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Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - marianne202 - 05-21-2010
Ok, so this is probably a silly question, but as I head to grad school, I'm wondering if there is a doctoral program without a dissertation requirement? A legitimate RA program that is? I would love to get my doctorate, but I hate to write papers! I'm dreading my master's program, but I know there is no way in h--- I could bring myself to write a 400 page paper. I wouldn't mind doing an oral presenation and argument / defense, but I wouldn't want to do a research / position paper. Is there any such program that anyone has found? I would want something in education, preferably adult education. I don't really need a doctorate for my job as a community college instructor, but it would help for advancement. I'm just wondering if I could find such a program or if I should just plan to do a grad certificate or two. I'm just trying to weigh my ROI, both financially as well as my time and effort. Thanks for looking at my silly, pipe dream question!
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - Maniac Craniac - 05-23-2010
I'm a little bit lost as to why you are asking this. The whole point of a doctorate is to complete the very type of research and writing project that you dread... in fact, in England and other countries with similar academic models like Australia and South Africa doctorates are generally DISSERTATION ONLY with no coursework.
Your question is like asking if there are any cars without wheels or houses without walls.
That said, the very strange answer to your question is YES... there have existed an extremely few doctoral programs that require a project rather than a dissertation... but the project still involves the same type of research and writing that you dread. There have also existed an extremely few programs that waive the dissertation requirement, however, this would only be based upon an extensive lifelong history of doing the same research and writing that you dread.
Such programs have existed, but the only information I have ever seen about them (and just today, when I did some searching for you) is from several years ago and mainly, though not always, from unaccredited schools. If you want more information on current programs, the people at PHinished might know of something that suits your needs.
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - cookderosa - 05-23-2010
Well, practitioner degrees might not. I know for the DNP that I'm looking at, there isn't a dissertation. So, maybe? I'm sure that you won't find a PhD without one, but there are a handful of practitioner degrees in education, psych, nursing, and business - so I'm betting you CAN find some. Look for a variation on the award - DBA, DNP, EdD, etc.
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - Shawn A - 05-23-2010
marianne202 Wrote:Ok, so this is probably a silly question, but as I head to grad school, I'm wondering if there is a doctoral program without a dissertation requirement? A legitimate RA program that is? I would love to get my doctorate, but I hate to write papers! I'm dreading my master's program, but I know there is no way in h--- I could bring myself to write a 400 page paper. I wouldn't mind doing an oral presenation and argument / defense, but I wouldn't want to do a research / position paper. Is there any such program that anyone has found? I would want something in education, preferably adult education. I don't really need a doctorate for my job as a community college instructor, but it would help for advancement. I'm just wondering if I could find such a program or if I should just plan to do a grad certificate or two. I'm just trying to weigh my ROI, both financially as well as my time and effort. Thanks for looking at my silly, pipe dream question!
Not that it was easy, but my diss was 167 pages.
Shawn
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - TMW2010 - 05-24-2010
While I cannot express the validity of these from experience (IE I haven't used them to write a dissertation) there are quite a few books out there that have the express intent of putting the reader in the state of thought required to get through the dissertation process.
Its my understanding that once you start the dissertation process, you have to push yourself to continue writing each and every day until the process is over, even if its a few paragraphs. Once you have a clear idea on what needs to be displayed in the dissertation, writing, writing, and more pushing on with the writing will help you reach the goal of finishing it.
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - ShotoJuku - 05-24-2010
TMW2010 Wrote:...There are quite a few books out there that have the express intent of putting the reader in the state of thought required to get through the dissertation process.
[SIZE="3"][B]I've found these helpful.[/SIZE][/B]
Amazon.com: Writing a Dissertation for Dummies (9780470742709): Carrieâ¦
Amazon.com: Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: Aâ¦
Amazon.com: Dissertations And Theses from Start to Finish: Psychology Andâ¦
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - Maniac Craniac - 05-24-2010
ShotoJuku Wrote:Amazon.com: Writing a Dissertation for Dummies (9780470742709): Carrie…Wow... a Dummies book for doctoral candidates :roflol:
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - TMW2010 - 05-24-2010
Maniac Craniac Wrote:Wow... a Dummies book for doctoral candidates :roflol:
Well, the 'for Dummies' title have always been a misnomer for the series. There's a lot of good information in those books, usually presented in a better, more understandable manner than most 'upper education' books.
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - marianne202 - 05-24-2010
I guess I didn't make myself clear enough, sorry. I don't have any desire to go into a research field in any way, so therefore I didn't see the reason in suffering through a dissertation. If research is your thing as is writing then I'm sure a dissertation would be fun or a welcome challenge. I was looking more for a doctorate in education or similar. I have been teaching at the community college level for over 10 years. I love teaching and just want to ensure I can keep doing it as long as I want to. I'm starting to slow down and lose momentum so I'm not sure I can muster much past my masters, but I thought if I can focus on the big prize at the end it would remotivate me. Thanks for the info! I will check these out.
Possible Silly Question...Is There A Doctoral Program without a Dissertation? - Maniac Craniac - 05-24-2010
marianne202 Wrote:I guess I didn't make myself clear enough, sorry. I don't have any desire to go into a research field in any way, so therefore I didn't see the reason in suffering through a dissertation. If research is your thing as is writing then I'm sure a dissertation would be fun or a welcome challenge. I was looking more for a doctorate in education or similar. I have been teaching at the community college level for over 10 years. I love teaching and just want to ensure I can keep doing it as long as I want to. I'm starting to slow down and lose momentum so I'm not sure I can muster much past my masters, but I thought if I can focus on the big prize at the end it would remotivate me. Thanks for the info! I will check these out.It's a needle in a haystack, but I hope you find what you are looking for!
