The Gradcafe

  • Majors & Careers
  • Online Grad School
  • Preparing For Grad School
  • Student Life

Top 10 Best 1-Year PhD Programs Online

Lisa Marlin

Are you searching for the best 1-year PhD programs online? A growing number of students are choosing master’s and doctorate degrees with flexible, online models. In a highly competitive job market, having an advanced qualification gives you better salary potential and job prospects. However, not everyone can afford the time and costs of a traditional-length PhD program and living on-campus. If you’re a working professional and want to continue your studies, an online PhD is an excellent option.

Remember, don’t be fooled by the online mode. While the fastest PhD programs offer immense flexibility, they’re by no means easy. It can still be a major time commitment, and that’s where 1-year PhD programs online come into play. Additionally, not everyone will complete 1-year PhD programs in one year; rather, the curriculum makes it possible. Other obligations might force students to take two years to complete their programs.

Ready to find the shortest doctoral program online? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Best 1-Year PhD Programs Online

Chatham university.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

1 year PhD programs online—Chatham University logo

Chatham University is known for its social mobility and support for disadvantaged students. The school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice takes 12 months to complete if you stay on track, and you’ll need to have a master’s degree in nursing to be considered. The program aims to develop future nursing leaders who will improve healthcare delivery and could very well be the fastest doctorate degree program out there!

  • Courses : Structure and application of contemporary nursing knowledge, quality improvement in health care, and communication & collaboration for healthcare leadership
  • Duration : 12 months
  • Credits : 27
  • Tuition : $1,126 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, graduate assistantships, veteran benefits, and alumni discounts
  • Graduation rate : 62.5%
  • Location : Pittsburgh, PA

Breyer State Theology University, Department of Ethereal Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling

Ethereal Accelerated Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling

Breyer State Technology University logo

Breyer State Theology University aims to provide students with high-level knowledge to follow religious careers as ministers, theologians, and counselors. Its Ethereal Doctor of Psychology program in Grief Counseling is also one of the shortest doctoral programs available, with a 1-year duration. It is one of the only online accelerated PhD that helps counselors become specialized in grief and bereavement.

  • Courses : An overview of psychotherapy & counseling, ethics in grief counseling, and therapy with the terminally ill
  • Tuition : $4,500
  • Location : Brandenton, FL

Related:  Top 10 Best PhD in Theology Programs 

American International Theism University

Accelerated Ethereal Doctorate in Business Administration

American International Theism University logo

The American International Theism University provides accelerated doctoral programs in various disciplines, including theology, business, social work , music, and the arts. This specific accelerated doctoral program prepares students for roles in education, research, government departments, or private business administration. The school offers many disciplines for its online accelerated PhD programs, and you can complete them within one year.

  • Courses : International business, managerial economics, and strategic management
  • Tuition : $7,950
  • Location : Englewood, Florida

Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University logo

Frontier Nursing University was ranked third  in the nation for the best online master’s program in FNP by the US News & World Report. This program is suitable for certified nursing practitioners and midwives with an MSN in nursing. The minimum duration for completion is 15 months.

  • Duration : 15-18 months
  • Credits : 30
  • Tuition : $19,950
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, loans, etc.
  • Location : Versailles, KY

Boston University, Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD)

Boston University logo

Boston University is the largest non-profit university in the US, offering a range of programs across various levels and disciplines. Its PP-OTD program is open to graduates in occupational therapy and has three intakes per year (May, September, and January). As part of this online accelerated PhD program, each semester requires you to work on your doctoral project parallel to other coursework.

  • Courses : Contemporary trends in occupational therapy, health promotion and wellness, and social policy and disability practicum
  • Duration : 18 months
  • Credits : 33-36
  • Tuition : $1,994 per credit
  • Financial aid : Merit-based scholarships, loans, etc.
  • Graduation rate:  87.2%
  • Location : Boston, MA

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maryville University logo

Maryville University is a private university that has offered post-secondary education since 1872. Its DNP enables practitioner nurses to pursue roles at the highest level of the nursing sector. The program is fully online, with no campus attendance required.

