"All but dissertation" (ABD) is a term identifying a stage in the process of obtaining a research doctorate in the United States and other countries. In typical usage of the term, the ABD graduate student has completed the required preparatory coursework, passed any required preliminary, comprehensive, doctoral qualifying examinations, and met all other requirements except for the research requirements, typically including the writing and defense of a dissertation.[1] A student attaining this level may be granted a formal Candidate in Philosophy degree or status at a few institutions. Some universities, including Columbia, Yale, and George Washington, may award a formal Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree for these achievements.[2][3][4]