20 Best 18-Month Doctorates without Dissertation 2023

The academic community has long held the traditional doctorate program as the gold standard for advanced degrees, with the pinnacle of achievement being the successful defense of an original dissertation. However, times are changing, and some universities are now offering innovative programs that may take as little as 18 months to complete, all without requiring students to complete a dissertation. In this post, we’ll explore these programs and the controversies surrounding them.

The demand for advanced degrees is increasing, yet the traditional doctoral program, which takes several years to complete, can be a daunting prospect for students already in the workforce. As such, the rise of fast-track doctoral programs has been a welcome development for many. These programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, and students can earn the respected title of Doctor without having to invest years of their lives into a single project.

Of course, not everybody is happy about these new programs. Critics argue that they are diluting the value of a doctoral degree by making it easier to obtain. They also question whether these programs are rigorous enough to produce scholars who are truly qualified to be called Doctors.

Albeit, these initiatives do have a few benefits that considerably attract students these days.

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The Benefits of Fast-Track Programs

Despite the controversy, there are clear benefits to fast-track doctoral programs. For one thing, they allow students to earn an advanced degree without having to put their lives on hold for years. They are also significantly less expensive than traditional doctoral programs, making them more accessible to a wider range of students.

The Drawbacks of Doctoral Programs Without Dissertations

On the other hand, critics argue that these programs may not be as thorough or rigorous as traditional programs, leaving students ill-prepared for the real world of academia. Additionally, some worry that these programs may be seen as a quick fix for students who are looking to boost their resumes rather than genuinely interested in advancing their academic careers.

Examples of Fast-Track Doctoral Programs

So, what exactly are these programs? Examples include the executive doctorate in business administration (DBA), the doctor of education (EdD), and the doctor of nursing practice (DNP). In each case, the program is structured differently from a traditional doctoral program, with an emphasis on coursework and practical experience rather than research and writing.

The Executive DBA

The Executive DBA is designed for professionals who are already in high-level business positions and are looking to advance their careers even further. In this program, students take a series of courses in management theory, leadership, marketing, and other business-related areas. They also complete a capstone project that involves applying course concepts to a real-world business problem.

The EdD

The EdD is designed for educators who are looking to advance their careers beyond the classroom. This program emphasizes practical experience, with students often completing fieldwork, internships, or other projects that allow them to apply the theory they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world educational challenges.

The DNP

The DNP is designed for nurses who are looking to take on leadership roles in healthcare. In this program, students complete coursework in areas such as healthcare policy, nursing theory, and patient care management. They also complete a capstone project that allows them to apply what they’ve learned to a real-world healthcare challenge.

List of the 20 Top 18-Month Doctorate Without Dissertation

Now that you’ve learned about what fast-track doctorate degree without dissertations are, let us then introduce you to practical cases of 20 doctorate programs without dissertations that can be completed in 18 months; more or less

