DBA Online – ABD Degree Highlights
Many doctoral students do not graduate after starting their programs. Withdrawal often occurs in the transition from coursework to the dissertation phase. Are you stuck in a doctoral program? Do you want to earn your doctoral degree? The All But Dissertation (ABD) option of the online DBA no dissertation program at Baker College is tailored for experienced professionals who have previously undertaken doctoral studies and are seeking to complete their degrees efficiently. This option offers two tracks: the Dissertation Track and the Capstone Project Track. Both tracks are designed to facilitate the completion of the doctorate in 1.5 years by earning 25 semester credits, ensuring you are well-prepared to make impactful contributions in your field.
Is the DBA – All But Dissertation (ABD) Degree Right For You?
- Do you have at least 27 semester credits completed (including courses in statistics and research methodologies) in a doctoral program at a regionally accredited institution within the last seven years?
- Do you want to become a thought leader or innovator in your field, whether in corporate, nonprofit, government, manufacturing, healthcare, education, energy, consulting, finance, technology, retail, or other sectors?
- Do you aspire to step into senior-level positions such as CEO, CIO, vice president, or president?
- Are you ready to elevate your own business by effectively overcoming key challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities?
- Would you like to share your knowledge and inspire the next generation by teaching at the college level?
- Do you want to achieve personal milestones and become a role model for your children, grandchildren, and the community, recognizing that this is just as important as your professional development?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then the DBA – ABD degree program at Baker College is the perfect opportunity for you to achieve your goals and make a lasting impact in the business world.
Which Track Should I Choose?
You will have the flexibility to choose between completing a dissertation in the Dissertation Track or developing a capstone project in the Capstone Project Track.
DBA – Dissertation Track
The Dissertation Track culminates in a research-based dissertation that addresses a real-world problem faced by today’s business leaders. Students will engage in independent research using sound research methodologies, supported by faculty mentorship, to develop original knowledge that contributes both theoretically and practically to the field of business.
DBA – Capstone Project Track
The Capstone Project Track culminates in a substantial capstone project that addresses a significant business challenge and provides actionable recommendations to overcome it. Students will develop skills to solve complex real-world business problems using robust research methodologies. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to choose a concentration by taking or transferring MBA courses, allowing for a tailored educational experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.
MBA-to-DBA Pathway: Apply Your Master’s Credits to the Capstone Project Track
Already have an MBA from Baker College or a master’s degree in a business-related field from another institution? You can apply up to 9 master’s-level credits toward your DBA concentration in the Capstone Project Track. This will accelerate your progress and maximize the value of what you’ve already accomplished! Here’s how it works:
Baker College MBA graduates may apply a combination of three courses from your MBA major toward your DBA concentration:
- Accounting
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration
- Business Intelligence
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- Leadership Studies
Applicants from other institutions who hold a master’s degree in a business-related field (e.g., MBA) may transfer up to 9 master’s-level credits into the DBA Capstone Project Track or the DBA-ABD Capstone Project Track, subject to credit review.
(27 credits transferred and 25 credits earned at Baker)
Learn Your Way
Doctorate of Business Administration ABD classes are taught exclusively through Baker Online.
Learn MoreWhy Should I Choose the Doctorate of Business Administration ABD Program?
By choosing the DBA - ABD degree at Baker College, you are investing in a transformative educational experience that empowers you to achieve your professional goals while making a meaningful impact in your field.
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1.5-Year Completion
Complete the ABD Doctorate of Business Administration in just 1.5 years or less. The well-designed program ensures that you will progress steadily toward your degree.
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Fully Online Flexibility
Our DBA - ABD degree program is 100% online, providing you with the flexibility to balance your work, personal life, and academic pursuits seamlessly. This format allows you to learn at your own pace while managing your other commitments.
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Structured Dissertation/Capstone Project
The dissertation or capstone project is thoughtfully divided into manageable segments, accompanied by realistic timelines. This design helps you stay organized and motivated, making the research process more approachable and less overwhelming.
