Inside Online DBA Programs with No Dissertation

The DBA is designed for business professionals seeking advanced, practice-oriented leadership careers outside academia. Although DBAs traditionally include an academic dissertation, an increasing number of online programs are ditching the dissertation in favor of applied alternatives.

This guide walks you through today’s standout online DBA programs that have eliminated — or offer an alternative to — the dissertation. Start by reviewing how these innovative programs work.

School Spotlights: Online DBA Programs with No Dissertation

To help you understand what to expect from no-dissertation DBA programs, here are three detailed examples. While curricula, costs, and admission requirements differ, these spotlights provide a helpful framework as you continue your search.

California Intercontinental University

California Intercontinental University (CIU) offers a fully online Doctor of Business Administration with both general and specialized tracks. Students can choose from:

• Entrepreneurship and Business Management
• Global Business and Leadership
• Healthcare Management and Leadership
• Information Systems and Enterprise Resource Management

All students may complete a research project as their capstone rather than a traditional dissertation.

Admissions Requirements:

• Master’s degree with 3.0+ GPA
• 3–5 years of professional business experience
• Applicants with a non-business master’s may need prerequisite coursework

Cost & Accreditation:

• $529 per credit; total estimated cost: $36,675 (60 credits)
• Accredited by DEAC; business program is a candidate for ACBSP accreditation

CIU is an appealing option for students looking for an affordable and flexible online DBA.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a 100% online no-dissertation Doctor of Business Administration with asynchronous courses and no campus residencies. Instead of a dissertation, students complete an applied research project, beginning in year one and continuing throughout the program.

Admissions Requirements:

• MBA or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA
• Resume
• 1,000-word personal statement
• No GMAT/GRE required

Cost & Transfer Options:

• $799 per credit (91-credit program)
• Transfer up to 36 credits from MBA coursework
• Program can be completed in as few as three years

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online Doctor of Business Administration with 17 specialization options, ranging from leadership and marketing to executive coaching, Six Sigma, and tourism management. Upon completing coursework, students complete an Applied Doctoral Research Project (ADRP) that addresses a current business problem relevant to their specialization.

Admissions Requirements:

• Master’s in business or related field
• Minimum 30 graduate-level business credits
• 3.0+ GPA
• Some specializations require a master’s in the specific field (e.g., accounting)

Cost & Transfer Options:

• $595 per credit (full-time)
• $650 per credit (part-time)
• Students may transfer up to 50% of required credits
• Program can be completed in three years

Comparing Dissertation Alternatives for DBA Students

Even without a dissertation, online DBA programs require a culminating project that demonstrates mastery of course material.

Two of the most common alternatives are:

• Business consulting projects
• Doctoral research projects

Understanding these options before enrolling will help you choose a doctoral program that fits your career goals and preferred learning style.

Business Consulting Project

In this model, students partner with a small business or nonprofit to gain real-world consulting experience. Acting as consultant-scholars, they:

• Analyze a business problem
• Produce a detailed report
• Propose actionable solutions

While common in MBA programs, consulting projects are less widely used in DBA programs. One example is Walden University’s Online DBA program, which offers this as a dissertation alternative.

Doctoral Research Project

The most common alternative, the doctoral research project, allows students to conduct applied academic research addressing a specific business topic or problem. Schools offering this option include:

• California Intercontinental University
• Bellevue University
• Liberty University
• Capella University
• Trevecca Nazarene University
• University of Pittsburgh

Components of a Doctoral Research Project: A Closer Look

While each program has its own structure, most doctoral research projects include the following elements.

Format

Doctoral research projects may follow a variation of the traditional five-chapter dissertation format:

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results
5. Discussion / Application to Practice

Projects created for a specific organization may use a modified structure to better address organizational needs.

Your program’s handbook will outline exact formatting expectations.

Purpose

The purpose of the doctoral research project is to demonstrate:

• Mastery of DBA-level course content
• Ability to apply research to business practice
• Proficiency in solving real-world business challenges

Unlike a dissertation, which creates new knowledge, the research project focuses on applying existing theories to solve practical problems.

Scope & Length

• Scope refers to the boundaries and parameters of the study
• Projects often describe expected limitations and methodological constraints
• Typical length: 45,000–65,000 words

Timeline

Completion time varies by program structure:

• At Liberty University, students begin the project after completing coursework and often finish within one year
• At Bellevue University, students begin their project in the first year, progressing throughout the entire program

Projects generally follow sequential milestones aligned with their chapter structure.

Answering Your FAQs About Dissertation-Free DBAs

Considering a non-dissertation DBA? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.

Are DBA programs without dissertations seen as equally legitimate by employers?

In most cases, yes. Employers are typically more focused on the school’s accreditation and reputation than whether the degree included a dissertation. Some employers may even prefer applied research experience over academic dissertation work.

Can graduates pursue academic positions without a traditional dissertation?

Generally, no—especially for tenure-track or research-focused roles. If your goal is academia, consider:

• A DBA program with a dissertation requirement
• A PhD in Business Administration, or

How can students customize their focus or specialization area in these programs?

Even without a dissertation, you can tailor your program through:

• Your applied research project topic
• Your program specialization or concentration

Examples: Liberty University, CIU, and Walden University all offer multiple specialization paths.

How long does it typically take to complete a DBA program without a dissertation?

Most online doctoral programs are designed to be finished in three years, including coursework and the applied project. Some schools allow up to seven years for completion.

What is the difference in admission criteria for traditional DBA programs and those without dissertation requirements?

They follow similar criteria, but non-dissertation programs often emphasize:

• Substantial professional experience (typically 3–5+ years)

For example, Indiana Wesleyan requires five years of field experience. Dissertation-based DBAs may not always require this.

What kind of support do students receive while completing their capstone or final project?

Most programs assign a research chair or faculty mentor who provides guidance throughout the research process. Additional support often includes:

• Online research and writing centers
• Consultation services
• Access to integrated learning platforms

Indiana Wesleyan’s DBA program, for instance, offers extensive resources through one centralized learning management system.