without a dissertation. Now you have more reasons to get an online PhD, let us see the top disciplines where you can earn your doctorate online without a dissertation.

NB: All wage data are obtained as of May 2021, from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics

Accounting PhD programs are primarily designed for those individuals interested in pursuing careers in academic research and teaching, financial management, budget analysis and taxation. The programs provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the accounting discipline and research methodologies through a set of doctoral core courses and a major area of concentration.

Median Wage: $76,570

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a professional doctoral degree intended to prepare graduates for a career in psychology practice and the use of psychotherapeutic methods. Online PsyD programs are structured with coursework. While very similar to the PhD in Psychology, the PsyD is more focused on the clinical aspects of psychology as opposed to research.

Median Wage: $105,310

Computer & ICT

Accredited online PhD programs in Computer and ICT are on the rise. Companies are wising up to the fact that technology is a rapidly expanding field, and many folks in the field have a very theoretical mindset that can be beneficial in realizing larger company goals. When you are trying to find an online PhD program in computer and ICT, keep in mind that this field is quite broad with many viable specializations.

Median Wage: $159,010

Nursing & Healthcare Administration

An online degree can provide a more flexible option for getting your degree in nursing or healthcare, especially if you are working a full-time job and cannot afford to take time off to further your studies. This program can open doors to jobs in higher education, policy-making, and leadership roles in healthcare. In today’s technologically advanced world, a nurse can earn one of these PhDs online without having to break the make or adjust his/her schedule.

Median Wage: $123,780

Public Administration

The public administration specialization provides an understanding of environmental factors and organizational theory in public organizations. The substantial challenges and opportunities offered in the Public and Non-Profit sectors of society have grown larger and more complex. Both senior and mid-level managers as well as entry-level ones seek to gain the knowledge and expertise to understand these challenges and be equipped with the fine skills essential to solve problems and seize opportunities.

Median Wage: $74,000

Public Health

Public health promotes, protects, and improves community health. Specialists solve problems through collaboration, advocating prevention and better quality of life. The specialty combines nursing, medicine, social and behavioural sciences, and physical sciences.

Interested in becoming a public health doctor and obtaining an academic qualification? You can get an online PhD in Public Health as it is one of the top doctorate degrees you can get online without a dissertation.

Median Wage: $99,040

Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations to meet current trends in industry and business. Students in the DBA program choose to focus their studies on organizational leadership, marketing and innovation, or through a custom-designed option to meet their unique career goals.

Online DBA programs are designed to fit the lifestyle of busy professionals. Coursework, assignments, group projects, and exams are completed on the student’s own time through our engaging and interactive online platform and are supported by faculty with real-world experience. This learning model provides the ultimate in flexibility, convenience, and quality.

Median Wage: $131,710

The online PhD in education is typically geared towards developing the skills required for leadership in an institution, public or private. For this reason, many teachers and other faculty members are pressured into a PhD program even if they have no intention of leaving their current positions. The skills developed in an education PhD program translate highly to other fields such as adult education or curriculum development. Therefore, an online PhD in education can open up many doors to a student seeking a career in various areas.

Median Wage: $98,420

The field of finance is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the business industry today. Enrolling in an online doctoral program in finance will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of advanced finance theory, international and corporate finance, and econometrics. Online PhD programs in finance are offered and enable students to become experts in their field of financial management.

Median Wage: $208,000

A management career is highly credible, with the main objective of achieving goals effectively and efficiently. Obtaining a management degree is advantageous for future career advancement. Many try to pursue a management degree but find it difficult due to job and family commitments. Online PhD programs without a dissertation offer a solution, allowing flexibility in studying.

Median Wage: $179,520

What is a PhD without A Dissertation?

PhD programs without dissertations offer alternative final projects, like capstones or exams, allowing faster completion and potentially a stronger focus on practical applications of your knowledge in the chosen field.

Can I get A PhD Without a Dissertation?

Yes, there are quite simple ways to obtain a PhD without doing a dissertation. Often, this can be done by taking an intensive program of study that is equivalent to a traditional-style PhD. It can also be done on an individual basis, working closely with a supervisor. In essence, this achieves the same thing as a normal PhD.

What is the Quickest and Easiest PhD to Get?

There’s no shortcut to a PhD, but some fields like education or programs with coursework emphasis and alternative final projects might offer a faster track. Remember, a PhD demands dedication; finding a program you’re passionate about is key.

How Fast Can You Get a PhD?

