Easiest PhD and Shortest Doctoral Programs Online 2024

Explore a range of online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, that offer accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible online learning options.

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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

Many degree programs fall under the title of doctorate, including Doctor of Philosophy degrees or Ph.D.

These Ph.D. degree programs are available in a variety of subjects and are intended to help students understand their specialty in the abstract and as a school of thought and theory rather than strictly as a practice.

Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, prestigious reputations, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources.

When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you!

The easiest isn't always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.

Jump to:

1-year Online Doctoral Programs | 18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation | Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus | Easiest Ph.D. to Get Online | Easiest PhD to Get (Traditional) | Free PhD Programs Online

Doctorate Degree vs PhD

  • Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application.
  • Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.
  • Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Doctorate programs are made up of advanced coursework, research projects, or thesis work almost strictly for practical application.
  • Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees can often achieve the same ends and should be considered more or less equal in weight.

1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online

1 Year
Chatham University

Program: Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Credits: 36

Clinical Hours: 1,000

Key Features: Synchronous online classes, immersive clinicals nationwide, Family Nurse Practitioner certification eligibility

Chatham offers a 1-year online DNP program for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The intensive curriculum covers care delivery models, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and informational systems. The program features synchronous online classes and immersive clinicals at sites nationwide. Students collaborate virtually with renowned faculty.

Within 12 months, students complete 36 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates can sit for Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Nurses with a BSN can enter the accelerated program. Applicants need an active RN license. This online DNP empowers nurses to rapidly earn doctoral credentials while working. It prepares graduates to advance as clinical, executive, research, and teaching leaders.

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1 Year
Breyer State Theology University

Program: Online PhD in Grief Counseling

Department: Ethereal Studies

Key Features: Asynchronous learning, live classes, dissertation completion in one year

Breyer State Theology University offers a 1-year online PhD in Grief Counseling through its Department of Ethereal Studies. This accelerated program is tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their bereavement therapy career. The curriculum covers advanced grief counseling theories and interventions for diverse populations. Students gain expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, healing rituals, afterlife philosophies, and continuing bonds.

The online format combines asynchronous learning with live classes in an intimate cohort overseen by esteemed faculty. Students complete their dissertation in just one year. Graduates earn a PhD from BSU's pioneering metaphysical psychology department. This flexible doctoral program prepares students to progress their counseling practice or pursue academic research roles.

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1 Year
American International Theism University (AITU)

Programs: Various online doctoral degrees

PhD Tracks: Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, Grief Counseling

Professional Doctorates: Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy

Key Features: Video lectures, discussions, immersive retreats

American International Theism University (AITU) offers one-year online doctoral degrees for working professionals. Accelerated PhD tracks include Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, and Grief Counseling. Professional doctorates prepare leaders in Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. The online programs blend video lectures, discussions, and immersive retreats. Curricula explore metaphysics, ethics, and wisdom traditions across faiths.

Within 12 months, students complete doctoral coursework, exams, and a dissertation overseen by distinguished faculty. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and background in theological studies or social sciences. These intensive online doctoral programs allow students to rapidly earn advanced credentials through flexible study with global peers. Graduates pursue roles driving innovation in spiritual care, research, and leadership.

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Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

15-18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation

18 Months
Boston University

Program: Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Credits: 33-37

Courses: 10

Key Features: Fully online, 7-week accelerated courses, no dissertation required

Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. Students may concentrate on various areas and can choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements.

This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester's worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May. The program is available to doctoral students who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program. There are foundation courses, which include evidence-based practice and health care management, but no dissertation is necessary whereas a doctoral project is still required.

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18-20 Months
Frontier Nursing University

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Credits: 33

Key Features: Online program, no GMAT/GRE required, no clinical hours

The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.

This course is an online program that does not require a GMAT or GRE. It may have a waiting list, but unlike other programs, it does not require clinical hours. The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership is an online program that offers personal coaching throughout the process. It is a cohort learning method with online education, and students might need a bit more time to complete it.

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Varies
Maryville University

Programs: Various online doctoral degrees

Offerings: Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy

Key Features: Live online classes, self-paced learning, virtual labs and simulations

Maryville University offers online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. Programs available fully online include Doctorates in Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. The EdD programs prepare graduates for leadership and faculty roles in education. The DNP equips nurses for advanced clinical and executive practice.

Health Administration focuses on healthcare organizational development, quality, and finance. Licensed PTs and OTs can pursue clinical doctorates while working. Courses blend live online classes and self-paced learning. Programs leverage cutting-edge virtual labs and simulations. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate from Maryville University online to advance their careers.

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24 Month Doctorate Programs

 
24 Months
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Program: Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

Key Features: Fully online, part-time program, workplace application credits

One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their online Master of Business Administration, but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online. This part-time program provides online learning courses to help licensed physical therapists enhance their skills and gain access to higher career options. Some credits can be earned through workplace applications.

