Do you know you can earn a doctorate without writing a dissertation? Even though dissertation is required for a doctoral program, there are some universities that offer some of the easiest Doctorate/PhD programs without dissertation.
Nowadays, rather than spending a lot of time on writing a dissertation, you can enroll in doctoral programs that requires a capstone project as a substitute of dissertation. If you are on a budget, it is advisable to choose from cheap online PhD programs.
These easiest doctorate programs without dissertation may either be offered online, on-campus, or hybrid, a combination of both online and on-campus.
Table of Contents
What is a Doctorate?
A doctorate or doctoral degree is an high academic degree awarded by universities. Doctoral degree help professionals to gain more knowledge and experience in their chosen field.
The time required to complete a doctorate program usually ranges from two to eight years. However, there are several fast track doctoral programs that can be completed in a year.
Most times, doctoral degree holders have high chances of getting high-paying jobs because of their qualifications.
Let’s briefly talk you through the types of doctoral degree.
What are the Types of Doctoral degree?
There are a number of doctoral degrees; from PhD, the most common doctoral degree to other doctoral degree in many different fields.
Doctoral degrees are mainly divided into two categories:
- Research Degree
- Applied/Professional Degree.
1. Research Degrees
Research Degrees are awarded after completing a specific hours of coursework and original research (dissertation).
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most common research doctoral degree, awarded in many universities.
2. Applied/Professional Degree
Professional doctoral degrees are designed for working professionals, who have practical experience in their field and wish to increase their knowledge and work experience.
Common Professional Degrees includes:
- EdD – Doctor of Education
- DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
- DBA – Doctor of Business Administration
- PsyD – Doctor of Psychology
- OTD – Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy
- DSW – Doctor of Social Work
- ThD – Doctor of Theological.
However, in some countries, a lot of professional doctoral degrees are classified as research doctoral degree.
What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is an long piece of academic writing based on original research. It is usually required for PhD programs or master’s programs.
The aim of dissertation is to test the independent research skills students have gained while studying at the university.
30 Easiest Doctorate/PhD Programs without Dissertation
Below is a list of 30 easiest Doctorate programs without Dissertation:
- tDPT in Physical Therapy
- Post Master’s DNP in Nursing
- DNP in Nursing
- Post Master’s Nurse Executive (DNP)
- DNP in Nursing
- Post Master’s Advanced Practice (DNP)
- DNP in Nursing
- DSW in Human Rights Leadership
- PhD in Theological Studies
- DSW in Social Work
- EdD in Teacher Leadership
- DBA in General Management
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
- DNP in Nursing Leadership (MSN Entry)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN Entry)
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
- DPT in Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN Entry)
- PsyD in School Psychology
- Doctor of Osthepatic Medicine (DO)
- DME – Doctor of Music Education
- DPT in Physical Therapy
- DNP in Nursing
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- DNP in Nursing
- DPT in Physical Therapy
- DVM in Veterinary Medicine.
1. tDPT in Physical Therapy
Institution: College of St. Scholastica
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program is a condensed program with only six classes; 16 total program credits.
This program is designed to fill the gap between previous physical therapy education curricula and the entry-level doctoral-level curriculum.
2. Post Master’s DNP in Nursing
Institution: Frontier Nursing University (FNU)
Mode of Delivery: Online, with one three-day on-campus experience.
The Post Master’s DNP program is for nurses who already have MSN, designed for nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners.
FNU’s Post Master’s DNP program can be completed in 15 or 18 months, requires a total of 30 credit hours. This Post Master’s DNP program is available in 8 specializations.
3. DNP in Nursing
Institution: Capella University
Mode of Delivery: Online
At Capella University, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) is available in two tracks: FlexPath (26 total credits) and GuidedPath (52 total credits)
This Online DPN program is designed for MSN holders, that can enhance their leadership, administrative, and organizational skills to help improve patient care and outcomes.
4. Post Master’s Nurse Executive (DNP)
Institution: Old Dominion University (ODU)
Mode of Delivery: Online
To obtain this DNP degree, students must successfully complete all DNP courses (a total of 37 to 47 credit hours) and 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
ODU’s post-master’s Nurse executive program will provide additional education for nurses in upper-level administrative and executive roles.
5. DNP in Nursing
Institution: College of St. Scholastica
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online, with optional on-campus seminars
This Post Graduate DNP program is a perfect fit for nurse executives and nurse educators, not only APRNs.