If you have a relevant educational background, you can potentially skip coursework and complete your PhD in 3 years. Most programs require 3-4 years of study. Passing a competency test is usually necessary to skip coursework. Proper preparation can speed up the process.

Which PhD Pays the most?

• Highest Paying PhD Degrees With Estimated Pay
• Best Paying Non-Academic Careers for PhDs
• 10 Most Lucrative Doctoral Careers

Can PhD Programs Without Dissertations Be Found Online?

Yes! PhD programs without dissertation obligations can be found online. Most of them are the ones listed above. These programs are often in education and business fields and can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Can Online PhD Programs Get Funding?

Yes! Some online doctoral students can receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships . Explore options to pursue a PhD without a dissertation. Funding availability varies, and completing coursework and exams may be necessary for funding. Contact the division or school to inquire about opportunities.

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Canice Silas

Canice U. Silas is a dedicated scholar who has channeled the last 20 years of his life to various forms of scholastic pursuits. He holds a BSC in Industrial Chemistry and a master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the prestigious Imo State University, Owerri. Mr Silas is set to complete his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry within the next six months. Passionate about the classroom from his elementary school days, Mr Silas grabbed the first opportunity that came his way at the Imo State University where he worked as A. A and currently K. O. Mbadiwe University, as a lecturer and as well has been into educational consulting for thousands of students across various tertiary institutions in the world.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Phd degree program overview, doctor of philosophy introduction.

The SMC Doctor of Philosophy program aims to develop participant’s abilities to undertake independent research at an advanced level and make an original and significant contribution to knowledge and professional practice. PhD program students can be mid-career individuals who have already established themselves as business leaders or are on track to being appointed to executive positions and are supported in their academic ambition by their employing organization. PhD candidates can also be students in their late 20s who excelled in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees and are ready for the next step in academic research. The degree is intended for both senior practitioners in their field, who are used to identifying and dealing with various “real life” issues, as well as researchers whose main strength lies in theoretical knowledge.

PhD Degree Specializations

Doctor of philosophy research fields.

Academic doctorates are awarded for original research and scholarship in a given research area. They prepare research candidates for various careers through their main focus of broadening theoretical understanding of a subject.

PhD in Business Administration

This doctoral research field prepares students for advanced research and teaching careers in business and management.

PhD in Political Economy

The PhD in Political Economy prepares students for careers in academia, policy-making, consulting, journalism, and civil society organizations.

PhD in Political Sciences

Students typically choose a subfield of political science, such as comparative politics, int. relations, political theory, and public policy.

PhD in Public Administration

Advanced research in the field of public management and policy to improve the performance of public organizations and programs.

PhD in Economics

Research focus on micro- and macroeconomics, econometrics, int. economics, development economics, labor economics, industrial organization, public economics, and behavioral economics.

PhD in Finance

This field focuses on the study of financial markets, institutions, and decision-making. It prepares students for careers in academia, research, or policy-making in the fields of finance, economics, or business.

PhD in IT & Cybertech

Students focus on the research of IT and protection of information and their systems in various domains and treats. Researchers develop expertise to solve complex problems, create innovative solutions in IT and Cybersecurity. 

Students focus on research in business & corporate law, international law, and IP law. The PhD is the highest academic qualification in the legal profession. It requires significant originality and rigorous scholarship.

PhD in Austrian Economics

The Doctorate in Austrian Economics is a unique and specialized distance research program, focusing on the principles and applications of the Austrian School of Economics. This program provides an opportunity to obtain your Ph.D. under the guidance of renowned scholars in the field.

PhD Degree Target Group

Phd program participants.

PhD students can be mid-career individuals who have already established themselves as business leaders or are on track to being appointed to executive positions and are supported in their academic ambition by their employing organisation. PhD candidates can also be students in their late 20s who excelled in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees and are ready for the next step in academic research. The degree is intended for both senior practitioners in their field, who are used to identifying and dealing with various “real life” issues, as well as researchers whose main strength lies in theoretical knowledge. 

The Doctor of Philosophy degree can open a wide range of professional opportunities in a variety of settings from lecturing at Universities or Higher Education Institutions, to top management positions, to consulting or even further entrepreneurship.

PhD Program Structure

Doctoral research phases.

This Doctor of Philosophy degree program has a clear milestone system made up of eight successive phases. Students are initially registered as MPhil. Students. The enrollment status is upgraded to Ph.D. status after at least 24 months of part-time study once the candidate passes the Transfer Interview. Transfer is allowed on clear evidence of progress in their work (Phase Five). The applied milestone system provides a rigorous quality assurance system making sure that only those who reach the expected level of scholarship are allowed to move on.

