This was on the sister forum: Major update to the DBA and EdD programs at South College: Dear SouthCBE Students, We are pleased to announce that, starting May 1, 2025, students in both the EdD and DBA programs will now have the option to choose between completing a Capstone Project or a Dissertation to fulfill the requirements for graduation. This new option gives you the flexibility to select the path that best aligns with your career goals and academic interests. Whether you’re focused on practical workplace outcomes (Capstone) or a more traditional research study (Dissertation), both pathways will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to make an impact in your field. The rigor in both pathways is the same, the application and focus are what differ. What is a Capstone? Practical application of knowledge and skills to identify and propose a solution to a real-world workplace problem. What is a Dissertation? Original research on a specific topic, a defense of research findings and contributing new knowledge to a field of study. Capstone vs Dissertation 4 Chapters Format vs Traditional 5 Chapter Format Chair serves as Committee vs Chair and Committee Member as Committee Research to identify and propose solution to workplace problem vs Existing Datasets and IRB Process Propose a solution for an immediate workplace problem with your research proposal vs Fill a gap in the literature with your research study Final Presentation vs Proposal and Final Defense
Why would you want to choose a Capstone at a Doctorate level that might ruin your path in academia in the future?
Not everyone is interested in the tenure track. For an adjunct or someone in industry a capstone would be fine.
I'm not sure that a Doctorate from a for-profit unranked college, even when Regionally accredited, is high on the list of tenure track appointments. If they do allow this individual into their tenure track, it's probably due to industry experience and other exceptional criteria, where a doctoral degree just checks the box.
Seriously depends on the field, school rank, location etc. In our catalog, there are tenured/TT professors with doctorates from Argosy and CalSouthern. SACS, nonprofit.
