Find Your Perfect School
Updated by Chief Editor, Malcolm Peralty | 9 min read
Are you searching for one of the fastest Ph.D. programs to complete so you can get that job promotion you’ve been working towards? Finishing a Ph.D. program is the crowning achievement for ambitious scholars seeking the uppermost echelon of academic, government, clinical, and private-sector leadership jobs.
The US News states the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree can take between six or more years on average to complete. Traditional Ph.D. curricula involve nearly 100 credits of advanced seminars, research assistantships, and hefty dissertation work. Statisticsolutions.com reported that just 56.6 percent of Ph. D.s actually graduate in 10 years.
Fortunately, online learning has promoted the creation of Ph.D. shortcuts at many legitimate universities. Shortening the Ph.D. length can increase your chance of graduating and save you from the high $84,000 or more average debt reported by credible.com. Therefore, this article is devoted to finding the fastest Ph.D. programs that will accelerate your path to higher education’s most prestigious degree!
Quick Jumps to the schools that made our list along with the fast Ph.D. programs they offer!
- Columbia University – PhD in Computer Science
- University of North Dakota – PhD in Biomedical Engineering
- University of Missouri – PhD in Nursing
- Hampton University – PhD in Educational Management
- American University – PhD in Communication
- Old Dominion University – PhD in Instructional Design and Technology
- Lesley University – PhD in Expressive Therapies
- Colorado State University – PhD in Systems Engineering
- Mississippi State University – Ph.D. in Community College Leadership
- Nova Southeastern University – PhD in Criminal Justice
- Clemson University – PhD in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
- Oregon State University – PhD in Counseling
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania – PhD in Safety Sciences
- University of Northern Colorado – PhD in Special Education
- Union Institute & University – PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Indiana State University – PhD in Technology Management
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – PhD in Aviation
- Liberty University – PhD in Public Policy
- University of South Carolina – PhD in Nuclear Engineering
- Indiana Wesleyan University – PhD in Organizational Leadership
Methodology
- First, our team used Peterson’s database to collect data on 618 online graduate schools that offer doctorates. This list was narrowed by eliminating programs that didn’t specifically confer a Ph.D. In other words, we nixed Ph.D. alternatives like the Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Education.
- Next, we judged each doctorate’s academic quality by removing those lacking regional accreditation. Only not-for-profit colleges with traditional campuses for doctoral resources were chosen.
- Then, we looked for accelerated Ph.D. paths that could take three years or less. Searching for shorter courses, post-master’s tracks, multiple start times, and ample credit transfers was our goal to accelerate.
- We also picked PhDs in wide-ranging fields and diverse prices to list something for everyone on any budget.
Ranked by estimated duration, these are our Fastest Ph.D. Programs where graduation could be only 36 instead of 108 months away. For more information, see our Methodology page!
The 20 Fastest Ph.D. Programs
Columbia University
PhD in Computer Science
Ranked 12th by the U.S. News & World Report, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science at Columbia University provides a fast-track Ph.D. in Computer Science for its MS graduates with a minimum of 3.3 GPAs.
The 30-credit doctorate chaired by Dr. Rocco Servedio starts each Spring or Fall with 4000-level Columbia Video Network courses and one-on-one research advising.
Available specializations, including:
- Machine Learning
- Network Security
- Robotics
- Computational Biology
Learn more about Columbia University’s Fast Ph.D. degree program in Computer Science.
University of North Dakota
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
The College of Engineering & Mines at the University of North Dakota, America’s 185th top research institute on Forbes, logs into Blackboard for a quick Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering overseen by Dr. Hesham El-Rewini.
Open until August 1st, December 1st, or May 1st, the 60-credit, post-master’s program meets ABET standards for medical device innovation.
Within just two years, graduates can advance at Siemens, Baxter International, Pfizer, Philips, and others for a median $82,000 salary.
University of Missouri
PhD in Nursing
Founded in 1901, the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri ranks 108th nationally on Niche for seven degrees, including the accelerated Ph.D. in Nursing that enhances clinical research skills.
The 56-credit, post-MSN program administered by Dr. Sarah Thompson takes registered nurses only two years full-time.
Canvas courses focused on:
- Population Wellness
- Health Systems Innovation
- Symptom & Behavior Science
These are paired with two four-day Columbia intensives annually.
Hampton University
PhD in Educational Management
Chaired by Dr. Linda Malone-Colon, the School of Liberal Arts & Education at Hampton University, Times Higher Education’s 191st top pick, offers Blackboard access to a speedy Ph.D. in Educational Management lasting 2.5 years.
The 66-credit, CAEP-accredited curriculum immerses certified teachers in four concentrations:
- Higher Education
- PreK-12 Education
- STEM Leadership
- Special Education
Apply before January 15th with GRE scores above 150 to begin accelerated, nine-week courses on school reform methods.