PhD Dissertation

Doctoral thesis.

Students work closely with the assigned supervisors to go through the Eight Phases of the program. Research Candidates are to write a thesis that clearly demonstrates competence in the subject area at an advanced level and contribute towards new knowledge. The length of a thesis is of around 100,000 words. At the end of each term, the researcher and their supervisors must each submit a progress report to the SMC Doctorate Committee. When the supervisors are satisfied that the work is ready for examination, the thesis is submitted to an appointed Board of Examiners. After examination, the Chairperson may give approval for the oral defense or ask for resubmission with corrections.

PhD Degree Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, learners will have acquired the following competences, knowledge, and skills (click on each heading to see the details):

• Lead the development of new ideas or new processes in the respective field.
• Make judicious judgements involving a multitude of interlinked factors.
• Promote social, scientific and ethical advancement in the respective field.
• Advise on theory/practice that is complex and possibly even unpredictable, and which may require new strategic approaches.
• Command of high-specialized know-how relevant in the particular context of the field of study.
• Demonstrate intellectual capacities in the ability to deal with very complex problems, including problem formulation, problem solving and innovation capacity.
• Be responsible for academic rigor, creativity and adaptability in addressing specific issues within one’s fields of specialization.
• Manage the necessary resilience and dynamism in the face of very complex phenomena.
• Outline the theoretical foundation of the respective research area which is at the forefront of the concerned field of study
• Design original research with consideration for contemporary societal perspectives that advances empirical/theoretical knowledge in the respective research area
• Create new knowledge at a most advanced frontier of a field of study through original and advanced research of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication
• Engage with a diverse specialized audience as a scholar regarding the relevance of theories, applications and practical solutions
• Design solutions to challenges in the local and/or global domain based on original and scholarly research that substantially advance theory/practice
• Undertake rigorous research at the highest level
• Identify ethical issues in the respective research area and assume an academic leading role to promote progress ethically
• Critique the range of knowledge, theory, specifics and philosophical paradigms that underpin research in the respective field of specialisation
• Illustrate empirical qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method approaches or of philosophical inquiry to research
• Implement research methodologies used by researchers in the respective field of studies
• Analyse complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge communicating the outcome effectively with critical awareness
• Synthesize information in a manner that may be innovative, utilising knowledge or processes from the forefront of the respective area of study with critical awareness
• Address dilemmas and choices that allow researchers to critically evaluate research-based scholarship and practice and to argue alternative approaches
• Demonstrate substantial initiative and originality in problem solving
• Solve issues by establishing criteria, using appropriate decision techniques including identifying, formulating and addressing problems
• Analyse, synthesize and assess new and complex phenomena, issues and situations autonomously and critically in an organisational and/or global business context
• Identify and formulate issues with scholarly precision, plan and use appropriate methods to undertake research within predetermined time frames
• Critique major challenges in the respective research area
• Recognize ethical situations, applying personal and organisational ethical values to situations, managing the implications of dilemmas and working proactively with others to formulate solutions
• Promote social, cultural, commercial, scientific, and ethical advancement through theory and practice
• Communicate expertise to a peers through different media

PhD Degree Program Tuition Fees

Financing options.

PhD Program Application

Doctoral admission requirments, free phd program application, doctoral admission process.

Students are initially registered as MPhil. Students. The course of studies is upgraded to PhD status after at least 24 months of part-time study once the candidate passes the Transfer Interview (see Program Structure above). Transfer is allowed on clear evidence of progress in the student’s work (Phase Five). To apply for Admission, please follow the steps below.

This program is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.

Accreditation License Number 2019-014

PhD Program

PERSPECTIVE article

Enhancing doctoral learning through virtual communities of practice: an autoethnographic perspective.

• School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom

This article explores the role of virtual communities of practice in enhancing the doctoral experience, particularly in the contemporary digital era. The author emphasizes the multifaceted benefits, including elevating academic networking, optimizing knowledge management, and supporting the mental well-being of remote learners. The establishment of clear shared objectives, dynamic leadership, and a conducive environment for collaborative innovation are identified as key prerequisites for building successful virtual communities of practice. As remote doctoral education becomes more prevalent, virtual communities of practice not only facilitate academic engagement but also foster mutual support and advocacy among doctoral students. The researcher, as a final year PhD student employed autoethnography as a research method to offer an intimate and reflective exploration of her personal experiences within virtual communities of practice. This unique insider perspective adds depth to the discussion on elevating academic networking, optimizing knowledge management, and supporting the mental well-being of remote learners. Furthermore, her ongoing doctoral research focuses on the socialization process and the development of a sense of belonging among doctoral students. Motivated by her research topics, she commenced her doctoral studies during the epidemic and cultivated the practice of consistently maintaining a researcher’s reflection diary. This perspective article examines her diary, elucidating her experiences, opinions, and feelings. The researcher utilized a thematic approach to thoroughly analyze the author’s research diaries covering the period from December 2020 to August 2023. The article concludes by calling for further research into the professional identity development of doctoral students within virtual learning communities, exploring potential challenges and effective coping mechanisms to achieve inclusive practices in the complex and diverse digital era of academia.