  • Courses : Principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, advanced health care policy, and quality and patient safety in advanced nursing practice
  • Duration : 20 months
  • Credits : 33
  • Courses : 11
  • Tuition : $922 per credit
  • Financial aid: Scholarships, student employment, loans, and grants
  • Graduation rate:  44.6%
  • Location : St. Louis, MO

The University of North Carolina, School of Medicine

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

The University of North Carolina is a public research university, the flagship university of the North Carolina system. A public Ivy university, its transitional DPT program equips working professionals with specialized knowledge in three key areas: clinical foundation, clinical practice, and specialty practice.

  • Duration : 24 months
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial aid : Scholarships and loans
  • Graduation rate : 90.8%
  • Location : Chapel Hill, NC

Grand Canyon University, College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions

Grand Canyon University logo

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university. Its DNP program is well-suited to professional working nurses and offers advanced education in nursing leadership, medical informatics, and public health . You can transfer up to three doctoral credits from previous studies.

  • Courses : Emerging areas of human health, patient outcomes and sustainable change, and data analysis.
  • Credits : 39
  • Tuition : $725 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Graduation rate : 37.6%
  • Location : Phoenix, AZ

Liberty University

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Liberty University logo

Liberty University is a Christian university that offers various online programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels in various disciplines. Its DMin program has a practical focus, equipping students to handle ministry-setting challenges. The program is made up of 8-week courses, and you can transfer up to 50% of degree credits.

  • Tuition : $565 per credit hour
  • Graduation rate: 28.5%
  • Location : Lynchburg, VA

University of West Georgia

Doctor of Education in Professional Counseling and Supervision

University of West Georgia logo

The University of West Georgia is a public university with 12,700 students with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. This doctoral program in counseling covers counseling methods through clinical and administrative supervision, advocacy and leadership, and program evaluation.

  • Courses : Ethical leadership in education and advanced therapeutic techniques in counseling.
  • Tuition : $241 per credit
  • Financial aid : Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans.
  • Graduation rate : 39.1%
  • Location : Carrollton, GA

What Are 1-Year PhD Programs Online?

A one-year PhD program is a doctorate you can complete in a very short time and generally requires 30 credits. Though short online PhD programs are called “1-year online doctoral programs”, very few universities offer PhD programs that can be completed in a year.

Most programs take around 15 months or so to complete, though some can last up to two years. Generally, any PhD you can complete in two years or less is considered in this category.

Related Reading:  Top 15 Cheapest Online PhD Programs

Do All The Shortest PhD Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. Many short Ph.D. programs don’t require a dissertation. However, some of these programs involve a research project parallel to other coursework. This means the project must be completed within the program duration, unlike longer doctorates, where the research component is dedicated years after your coursework.

Why Choose a One-year PhD Program Online?

Many opt to study 1-year PhD programs online because they want to earn their doctorate in a short period and enter the competitive job market earlier. This can save you years, not to mention a significant amount of money. After all, many of us cannot afford to spend 5-7 years getting a PhD while balancing work and personal commitments.

Benefits and Challenges of Short Online Doctoral Programs

The key benefit of short doctoral programs is earning a PhD while saving a considerable amount of time and money . You’ll also be able to enter the job market with your doctoral qualification much earlier.

On the other hand, it can be challenging to complete a doctorate in such a short period , often making your studies rather intense. However, if you’re willing to work hard for these short years, you will be able to enjoy the many benefits of having the letter “PhD” after your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest doctoral program online.

You won’t find a doctoral program that can be completed in less than a year. Chatham University’s DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Breyer State Theology University’s Ethereal Accelerated Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling are two of the few, if not only, programs currently available that you can complete within a year. However, you can complete some in a little over a year or two years.

Can you Get a PhD in 1 Year?

Very few universities provide PhD programs that can be completed in exactly one year. Even many programs referred to as “1-year PhDs” actually take a little more to complete and up to two years. However, several doctorates can be completed within a year or two, though not across all disciplines.

