No dissertation, no problem: My experience with an online doctorate degree without a dissertation

[Gabriella]

I spent years thinking a doctorate was out of reach because I couldn't face writing a massive dissertation while working full-time. Then I discovered professional doctoral programs that replace the dissertation with practical capstone projects—and it changed everything.

I'm currently in the final semester of an online Doctor of Business Administration program at Indiana Tech, and honestly, it's been perfect for someone like me who wants the degree for leadership, not academia. The program is designed specifically without a dissertation requirement . Instead, we complete research-driven, project-focused work that applies directly to real business challenges. I'm working on a capstone project addressing a strategic problem at my own company—so I'm solving real issues while earning my degree.

What I love about this model:

• Practical focus – The projects are about applying knowledge, not just writing theory
• No dissertation pressure – The research is broken into manageable segments with realistic timelines
• Faster completion – Many programs take 2-3 years instead of 5-7
• Career relevance – Employers value the applied experience

Other schools offer similar options. Rockhurst University has an online Ed.D. with a capstone instead of a dissertation . Pacific University's Doctor of Healthcare Science program culminates in a publishable manuscript rather than a traditional dissertation . Baker College even offers both dissertation and capstone tracks so you can choose what fits your goals .

The key is understanding that professional doctorates (DBA, EdD, DNP, DHSc) are designed for practitioners, while PhDs are for researchers . Both are valuable—just different paths.

If you've been avoiding a doctorate because of dissertation fear, look into capstone-based programs. It's been the perfect fit for this working professional.