1 Introduction

We all belong to some communities of practice as they are an integral part of our daily lives. A community of practice defines itself along three dimensions: its joint enterprise as understood and continually renegotiated by its members; the relationships of mutual engagement that bind members together into a social entity; and the shared repertoire of communal resources that members have developed over time ( Wenger, 1998a , b ). Concerning doctoral learning, communities of practice may enhance the experiences of doctoral students ( Lahenius, 2012 ; Coffman et al., 2016 ; Cai et al., 2019 ). In this study, doctoral experience refers to the journey and process of obtaining a doctoral degree, and it encompasses various aspects, including academic study, research, teaching, professional development, and personal growth. Doctoral learning experience is a trajectory of becoming a researcher, negotiating new identities and reconceptualizing themselves both as people and professionals ( Mantai, 2017 ).

In the digital era, virtual communities of practice use the Internet and technology to facilitate their construction, applying contemporary media and platforms to create attractive and conducive online environments. Not all website spaces are considered virtual communities of practice. They must conform to the original definition of offline communities of practice, which consist of three basic elements: domain, community, and practice. The social learning space has moved online, but it still emphasizes that a group of people with common enthusiasm and interests gather voluntarily and regularly to discuss a specific knowledge or technical field, thereby achieving dual growth of individuals and organizations ( Hanisch, 2006 ; Sibbald et al., 2022 ).

Despite the existence of the community of practice concept for over two decades, there remains a dearth of holistic investigations into their role within doctoral education contexts in the contemporary digital era. Presently, doctoral students, positioned as emerging researchers, engage in research activities utilizing a distinct approach, wherein their educational experiences are intricately interwoven with technological advancements, leading to a profound immersion in online academic environments. This article commences by elucidating the advantageous implications of virtual communities of practice for doctoral students. Following this, the author articulates her viewpoint on the key attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of a virtual doctoral community of practice. Ultimately, the article concludes with a synthesis of conclusions and proposes avenues for prospective research endeavors in this domain.

2 Literature review

2.1 virtual communities of practice for doctoral candidates/studies.

The cultivation of virtual communities of practice holds substantial promise in enriching the doctoral experience through multifaceted advantages. Firstly, the establishment of such communities augments the professional networks available to doctoral candidates, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful collaborations, information exchange, and interdisciplinary discourse. Secondly, the optimization of knowledge management processes within these virtual communities facilitates the seamless dissemination and acquisition of scholarly insights, thereby contributing to the intellectual enrichment of participating doctoral candidates. Moreover, the supportive and collaborative nature of these communities plays a pivotal role in promoting the mental well-being of doctoral candidates, offering a platform for shared experiences, encouragement, and the mitigation of the isolation often associated with the doctoral journey. In essence, the integration of virtual communities of practice serves as a holistic enhancement to the doctoral experience by addressing not only academic aspects but also the social and emotional dimensions of doctoral candidates’ endeavors.

2.2 Elevating academic networking and optimizing knowledge management

The advent of the internet and digital technology affords doctoral students expanded opportunities to engage with academically akin peers and to establish enduring collaborative relationships with them. The inherent worth of any body of knowledge or specific domain is underscored by the recognition that individuals possessing requisite knowledge and skills can be considered social capital. The concept of social capital proves valuable when contemplating collaborative virtual learning environments and dispersed communities of practice. Facilitated by technological interventions, the processes of knowledge exchange, dissemination, and evolution have accelerated, thereby refining the overarching landscape of knowledge management within the context of doctoral education ( Daniel et al., 2003 ; Chiu et al., 2006 ; McLoughlin et al., 2018 ). Accordingly, doctoral students must accrue this form of social capital as a strategic imperative for the advancement of their professional development and subsequent level of career preparedness upon the attainment of their degrees. In practical applications, there are many types of doctoral virtual communities of practice. Platforms that can be used include the school’s Black Board platform, Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings organized by students themselves, as well as various practice groups privately established by students based on their majors, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, etc. Groups typically use application software on portable technologies, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. These practice groups can effectively extend and supplement what they learn in formal classes and seminars. Further, online space such as Google documents, for example, provides a convenient place for doctoral students to write together, allowing co-journaling to become an online collaboration among researchers.