What is the Quickest Doctorate Degree to Get?

Chatham University’s DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) is probably the quickest PhD you can get today, as you can finish it in 12 months. Breyer State Theology University’s Ethereal Accelerated Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling also takes only one year.

How Can an Online Program Help Accelerate the Doctorate-Earning Process?

On-campus programs typically have a rigid structure and fixed program duration, usually meaning you have to complete them within around three and seven years. On the other hand, many online programs give you the flexibility to go at your own pace. This often means that you can choose to accelerate through the courses fast and complete the program in a shorter period of time.

Are Fast Doctorate Programs as Good as Regular Programs?

You can’t make a direct comparison between fast doctoral programs and regular programs. Regular programs go at a slower pace, so you get plenty of time to study, observe, reflect, and experiment with what you’re learning.

On the other hand, fast doctoral programs involve a more intense type of study and, arguably, you need to put in more effort. However, these short programs also allow you to gain a valuable doctorate qualification and take your career to the next level in a comparatively short period of time.

Final Thoughts

Though rapid PhD programs are broadly called one-year programs, not all can be completed within one year. Many universities provide PhD programs that you can complete within two years. The best 1-year PhD programs online are an excellent way to earn a doctoral degree with minimal disruption to your work and personal life.

If you’re interested in exploring other PhD programs, take a look at our guides on the best PhD programs in marketing , psychology , and history .

Related:  Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees in 2022

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

Top 10 Best PhD in Engineering Programs [2024]

Top 10 best ux design graduate programs in 2024, related posts.

This article discusses the Last Mile Education Fund, who qualifies, and how to apply.

  • Last Mile Education Fund Paves the Way for Tech Students, Offers Lifeline Grants

This financial planning app helps students prepare for college and grad school.

The Sassy Digital Assistant Revolutionizing Student Budgeting

the best scholarships for black students

The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025

best mba scholarships

The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

phd 1 year online

10 Best Lap Desks for Students in 2024

Top 10 Best Online CRNA Programs

Top 10 Best Online CRNA Programs

Best UX Design Graduate Programs

By far the most important thing to consider when researching doctoral programs is — how will your degree be perceived and valued by the people you want to work with.

If you want to become a college professor, you’re not going to be hired with a quickie doctorate. What they look for is how well you’ve become integrated into the academic world by becoming an expert: working on significant projects, publishing peer-reviewed papers, speaking at professional meetings, etc. And for sure they will discard your application once they see your degree is from one of the schools in this article.

The ONLY time I would recommend one of these degrees is if you ALREADY have a job you like, and by completing a doctorate, you can be placed higher on the salary scale. Or, if you’re a practicing RN or other medical professional. Or, you just want to impress your friends. But one of these won’t help you enter a new profession. Ask to speak to graduates and see if they’re now working in a new profession because of completing a doctorate.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

  • How Many Grad Schools Should I Apply To?
  • When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2025-2026]
  • 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
  • Best Laptop for Programming Students in 2024

The Gradcafe

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

  • Partner With Us
  • Results Search
  • Submit Your Results
  • Write For Us

Accelerated Online Doctoral Degrees to Get Quickly

Doug Wintemute

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

One of the biggest hurdles for doctoral students is the time it takes to complete a doctorate. These programs often require 5-7 rigorous years to complete, which can make them difficult to pursue for many people.

An accelerated online doctorate introduces an alternative pathway for you. These degrees allow you to complete a traditionally lengthy program in a fraction of the time. Learning online can also make your study schedule more flexible and may be more accessible than on-campus learning.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular accelerated doctoral degrees and answer your common questions.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is an Accelerated Doctoral Degree Program?

Schools use a variety of methods to accelerate doctoral programs, including accepting large numbers of transfer credits, allowing heavier course loads, and condensing study schedules.

Through online delivery, schools can accelerate these programs and still offer flexible schedules.