Pros & Cons of These 20 Top 18-Month Doctorate Without Dissertation

S/N	Programs	Pros	Cons	Unique Feature	Tuition
1	Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree — Boston University	1. Enhances career opportunities and job prospects in the occupational therapy field. 2. Offers advanced knowledge and skills to provide optimal patient care. 3. Can be completed in a flexible format, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their degree.	1. It may be expensive for some students ($13,958 per semester in tuition only). 2. Students may require more discipline and time management skills due to the flexible format.	Provides an opportunity for interprofessional collaboration with other health professionals to improve patient outcomes	$$27,916
2	Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — Maryville University of St. Louis	1. Offers flexibility for working professionals who want to continue their education. 2. Provides an opportunity for advanced practice nurses to develop advanced skills and leadership abilities. 3. Students can study from anywhere, making it easier for students who don’t live near campus.	1. The online format may not be suitable for students who prefer face-to-face interactions and hands-on clinical experience. 2. The online format may require more self-discipline and time management skills.	Incorporates a personalized curriculum, allowing students to tailor their education to fit their professional interests and career goals	$922 per credit
3	Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program — Frontier Nursing University	1. Offers a flexible and affordable option compared to traditional on-campus programs. 2. Provides an opportunity to develop advanced nursing skills and leadership abilities. 3. Emphasizes primary care and rural healthcare, preparing students to provide care in underserved areas.	1. The online format may not be suitable for students who prefer face-to-face interactions and hands-on clinical experience. 2. Students may require more self-discipline and time management skills.	Offers a unique hybrid model, which combines online coursework with on-campus clinical intensives and immersion experience, providing students with hands-on clinical experience	$646 per credit
4	Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice & Leadership — University of Tennessee Knoxville	1. Offers opportunities to develop advanced clinical and leadership skills. 2. Provides flexibility for students to balance coursework with work and personal responsibilities. 3. Emphasizes social justice and equity, preparing students to advocate for marginalized populations.	1. The program may be expensive for some students. 2. The program may require more self-discipline and time management skills.	Offers a concentration in Evidence-Based Interprofessional Practice, allowing students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care	$30,048
5	Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree — Monmouth University	1. Offers a flexible online format for working professionals. 2. Provides opportunities for advanced nursing practice and leadership development. 3. Incorporates a focus on evidence-based practice and clinical scholarship.	1. The online format may not be suitable for students who prefer face-to-face interactions and hands-on clinical experience. 2. Students may require more self-discipline and time management skills.	Offers a specialization in Forensic Nursing, preparing students to provide care to victims of violence and trauma	$32,580 (prospectives)
6	Doctor of Nursing Practice — Seton Hall University	1. The program prepares graduates to practice at the highest level of nursing practice and leadership. 2. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing for students to continue working while completing the program. 3. Dedicated faculty members with extensive experience in nursing practice and education.	1. The program is relatively new, having started in 2009, so there may be limited information available on employment outcomes. 2. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing may need additional coursework to meet prerequisites.	Seton Hall University is located in close proximity to major healthcare centers in the New York/New Jersey metro area, providing students with opportunities for clinical experiences and networking	$23,190
7	Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy — College of St. Scholastica	1. Designed for practicing physical therapists who want to advance their clinical knowledge and expertise. 2. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice and incorporates cultural competence and patient-centered care. 3. The program is offered online, providing flexibility for students to continue working while completing the program.	1. The program is for licensed physical therapists only, so those without a PT license will not be eligible for admission.	The College of St. Scholastica has a strong reputation in health sciences education	$895 per credit
8	Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership ABD — Gwynedd Mercy University	1. Designed for working educators who want to advance their leadership skills and knowledge. 2. The program focuses on ethical and moral leadership, social justice, and advocacy for diverse learners. 3. The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with face-to-face meetings on weekends.	1. The program is intended for educators who are already working in leadership positions, so those seeking entry-level positions may not be eligible for admission. 2. The program may be more expensive than other doctoral programs.	The program allows students to apply for transfer credits from previous graduate coursework and experiences, potentially shortening the time it takes to complete the degree	$52,110
9	Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy — University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill	1. The program is designed for practicing physical therapists who want to advance their clinical knowledge and skills. 2. The curriculum includes a unique research-intensive experience, allowing students to develop advanced research skills and contribute to the field of physical therapy. 3. The program is offered in a hybrid format, providing flexibility for students to continue working while completing the program.	1. The program is for licensed physical therapists only, so those without a PT license will not be eligible for admission. 2. The program may require a significant time commitment due to the research-intensive experience and hybrid delivery format.	The physical therapy program at UNC-Chapel Hill is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country	$24,997 (tuition only)
10	Doctor of Nursing Practice — University of Florida	1. The program prepares graduates to practice at the highest level of nursing practice and leadership. 2. The program offers two tracks: a BSN to DNP track and a post-masters DNP track, providing flexibility for students with different levels of education. 3. The program is designed to be online, providing flexibility for students to continue working while completing the program.	1. The program may be more expensive than other DNP programs due to the out-of-state tuition for non-Florida residents. 2. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing may need additional coursework to meet prerequisites.	The University of Florida has a strong reputation in nursing education, with programs consistently ranking among the top nursing programs in the country	$40,103 (based on 42 credits)
11	Doctor of Nursing Practice — Jefferson University	1. Offers flexible scheduling options, both online and on-campus 2. Provides hands-on clinical training and research opportunities 3. Incorporates a strong interprofessional approach in its curriculum	1. Higher tuition costs compared to other DNP programs 2. Limited availability of scholarships and financial aid 3. Requires students to have an active RN license and a master’s degree in nursing	The program offers a concentration in Integrative Medicine and Healing that focuses on a holistic approach to patient care, incorporating integrative therapies such as acupuncture, nutrition, and mindfulness	$46,531
12	Doctor of Nursing Practice — Bradley University	1. Offers a hybrid curriculum that combines online coursework with on-campus intensives 2. Provides specialized tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 3. Offers a low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention	1. Limited availability of clinical sites in certain areas 2. Requires students to have an active RN license and a master’s degree in nursing 3. Higher tuition costs compared to other DNP programs	The program incorporates a strong focus on leadership development and prepares students for advanced leadership roles in nursing practice	$37,380
13	Doctor of Education (Ed.D) — Liberty University	1. Offers various specializations, including Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Higher Education 2. Provides flexibility in scheduling with both online and on-campus options 3. Offers a lower tuition rate compared to other Ed.D programs	1. Requires a dissertation, which can be time-consuming and challenging 2. Limited availability of campus resources and networking opportunities for online students 3. Some courses may have a religious focus, which may not be suitable for all students	The program incorporates a Christian worldview into its curriculum, preparing students to integrate biblical principles into their leadership roles in education	$595 per credit hour (full-time students)
14	Doctor of Education Doctoral Degree — Walden University	1. Offers a fully online curriculum with flexible scheduling options 2. Provides various specializations, including Higher Education, Learning and Technology, and Curriculum and Assessment 3. Offers a lower tuition rate compared to other Ed.D programs	1. Limited face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers 2. Requires a dissertation, which can be time-consuming and challenging 3. Some courses may have a social justice focus, which may not be suitable for all students	The program offers unique specializations, such as the Ed.D in Educational Administration and Leadership with a specialization in educational technology leadership, which prepares students for leadership roles in the digital age	$630 per quarter credit hour for coursework
15	Education & Leadership in Healthcare — Nebraska Methodist College	1. Offers a fully online curriculum with flexible scheduling options 2. Provides a focus on leadership and education in healthcare settings, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations 3. Offers a low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention	1. Limited availability of clinical sites in certain areas 2. Higher tuition costs compared to other similar programs 3. Requires a capstone project, which can be time-consuming and challenging	The program incorporates a strong interprofessional approach, providing opportunities for collaboration with other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care	$16,207
16	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in General Management — Capella University	1. The program is designed for working professionals, with flexibility in coursework and the ability to complete the degree entirely online. 2. The curriculum focuses on topics such as strategic leadership, innovation, and change management, which are highly relevant to today’s business environment. 3. The program includes opportunities for real-world applications through a capstone project and dissertation.	1. The program is relatively expensive compared to other online DBA programs. 2. Some students may prefer a more traditional, campus-based learning experience.	Capella University’s DBA program includes a Badge Pathway option, allowing students to earn digital badges for completing specific courses and demonstrating mastery of specific skills	$45,000 (estimated)
17	Ed.D in Educational Leadership — Nova Southeastern University	1. The program is designed specifically for educators seeking to advance into leadership roles in K-12 schools, higher education, or other educational settings. 2. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications of educational theories and leadership principles. 3. The program includes opportunities for real-world experience through internships and a dissertation focused on a practical problem or issue in education.	1. The program may not be as relevant for individuals seeking leadership roles outside of the education field. 2. The program is relatively expensive compared to other online Ed.D programs.	Nova Southeastern University’s Ed.D program includes a focus on social justice and equity in education, preparing graduates to lead efforts to create more inclusive and equitable educational environments	$1,505 per credit
18	Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse — Bay Path University	1. The program is designed specifically for experienced nurses seeking to advance their practice and leadership skills in family healthcare. 2. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and healthcare policy, preparing graduates to be leaders in improving the quality of care for families.	1. The program may not be as relevant for nurses seeking leadership roles outside of family healthcare. 2. The program is relatively expensive compared to other online DNP programs.	Bay Path University’s DNP program includes a focus on interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to work effectively with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes	$975 per credit
19	Online Doctor of Business Administration — Liberty University	1. The program is designed for working professionals, with flexibility in coursework and the ability to complete the degree entirely online. 2. The curriculum covers a wide range of business topics, from accounting and finance to marketing and organizational behavior. 3. The program includes opportunities for real-world applications through a dissertation focused on a practical business problem or is	1. Some students may prefer a more traditional, campus-based learning experience.	Liberty University’s DBA program includes a focus on business as a mission, preparing graduates to use their business skills to make a positive impact in the world and advance the kingdom of God	$300 – $595 per credit
20	Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program — Gannon University	1. The program is designed for licensed occupational therapists seeking to advance their clinical skills and knowledge. 2. The curriculum covers advanced topics in occupational therapy practice, research, and leadership.	1. The program may not be as relevant for individuals seeking leadership roles outside of occupational therapy.	Gannon University’s OTD program includes a focus on interprofessional collaboration	$10,490 part-time tuition per semester $18,850 full-time tuition per semester $50,464 total annual cost Year 1 (2 full-time & 1 part-time) $39,534 total annual cost Year 2 (2 full-time) $58,784 total annual cost Year 3 (3 full-time)

