What Is ABD (All But Dissertation) Degree Status?

Whether you're thinking about pursuing a doctoral degree or have heady enrolled in a program, you've probably heard of the abbreviation ABD. What does this abbreviation stand for?

ABD stands for ''all but dissertation.'' ABD students are doctoral students who have finished their coursework and passed their qualifying exams, but have not yet completed or defended their dissertation.

What Is ABD Degree Status?

Students in PhD programs must follow several steps to get their degree:

• complete all required coursework
• pass all qualifying exams
• elect, research, and write a dissertation
• defend their dissertation
• receive their degree

The definition of ABD status is any student who has completed the first and second step but is still working on the last three steps. In other words, they have done all they need to get their degree except complete and defend their dissertation.

The writing of a dissertation can take several years, so it's not uncommon for students to maintain ABD status for a long time before being considered a full PhD.

Is ABD Degree Status Recognized Academically?

Yes, ABD is an academically recognized term used to denote doctoral students who have not yet completed their dissertation.

It's worth noting that ABD status is not a separate degree; it's a stage in a doctoral degree program. Those with an ABD status are commonly referred to as PhD candidates.

The term PhD candidate sets these doctoral learners apart from PhD students, who are defined as those who have not yet completed all of their coursework or qualifying exams.

Tips for Completing Your Doctoral Degree

The ABD period of your education is filled with many challenges, and it's not uncommon for those who have attained ABD status to remain in this stage indefinitely. Let's take a look at some tips that can help you work through the challenges and complete your doctoral degree.

Explore School Resources

Once you reach ABD status, the remainder of your degree program becomes largely self-guided. It's this lack of structure that often presents challenges for students. However, you will have an academic advisor during this time. Never hesitate to reach out to your advisor for help or advice, and find out about other resources your school may offer to help you navigate the research and dissertation process.

Choose a Dissertation Within Your Field of Study

It's a good idea to start thinking about your dissertation topic early and to choose a topic that's closely related to your doctoral degree program. For example, if you're completing a PhD in education, your topic and research should focus on a problem or issue within the educational field.

Common Doctoral Degree Programs

There are PhD programs on a wide variety of topics. Some of the more common ones you have to choose from include:

• engineering
• psychology
• nursing practice
• physical therapy
• education

Defend Your Dissertation

You will likely spend several years researching and writing your dissertation. Once you have completed it, you will present it to a dissertation committee at your school, where it will be examined and you will be required to defend it. Make sure you're prepared for this crucial step by studying your topic thoroughly and researching it from various angles. You'll also want to get plenty of sleep before defending your dissertation to ensure you are alert.

Key Differences Between a PhD and an ABD

As noted above, ABD status is part of any PhD program. Many students confuse these two closely related terms, so let's take a look at some notable differences between ABD status and PhD programs.

• ABD status is part of a degree program but is not a degree in itself. PhD programs lead to doctoral degrees.
• PhD programs as a whole are typically longer than ABD status.
• PhD programs comprise all steps necessary to getting a PhD degree, including coursework and qualifying exams. ABD status denotes only one part of the PhD process: working on and completing the dissertation.