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24 Months or Less
Grand Canyon University

Programs: Various online doctoral degrees

Offerings: EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, K-12 Leadership, plus psychology, nursing, business, and more

Key Features: Asynchronous and live virtual classes, personalized faculty support, robust digital resources

Grand Canyon University offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. GCU provides online EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and K-12 Leadership. Other doctorates cover psychology, nursing, business, and more. Programs blend asynchronous and live virtual classes focused on applying concepts. Specialized tracks allow customization.

Online students get personalized faculty support and access to robust digital resources. Within 2 years (or less), learners complete coursework, residencies, exams, and a dissertation to earn an accredited doctoral degree from GCU. With flexible and practical curricula, GCU enables busy professionals to obtain doctorates fully online and further their careers.

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30 Months
Liberty University

Program: Doctor of Education

Credits: 54

Key Features: Fully online, 8-week courses, no dissertation required

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.

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Varies
University of West Georgia

Programs: Various online doctoral degrees

Offerings: School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, Higher Education Administration

Key Features: Synchronous evening classes, self-paced learning, experiential projects

The University of West Georgia offers several online doctoral degree options for working professionals seeking advanced training. UWG provides online doctorates in School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, and Higher Education Administration. The EdD programs focus on data-driven leadership strategies and developing administrative expertise.

The DNP prepares nurses to improve care systems and patient outcomes. Coursework blends synchronous evening classes and self-paced learning for flexibility. Experiential projects allow application to careers. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate fully online from UWG to advance as leaders in their field.

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Shortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus

Obtaining a Ph.D. can be a long-term commitment and many doctoral programs can take over five years to complete. To help busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers and those looking to begin their careers at a high level, this list serves as a simple reference guide, compiling information on some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country.

These online degree programs operate in full-time, part-time, fully online, or hybrid formats.

Easiest Ph.D. Programs Online & On-Campus

To be sure, at the Ph.D. level, no program could be considered "easy," but there are certain programs designed to be "easier" than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

With that in mind, our list of the easiest Ph.D. programs includes schools and programs that offer significantly reduced residency requirements, accelerated courses, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia.

The rankings below display schools with accreditation from at least one of the six regional accrediting agencies, and all offer at least one virtual Ph.D. degree. Accredited online Ph.D. programs are also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.

Easiest Online Ph.D. Programs & Online Doctoral Programs

Easiest Ph.D. to Get (Traditional)

The easiest doctorate degree can vary depending on your interests, skills, and strengths. However, here is a list of doctorate degrees that are mentioned as potentially less difficult to obtain.

Business Administration

Focus: Business development, design, methods, tools, and professional ethics

Career Path: Advanced positions in business

Counseling

Specializations: Human behavior, social psychology, counseling supervision, specific therapy approaches

Career Path: Advanced opportunities in healthcare and social services

Criminal Justice

Skills Developed: Research skills, data analysis in criminal justice

Career Paths: Emergency management, forensic departments, information security sectors

Education

Focus: Enhancing educational research skills, preparing for leadership roles

Career Paths: Administrative positions in universities, professional departments, elementary and secondary schools

Healthcare Administration

Topics Covered: Policies, ethics, group management, hospital administration, advanced patient care

Career Path: Leadership roles in the business aspect of the medical industry

Human Services

Focus: Policies, legislation, rights, ethics, and protocols for serving within human services organizations

Career Path: Leadership positions in organizations helping underserved populations

Management

Areas Covered: Financial management, system management, conflict management, human resources management

Application: Practical skills applicable to various industry settings

Public Administration

Skills Developed: Managerial and strategic planning skills for administrative roles

Coursework: Ethics of management, public policy, strategic planning, performance management, employee evaluation, economics of administration

Public Health

Focus: Advanced training and research skills for the healthcare industry

Emphasis: Leadership and management roles, innovative thinking, communication mastery

Public Policy

Focus: Theory, ethics, research, and practice in public service programs

Skills Developed: Analyzing and proposing policies to improve communities and societies

Psychology

Combination: Research skills with professional practice

Career Paths: Addictions counselors, applied researchers, professional consultants, clinical psychologists

Theology

Focus: Divine and spiritual traditions through academics, research, and religious studies

Career Paths: Professors, social service managers, private school teachers, directors of religious education

Please note that the difficulty of a doctorate degree can vary depending on individual circumstances, personal strengths, and the specific requirements of each program. It's important to thoroughly research and consider your interests, skills, and career goals before deciding on a doctorate program.

Free Ph.D. Programs Online (Fully Funded)

According to Best-Universities.net.

