Are you in search of the fastest online doctoral degree programs? Traditional, on-campus doctoral degree programs, on average, take about 5.9 years to complete.
Not only is this a long duration, but the time spent throughout those 6 years can also be tremendous. With online doctoral programs, students have the leisure of flexible, asynchronous class times that nurture one-on-one relationships between students and professors. They can take as little as 2 years!
These online schools represent some of the finest academic institutions in America, with outstanding online doctoral programs that can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional programs.
METHODOLOGY
The writers and editors of Online-PhD-Degrees.com gather the most important and relevant information from the independent, unbiased NCES.gov’s College Navigator, as well as, college websites and publicly available data including various highly respected sources. This ranking, of the Fastest Online Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. and Ed.D.) programs is composed of online colleges and universities that meet strict criteria. To be included in this index, each school must offer:
- 100% online availability for their accelerated doctoral degrees so that students never have to attend classes or meetings on campus,
- Accelerated doctoral curricula that can be completed in 2 years with a maximum completion time of up to 3 years,
- Noteworthiness from journalistic resources in recognition of the school’s academic excellence and fast-paced doctoral degrees.
- Proper Regional Accreditation,
- Faculty members with high levels of experience and notable credentials,
- Financial Aid options through Grants and Scholarships.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
FASTEST ONLINE DOCTORAL (PH.D. AND ED.D.) DEGREE PROGRAMS
Gwynedd Mercy University
About the School:
Gwynedd Mercy University’s online Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is revered by many respectable sources as one of the speediest doctoral programs available, which can be completed in less than three years.
This degree consists of 54 credits in a motivational learning community that develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to lead and transform educational institutions.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is another GMercyU accelerated program that can be completed in as little as two years, in which students engage with doctoral-level theoretical concepts and develop evidence-based solutions to issues in the nursing profession.
Campus Location: Gwynedd Valley, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED DOCTORATE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
The College of Saint Scholastica
About the School:
The College of St. Scholastica is a Catholic Benedictine university that provides intellectual and moral preparation for responsible living and meaningful work. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is a highly regarded program for rigorous academic standards and thorough career preparation by enhancing students’ current skills, while also building new ones.
Students learn from clinical practitioner expert faculty members who bring an incredible amount of experience to the online classroom. The coursework can be completed in as little as two years and does not sacrifice any challenge or excellence to the coursework.
Campus Location: Duluth, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF ST. SCHOLASTICA’S ONLINE TRANSITIONAL DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE PROGRAM
Seton Hall University
About the School:
Seton Hall University is dedicated to ensuring that its professional doctoral programs are based on essential knowledge, evolving technologies, research findings, and reflective practice.
The Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy can be as short as 45 credits including one’s master’s degree, and equips practitioners with a variety of theoretical and research-based administrative and supervisory skills for potential practicing educational administrators and leaders.
The program offers two unique concentration options: Management and Administration, and College Teaching, each of which can complete this exceptional coursework in as little as three years.
Campus Location: South Orange, NJ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SETON HALL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. in LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About the School:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is well-known for its prestigious online programs, many of which have received recognition from various journalistic sites and resources across the country. Doctoral-level health science online students at this university have the opportunity to earn their degree in as little as two years.
The DPT program is only two years at a part-time schedule, giving students the time and focus to immerse themselves fully in their coursework without giving up any professional or personal time.
The Master to Doctor program gives undergraduate online students a tremendous chance to earn the highest credentials possible in an incredibly short amount of time.
Campus Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Master of Public Health to Doctor of Pharmacy
- Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
University of Southern California
About the School:
The University of Southern California is a superbly respected and competitive online school that has been one of the foremost purveyors of distance education for many consecutive years.
This school offers doctoral students the opportunity to earn their degree in 2-3 years through various specializations. The Doctor of Physical Therapy has been celebrated by U.S. News and World Report as being housed in the number one physical therapy school in the United States.
The Doctor of Social Work can be completed in two years at a full-time pace and gives students access to a wonderfully supportive, open, and beneficial virtual community with the Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The Global Executive Doctor of Education gives students the exciting opportunity to travel the world and spans approximately 25 months.
