25 Shortest Online Doctoral Programs

Updated on 9/25/2025

Accelerated doctoral programs offer students the opportunity to complete advanced degrees in a shorter timeframe than traditional paths. Many choose these programs for career advancement, cost savings, and flexible scheduling that fits around work and family responsibilities. With the right prerequisites and transfer credits, you can complete the fastest doctorate degrees in as little as one to two years.

This article highlights some of the fastest programs available, ranging from professional doctorates in education and healthcare to research-focused PhDs. You'll see how shortened timelines, online delivery, and intensive schedules help motivated students earn advanced credentials more quickly.

What Are the Fastest Doctorate Programs Online?

The fastest doctorate degree programs online are designed to shorten the traditional four- to seven-year commitment. Accelerated options use transfer credit policies, recognition of professional experience, and intensive course schedules to help students finish sooner.

Some programs allow students to complete coursework and their capstone or dissertation simultaneously, while others offer credit for prior graduate-level work. This efficiency makes it possible to earn a doctorate in as little as one or two years. For working professionals, these programs make it more practical to balance career, family, and education while still advancing into leadership or specialized roles.

How Long Do Doctorate Programs Usually Take?

Doctorate programs vary in length depending on the degree type. Research-focused PhD programs often take five to seven years because they require original research, dissertations, and comprehensive exams. Professional doctorates, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), or Doctor of Education (EdD), are structured to be shorter — usually three to four years.

Accelerated formats shorten this further, sometimes to just one or two years. These programs are particularly valuable for professionals looking to move into higher-paying or leadership roles without the lengthy timelines of traditional doctoral study.

1-Year Online Doctoral Programs

Some schools now offer one-year PhD programs online or accelerated professional doctorates. By granting advanced standing, applying transfer credits, or offering intensive year-round schedules, these programs allow highly motivated students to graduate about a year.

1. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Designed for registered nurses with a master's degree, the DNP builds advanced clinical and leadership skills in areas, such as population health, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Many accelerated online formats let nurses complete coursework in one year, preparing them for higher-paying roles and executive leadership in healthcare.

2. Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership

The EdD in leadership offers a fast-track for educators aiming to move into administrative or policy roles. With an accelerated schedule, students focus on organizational change, strategic leadership, and applied research. Graduates often step into positions such as principals, superintendents, or higher education administrators.

3. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Accelerated DPT programs are typically designed for licensed physical therapists seeking advanced training. In a one-year online format, coursework covers advanced rehabilitation, research methods, and clinical leadership. Graduates expand their career options, often moving into teaching, research, or management roles in healthcare settings.

4. Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

The OTD helps practicing occupational therapists build expertise in advanced practice areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or rehabilitation science. Online courses integrate with clinical projects, allowing therapists to apply skills immediately. With accelerated completion, students can earn their doctorate in about a year while working.

5. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

A one-year DBA program sharpens leadership, research, and strategic management skills for business professionals. Students explore topics like organizational theory, finance, and global business practices. Accelerated formats prepare graduates for executive leadership roles, consulting, or university-level teaching positions more quickly than traditional programs.

2-Year Online Doctoral Programs

Two-year doctoral programs are among the most common accelerated options. By following a structured schedule and applying transfer credits where possible, students can realistically complete their doctorate in about two years.

6. PhD in Psychology

Accelerated psychology PhDs prepare students for roles in research, academia, or applied practice. Online programs often allow specialization in clinical, organizational, or counseling psychology. With prior credits and intensive schedules, motivated students can finish in about two years, instead of the traditional five to seven.

7. Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The DrPH focuses on health policy, leadership, and applied public health practice. Students complete coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems management. With accelerated online delivery, the degree can be finished in two years, preparing graduates for leadership roles in government agencies, NGOs, and healthcare organizations.

8. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A DSW program gives licensed social workers advanced training in clinical practice, administration, or policy. Two-year online programs emphasize applied research and leadership in social services. Graduates often become senior clinicians, administrators, or educators in community agencies, hospitals, and universities.

9. EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

The EdD in Curriculum and Instruction helps educators improve teaching practices and educational outcomes. Online two-year formats allow teachers to balance their studies with work while focusing on research-based instructional design. Graduates frequently pursue careers as curriculum directors, instructional coordinators, or education consultants.

10. Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

The DCJ is designed for professionals working in law enforcement, corrections, or homeland security. Accelerated online formats emphasize criminal justice policy, organizational leadership, and applied research. Graduates may move into senior administrative roles, consulting, or teaching at the college level.

11. Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

A two-year DCS program sharpens expertise in advanced computing, systems design, and applied research. Online options allow working professionals to explore big data, AI, or cybersecurity in depth. Graduates often become senior IT leaders, consultants, or educators in higher education.

12. Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

The DHA equips healthcare leaders with advanced management and policy skills. Accelerated online programs cover organizational leadership, health economics, and system improvement. In just two years, graduates are ready to pursue executive roles in hospitals, health systems, or government agencies.

13. Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The DMin is a professional doctorate for clergy and ministry leaders. Accelerated programs combine online learning with practical ministry projects. Students deepen their theological knowledge, leadership skills, and pastoral practice, often completing the degree in two years while continuing their ministry work.

14. PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

This program trains professionals to design interventions for individuals with behavioral or developmental challenges. Accelerated formats allow completion in about two years, emphasizing research, clinical application, and supervision skills. Graduates often become board-certified behavior analysts, consultants, or university faculty.

15. Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

A two-year DSL program focuses on organizational leadership, ethics, and global strategy. Coursework blends research with applied leadership practice, often tailored for executives and managers. Graduates advance into senior leadership, consulting, or higher education roles.

Other Accelerated Doctoral Programs

Beyond one- and two-year formats, students can find accelerated doctorates designed for completion in three years or less. These programs combine online coursework with capstone projects or applied research to reduce the time to graduation. Some of these are considered the fastest doctorate degree options

16. PhD in Applied Mathematics

Accelerated applied math PhDs prepare students for careers in academia, finance, or data science. Programs emphasize modeling, computation, and advanced analysis. With intensive study and prior credits, students can complete it in as little as three years.

17. PhD in Economics

Some online PhD programs in economics offer fast-tracks, focusing on applied economics, quantitative analysis, and policy. Graduates move into research, consulting, or teaching roles. With accelerated study, motivated students can finish in about three years.

18. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Accelerated PharmD programs are designed for licensed pharmacists seeking advanced training. Online coursework covers pharmacology, patient care, and healthcare leadership. With prior professional standing, completion can be possible in under three years.

19. PsyD in Clinical Psychology

A PsyD emphasizes applied clinical practice and training. Accelerated online formats combine coursework, practicum, and clinical supervision in condensed timelines. Students preparing for licensure may finish in about three years, gaining the skills for private practice or clinical leadership.

20. Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

The DIT equips IT professionals with advanced knowledge in innovation, leadership, and applied research. Accelerated three-year programs prepare graduates for executive technology roles, consulting, or higher education.

21. Doctor of Global Security (DGS)

The DGS is an accelerated option for professionals in international affairs, intelligence, or homeland security. Coursework covers strategic policy, conflict analysis, and leadership. Online formats allow completion in under three years.

22. Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

A DEng focuses on applied engineering, design, and leadership in technology. Accelerated programs condense coursework and research into three years, preparing graduates for senior technical roles or academia.

23. Doctor of Environmental Science (DES)

The DES focuses on sustainability, conservation, and environmental policy. Accelerated formats allow completion in about three years. Graduates often move into research, government, or nonprofit leadership roles.

24. Doctor of Arts (DA) in Music or Humanities

A DA program blends creative practice with academic research. Accelerated formats enable students to complete their studies in under three years, preparing them for careers in teaching, performance, or research.