2.3 Support for the psychological well-being of remote learners

Numerous doctoral students grapple with feelings of alienation and an inadequate sense of belonging. Consequently, they encounter heightened challenges and impediments that exert adverse effects on their socialization processes and the formation of their identities ( Schmidt and Hansson, 2018 ; Waight and Giordano, 2018 ; Jackman et al., 2022 ). Nevertheless, various technologies can help solve these issues. Technology can aid doctoral students in overcoming alienation and enhance members’ inclusion by providing avenues for communication and collaboration through online platforms and virtual meetings ( Carroll and Mallon, 2021 ; Hammond et al., 2021 ). For example, access to digital libraries, online courses, and workshops enables flexible learning, while social media and virtual communities offer peer support. Collaborative tools facilitate remote research collaboration, and technology provides mental well-being support such as regular consulting through telehealth services. Flexible learning environments, virtual conferences, and global collaboration opportunities break down geographical barriers. Apparently, as remote doctoral education has gained prevalence in the aftermath of the pandemic, virtual communities of practice emerged as valuable platforms for fostering mutual psychological support among remote learners.

The pressures placed on doctoral students are unique since the work and leisure boundaries of doctoral students are blurry. Compared to the structured curriculum-based undergraduate or Master’s, doctoral experience is an intensive research practice and it is characterized by a ‘plurality of practices’ and ‘lack of structure’( Elliot, 2023 ). In addition, many of them were formerly professionals who suddenly found themselves back to being students, often with added pressures such as family financial and caregiving responsibilities at the same time. These stressful doctoral experiences might cause well-being issues and increase attrition rate ( Laufer and Gorup, 2019 ; McCray and Joseph-Richard, 2020 ). For relatively young doctoral students, they also face various psychological pressures and burnout. These pressures may come from developing independent research, publishing, and future employment considerations. In addition, unlike a master’s program, a doctorate takes several years to earn, which is a great test for remote learners’ physical and mental health. Online practice communities can relieve the inner tension of doctoral students, allowing them to regularly share the difficulties encountered along the way, by providing opportunities to study with their peers and other scholars, solve problems together, and share the joy of success.

3 Research questions and research method

3.1 research rationale, aim, and research question.

Considering the transformative impact of virtual communities of practice on doctoral education, there exists a research gap that warrants investigation. The current body of literature acknowledges the importance of in doctoral learning experiences. However, there is a noticeable lack of in-depth exploration regarding doctoral learning within the context of post-pandemic academia. As the landscape of academic learning undergoes dynamic changes in the wake of global events, understanding and documenting these strategies become imperative. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by systematically examining the strategies to optimize doctoral learning experiences in the post-pandemic era. The research seeks to provide valuable insights into effective practices for building and sustaining communities of practice online, thereby contributing to the enhancement of doctoral education in contemporary digital academic environments. The research question in this study is: What are the key strategies employed by virtual communities of practice in enhancing doctoral students’ learning experiences in the digital era?

3.2 Autoethnography

This autoethnographic study was conducted by the researcher, a current doctoral student immersed in the digital era of academia, who delves into the transformative role of virtual communities of practice in enhancing the doctoral experience. Autoethnography emerges as a robust qualitative research approach, particularly when applied to scrutinizing a reflective diary. This method facilitates a thorough exploration of personal experiences, embracing subjectivity and emotions, and offering valuable insights often overlooked by conventional research methods. By accentuating the cultural context in which these experiences unfold, autoethnography enables researchers to position their reflections within broader societal patterns and historical influences. This contextualization enhances the understanding of the studied phenomenon, fostering a nuanced examination of the researcher’s positionality and biases through reflexivity. Furthermore, this approach acknowledges the importance of emotions and embodiment in the research process. Examining a reflective diary through autoethnography allows for a deeper investigation into the emotional dimensions of personal experiences and how these emotions are embodied within the cultural context. In addition, as a form of advocacy, autoethnography empowers researchers to assert their voices, challenging dominant narratives and contributing to a more inclusive comprehension of the studied phenomenon. In essence, employing autoethnography to analyze a reflective diary offers a distinctive pathway for researchers to authentically engage with their own experiences, establishing a profound connection with the subject matter while simultaneously enriching the broader academic discourse ( Russell, 1999 ; Cunningham and Jones, 2005 ; Marak, 2015 ; Chang, 2016 ).