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Social Work
- Global Executive Doctor of Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ONLINE DOCTORATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
University of North Dakota
About the School:
The University of North Dakota offers online students six unique opportunities to major in doctoral degrees in nursing that take three years or less, as well as one exciting program in Biomedical Engineering that only takes 2 years!
These highly professional, accelerated, online programs offer students both full-time and part-time options to complete their coursework. The innovative UND programs develop applicable, hands-on skills.
The university is highly dedicated to students’ success and maintains an incredibly impressive 96% job placement rate for graduates of their various online degrees. Students learn in small classes that encourage close relationships between professors and classmates.
Individuals exiting the accelerated programs below go on to contribute outstanding achievements to the field of engineering and nursing.
Campus Location: Grand Forks, ND
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
- Ph.D. in Nursing
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Nurse Anesthesia
- DNP – Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA’S ONLINE Ph.D. DEGREE PROGRAMS
Boston University
About the School:
Boston University is one of the most well-known and prestigious academic institutions in America and offers an online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy that is one of the most expeditious doctoral degree programs available in a distance format, at only 18 months! Online degree programs from this school carry with them all of the outstanding opportunities and amenities of their on-campus counterparts.
This degree program is housed within a collaborative learning environment in which students develop the advanced knowledge needed to create innovative responses to the current and future needs of individuals, communities, and populations.
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Occupational Therapy, Doctorate
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOSTON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORATE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEGREE PROGRAM
Duquesne University
About the School:
Duquesne University offers online doctoral students more than just degrees that earn them a diploma in less than three years, but rather “expansive academic knowledge and skills while learning more about themselves and making a difference in the community and the world.”
Ranked as one of the top small research universities in the United States, doctoral students benefit from a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, wherein they have direct interactions with peers and professors.
The Doctor in Instructional Technology and Leadership is a two-and-a-half-year program in which students critically and reflectively study issues of equality, opportunity, and leadership to promote a democratic ideology of education.
Campus Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Leadership
- Ph.D. in Nursing
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
About the School:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has gained recent notoriety for its online programs, offering some of the highest quality online psychology degree programs available. Doctoral students can earn their degree in only 3 years in all of the programs listed below.
The Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis and the Ph.D. in Business Psychology can be completed in five years for individuals who only hold a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field, which is a concise amount of time in which to earn such a prestigious credential.
Upon exiting this online school, students have the reputation, knowledge, skill, and research capabilities, to go out into the field of psychology and make a hugely positive impact in their communities, as well as in the field as a whole.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology
- Ph.D. in International Psychology
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
- Ph.D. in Business Psychology
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY’S ONLINE PH.D. and ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAMS
California Intercontinental University
About the School:
California Intercontinental University offers students some of the fastest online Doctor of Business Administration degrees in the world, all of which can be completed in two years with zero campus visits. The DBA gives students multiple opportunities to major in an area that most fits their current and future career goals.
This academic institution is popular for supplying fantastic and well-suited distance education programs to working adults, veterans and military service members, and Department of Defense employees, as well as their families.
These affordable programs give students all of the tools needed for academic and professional success within the field of business administration. Each program prepares students to utilize the most advanced and modern decision-making skills.
Campus Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctorate of Business Administration
- DBA – Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- DBA – Global Business and Leadership
- DBA – Healthcare Management and Leadership
- DBA – Information Systems and Enterprise Resource Management
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAMS
Nova Southeastern University
About the School:
Nova Southeastern University is a popular online school that is incredibly well-liked by students and graduates alike, which can be seen in its impressive retention rate—an indicator of student satisfaction. NSU offers online doctoral students the opportunity to major in three unique and differing areas, each of which can be completed in 2 to 3 years.
The Conflict Analysis program can be completed in 2.5 years and includes four specialization options. The Ed.D. program is 3 years long and includes eight exciting concentration options. The Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on nursing education and research and is also a 3-year program.
At Nova Southeastern, doctoral students can expect flexibility, respect, and access to outstanding resources and brilliant faculty members. Upon exiting this school, NSU remains a strong resource for career placement and networking capabilities for future professionals.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Education
- Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- PH.D. in Nursing
LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S DISTANCE-LEARNING DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Liberty University
About the School:
Liberty University is an evangelical Christian university that offers a large number of online programs. Students all across the nation engage in Liberty’s state-of-the-art degrees by distance and have access to tremendous resources, amenities, extracurricular opportunities, and brilliant faculty members.