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Exceptional Faculty Mentors
Students will benefit from the guidance of exceptional faculty mentors who hold doctoral degrees and bring extensive industry and research experience to the table. Whether you choose the Dissertation Track or the Capstone Project Track, these dedicated mentors will provide personalized support and insights throughout your DBA journey, enhancing your learning experience and equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your professional goals.
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Comprehensive Support System
Experience a robust support network designed to empower your academic journey, featuring a dedicated program director, knowledgeable academic advisors, and access to extensive library and writing services. This comprehensive support system ensures that you have the essential resources and guidance needed to thrive and excel in your studies, paving the way for your success in the DBA degree.
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Standardized Templates for Success
Our program provides standardized templates to streamline your research and analysis process. This helps you organize your ideas and focus on developing your insights, ultimately enhancing the quality of your work.
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No GRE or GMAT Required
At Baker College, we prioritize your professional experience and academic potential over standardized test scores. Our DBA - All But Dissertation (ABD) program does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, simplifying the application process and making it more accessible.
ABD Doctorate Curriculum
Our online DBA - All But Dissertation (ABD) program is a 1.5-year program consisting of 27 credit hours (including courses in statistics and research methodologies) transferred from your previous institution and 25 credit hours taken at Baker College. Students who choose the dissertation track will complete their dissertations in a series of courses. Students who choose the capstone project track will have the opportunity to choose a concentration with 3 MBA courses and complete their projects in another series of courses.
DBA - ABD Degree Admission Requirements
To apply to the Dissertation Track or the Capstone Project Track of the Doctor of Business Administration - All But Dissertation (DBA - ABD degree) option, you simply need to submit an admissions essay, an official transcript verifying that you have completed a minimum of 27 semester credits or equivalent (including courses in statistics and research methodologies) in a doctoral program at a regionally accredited institution within the last seven years, along with a resume detailing your educational and professional experience. You may also submit a writing sample from your previous doctoral work.
All But Dissertation Program Outcomes
Our quality-focused, market-driven, and rigorous DBA - ABD degree curricula will establish and enhance core business knowledge and the ability to anticipate and react to societal changes, as well as provide students with technological proficiency, the ability to make ethical decisions, and the communication skills that embody the professional acumen graduates need to make positive contributions to their chosen fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
“All But Dissertation” (ABD) refers to doctoral candidates who have completed all doctoral coursework and examinations but have not finished their dissertation or final project. These students are often highly qualified but may have paused their doctoral journey due to professional or personal reasons.
Our Doctorate in Business Administration ABD degree offers a structured opportunity for these individuals to complete their degree by finishing a dissertation or a capstone project, and eligible students bring in prior doctoral credits. This all but dissertation track honors previous academic progress while helping students meet final graduation requirements efficiently.The Doctorate in Business Administration ABD degree is designed for professionals who have completed at least 27 semester credits in a doctoral program, including coursework in statistics and research methods. These credits must be from a regionally accredited institution and earned within the last seven years.
ABD program applicants should be individuals who are motivated to resume their academic journey and complete their doctoral credentials. The all but dissertation program is tailored for those who already have a strong foundation in business and research.
Students in the all but dissertation Doctorate in Business Administration typically transfer in 27 credits and complete 25 additional credits at Baker. This structure allows most students to finish the DBA program in about 1.5 years. The timeline can vary slightly depending on the chosen track (dissertation or capstone) and individual progress.
Accreditation
External peer review is the primary means of assuring and improving the quality of higher education institutions and programs in the United States. This recognition is accomplished through program accreditation, approval or certification.
The College of Business at Baker College has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page.
On Campus Unavailable
Core courses for this degree program are not offered on campus.
For those interested, a selection of general education and prerequisite courses are available on campus each semester.
View campus locationsAvailable on Baker Online
Courses for this degree program are available through Baker Online.
100% online, this format offers flexible scheduling with 8-week semesters
Baker OnlineUnavailable on Online Live
Core courses for this degree program are not offered through Online Live.
For those interested, a selection of general education and prerequisite courses are available through Online Live each semester.
Online Live