The researcher possessed fluid and dynamic narrative voices during her doctoral trajectory. To deconstruct the competing tensions within the personal self and the social context, the researcher adopted ‘multivocality’( Tilley-Lubbs, 2016 ) that reflects on her subjectivity. The evocative mode was used, and the focus was evoking emotional experiences. The researcher wrote in a descriptive and detailed manner about her experiences in virtual doctoral communities of practice, paying attention to how these experiences shape her learning and identity. The focus was exploring the connections between these experiences and her doctoral learning journey. Some prompts or questions were used for her reflective journals on a weekly or monthly basis: (1) What were the key activities I have engaged within virtual communities of practice recently? (2) How did these interactions or activities contribute to my understanding of doctoral research and learning? (3) What obstacles did I encounter in participating in virtual communities of practice, and how did I navigate them? (4) How did my participation in virtual communities of practice influence my perspectives, beliefs, or practices related to doctoral research and learning?

3.3 Analysis techniques

Going beyond the surface-level content is essential in autoethnographic research. In this study, thematic analysis was chosen to interpret the data, aligning with the narrative review’s goal of synthesizing information from various studies. The researcher followed six phases: getting acquainted with the data, creating initial codes, identifying themes, reviewing themes, defining themes, and documenting the findings ( Braun and Clarke, 2006 ). This method is particularly effective in identifying recurring themes or ideas across different studies, aiding the researcher in discerning patterns, trends, and commonalities within the literature. The thematic analysis allows for a more nuanced exploration of broader themes and meanings emerging across studies, going beyond a simple summarization of individual research findings. To align with the reflective diary prompts, the author began by thoroughly reviewing each entry to identify recurring themes specific to each question. After that, key themes were summarized with supporting excerpts.

Moreover, the flexibility and adaptability inherent in thematic analysis are especially valuable in the context of narrative review. This open-minded approach lets themes emerge organically from the data, avoiding the imposition of preconceived categories and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives within the literature. By applying the thematic method to her research diaries, the author systematically identifies recurring themes, patterns, and insights related to academic networking, knowledge management, and mental well-being. The thematic analysis serves as a robust framework, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted benefits derived from virtual communities of practice. This method allows for a deeper exploration of the transformative role of these communities in the author’s doctoral journey, emphasizing the significance of academic engagement, mutual support, and advocacy. The utilization of thematic analysis enriches the article’s discussion by delving into the specific dynamics and evolving nature of the virtual communities over the specified time. Through this introspective approach, the author enhances the scholarly discourse on elevating academic networking, optimizing knowledge management, and supporting the mental well-being of remote learners within the context of doctoral education in the digital era.

4 Findings and discussions

After analyzing monthly research journals, the researcher identified certain useful strategies to create, maintain, and develop a sustainable virtual doctoral community of practice. The strategies resonate with the essence of ‘competence, autonomy, and relatedness’ in self-determination theory ( Ryan and Deci, 2020 , p. 5), which are closely aligned to advanced scholarly experience such as in the doctoral and post-doctoral contexts ( Elliot, 2023 , pp. 39–40). Establishing a thriving virtual doctoral community of practice necessitates several key prerequisites. Foremost among these is the imperative for members to collectively embrace a shared and well-defined objective, acting as a unifying force and guiding beacon for the community’s cohesion and efficacy. Dynamic leadership is crucial, not just in appointing leaders but in cultivating a culture where leadership roles can be assumed by various members, thus fostering a fluid exchange of ideas and collaborative spirit. Active contribution by each member is pivotal for the community’s vitality, extending beyond participation to a commitment to sharing expertise, experiences, and resources to which doctoral students can obtain equal access.

4.1 Define shared objective goals

The researcher noted that her involvement in self-organized online research conferences, seminars, and workshops, particularly those facilitated by small, informal student practice groups, posed challenges in sustaining community longevity due to a lack of shared objectives. She and her fellow researchers frequently encountered numerous WhatsApp and Zoom discussion groups that lacked clear distinctions between academic and social purposes. Devoid of explicitly defined shared objectives and enterprises, the utilization of advanced technologies alone would not suffice to establish a meaningful and productive virtual community of practice ( Wenger, 1998b ; Ardichvili, 2008 ; Barnett et al., 2012 ). Accordingly, without explicitly defined shared objectives and common undertakings, relying solely on advanced technologies would fall short of establishing a meaningful and productive virtual community of practice for doctoral students. The efficacy of technological tools hinges on a foundation of collective purpose and well-defined goals. It is the harmonization of these shared objectives that gives purpose to the utilization of advanced technologies within the virtual community, transforming them from mere tools into enablers of collaborative scholarship. In the absence of a clear and shared direction, even the most sophisticated technological platforms would struggle to foster the depth of engagement and intellectual exchange necessary for a thriving doctoral community.