Accelerated online doctoral degrees appeal to many types of students, but they may suit working students best since they can more easily accommodate nontraditional study schedules. On the flip side, an accelerated doctoral program could mean a more rigorous program.

Before enrolling, consider both the advantages and drawbacks of an online and fast-tracked program and how it might affect your learning experience.

10 Popular Online Accelerated Doctoral Degrees

Online accelerated doctoral degrees come in many different packages, but some disciplines lend themselves better to this format than others. Below, we take a look at some of these options.

1. Accounting

Most accelerated accounting programs award professional degrees, such as a DBA in accounting .

These programs require less intensive research and dissertation requirements and focus more on career-based coursework, such as advanced accounting methods and techniques. This creates more opportunities for accelerating the program via self-paced studies or a master’s-to-DBA pathway program.

2. Business Administration

An online DBA provides the best opportunity for you to accelerate a business doctorate. While these programs take an average of three years to complete, several schools offer fast-tracked online DBAs that offer more condensed schedules and classes year-round.

In place of the larger dissertations of Ph.D. programs, DBAs usually feature smaller dissertations and applied research projects.

3. Counseling and Therapy

Many doctoral programs in counseling feature significant clinical components in order to qualify graduates for state licensing requirements, making it difficult to accelerate them.

Programs that don’t lead to licensing, however, such as an Ed.D. in counseling or therapy, can offer accelerated online options by reducing the clinical and research requirements. These programs focus more on enhancing the practical knowledge of already licensed counselors with courses like counselor education and supervision.

4. Data Science

While you can find accelerated professional doctoral degrees in data science , such as a D.Eng. in data science, some schools have accelerated Ph.D. programs as well.

While these programs typically feature the same dissertation requirements as traditional Ph.D. programs, they fast-track the program by offering condensed courses like data engineering and machine learning and a faculty-assisted dissertation process.

5. Education

Education doctorates are some of the most commonly accelerated degrees, as they feature less intensive research requirements than a Ph.D. and fewer practical requirements than many clinical degrees. Accelerated online Ed.D. programs often focus on building administrative and leadership skills in experienced educators with courses like curriculum design and instructional strategies.

If you have experience and some doctoral coursework, you may even be able to enroll in an All But Dissertation (ABD) education doctoral program.

6. Healthcare Administration

Many doctor of healthcare administration (DHA) programs offer accelerated pathways by bypassing the dissertation and delivering practice-based studies instead, such as health leadership, human resources, and an applied research project.

Some DHA programs also offer advanced standing for relevant graduate-level training or professional experience.

DNP programs offer one of the fastest routes to a doctorate in nursing. By focusing more on evidence-based and advanced practice courses than intensive research, these programs can be complete more quickly. Some possible courses include healthcare policy and health informatics.

While DNP programs feature significant clinical requirements, you can still complete this degree in as little as two years.

8. Organizational Leadership

You have several options for an accelerated organizational leadership doctorate , including a DBA or Ed.D. in organizational leadership, which feature less intensive research requirements than the usual.

However, you can also find Ph.D. programs that stray from the traditional five-year curriculum by offering accelerated leadership and performance management courses before the dissertation.

9. Psychology

At the doctoral level, most accelerated psychology programs award Psy.D. degrees because these programs focus more on clinical practice than research. In addition to fast-tracked courses in applied research and evidence-based practice, many Psy.D. programs feature applied doctoral projects instead of lengthy dissertations.

10. Public Administration

When you want an accelerated doctorate in public administration , a professional doctor of public administration (DPA) is likely your best bet. Unlike research-heavy Ph.D. programs, DPA programs typically emphasize coursework and practical project-based training.

Often designed for working professionals and aspiring practitioners, DPA programs may offer more flexible schedules as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Online Doctorate Degrees

How quickly can i get a doctorate.

The length of your doctoral program depends on the school and your previous training and experience, but most accelerated doctorates take about 3-4 years to complete. With advanced standing and/or a heavy course load and condensed schedule, you might graduate in less than three years in some cases.

Do all doctorate degrees require a dissertation?