Popular FAQs About 18-Month Doctorate Without Dissertation

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation?

Indeed, not all doctorate programs require a dissertation. Just as we have pointed in this article. And if you look deeper into this subject, you will find more doctorate programs like these ones on this list available out there. However, this window of opportunity is typically available in programs like DBA, Ed.D, and the like. If you’re looking for a similar opportunity in disciplines that require more work (including practical research), then you may be disappointed.

What does Ph.D. without a dissertation mean?

A Ph.D. without dissertation (ABD) program will require students to complete all coursework in the program, but the dissertation (or thesis) is not a core requirement to obtaining the degree. This is not the norm, as dissertations are largely part of what makes a Ph.D. valuable. This is why critics kick back against it. Whether this pattern of education will continue is left to be seen. But at the time of this writing, there exist tens of doctorate programs without dissertations.

Do you get paid more if you get a Ph.D.?

This answer isn’t subjective, as other factors will determine your worth in the job market. However, getting a Ph.D. does increase a person’s job market value and employability, especially in the education niche.

Final Thought

The rise of fast-track doctoral programs is likely to continue in the years to come. As more and more students demand advanced degrees that are tailored to their needs and schedules, universities will be forced to innovate and create programs that meet those needs. However, it remains to be seen whether these programs will ever truly replace traditional doctoral programs, or whether they will simply continue to offer an alternative for students who are looking for a faster, more flexible path to a doctoral degree.