25. Doctor of Education in Higher Education (EdD)

This degree trains leaders for colleges and universities. With an accelerated structure, students complete coursework and applied research in three years or less. Graduates often work as deans, provosts, or academic policy leaders.

Featured Schools With the Fastest Doctorate Degrees

Many colleges and universities are known for their on-campus and online doctoral programs, which are available in accelerated and flexible formats. They provide an efficient way for students to meet their academic and career goals.

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University has the largest DNP program in the country and can be completed in as little as two years. Registered nurses with a master's degree can attend this program to gain the skills needed to advance their careers and make a difference in the healthcare system.

Walden University

With Walden University's flexible programs, which are designed for working students, you can earn a doctoral degree in three years, sometimes less. They offer an extensive range of advanced programs such as the Doctor of Education, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a PhD in nursing. The program offers specializations and concentrations to align your degree with your professional goals.

Walden also offers a Fast Track Option for their PhD in psychology. With this accelerated program, students can increase the number of credit hours each term, allowing them to begin their dissertation early.

University of Florida

The University of Florida's Doctor of Education program gives students the option of numerous specializations to gain knowledge in their specialization. The professional doctorate programs prepare students for advancing to positions in educational leadership.

Columbia University

Students can earn a PhD in applied mathematics at Columbia University. The program is designed with an intensive curriculum and offers students research opportunities related to applied mathematics. Completing the PhD degree from the qualifying exam to the PhD dissertation takes about four years.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University's wide range of doctoral programs includes a PhD in economics that places a strong focus on applying skills to real-world problems. Students can complete the degree in as fast as three years.

Liberty University

Liberty University's Doctor of Education in educational leadership prepares graduates to excel in roles as advanced educators or researchers by emphasizing the application of leadership skills for success. The program only requires 54 credit hours and involves coursework in management concepts and curriculum development.

FAQs About Fast Doctoral Programs

Accelerated doctoral degrees raise many questions for students considering the commitment. Below are clear answers to some of the most common concerns.

Are 1-Year PhD Programs Online Legitimate?

Yes, but only if the school is accredited. Some programs recognize prior credits or professional experience, making fast completion possible. Always verify accreditation and transfer-credit policies before enrolling.

What Are the Benefits of Finishing an Accelerated Doctorate Program?

Accelerated programs help you save time and lower overall costs while advancing your career more quickly. They also allow you to apply new skills in your workplace sooner, making them both practical and efficient for busy professionals.

How Fast Can You Realistically Earn a Doctorate?

Timelines depend on the program type. The fastest programs can be completed in one year, but most accelerated options take about two years. Traditional doctorates still require four to seven years of study.

Which Fields Have the Fastest Doctorate Degree Options?

Education, nursing, business, healthcare, and leadership are common fields with accelerated options. These professional doctorates focus on applied knowledge and capstone projects rather than long-term research, allowing for shorter timelines.

Do Accelerated Doctoral Programs Cost Less?

Tuition per credit may be similar to traditional programs, but overall costs are usually lower since you spend fewer years enrolled. Finishing faster also means less lost income and quicker career advancement.

Which Doctoral Degree Is the Shortest?

Some of the shortest doctoral degrees are accelerated programs that can be completed in about one year, such as certain Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) formats. More commonly, DNP and OTD degrees take two to three years, which is still shorter than research-heavy PhDs that often require five to seven years.

What Is the Easiest Doctorate To Get?

The easiest doctorate is the one that matches your professional background, career goals, and academic strengths. For many, fields like public health, organizational leadership, or healthcare administration offer smoother pathways, since the coursework aligns closely with prior experience and focuses on practical application rather than original research.

Explore Online Doctoral Programs

Explore doctoral programs on Learn.org to find the fastest options that match your career goals. Contact schools directly to compare admissions requirements, tuition, and accelerated degree formats.