Therefore, the synergy between technological infrastructure and a collectively embraced mission becomes integral, forming the essential groundwork for a virtual space where doctoral students can collaborate meaningfully, share insights, and collectively advance their scholarly pursuits. For example, if an online dissertation writing community is established specifically for students of the Faculty of Education, it is first necessary to stipulate who can participate (such as final year students of the same faculty), the platform used for each online meeting, and the gathering time. More importantly, the organizers should also set plans and goals at the outset, so that members can understand which aspects of academic writing can be explored and discussed at each gathering, exchange online journals and specific books, as well as conduct research with their links that can be shared with group members. Over time, this online writing community will form a rich and substantial reservoir of shared knowledge, transcending the barriers of time and geography.

4.2 Implement distributed leadership

In 2021, the researcher, along with four to six other doctoral students, initiated the establishment of an online reading club. The group consistently exchanged journal articles, organized progress panels, shared ongoing research, and delved into each other’s methodologies. Within these virtual communities, there is not a designated leader; instead, everyone takes turns serving as the meeting chair. This shared purpose and recognition foster a supportive environment, encouraging mutual support among peers and contributing to the student’s professional development. Ultimately, the engagement in shared goals and collaborative initiatives creates a sense of belonging, especially during the pandemic and fully online programs in post-pandemic.

Cyberspace offers the potential for dynamic leadership in virtual doctoral communities of practice, where participants are categorized as core or partial members. Doctoral students, with varying levels of engagement, include individuals who assume leadership roles by actively contributing to events, planning, discussions, and decision-making processes. Leaders enhance the cognitive progress of the community of practice by offering members a steady and unified vision of its goals. Yet, depending solely on the leader to guarantee the success of a virtual community of practice can be precarious. Leaders may lack experience in their roles, and even the most enthusiastic ones may benefit from seeking advice. Engaging in a model of distributed leadership plays a significant role in building strong communities of practice, and this type of effective leadership could play a crucial role in the success of online doctoral learning ( Bourhis and Duba, 2005 ; Muller, 2006 ; Clarkin-Phillips, 2011 ). For example, when doctoral students from various research societies and practice groups, they can invite prestigious scholars in the field to participate, or school institutions can support students with financial and human resources. However, the long-term operation within the community must achieve the spirit of centralization, social responsibility, and collective learning, rather than being controlled by a few top faculty or specific senior students, who are likely to move on once they graduate leaving a void that needs to be filled. That may, in turn, lead to the collapse of the community.

4.3 Building a conductive collaborative environment

In 2023, the author commenced her contributions to her research center’s blog at her university, employing an informal writing style to disseminate research insights to the school’s faculty and peers. Furthermore, she established a collaborative Google Document file space for co-editing and writing, engaging in online co-authoring endeavors with fellow doctoral students. Finally, she found that: to build, maintain, and develop a successful virtual community of practice, doctoral students must be provided with a conducive environment to collaboratively cultivate innovative approaches that foster a high level of engagement. These virtual platforms ensure equal opportunities for all participants to articulate their perspectives, promoting an inclusive and participatory atmosphere. This learning model offers doctoral students an unconventional approach to innovation by diverging from traditional top-down methods, creating a supportive environment that accommodates uncertainty and fosters constructive partnerships, and mitigating the impact of power imbalances ( Brandon and Charlton, 2011 ; Botha and Kourkoutas, 2016 ; Mortier, 2020 ). The overarching objective is to empower doctoral students to take proactive initiatives in shaping their own learning journeys, concurrently fostering a sense of passion and advocacy within their respective academic institutions.

5 Limitations and future suggestions

5.1 limitations.

The temporal scope of the research diaries, covering a specific period from December 2020 to August 2023, could potentially miss evolving trends and changes in virtual communities of practice. A more extended and continuous observation period is suggested to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play.