To obtain this degree, students must complete a total of 35 credits hours and 3 clinical project.
6. Post Master’s Advanced Practice (DNP)
Institution: Old Dominion University
Mode of Delivery: Online
The Post Master’s Advanced Practice (DNP) program is designed for nurses that are seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice.
To obtain this DNP degree, students must successfully complete a total of 37 credit hours, including an evidence-based capstone project and all clinical practical.
7. DNP in Nursing
Institution: Monmouth University
Mode of Delivery: Online
This DNP program is a post-master’s academic degree, perfect for those seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice.
To earn this DNP degree, students will complete 36 total credit hours, including two DNP projects.
8. DSW in Human Rights Leadership
Institution: Monmouth University
Mode of Delivery: Online, including a week-long summer residency annually
The DSW in Human Rights Leadership program prepares students to be an agent of change at the executive level.
To obtain this DSW degree, students will complete 48 total credit hours and develop a human rights leadership capstone project.
9. PhD in Theological Studies
Institution: Boston University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
The PhD in Theological Studies is designed for students who wish to enhance their knowledge and competence in teaching and research, and to contribute to scholarship in a specialized area of theological studies.
To earn this PhD degree, students will have to complete a minimum of 44 credits, and 4-credit supervised internships.
10. DSW in Social Work
Institution: The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Mode of Delivery: Online
This DSW program is designed for MSSW/MSW graduates with significant clinical social work practice experience, interested in earning an advanced clinical degree in social work.
To earn this DSW degree, students will complete 16 required courses (48 graduate credit hours), including two capstone project.
11. EdD in Teacher Leadership
Institution: Maryville University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
This 2.5-year doctorate program is designed for teachers who wish to build their skills in teacher leadership, including coaching, leading professional development, and curriculum design and implementation.
To obtain this EdD program, students will complete a specific credit hours, capstone project and final internship.
12. DBA in General Management
Institution: Capella University
Mode of Delivery: Online
The DBA in General Management can help prepare you to take a leadership role in your field.
This degree requires a total of 45 program credits in FlexPath or 90 program credits in GuidedPath. To obtain this degree, students will need to complete eight core courses, five specialization courses and one capstone.
13. Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
Institution: Bradley University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online with no campus residency requirements
This DNP program is for nurses with a BSN, working to earn a doctorate with a focus in adult-gerontology acute care.
To obtain this degree, students will complete 68 credit hours and 100 clinical hours. The DNP program also prepare nurses for the ANCC certification exam.
14. DNP in Nursing Leadership (MSN Entry)
Institution: Bradley University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online with no campus residency
Bradley’s online DNP I’m leadership program is designed for MSN credentialed nurses that graduated from NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited nursing license and nursing GPA of all least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.
This program requires 3 yrs (9 semesters) and 1000 clinical hours. It also requires the completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
15. Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Institution: Boston University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
Boston University’s DMD program is offered in two options: 2-year Advanced Standing Program and 4-year traditional program.
Upon completion of the program, each predoctoral student will have demonstrated competency in providing oral healthcare within the scope of general dentistry.
16. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN Entry)
Institution: Bradley University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online with no campus residency requirements
This DNP program is for BSN credentialed nurses looking to earn a doctorate with a focus in psychiatric mental health. It also prepare nurses for the ANCC certification exam.
To obtain this DNP degree, students will complete 74 credit hours and 1000 clinical hours.
17. EdD in Educational Leadership
Institution: Maryville University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
Maryville University’s EdD program is designed for individuals currently working in the field, who have earned a master’s degree and obtained intial licensure for principal.
This EdD program requires a capstone project and final internship. Completing this program will prepare students for Missouri superintendent licensure exam.
18. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Institution: Capella University
Mode of Delivery: Online
The DSW program prepares students take the responsibilities of a leader, advanced practitioner, or educator in the field of social work.
To earn this degree, students will complete 14 core courses, 2 virtual residencies, a doctoral capstone project, and a total of 71 credits.
19. DPT in Physical Therapy
Institution: Boston University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
The DPT in Physical Therapy program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and who wish to become qualified as physical therapists.
To obtain the DPT degree, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits, including a minimum of 40 weeks of clinical experience.
20. Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Institution: Boston University
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
The entry-level OTD program prepares students to become occupational therapist who promote health, well-being, and participation in a global society.