The online doctoral degree programs offer the same challenge and prestige as on-campus degrees, five of which can be completed in 2-3 years, max!
Students throughout the globe can earn the highest possible academic status without disrupting their professional and personal lives, and enhance their careers in a very short time, with Liberty University.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related and Educational Programs
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Ministry
- Doctor of Worship Studies
- Ph.D. in Public Policy
- Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
University of Arkansas
About the School:
The University of Arkansas is another state school that is well-known for its flexible, accommodating, challenging, and supportive online degree programs, many of which have been reviewed as some of the finest in the nation by such journalistic resources as U.S. News and World Report.
The two Doctor of Education programs provide students with outstanding curricula in unique areas of the discipline: adult learning and educational leadership. The Adult and Lifelong Learning doctorate programs last 2.5 years and the Educational Leadership doctorate is 3 years.
Despite their program of choice, these professionals are educated in state-of-the-art educational platforms that involve high levels of research and practice capabilities.
Campus Location: Fayetteville, AR
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Adult and Lifelong Learning
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS’ ONLINE DOCTORAL (Ed.D.) DEGREE PROGRAMS
Jefferson University
About the School:
Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University engage in a collaborative academic institution known simply as, Jefferson University, which offers excellent online degree programs including two that can be completed in 3 years.
Jefferson University is devoted to delivering superb and challenging coursework that prepares graduates for their professional careers, through an engaging, interactive, online learning community “where ideas thrive and creativity is fostered.”
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program prepares professional nurses for scholarly practice as clinical and health systems experts who lead and inspire health care improvement and reform. The Occupational Therapy Doctorate is an entry-level practice doctorate designed to prepare students to enter the field of occupational therapy at the doctoral level.
Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Regis University
About the School:
Regis University provides rigorous curricula needed to reach individual career goals, and that “challenges students to reflect on tradition, continuity, and change, and to explore the quintessential Regis question, ‘How ought we to live?’ ”
Doctoral students have two opportunities to earn a degree in 2-3 years in either nursing or occupational therapy programs. Regis is a distinctive and well-regarded purveyor of distance education and has been included on numerous lists and catalogs of the best programs in the nation.
These two doctoral degrees give students access to state-of-the-art virtual resources, as well as opportunities to engage in their community through their online coursework. This Jesuit, Catholic academic institution is welcoming to all students and provides all the amenities of a top-tier Western university.
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REGIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREES AND PROGRAMS
University of Bridgeport
About the School:
The two accelerated doctoral degree programs from the University of Bridgeport are both 3-year programs. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership includes a specialization in International Education in which students will learn to master principles of educational leadership while infusing global issues across cultures into classrooms and organizations.
The Health Sciences, D.H.Sc Hybrid program allows students to hone their skills in research, evidence-informed care delivery, education and curriculum development, and public health.
UB provides experienced faculty members who bring worlds of knowledge to the online classroom and teach flexible, interactive, and highly supportive degree programs. This institution was one of the pioneer schools to offer online degree programs in 1997!
Campus Location: Bridgeport, CT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Health Sciences, D.H.Sc. Hybrid Degree Program
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT’S ONLINE FAST-PACED DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Maryville University of Saint Louis
About the School:
The Maryville University of St. Louis has an array of accelerated doctoral degrees in nursing practice that take students’ nursing careers in specialized areas that vastly improve their capabilities in practice and research.
The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership has an emphasis on reflective, future-focused leadership to answer today’s big questions in higher education, and explore the leadership theories that develop expertise in various educational methods!
Students at this school receive personalized mentorship in a cohort learning model-based virtual classroom. Individuals can exit these programs in as little as 32 months with a professional doctorate in their area of skill.
Dedicated to helping students complete their coursework as soon as possible, the Maryville University of St. Louis has huge respect for individuals’ professional and personal time and energy outside of their program.
