Only about 56 percent of people who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate within 10 years. Those who end up leaving their program often struggle to enter a new program because few credits are transferable requiring students to start over. The good news is, there’s a new kind of program that can help — The Baker College DBA-All But Dissertation (ABD) option. This is a dissertation completion program that provides the resources and support to help you complete your dissertation and nothing else. Sound like something you’ve been looking for? Here’s how you can get started:
How to get into a DBA-ABD program
To apply to the DBA-ABD option, simply submit an official transcript verifying completion of a minimum of 30 semester credits or equivalent in a regionally accredited doctoral program, a resume outlining your educational and professional experience, and a writing sample from your previous doctoral work.
What is involved in completing a dissertation?
Ultimately, the goal of the dissertation phase of your doctoral degree is to test the independent research skills you have acquired by presenting and defending a specific research project or thesis.
Though the topics of the dissertation vary, the following milestones are key to completing a dissertation with confidence.
Develop a prospectus and research plan
This is your initial proposal which includes all the major components of your doctoral dissertation; a statement of the research problem, research questions, a description of your research design, and the methods you plan to employ.
Develop a dissertation proposal and oral defense
In the first months of the program, with help from your chair and dissertation committee, you will refine your proposal.
Obtain approval to proceed with study
Once your proposal is completed, you will present it to your dissertation committee. When approved, you will then receive approval from the Institutional Review board (IRB). This will give you permission to begin collecting data from human subjects.
Collect data and analyze
The primary dissertation research methods are: qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative research focuses on examining the topic via cultural phenomena, human behavior, or belief systems. This research includes the use of case studies, interviews, and open-ended questions. Quantitative research involves the empirical investigation of observable and measurable variables. It is used for theory testing, prediction of outcomes, and determining relationships.
Complete analysis and conclusions
Once all your research has been conducted, it’s time you give an analysis of all work. A good analysis includes an overview of the dissertations, how the research was conducted, description of the data gathered, the tools used to gather data and information, and all the hypotheses introduced.
Once your analysis is complete you can work on a conclusion and gather your work in a single document. The conclusion is the very last part of your thesis or dissertation, and seeks to answer the main research question. By this point, the research should be finished and ready to be presented for approval.
Oral defense and approval
Last but not least, an oral defense is the final milestone and involves an oral examination in which you will defend your thesis to an audience of experts.
How long does it take to complete the DBA-ABD program?
The Baker College DBA-ABD online program requires a minimum of 28 credit hours, and usually takes between 18 to 24 months.
What does Baker College provide?
When you choose to complete your DBA-ABD with Baker, you have access to a number of resources, like a vast online library, and key courses that prepare you to tackle independent research with confidence. Additionally, Baker College connects you with a DBA Chairperson to help guide and support you through the whole process.
What is a DBA Chairperson?
Once you’re admitted into Baker College’s DBA-ABD program, you will be paired with the DBA Chairperson who will serve as your dissertation chair and will provide one-on-one guidance throughout the dissertation process.
A faculty mentor will guide and inspire you to reach your scholarly potential by promoting intellectual growth, guiding research progress, and upholding high academic and research standards.
Completing your dissertation is possible.
Though it takes commitment and determination, finishing your doctorate can become a life-changing accomplishment. With the right resources at your fingertips and great mentors to guide you along the way, you have what it takes to go the distance and obtain your DBA.