Additionally, autoethnography itself is an ethical practice ( Ellis, 2007 ). The main limitation of the autoethnographic study is its individualized and introspective nature. The use of autoethnography may introduce subjectivity and potential bias into the findings, posing a challenge to the study’s overall validity. Future research could address this limitation by combining the autoethnographic approach with other research methodologies or triangulation methods to strengthen the credibility of the study. Furthermore, the absence of a comparison group or alternative research approach makes it challenging to assess the unique impact of virtual communities of practice on the doctoral experience compared to traditional methods.

The article predominantly highlights the positive aspects of virtual communities of practice, potentially overlooking challenges or negative experiences that some participants might face. A more balanced exploration of both positive and negative dimensions is recommended to provide a comprehensive view of the intricacies involved.

5.2 Future suggestions

Future research should consider including a more diverse range of participants, representing different disciplines, demographics, and stages of doctoral studies. This would not only enhance the generalizability of findings but also ensure that the benefits and challenges of virtual communities of practice are understood across a broader doctoral student population. Further, conducting longitudinal studies that span the entire duration of doctoral programs is suggested to offer a more in-depth understanding of how virtual communities of practice evolve and impact the overall doctoral experience over time.

Additionally, comparative studies between virtual and traditional communities of practice are recommended to enable a clearer assessment of the unique advantages and disadvantages of virtual platforms in fostering academic networking, knowledge management, and mental well-being. Lastly, the call for further exploration into the professional identity development of doctoral students within virtual learning communities provides an avenue for valuable insights into the long-term impacts on participants’ careers and academic trajectories.

6 Conclusion

To encapsulate the main points, three key strategies are identified to enhance doctoral learning by virtual/online communities of practice. To begin with, establishing explicit and shared objectives and common undertakings is crucial for the success of virtual communities of practice. This involves clearly defining the purpose, goals, and direction of the community, particularly in the context of doctoral studies. The synergy between technological infrastructure and a collectively embraced mission is essential for transforming advanced technologies into enablers of collaborative scholarship.

Moreover, dynamic leadership in virtual doctoral communities of practice plays a vital role, with participants categorized as core or partial members. Leaders contribute to events, planning, discussions, and decision-making processes. Depending solely on a single leader may be precarious, so a model of distributed leadership is advocated. This involves engaging individuals with varying levels of experience and expertise to contribute to the success of the community. Distributed leadership can involve inviting scholars to participate, obtaining support from institutions, and ensuring a balance between centralized guidance and collective responsibility to avoid dependence on a few individuals.

Lastly, providing a conducive environment for collaborative learning is essential for building, maintaining, and developing successful virtual communities of practice. Virtual platforms should ensure equal opportunities for all participants to express their perspectives, creating an inclusive and participatory atmosphere. This approach diverges from traditional top-down methods, promoting innovative approaches, accommodating uncertainty, fostering constructive partnerships, and mitigating power imbalances. The goal is to empower doctoral students to take proactive initiatives in shaping their learning journeys. These three strategies collectively emphasize the importance of clear objectives, distributed leadership, and a supportive collaborative environment in enhancing the effectiveness of virtual communities of practice for doctoral learning.

In essence, this article sheds light on the crucial role of virtual communities of practice in enhancing the doctoral experience, particularly in the contemporary digital era where technology intertwines with academic pursuits. The exploration underscores the multifaceted benefits of such communities, ranging from elevating academic networking and optimizing knowledge management to supporting the psychological well-being of remote learners. It emphasizes the importance of clear shared objectives, dynamic leadership, and a conducive environment for collaborative innovation in building successful virtual communities of practice. As remote doctoral education gains prominence, these virtual platforms emerge as valuable tools not only for academic engagement but also for fostering mutual support and advocacy among doctoral students.

Moreover, with an increasing number of doctoral students embracing an academic nomadic lifestyle, the significance of the social situational learning model within virtual communities of practice becomes noteworthy. The author contends that further investigation into this subject is warranted, particularly concerning the professional identity development of doctoral students within virtual learning communities. There is a need to delve into the potential challenges such scholars might encounter during this process and explore effective coping mechanisms. The aspiration is to gain a deeper insight into achieving inclusive practices for doctoral students who are both complex and diverse in this digital era.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

H-CH: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: doctoral experience, virtual communities of practice, networking, knowledge management, mental well-being, remote learning

Citation: Huang H-C (2024) Enhancing doctoral learning through virtual communities of practice: an autoethnographic perspective. Front. Educ . 9:1347052. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1347052

Received: 30 November 2023; Accepted: 28 June 2024; Published: 08 July 2024.

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Copyright © 2024 Huang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Hsin-Chi Huang, [email protected]

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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