  • Brown University
    Fully-funded Ph.D. program in computer science
  • University of Houston-Downtown
    Full scholarship program for online doctorate
  • Devry University
    Comprehensive scholarship program for online degrees
  • University of Maryland-Baltimore County
    Full scholarship program for online undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Wilson Community College
    Full scholarship program for community college students
  • University of Leeds
    Up to 30 fully-funded online Ph.D. programs
  • University of the Witwatersrand
    Comprehensive scholarship program for online bachelor's or master's degrees
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
    Full scholarship program for online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
  • University of Strathclyde
    Full scholarship program for online undergraduate or master's degrees
  • Emory University
    Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in economics
  • New York University
    Fully-funded Ph.D. program in childhood education
  • University of Pennsylvania
    Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in educational leadership and policy

If you're not looking for an accelerated program, the list below displays some of the best traditional Ph.D. programs in the country, according to Study.com.

Best Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.

College/University NameDistinctionLocation
Cornell UniversityConducts interdisciplinary research through at least 100 centers, institutes, and on-campus laboratoriesIthaca, NY
Northwestern UniversityInterdisciplinary clusters give students the option to collaborate with peers and faculty outside of their respective programsEvanston, IL
Stanford UniversityHosts a faculty comprised of 19 Nobel Laureates and 4 Pulitzer Prize WinnersStanford, CA
University of California in BerkeleyAllows a doctoral student to participate in customized interdisciplinary degree programsBerkeley, CA
University of Michigan in Ann ArborOffers over 160 Ph.D. programsAnn Arbor, MI
University of PennsylvaniaHome to 142 research centers and institutesPhiladelphia, PA
University of Texas at AustinMaintains 19 libraries stocked with over 10 million total volumesAustin, TX
University of Washington in SeattleProvides $11 million in graduate fellowships and other awards yearly, according to 2013 dataSeattle, WA
University of Wisconsin in MadisonOffers over 120 doctoral programsMadison, WI

Guide to Online Doctorate Degrees

Fewer positions requiring this advanced level qualification and reduced competition for such job opportunities among job seekers are some of the reasons behind the few doctoral graduates.

With technological advancements in almost all areas of life, acquiring education, a significantly advanced level of education has become more accessible. Graduate students now do not have to attend physical classes to pursue their dreams of developing and advancing their skills.

You can pursue your doctorate in the comfort of your home or even your office.

There was a 20% growth in students granted doctorate degrees between the 2009/2010 and 2019/2020 academic years, according to NCES. This growth has been attributed in part to online Ph.D. programs and the streamlining of modern universities.

Online Ph.D. programs are a relatively newer idea and online schooling in general has greatly increased access, flexibility, and convenience.

Students typically complete these degrees soon after completing a Master's degree in the same area. As such, and with bachelor's degrees being necessary stepping stones, students can expect their journey from primary school to a Ph.D. to take about nine years, barring any accelerated tracks and failed classes.

 

Cost of an Online Doctoral Degree Program

 

When choosing any doctoral degree program, it is crucial to evaluate the costs and salary after attending. Even though online Ph.D. courses may usually be cheaper than on-campus learning, secondary schooling is rarely cheap and not every field will allow you to make back the cost in a reasonable amount of time.

Tuition, materials, technology, transportation, housing, and groceries should all be factors brought into account when deciding whether or where to attend, and in what field you can find the most success and fulfillment.

Below are the annual tuition rates of different institutions as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Institution Type Annual Tuition
Private-For profit institutions $18,200
Private-Not for-profit institutions $37,600
Public institutions $9,400
 

Choosing an Online Doctoral Degree Program

 

Since doctoral programs require considerable investments of money and time, it is important to consider every factor before deciding on a school or program. Take some time to consider the marketability, cost, and difficulty of each program and your own interest in the subject. To reach your career and educational goals, do your best research.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD

  • The length of a Ph.D. program can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete.
  • A Ph.D. program typically takes 5 to 6 years in the United States.
  • A Ph.D. program typically takes 3 to 4 years in the UK and many other European countries.
  • The actual length of a Ph.D. program can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the research, the student's progress, the advisor's availability, and funding considerations.
  • Some students may finish in less time, while others may take longer.
  • Part-time Ph.D. programs are also available, which can take longer to complete.

Here is a table summarizing the length of Ph.D. programs in different countries:

CountryTypical Length of a Ph.D. Program
United States5 to 6 years
UK3 to 4 years
European countries3 to 4 years
Part-time6 to 8 years

 

Top 50 Doctorate-Granting Institutions in 2022

 

This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the top 50 doctorate-granting institutions in the United States, ranked by the total number of research doctorate recipients in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded and the number awarded to male and female recipients.