American University
PhD in Communication
Named America’s #1 most politically active on The Princeton Review, American University started the Three-Year Ph.D. in Communication in 2011 within the ACEJMC-accredited School of Communication.
The 54-credit, full-time program organized by Dr. Kathryn Montgomery accepts post-master’s candidates until December 15th yearly.
Blended courses in DC and on Blackboard follow an 11-month calendar year for three fast emphases:
- Public Engagement
- Media Institutions
- Media Technology & Culture
Do you need an accelerated Ph.D. in Communications? See American University’s fast Ph.D. Programs.
Old Dominion University
PhD in Instructional Design & Technology
Old Dominion University grants a 60-credit Ph.D. in Instructional Design & Technology online via the Darden College of Education, which ranks 105th on the U.S. News & World Report with 580 graduates enrolled.
Headed by Dr. Jane Bray, the 2008 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, the post-master’s option logs into Monarch Key accounts for live meetings.
Interactive Web courses like Distance Education and Learning Assessment end with a dissertation in as little as three years.
Lesley University
PhD in Expressive Therapies
The Graduate School of Arts & Social Sciences at Lesley University, Washington Monthly’s 129th best institution, created the Low-Residency Ph.D. in Expressive Therapies for counselors integrating the arts in mental health practice.
Managed by Dr. Michele Forinash, LMHC, the 45-credit program totaling $57,475 takes around 36 months for art therapists with 3-5 years of professional experience.
Courses are primarily on Blackboard with only one three-week Cambridge trip each summer.
Colorado State University
PhD in Systems Engineering
Placed 216th for research influence by the CWUR, Colorado State University-Fort Collins awards 49 doctorates, including the Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, from the ABET-accredited Walter Scott Jr. College yearly.
This 72-credit degree outlined by Dr. David McLean transfers 30 master’s credits for accelerating toward dissertation completion in three years.
On-demand Canvas lectures like Energy Networks and IT Project Management are designed with input from 600+ industry leaders.
Learn more about Colorado State University’s Ph.D. in Systems Engineering degree program.
Mississippi State University
PhD in Community College Leadership
On Blackboard Learn 9.1, Mississippi State University awards the Ph.D. in Community College Leadership quickly via America’s 60th best College of Education on Niche for post-master’s teachers with cumulative GPAs above 3.3.
The 61-credit, CAEP-accredited curriculum overseen by Dr. Richard Blackbourn minimizes Starkville trips during courses like Personnel Diversity and Educational Data.
Individuals applying by October 1st or March 1st could enter junior institution administrative roles in as little as 36 months.
Nova Southeastern University
PhD in Criminal Justice
Bestowed the 2011 IAP Distance Education Award, the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at Nova Southeastern University ranks 41st on the U.S. News & World Report for its three-year Ph.D. in Criminal Justice on Canvas.
The 60-credit program chaired by Dr. Kimberly Durham admits post-master’s Fall cohorts until May 22nd.
Graduates take two courses each 14-week trimester to accelerate three concentrations:
- Behavioral Sciences
- Juvenile Justice
- Organizational Leadership
Clemson University
PhD in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Attracting 61 doctoral candidates, the Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management has gone digital after a 35-year, COAPRT-accredited history in the Graduate School at Clemson University, America’s 72nd best value in Money magazine.
The three-year plan devised by Dr. Wayne Freimund has 60 credits, including dissertation work, primarily on Canvas.
Applying for this fast doctorate requires a master’s GPAs over 3.0, at least 2,000 hours of recreation therapy experience, and NCTRC certification.
Oregon State University
PhD in Counseling
The Oregon State University Ecampus connects to the CACREP-accredited College of Education, which places 130th nationally on the U.S. News & World Report, for three-year Ph.D. in Counseling cohorts ready to resolve human suffering.
Directed by Dr. Lisa Schulz, the 150-credit, the scholar-practitioner program has four 11-week quarters yearly for quick completion.
Master’s entrants with 600 previous internship hours apply by January 31st to begin Blackboard courses and two Wilsonville residencies per term.
Learn more about the Fastest Ph.D. in Counseling Program at Oregon State University.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
PhD in Safety Sciences
Crowned Forbes’ 238th best public school, Indiana University of Pennsylvania utilizes Blackboard Web conferencing in the ABET-accredited Engineering Department to award an Online Ph.D. in Safety Sciences within just three years.
The 54-credit degree managed by Dr. Jan Wachter enforces OSHA occupational health regulations in accelerated cohorts.
Post-master’s candidates with minimum “B” averages access courses like Epidemiological Analysis digitally with one-week summer workshops in Johnson Hall.
University of Northern Colorado
PhD in Special Education
Given CAEP “Nationally Recognized” status, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado landed 150th on the U.S. News & World Report for enrolling 888 online post-grads with a median 153 GRE score.