Boston’s OTD program requires 92 graduate level credits, doctoral practicum and capstone project. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the NBCOT certification examination.
21. DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN Entry)
Institution: Bradley University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online with no campus residency requirements
The DNP-FNP program is designed for BSN credentialed nurses that have a current nursing license and nursing GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
This program can be completed in 3.7 years (11 semesters) and requires 1000 clinical hours.
22. PsyD in School Psychology
Institution: Capella University
Mode of Delivery: Online and in-person
This PsyD program develop your skills for clinical practice, including psychological and neuropsychological assessment, clinical supervision and consultation, psychopathology of children and adolescents, and collaboration in school systems.
To earn the PsyD degree, students will need to complete 20 core courses in addition to residency, practicum, and internship requirements.
23. Doctor of Osthepatic Medicine
Institution: Liberty University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
Liberty University’s DO is a four year residential degree program. With this program, you will learn how to understand health and disease, so you can effectively diagnose and treat in order to improve a patient’s quality of life.
This DO program is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA-COCA).
24. DME – Doctor of Music Education
Institution: Liberty University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
Earning a Doctor of Music Education degree can prepare you to teach music education classes in K-12 and collegiate settings.
You can also gain a historical understanding of music education in America while learning how to integrate theory and research into your classroom.
25. DPT in Physical Therapy
Institution: Seton Hall University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
Seton Hall’s DPT program prepares entry-level clinicians to become autonomous practitioners of physical therapy and movement specialists. Graduates can sit for NPTE licensure exam.
To obtain this DPT program, students will complete three clinical internships, and three capstone projects.
26. DNP in Nursing (BSN Entry)
Institution: University of Florida (UF)
Mode of Delivery: Online with minimal campus attendance
University of Florida BSN to DNP program is only available for those who already possess a master’s degree in Nursing and a active Florida APRN license.
To obtain this DNP degree, students will complete 75 to 78 credits and a comprehensive project-based project.
27. Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Institution: Monmouth University
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Monmouth’s OTD program is designed to give your the advanced clinical and leadership skills you will need to excel in this growing and versatile field.
This OTD is a three-year, full-time program requiring 105 credits over nine semesters, including summers. It emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on training, including two, 12-week internship. Also, the program culminates in a doctoral capstone project.
28. DNP in Nursing
Institution: Seton Hall University
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
The DNP program is open to both post-MSN and post-BSN students. It prepares nurses to lead and provide care at the highest levels of their discipline.
Seton Hall University’s DNP program requires DNP scholarly projects.
29. DPT in Physical Therapy
Institution: Maryville University
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
Maryville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is a six and one-half year Early Assurance (Freshman admit program).
This DPT program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
30. DVM in Veterinary Medicine
Institution: The University of Tennessee Knoxville
Mode of Delivery: On-campus
The DVM program’s curriculum provides an excellent basic education in addition to training in diagnosis, disease, prevention, medical treatment, and surgery.
This DVM program requires less than 160 credits, comprehensive exam, and other non-course requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions on Easiest Doctorate/PhD Programs Without Dissertation
Is a PhD higher than a Doctorate?
No. A PhD belongs to the research doctoral degree category. It is the most common research doctorate.
What are the differences between a Thesis and Dissertation?
The main difference between thesis and dissertation is thesis is based on existing research. On the other hand, a dissertation is based on original research. Another main difference is thesis is commonly requires to obtain a master's degree while a dissertation is usually done during a doctorate program.
What is a Capstone Project?
Capstone Project also referred to as Capstone or Capstone course, serves as culminating academic and intellectual experience for students.
What are the requirements needed to enroll in doctoral programs?
Most universities usually require for the following: Resume or CV Master's degree, along with a bachelor's degree in a certain field, Recent GRE or GMAT scores, Letters of Recommendation, and Statement of Purpose
How much does it cost to earn a Doctorate?
According to educationdata.org, the average cost of a doctoral degree is $114,300. A doctorate of education may cost an average $111,900. The average of PhD is $98,800.
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Conclusion
Thesis or Dissertation is common with master’s or doctoral degrees. But, there are doctoral degree programs that don’t require dissertation.
It may be difficult to find doctoral programs without dissertation, because they are rare. This is why, we decided to share with you some of the easiest doctorate programs without dissertation.
We have now come to the end of this article on easiest doctorate programs you can get without dissertation. If you have any question, please drop it in the Comment Section.