Campus Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Nurse Practitioner
- Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LOUIS’ ONLINE DNP and DOCTORATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
University of Florida
About the School:
The University of Florida is another of the country’s most fabulous online schools that provide students with outstanding resources for all distance education students. Doctor of Nursing Practice students will find an excellent opportunity to complete 35 credits in the MSN to DNP program online in only two-and-a-half years or five semesters!
The DNP is an advanced educational credential for those who desire advanced practice knowledge but do not need or want a research focus. Comparatively, the BSN to DNP program is 75 credits, which would take students nearly 8 semesters to complete.
Campus Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE Ph.D. of NURSING DEGREE PROGRAMS
University of Missouri
About the School:
This online school offers doctoral students a variety of nursing programs that can be completed in three years or less, depending on individual course loads. The University of Missouri has been recognized many times as a strong academic institution that supplies distance education students with state-of-the-art degree programs of all kinds, and these doctoral nursing degrees are no exception!
In order to take full advantage of the accelerated nature of these programs, the doctoral degrees listed below are designed for individuals who already have a master’s degree.
At Mizzou Online, nursing students are a part of a tight-knit, virtual, health science community that is both supportive and highly beneficial in building network connections and advancement opportunities in various industries.
Campus Location: Columbia, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- DNP – Nursing
- DNP – Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care
- DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI’S ONLINE DOCTORAL NURSING DEGREE PROGRAMS
Drexel University
About the School:
Drexel University has an incredibly unique manner of delivering its online degree programs. Students complete their coursework in four 10-week quarters per year, which means that they can take more courses in a shorter period of time. That also means that the faster students can complete their coursework, the faster they can earn their doctorates and be at the top of their field!
Doctoral students have three options in which to major at Drexel University, each of which is just as challenging, rewarding, and academically/professionally supportive as the next.
DU students have only the highest levels of education that help advance their careers and give them the opportunity to learn from the best faculty who are seasoned practitioners in their field. Position yourself as a leader in your industry through this marvelous academic institution.
Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Accelerated Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Health Science
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Management
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DREXEL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an accelerated degree program?
The fastest online doctoral degree programs are ideal for working professionals who need the accolade, but may not have the time to put into a traditional on-campus degree program.
Many courses within online doctoral programs can be completed within two years. Of course, not every Ph.D. or doctoral degree topic is available through accelerated programs. It will solely depend on the subject matter you are studying.
How will attending an online accelerated degree benefit me?
Accelerated doctoral programs have several benefits besides the obvious, which is earning your degree much faster than the usual four to six years or more.
By studying through an accelerated online program, you can save money on the cost of tuition. Most online programs are cheaper anyway. This helps you in two ways. First, you spend less on your doctoral program, and secondly, you can begin your career or obtain your promotion quicker; therefore, earning a higher salary quicker.
Is there a disadvantage to accelerated doctoral degrees?
An accelerated online program, since it covers a lot rather fast, may demand more of your immediate attention to cover the fast pace of the online courses. When considering an accelerated online program, think about both the pros and cons before committing.
Are all online distance learning programs considered “fast” degrees?
Not necessarily. Most online degree programs tend to go at the same speed as traditional classes do; however, the time spent may depend on your dedication to the program. Online classes often have deadlines to meet.
However, accelerated programs are noted as such, so you can expect to earn your master’s degree or doctoral degree in less time than usual.
Is earning a doctoral degree online at an accelerated time period frowned upon?
In general, earning an accelerated online doctoral degree is acceptable; however, it’s worth researching before signing on to a program.
For some doctoral degrees, such as those requiring extensive research and clinical work, you may want to invest in a full-time program. You may also want to consider if your program will require a dissertation or capstone project as well.
Is an accelerated Ph.D. or doctoral program worth it? Will it save me that much time and money?
Whether or not an accelerated doctoral program is worth it depends largely on your individual circumstances and goals. It could save you time and money, depending on how quickly you are able to complete your coursework and dissertation. However, it could also be more costly and time-consuming, depending on factors such as the specific requirements of the program.
Additionally, it could be beneficial in terms of networking and preparation for a career in academia. Therefore, it is important to fully consider all factors before deciding to pursue an accelerated program.
For more information about online Ph.D. degree programs, see:
