18-Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation

What Is a Dissertation?

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, is a research project. Many graduate programs require one. They are completed after completing other courses in a degree. This is common with undergrad and grad programs. Dissertations are quite common. Some students enjoy them. Others do not, so 18-month doctorate programs without dissertation may be possible.

How Does a Dissertation Work?

Many dissertations require students to complete a research project. They may choose the topic. They choose the content of the dissertation. This document is longer than an essay. It may be several thousands words in length. The goal is to present their findings on a specific topics or question. Some programs have very specific rules for them. Others allow students to choose what to discuss completely.

Dissertations take a good amount of time to complete. They require students to spend time researching a subject extensively. They could help determine if a student receives his or her degree. That means they are very important to complete with time and care.

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Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

Dissertations are typically required for completion of a program. They help students share the info they have learned. Many of them are research papers that provide several viewpoints. Some are set up to be more of a debate with a conclusion. The goal for many schools is to ensure a student can complete an independent research paper. These skills may be very valuable to a degree. Many schools use them as a final grade.

They take a lot of time to complete. Dissertations are the longest and yet very important assignment most students will complete. They could take months to prepare and complete. Many students will receive some support from their professors. They may be ideal for those passionate about a topic. For others, they may be one of the most grueling forms of assignments.

Some Schools Do Not Require Them

Here is the good news: Not all schools and programs require them. Dissertations are very common in post graduate programs. This includes PhD programs. There are some programs that do not require them, though. Students who do not want to invest this type of time and hard work into them may benefit from these programs. It is possible to find an 18-month doctorate without dissertation. Many online PhD programs do not require this.

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List of Doctorate Degrees Without Dissertation Requirements

As noted, most doctorate degrees require a dissertation. Some schools even market their programs as those without them, but professors require them. To help students, we compiled a list of programs that may help you avoid this project. An 18 month doctorate program without dissertation could be in your future.

Many programs exist. This includes health care administration. A doctor of philosophy may be possible. Human resource education is another avenue. Yet another is organizational leadership. An online doctor of education is also possible. However, online doctorate degree options are not always short term. Some online format programs require longer study periods. Others, like online EDD programs, are ongoing, taken over years.

Here is a list of available online doctoral programs. Some of these are 18 month doctorate programs that may not require a dissertation. These requirements may change over time. Students should take care in ensuring the requirements of any program. Resource guides and school rankings are important factors to think about. Not all schools offer financial aid for these programs. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Here is a look at some top online PhD programs to consider.

Boston University

Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree

Boston University offers a Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree program. This is done through the school’s College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The degree may be earned in under 18 months. Students will complete a total of 10 courses. This is about 33 to 37 credits. The curriculum is versatile. A key benefit is that students may concentrate in various areas. There are a total of six foundation courses required to earn this degree. After this, students may choose what to learn to complete their credit requirement. They could choose topics they have not covered in previous educational experiences.

This is available as an online degree program. As such, students could take two courses every semester. This may allow students to wrap up their education sooner. Each semester program takes seven weeks to complete. Courses start every September, January, and May.

This program is available to doctoral students who completed any accredited entry level occupational therapy program previously. International students can apply as well. Foundation courses include Evidence Based Practice and Health Care Management. No dissertation is necessary. However, students will complete a capstone project. A doctoral project is also required for online grad courses. These requirements are typically less than a dissertation. They will require the student to conduct research.

Maryville University of St. Louis

Online Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program

Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program. Students do not have to attend the St. Louis campus to earn it. This program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours of education. It is a flexible program. Many students in it are working as nurses in the field. These are nurses who want to enhance their career or achieve a higher level of education. This online program may take 18 to 20 months to complete. This program requires students to have completed a masters degree prior from an accredited school.

This course does not require a GMAT or GRE. It is completed fully online without any campus visits. Unlike other programs, it may not have a waiting list. Some programs require clinicals. They may be done in the student’s preferred setting.

Another option is the Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. This is another fully online program. Students may receive personal coaching throughout the process. This model is a cohort learning method with online education. Students might need a bit more time to complete this version. It does not require a dissertation.

Frontier Nursing University

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program

Frontier Nursing University is in Hyden, Kentucky. This school offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program. The school designed this program for working registered nurses. It allows them to enhance their education while working. They could take their nursing skills to managerial and other areas. There is a post master’s degree and a post graduate certificate option available. Choose based on the type of education you have or desire. Those who complete the post grad certificate program could work towards earning their doctoral in nursing practice degree later.

It may be completed in 12, 15, or 18 months. Students are in a small class size of no more than 25 people. Students may complete 28 credit hours to complete this course. Classes range widely. Many students may be able to customize them towards their specific goals. Virtually all of the course is online. There is a three day on campus experience that is necessary. No dissertation is necessary in this program. Students may need to complete a capstone project. Clinical hours may be completed where the student already works.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and Leadership (DSW) Program

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers a Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and Leadership program. This is a fully online program. It is through the College of Social Work. Students may complete the program in 18 to 36 months. The length depends on the type of courses taken. This is designed to be a fast track format. It may be perfect for those who are already working in the field. It may allow students to move through courses quickly and could also allow for them to keep working while learning.

This educational track requires students to take three classes every semester. These are credit hour classes. There are a total of eight semesters of edu to complete. Summer study is an option. Overall, 48 credit hours is completed. This includes both self paced education as well as live lectures. There may be a good amount of flexibility in the program.

This degree a professional practice degree. That means it aim to help students learn practical skills to work in leadership positions within a practice. Individuals may work with at risk people. This may include veterans and military professionals. It may also include children. Students learn hands on. There is no dissertation to complete the degree program.

Monmouth University

Doctor or Nursing Practice Degree Program

Monmouth U is in Long Branch, New Jersey. This school offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program. This school is accredited. The program is designed to meet the needs of working nurses in the field. It aims to allow them to pursue career enhancement. They may continue to work while earning this degree. Students who need flexibility benefit from this program. Students could take part time courses if they desire. Full time online courses require mostly off campus learning at your own pace.

The degree requires students to complete 36 hours of education. It is done online. Students typically take one or two courses each semester. They could take more to earn the degree sooner. Fall, spring, and summer classes are available. Students could learn organization skills. There is a strong focus on leadership skills. As a practice degree, there are also hands on skills in areas of administration. There is a focus on new science and evaluation processes. This school aims to offer a up-to-date course curriculum. Innovative solutions are a typical component here. This is not a practical immersion experience.

Seton Hall University

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program

A Doctor of Nursing Practice program is available from Seton Hall U. This is an accredited school in South Orange, New Jersey. A Ph.D. is the highest clinical degree a student in the nursing field could earn. The college aims to help students to achieve it while they are working in the field. The focus here is on evidence based methods and healthcare systems. There is a lot of focus on population health. Students may take courses in business management and leadership, too.

This degree program is accredited. There are two ways to earn it. Students with a BSN may take this course and complete 79 credit hours. For those with an MSN, there is only a requirement for 33 credit hours. This may be done in under two years. Students in either program will learn safety and improving patient outcomes. They may also choose courses that interest them to a degree. For students who wish to complete a more advanced course, this may be a great choice overall. Some use this program and then transition to an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Public Policy program. That is not a requirement. A dissertation is not necessary.

College of St Scholastica

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (TDPT) Program

The College of St. Scholastica is in Duluth, Minnesota. The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program is online. Students do not have to visit the campus to earn this degree. This program is designed for those who wish to earn an advanced physical therapy degree. It is designed for for students who are practicing therapists right now. It can help them to pursue a higher level of skill. Many students may use this program to pursue admin or managerial positions. It has a strong leadership component to it. The teachers in this program are experienced in clinical practice.

This college curriculum spans just six classes. It has a total of 16 credit hours. Students could  earn their degree in 18 to 24 months. This depends on if they attend full or part time. The focus is on intensive career prep in the field. Students could receive a significant amount of hands on training. They may apply clinical hours at their place of business. There are options for students who have foreign training. This is a rigorous course line up. It is fully online, which means students could learn at their own pace for most classes.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership ABD

Gwynedd Mercy U offers an Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program. This is an accelerated course. It aims to help students who are working in the field. They could earn their degree sooner and combine some courses to minimize coursework. This program lets students focus on various courses and educational paths. It is an All But Dissertation program. That means students will be able to continue their education. They may complete a dissertation in another course of study. Some students want to do this at a later date.

This degree program may be completed within 18 months. It takes about 27 to 54 credit hours to complete. This range is due to the type of coursework the student hopes to complete. Completed courses also factor into this. Students may study areas such as school admin, policy analysis, and research based programs. The school is accredited. It offers this type of program for students who are working in admin positions in the industry. It may also be available to those working in research fields. Over time, students may elect to obtain a dissertation although it is not necessary.

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

The U of North Carolina – Chapel Hill offers a range of educational options. Students who wish to pursue a doctorate degree in health sciences have several options. They could earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing. Another option is a Master of Public Health to Doctor of Pharmacy degree. However, the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 18 to 24 months. It is earned fully online as well.