Particularly, the 77-credit Ph.D. in Special Education run by Dr. Silvia Correa-Torres takes as few as three years on the Extended Campus.
Certified P-12 teachers deepen disability awareness with nine fast courses like Law of Exceptionalities, an externship, and the dissertation.
Union Institute & University
PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies
Union Institute & University, America’s 87th most diverse school on College Factual, utilizes its University Without Walls division to confer a 66-credit PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies Online in as little as 36 months.
Advised by Dr. Anuradha Mitra, the 2011 Greater Cincinnati Teacher of the Year, the HLC-accredited program requires just two residencies in January and July each year.
Students choose concentrations in Educational Studies, Ethical & Creative Leadership, Social Change, or Humanities & Culture.
Indiana State University
PhD in Technology Management
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the ABET-accredited College of Technology at Indiana State University, Forbes’ 164th best Midwest institution, signs into Blackboard for seven graduate options like the Ph.D. in Technology Management.
This 66-credit degree headed by Dr. Nesli Alp helps STEM master’s holders advance in three years full-time or 4.5 years part-time.
Meeting the 3.5 GPA benchmark allows entry into tracks for Digital Communication, Quality Systems, Industrial Training, and Manufacturing Systems.
Learn more about Indiana State University’s Ph.D. in Technology Management degree program!
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
PhD in Aviation
In 2016, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University launched the United States’ first Ph.D. in Aviation as the #1 most tech-savvy college on Online School Center to quickly produce research scholars studying the skies.
The College of Aeronautics led by Dr. Bruce Conway offers Aviation Safety & Human Factors, Operations, or Interdisciplinary tracks to this 60-credit, SACS-accredited major.
Apply before February 1st to start 12-week online Blackboard courses that require only three-week-long Daytona Beach visits total.
Liberty University
PhD in Public Policy
Chosen for the NACCU 25th Annual Award in 2018, Liberty University is Niche’s #2 best online college countrywide that utilizes Blackboard to speedily confer the Christ-centered Ph.D. in Public Policy through its Helms School of Government.
The 60-credit major coordinated by Dr. Ron Miller accepts 15 transfer credits and has eight-week courses to finish in three years on average.
Virtual courses are tailored in:
- Economic Policy
- Education Policy
- Foreign Policy
- National Security Policy
- Social Policy concentrations
University of South Carolina
PhD in Nuclear Engineering
Designated the 97th best by the U.S. News & World Report, the College of Engineering & Computing in Swearingen Center lets University of South Carolina students attend the Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering online via Blackboard.
The 48-credit, ABET-accredited curriculum administered by Dr. Hossein Haj-Hariri helps master energy production methods within three years for $104,000 median pay.
A few online courses, such as:
- Radiation Shielding
- Thermal Hydraulic Design
- Waste Management, involving Columbia residencies.
Indiana Wesleyan University
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Formed in 1983, the College of Adult & Professional Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, the 83rd best private value in Kiplinger’s, approaches the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from a Christian perspective with fast, three-year graduation.
The 60-credit hybrid degree managed by Dr. Mark Rennaker integrates lock-step courses like:
- Stewardship
- Entrepreneurship
- Organization Theory
Each 12-week term, graduates log onto Blackboard asynchronously and attend three Saturday sessions in Indianapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, how long does it take to earn a Ph.D. degree?
In general, the typical Ph.D. program will take up to four years to complete; however, depending on the subject matter, it could take up to eight to ten years.
How fast can I earn a Ph.D. degree through an accelerated program?
Accelerated Ph.D. programs are based on the premise that instead of spending years earning a doctorate degree, you can possibly earn your degree in three, or possibly two years!
How is earning a Ph.D. degree so fast and beneficial to me?
For most who are entertaining the thought of earning a Ph.D., they have already established a career. Within their career, often people hit a roadblock when they have topped out at the best pay or have been promoted to the highest position that is allowed. However… if you had additional credentials to add to your resume, could you obtain a management or leadership position and earn more money? If so, earning a Ph.D. is for you!
Will earning a Ph.D. quickly take up more of my time than a traditional program?
Yes, of course, it will. After all, you are combining four years’ worth of work into two years, right? Pure dedication will get you through this awesome task, but be prepared to work extra, extra hard!
Can I earn an accelerated Ph.D. degree in any subject matter?
No, obviously, accelerated Ph.D. programs are only offered in topics that don’t require as much training, research, or internship experience. Business-related or education-related subjects are the most popular topics that offer accelerated doctoral degree programs.
See: Also: Life Hacks for Online Graduate Students
Related Article: The Most Affordable Online Doctorate Programs
Malcolm Peralty | Chief Editor, PremiumSchools.org
Malcolm Peralty has been a writer for over sixteen years with thousands of articles to his name online. He has co-hosted a wide number of podcasts and been a guest on many more. As a college graduate in Computer Networking… [Read full bio]