EdD in Leadership | All But Dissertation (ABD)

Many talented doctoral students complete all their EdD coursework—but when they reach the dissertation phase, life, work, and competing priorities can make it hard to cross the finish line. If you’ve completed doctoral-level coursework but never earned the degree, Regis College’s new EdD All But Dissertation (ABD) program is designed to help you finally achieve the goal you’ve already worked so hard toward.

With an exceptional completion rate, structured dissertation support, and a student-first approach, Regis helps experienced professionals reclaim their momentum and finish their EdD.

A Clear Pathway to Completion: Regis students complete their dissertation chapter-by-chapter—each within a dedicated course. This structure removes ambiguity, provides ongoing accountability, and gives you a clear roadmap from re-entry to graduation.

Unmatched Support & Guidance

• A highly engaged faculty advising model
• A supportive cohort community that keeps you connected and motivated
• Built-in research and writing guidance throughout the program
• Our completion rate is 96%, significantly higher than the national average of about 50%

One of the Only ABD Options in the Region: Among New England institutions, ABD pathways are rare. Regis offers one of the very few regional options—and Regis stands apart with its cohort structure, chapter-based course design, and nonprofit institutional mission. 

An Efficient 30-Credit Pathway: The ABD program requires 30 credits, compared with the 51-credit full EdD. While students cannot transfer dissertation credits from a previous institution, they may be able to build on earlier research ideas when appropriate—pending faculty review and approval.

Flexible Format to Fit Your Life: With a flexible online format, students will meet virtually on Saturdays four times per semester, making it easier to balance working full-time and completing a doctorate. You won't be alone, as 100% of Regis EdD students work full-time while completing their EdDs. 

The Regis EdD Completion program is designed specifically for doctoral students who have already demonstrated their ability to succeed in rigorous academic environments but have not yet completed the final requirement of their degree -- the dissertation. Recognizing that many students reach the “all but dissertation” stage and encounter challenges such as lack of structure, unclear expectations, or insufficient support, Regis has built a program that provides the guidance and resources needed to cross the finish line.

• ABD students from EdD or other doctoral programs who want a structured, guided, and supportive path to completion.
• Experienced professionals and leaders in education, business, healthcare, nonprofit management, government, public service, human resources, workforce development, or organizational leadership.
• Students who excelled in coursework but found the independent dissertation phase challenging without regular feedback, a structured path, or community and hands-on faculty support.
• Working adults balancing multiple responsibilities, including full-time jobs, caregiving, or community involvement, who benefit from a clear, chapter-by-chapter course structure and consistent faculty support.

Most importantly, this program is for students who are ready to finish—students who want a clear path forward, expert mentorship, and a supportive cohort to help them finally reach the doctoral finish line.

• Structured Pathway to Completion: The program offers a clear roadmap with milestones, timelines, and faculty mentorship to help students stay on track and maintain momentum toward dissertation completion.
• Personalized Support: Students receive individualized coaching, feedback, and academic advising tailored to their research focus and professional goals, ensuring they have the clarity and confidence to move forward.
• Community of Scholars: Participants join a supportive cohort of peers who are also navigating the dissertation process, fostering collaboration, accountability, and encouragement.
• Flexibility for Working Professionals: The program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of educators, leaders, and professionals who balance career and personal commitments.
• Focus on Dissertation Success: Every element of the program, from faculty expertise to structured writing support, is centered on helping students successfully defend their dissertation and earn their EdD.

While several ABD programs exist nationally, many are fast-track or for-profit models lacking the structured guidance many students need. Regis stands apart with:

• A nonprofit, student-centered mission
• A course-by-course dissertation design
• A 96% completion rate
• A supportive cohort community

The Regis EdD ABD completion program empowers doctoral candidates to transform unfinished work into a completed dissertation, enabling them to achieve the terminal degree they have worked so hard to pursue. It bridges the gap between academic achievement and degree completion, ensuring that students not only complete their degrees but also thrive as scholar-practitioners, prepared to lead and innovate in their fields.

If you’ve been stuck in the dissertation phase, you are far from alone - many doctoral students nationwide linger at this stage. With the right structure, support, and mentorship, you can complete your EdD. Regis College’s ABD EdD program is built to help you do exactly that. Take the next step. Your doctorate is within reach.