Some doctorates are coursework-based and do not require a dissertation.
Doctoral degrees normally represent the highest possible level of education in a certain field. Certain professions are exceptions to this rule, such as medicine or law, which have their own terminal degrees (in this case, the M.D. or the J.D.). A normal requirement for a doctorate is the dissertation. However, in recent years, many programs, particularly those in Australia, have begun to offer coursework-based doctorates that do not require dissertations.
Colorado Technical University
One of the only universities in the United States to offer a doctorate without a dissertation or an equivalent research project, Colorado Technical University offers several different programs for students interested in obtaining this academic qualification. Degrees offered are based on coursework and separate research papers throughout the student's course of study, and include Doctor of Computer Science, Doctor of Computer Science in Digital Systems Security, Doctor of Computer Science - Emerging Media, Doctor of Computer Science - Enterprise Information Systems, Doctor of Management - Emerging Media, Doctor of Management - Environmental and Social Sustainability, Doctor of Management - Homeland Security and the Doctor of Management - Organizational Development and Change.
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs
4435 North Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
1-866-942-6555
coloradotech.edu
University of Canberra
The University of Canberra in Australia also offers several coursework-based doctorate degrees. These degrees are designed to allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of a professional field, and include the Professional Doctorate in Business Administration and the Professional Doctorate in Public Administration, among others. However, the University of Canberra also has several requirements in place for its professional doctorates. Students must take at least six semesters of coursework, though they may be granted one semester of advanced standing. The maximum amount of time they may take to complete the degree is ten semesters, if they are attending full-time. Professional doctorates at the University of Canberra do require a research component; however, this component is far fewer credits than a dissertation requirement.
University of Canberra
ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6201 5111
canberra.edu.au
University of South Australia
The University of South Australia gives its students several options for doctoral degrees that don't require a dissertation. It is important to note, however, these programs do require a research component of some sort. The school provides the ratio of coursework required to the amount of research expected for each degree: Doctor of Project Management, 67:33; Doctor of Communication, 67:33; Doctor of Education, 67:33; Doctor of Engineering Practice, 67:33; Doctor of Business Administration, 50:50, Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, 50:50, Doctor of Information Technology Management, 50:50.
University of South Australia
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide, South Australia 5001
Australia
+61 8 8302 6611
unisa.edu.au
Tags: University Canberra, Computer Science, Doctor Computer, Doctor Computer Science, Doctor Management, South Australia