Rank Institution Total Male Female
1U. Michigan, Ann Arbor861503358
2Stanford U.836519317
3U. California, Berkeley830484346
4Walden U.829249580
5U. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign824495329
6Purdue U., West Lafayette798508290
7Texas A&M U., College Station793467326
8U. California, Los Angeles786458328
9U. Florida771408363
10Ohio State U., Columbus767445322
11Harvard U.753389364
11U. Wisconsin-Madison753394359
13U. Texas, Austin741442299
14Massachusetts Institute of Technology735496239
15Pennsylvania State U.710397313
16U. Minnesota, Twin Cities693336357
17U. Washington, Seattle615316299
18U. California, Davis587294292
19Columbia U. in the City of New York577303274
20U. Maryland, College Park565328237
21Georgia Institute of Technology560392168
22U. California, San Diego545339206
23North Carolina State U.540297243
24Michigan State U.519279240
25U. Pennsylvania516268248
26U. California, Irvine514298216
27U. Georgia511244267
28Cornell U.509293216
29Johns Hopkins U.507263244
30Arizona State U., Tempe506289217
31Northwestern U.491258233
32U. Southern California479278201
33U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill474212262
34U. Chicago462263199
35Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State U.459288171
36U. Utah448273175
37Princeton U.447299148
38U. Colorado Boulder426253173
39Yale U.424234190
40Duke U.417234183
41New York U.414207207
42U. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh396205191
43Texas Tech U.384178206
44Carnegie Mellon U.383264119
45Rutgers, State U. New Jersey, New Brunswick375202173
46U. Arizona374193181
47Indiana U., Bloomington373180193
48Boston U.370194176
49Iowa State U.367211156
50Florida State U.366180186

Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. Tied institutions are listed alphabetically.

Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

 

Top 30 States by Doctorate Recipients in 2022

 

This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the number of research doctorate recipients for the top 30 states or locations in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded, sex, and field of study (science and engineering vs. non-science and engineering).

Rank State or Location Total Male Female S&E Total S&E Male S&E Female Non-S&E Total Non-S&E Male Non-S&E Female
1California6817376230535768331224551049450598
2Texas4381238419963359195114081022433588
3New York416321022061327317381535890364526
4Massachusetts325417701484272115401181533230303
5Pennsylvania27831483130022351247988548236312
6Illinois26211434118720531172881568262306
7Florida24551271118418891033856566238328
8Ohio193510309051530870660405160245
9Michigan193010658651589936653341129212
10North Carolina18669399271517782735349157192
11Indiana16169196961289780509327139187
12Georgia16008807201295747548305133172
13Minnesota15526049481107452655445152293
14Virginia15277817461170661509357120237
15Maryland136071764312036535501576493
16Colorado121464357199456942522074146
17New Jersey1163674489925574351238100138
18Tennessee102154148080445534921786131
19Wisconsin101251849476842933924489155
20Missouri971552419747441306224111113
21Arizona94050643473942731220179122
22Washington9234754487614113501626498
23Connecticut7303853455813172641496881
24Alabama70535634952429822618158123
25Iowa7013823195773272501245569
26Utah6714182535673662011045252
27Oregon642318324546274272964452
28Louisiana6283362924712502211578671
29District of Columbia53023629436617419216462102
30South Carolina5292722574042321721254085

Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. S&E stands for Science and Engineering.

Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Source(s):

National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doctoral Programs

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a professional doctorate?

A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is typically research-oriented and focuses on contributing new knowledge to a field through original research. It's often pursued by those interested in academia or research careers.

A professional doctorate (e.g., Ed.D., D.B.A., Psy.D.) is more practice-oriented and focuses on applying existing knowledge to solve real-world problems in a specific profession. It's often pursued by those looking to advance in their professional careers.

How long does it typically take to complete a doctoral program?

The duration can vary, but typically:

  • In the U.S., Ph.D. programs usually take 5-6 years to complete.
  • In the UK and many European countries, it's often 3-4 years.
  • Part-time programs can take 6-8 years or more.

The actual time can depend on factors like research progress, funding, and individual circumstances.

What are the typical admission requirements for doctoral programs?

Common requirements include:

  • A master's degree (some programs accept exceptional students with only a bachelor's)
  • High GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
  • GRE or GMAT scores (some programs are waiving this requirement)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose or research proposal
  • CV or resume
  • Writing sample (for some programs)

Specific requirements can vary by program and institution.

Can I work while pursuing a doctoral degree?

Yes, it's possible to work while pursuing a doctoral degree, especially with the increasing availability of part-time and online programs. However, balancing work and study can be challenging due to the intensive nature of doctoral research.

Many full-time Ph.D. students work as teaching or research assistants within their university. Some programs, especially professional doctorates, are designed for working professionals and offer more flexible schedules.

What funding options are available for doctoral students?

Funding options can include:

  • Fellowships and scholarships
  • Teaching or research assistantships
  • Grants (from the university, government, or private organizations)
  • Employer tuition assistance
  • Federal student loans
  • Work-study programs

Many Ph.D. programs offer full funding packages to their students, which may include tuition waivers and stipends.

Online PhD Programs for You

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
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