While Ph.D. programs typically require you to write a dissertation , not all doctoral programs require one. For example, many professional doctoral programs include an applied research project or put more emphasis on coursework and clinical work. In fact, the lack of a dissertation is what helps professional degree programs offer accelerated pathways.

Can you get a doctorate degree online?

Many schools allow you to earn a doctorate through online studies . You can watch recorded or live online lectures, attend virtual labs, and complete much of your research without ever visiting campus.

However, many clinical components of professional doctorates require in-person attendance, though you can often complete these requirements at a location near you.

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

A Ph.D. is one type of doctorate — a research-based doctor of philosophy, to be specific. Other doctorates include an Ed.D., a DBA, a DPA, a DNP, and a DHA. These doctoral degree types may be classified as professional doctorates as they feature more practitioner-focused studies.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 13, 2024.

Explore More College Resources

Is an Accelerated Degree Program Right for Me?

Is an Accelerated Degree Program Right for Me?

An accelerated degree program is a flexible option that enables motivated students to graduate in less time and enter the workforce more quickly.

Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.

by Juliann Scholl, Ph.D.

Updated July 11, 2024

Best Online Accelerated Master’s Degrees

Best Online Accelerated Master’s Degrees

An accelerated online degree program can help you finish your master’s faster and work toward a degree around your schedule.

Bennett Leckrone

by Bennett Leckrone

Updated May 10, 2024

Best Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees

Best Online Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees

An accelerated online bachelor’s degree can help you graduate and launch your career faster. Learn more about popular accelerated bachelor’s programs.

Margaret Attridge

by Margaret Attridge

Updated April 29, 2024

IMAGES

  1. 8 Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online 2023

    phd 1 year online

  2. 1 year phd programs online

    phd 1 year online

  3. 1-Year Online PhD Programs: Fast-Track Your Doctorate

    phd 1 year online

  4. 6 Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online In Europe 2023

    phd 1 year online

  5. How To Complete A PhD In One Year

    phd 1 year online

  6. 1 Year PhD Programs Online

    phd 1 year online

VIDEO

  1. BSC NURSING 1st SEMESTER SYLLABUS

  2. PhD Scholar Thejoroy Dasari: A Journey of Research, Mentorship, and Success

  3. 9th Scholarship Ka Form Kaise Bhare । 9th Class Scholarship Form Apply Online । Scholarship Yojana

  4. Day in the Life

  5. Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Autism Studies

  6. 1 year online doctoral programs

COMMENTS

  1. 1-Year Online Doctoral Programs - PhDs.me

    It is rare, but not impossible, to get your doctoral degree in less than two years. Learn how to set yourself up for success in a fast-track doctoral program. Find your school in just 60 seconds. It is never too early to consider pursuing an advanced degree.

  2. Top 10 Best 1-Year PhD Programs Online - The Gradcafe

    Are you searching for the best 1-year PhD programs online? A growing number of students are choosing master’s and doctorate degrees with flexible, online models. In a highly competitive job market, having an advanced qualification gives you better salary potential and job prospects.

  3. Best One-Year Online Ph.D. Programs of 2025 - Intelligent

    A one-year online Ph.D. program offers an accelerated path for scholars, focusing on intensive coursework and practical applications. As a student, you can expect to delve even further into your chosen field, gaining expertise through specialized classes and research projects.

  4. 40 Shortest Doctoral Programs Online in 2024 - Research.com

    One-Year Online Doctoral Programs 1. Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. This is among the quickest one-year online Ph.D. programs designed for professionals aiming to enhance their careers as academic counselors or counseling researchers.

  5. What Is An Accelerated Doctorate Degree Online?

    Consider one-year online Ph.D. programs if you hold a master's degree or significant graduate transfer credit. This credit can help you skip introductory courses and move directly to advanced coursework or the dissertation.

  6. 20 Fastest Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs | BestColleges

    You may not find one-year Ph.D. programs online, but there are fast-tracked doctorates. Explore popular accelerated online doctoral degrees.