NCU'S DISSERTATION
COMPLETION PATHWAY
CREATES REASONS
TO CELEBRATE
In January of 2017, the NCU leadership began researching ways to serve the
underserved "All but Dissertation" population of learners. The catalyst of this research
was this simple question:
"Could NCU's resources and doctoral student experience
provide "ABD" students an opportunity to complete their
doctoral degree without starting over?"
The Graduate School led a taskforce of NCU faculty and staff members who created
a proposal articulating the foundation for the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP).
The DCP proposal included a clear path for learners who achieved candidacy at other
regionally accredited universities, but were unable to complete their doctoral degree due
to various circumstances.
One year later, NCU welcomed its first students into the DCP coursework, which included
a DCP Intensive where DCP students converged for a three-day, in-person session focused
on furthering their understanding of NCU's resources and expectations. In early January
of 2020, the DCP team celebrated hosting its eighth DCP Intensive, which also carried
the distinction of the largest number of students attending an Intensive (31!).
Additionally, NCU and the DCP team celebrated another noteworthy milestone this
January. A student who matriculated into the inaugural DCP cohort officially detached
from the "ABD" distinction, successfully defended her dissertation, and earned her well-
deserved doctoral degree. As we commemorate the first graduate who successfully
utilized the DCP as a bridge to success at NCU, we also look forward to welcoming
additional graduates at this year's commencement ceremonies, and in the years to come.
STUDENT CENTRIC. REGIONALLY ACCREDITED. NONPROFIT.
Jessica Hensley
Director of Accreditation & Special Projects
Click here to watch our video about how the Dissertation Completion Pathway gave
NCU student Betty B. the confidence to complete her doctoral journey.