This program is designed for those who are a licensed physical therapist. It aids them in enhancing their skills. This is done through online and distance learning courses. Additionally, students may be able to complete clinical hours in their workplace. This advanced degree focuses on clinical skills. The program can concentrate. This includes in areas of geriatrics, pediatrics, neurology, and orthopedics. This aims to give students ample room to choose a degree field for their needs. Students will need to complete a clinical foundation core of classes. There are also clinical practice core courses. Then, students could choose concentrated practice core classes. No dissertation is a part of this program. A capstone may be a part of it.

University of Florida

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program

The U of Florida offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program. This is an online program. It is available to students who are working in the field of nursing. Many will have a MSN degree right now. The school offers other pathways to earning this degree (DNP). That includes a BSN to DNP and a MSN to DNP. The BSN program may be significantly longer. That program requires 75 credits and takes about eight semesters to complete. The MSN to DNP program may be completed in a shorter time. It requires 35 credit hours to complete. It could be be completed in about five semesters. This is about 18 months to 36 months. Length depends on courses selected.

Students who wish to enhance their skills in nursing may need this type of program. Many courses are fully online. Students may complete clinical courses where they work, in most cases. These doctoral programs are accredited. They may be hard to get into due to demand. The program does not require a dissertation. Students will complete a capstone in both tracts. This rounds out their education. It may be a shorter option than a dissertation.

Jefferson University

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program

Jefferson U is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This school offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program. It also offers a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Both programs require students to take courses online. They are designed for those working directly in the field right now. This allows for flexible learning. The school provides an online community. This aims to let students work together and exchange ideas. It is also a good way to hold discussions. There are some courses with set hours to meet. Many are not like this. They may allow students to learn over time in a self paced manner.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree may be earned in 18 months to 2 years. The program is available to registered nurses. The Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy may be earned in about 2 years. Both programs have a strong focus on intensive career exploration. Students may chose the courses they complete. Numerous concentrated options are available. This school is accredited. Clinical hours may be done in a student’s place of employment. Students have the flexibility of learning part time or full time. Dissertations are not necessary. Capstone projects may be.

Bradley University

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program

Bradley University is in Peoria, Illinois. This school offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. It is fully online. That makes it possible for students to continue learning while they work in the field. This is a leadership focused curriculum. The school allows students to earn it in as little as 18 months. Many will need a bit more time to do so. Students may choose which plan is best for them. This is depending on the type of degree they currently have. This degree has a flexible schedule and can help students enhance their education.

There are several options for this program. This includes a BSN degree to DNP degree. This program may take longer to complete. It requires up to three years. The MSN to FNP – Certificate is another option. This does not yield a full doctorate degree. The MSN to DNP – Leadership program does. It may take under two years to earn for many students. The course does have some clinical hours. These may be available remotely. Students learn from teachers who worked in clinical practice. Collaborative projects are a part of this educational path. A formal dissertation is not.

Liberty University

Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program

Liberty University is in Lynchburg, Virginia. This school offers a Doctor of Education degree program. This program is completed fully online. There are no in person classes. Students do not have to attend the campus. Up to 50 percent of credits may be transferred into this program. That could help to speed up the time required to earn this degree. On average, students need to complete 54 credits to earn the degree. You may earn these credits in 18 months or up to 3 years. The courses are each 8 weeks long.

There is no dissertation requirement for this course. Many students will not complete the program in 18 months, though. Those with transfer credits may. Students may take this course full time or part time. The goal is to provide ample flexibility to students. That lets them continue to work as educators in the field. They will learn curriculum development and learning theory. There is also a focus on developing innovative programs. The course aims to prepare students for leadership roles in schools. A capstone project completes this educational track. Completion programs range. Students can apply this degree to business administration as well as education.

Walden University

Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Doctoral Degree Program

Walden University offers a flexible P-20 Education program in Education. This is the equal to a Doctor of Education program here. It may be a bit harder to get into by students. Students could choose what to study based on their professional goals. This may include higher education leadership. For some it may include early childhood special education. Others may focus on educational technology. This flexibility could be an attractive option for many educators today.

Students will need to take some foundation courses. They may then select the bulk of their education for electives and research courses. There is no dissertation requirement here. However, students will complete doctoral support courses. They will then complete a doctoral capstone. This could include as little as 20 credit hours or more. This course exists at a self paced level, but you may complete it in under 2 years. Students have a full 8 years to complete it if they wish. This aims to provide ample flexibility. Furthermore, students could learn and work at the same time. They are also able to interact with other students. This doctorate in education program is available fully online.

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