For many doctoral students, completing coursework is a significant achievement. However, some find themselves in an “All-But-Dissertation” (ABD) status—having finished all their required courses but not their dissertation. This can be a frustrating place to be, leaving students with years of hard work but no degree in hand.
However, there is a path forward! Continue reading to learn more.
Understanding All-But-Dissertation (ABD)
When students reach All-But-Dissertation (ABD) status, it’s often the result of unexpected hurdles—whether personal, professional, or academic. However, for students who still aspire to earn their doctorate, there are options available.
What Can All-But-Dissertation Students Do?
If you find yourself in ABD status, you have a few options. To break it down, you could:
- Return to Your Original Program: Some universities allow students to resume their dissertation work after a break, though there may be time limits and re-enrollment requirements.
- Transfer Your Dissertation to Another Institution: If your original program does not offer a feasible way forward, some universities accept ABD students and offer credit transfers.
- Explore Alternative Doctoral Completion Paths: Certain institutions offer structured pathways to help ABD students complete their doctorate without a traditional dissertation.
California Intercontinental University (CIU) is one such institution! Our Doctoral Research Project option is a great option for ABD students.
CIU’s Approach to ABD Students
At CIU, we recognize that life circumstances can make completing a dissertation challenging. That’s why we offer transfer credit opportunities for ABD students who meet eligibility criteria.
Transfer Credit Opportunities
Depending on your previous work, you could transfer up to 45 doctoral-level credits, easing your transition into one of CIU’s programs.
To qualify, you must:
- Have completed all required doctoral coursework at a previous institution
- Be in good academic standing
- Meet CIU’s academic alignment requirements
We do ask that at least 15 credits be earned directly through CIU, ensuring you gain the full benefit of our academic community.
The Doctoral Research Project (DRP) as an Alternative
One of the biggest challenges for ABD students is the dissertation requirement. Many traditional programs require extensive original research and a lengthy writing process that can take years to complete.
CIU offers an alternative—the Doctoral Research Project (DRP). Our DRP is designed to be more practical than a traditional dissertation, allowing our students to apply their research skills to real-world problems. The DRP provides the same rigor and intellectual challenge but is structured to be more accessible for working professionals.
For many ABD students, the DRP presents an ideal opportunity to complete their doctorate without the traditional dissertation hurdle.
Why Consider CIU for Completing Your Doctorate?
Choosing the right path to complete your doctoral degree is crucial. Our programs are built with flexibility in mind, so ABD students can keep moving forward without starting their doctoral journey from scratch.
Benefits of our ABD-friendly doctoral programs include:
- Transfer credit acceptance, allowing students to retain progress from previous studies
- A streamlined Doctoral Research Project, reducing the barriers to degree completion
- Supportive faculty and academic resources, ensuring students stay on track
- An emphasis on applied research, making the final project more practical and career-relevant
Final Thoughts
Being ABD is not the end of your doctoral career; with the right support, you can still cross the finish line! If you’re ready to turn your ABD status into a completed doctorate, explore how CIU’s programs can help you reach the finish line.
