What does ABD mean?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by armywife, Jun 24, 2003.

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  1. armywife

    armywife New Member

    This is a term I keep finding on websites I've been looking at for doctoral programs. They keep saying "No ABD" or an "ABD situation"....forgive my ignorance here.
     
  2. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    All But Dissertation (ABD)
     
  3. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Holly,

    ABD- All But Dissertation. As I understand it the term refers to doctoral candidates who have completed all requirements except for the dissertation.
     
  4. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Frequently, you'll see job postings for college/university faculty where ABD status is acceptable, as long as the degree is completed in a certain time frame (usually a year).


    Bruce
     
  5. armywife

    armywife New Member

    Thank you! I was beginning to think it was another type of PhD or something! Thanks!
     
  6. Tell your husband it means "One more hill"

    He'll understand :D

     
  7. oxpecker

    oxpecker New Member

    ABD really means "All But Dead." This was my state after working full-time on a PhD for 6 years (1982-1988).
     
  8. David

    David New Member

    Yeah! What Oxpecker said!!!!! MSEE 1965, Ph.D 1979!
     
  9. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Gee, and all this time I thought it was a British term, "Almost Bloody Done." :D
    Jack
     
  10. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Except, of course, that one is not. "ABD" refers to being done with one's coursework, comps, and has submitted an accepted dissertation proposal. But this is where graduate students often trip up. The dissertation is unlike any other academic experience--especially for those who completed coursework-only master's programs. I truly believe they underestimate the difficulty and scope of the undertaking. That might explain why some employers don't want ABD's; they have no assurances regarding degree completion. Some never do.
     

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