Fastest 1-Year Online PhD Programs (Accredited & No Dissertation Options)
Many have the misconception that Earning a PhD is a long and challenging task, but not anymore as you can complete accredited online doctorate degree fast with affordability. Most of the enthusiastic professional are more in search of fastest PhD Programs and even for the 1 year online PhD programs especially for no-dissertation doctorate degrees online.
Honestly, it is hard to find an accredited 1 Year Online PhD or Doctorate programs, though there are plenty of accredited online accelerated and fast-track PhD/Doctorate programs offered by the top universities around the world. That can be completed in shortest time than traditional on-campus PhD Programs. In U.S. these online fast doctorate programs online are specifically gaining popularity where most of the top accredited universities are offering accelerated online doctoral programs in fields like education, business, healthcare psychology and many more.
Here at Top PhD online we will help you to explore, compare the top and accredited Fastest PhD programs online.
- Whether 1-year PhD programs online are truly possible.
- Which universities offer the fastest online PhD programs in the U.S.
- How to find no-dissertation doctoral programs that save you time.
- International options for the shortest PhD programs.
Can You Really Finish an OnlinePhD in 1 Year?
As mentioned earlier, if you want accredited and recognized degree than chances of finding the 1 Year Online PhD programs are very rare. But good news is you can find accredited accelerated online PhD programs and can shorten the completion period further.
However, to meet the requirement of business professionals many top colleges around the world are offering professional doctorate and PhD programs online like Doctor or Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) that can be completed in the shortest span of 12 to 18 months, especially if:
- You already hold a master’s degree in a related field
- The program accepts transfer credits
- Choose Accelerated Online PhD programs that take 2–3 years
- You choose a capstone instead of a dissertation
- You enroll in a self-paced or competency-based format
Who Are These Programs Designed For?
One-year or fast-track online doctorate programs are designed primarily for:
- Working professionals with significant field experience
- Students who already hold relevant master’s degrees
- Educators, administrators, or executives looking to advance
- Those seeking applied knowledge, not academic research careers
- Individuals focused on career outcomes over publication
Types of Doctorates You Can Complete Fast
As discussed earlier, one-year online PhD and Doctorate programs are really rare and hard to find but fast-track and accelerated online doctorates and PhD offers the opportunity to earn your degree within 12 to 24 months depending on transfer credits, prior experience and course intensity.
Accelerated Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Fast-track or Accelerated Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programs are often with option of no-dissertation and are applied project or capstone based. Designed for the business professionals want to achieve higher career executive and consulting roles fast and quick.
Accelerated Doctor of Education (EdD) Online
Many top universities around the world are offering Accelerated Doctor of Education (EdD) Online with no-dissertation and can be completed in 18 months or less. These Fast-Track Online EdD programs are the best option for school leaders, curriculum specialists and higher education professionals.
Accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online
To meet the high demand in health care, many Medical and Health Colleges also offering Accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online best for nursing practitioners and clinical leaders.
Accelerated Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Online
Not one year, but many Health and Medical Colleges are also offering Accelerated Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) online programs.
Fastest Online PhD Programs in the U.S.
Franklin University — Online DBA
- Timeframe: ~3 years
- Culmination: Dissertation required
- Format: 100% Online
Chamberlain University — Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Timeframe: As few as 2 years
- Culmination: Capstone project & practicum (no traditional dissertation)
- Format: Online with clinical/practicum components
USC Rossier — Online EdD in Educational Leadership
- Timeframe: ~3 years
- Culmination: Applied doctoral project/dissertation
- Format: Online, cohort-based
Johns Hopkins University — Online EdD
- Timeframe: ~4 years
- Culmination: Dissertation or applied doctoral study
- Format: Online with limited campus visits
University of Florida — Online EdD (Curriculum & Instruction)
- Timeframe: ~4 years
- Culmination: Dissertation required
- Format: Online + limited on-site institutes
Quickest Online Doctorate Degree Programs Outside the U.S.
Aston University (UK) — Online Executive DBA
- Timeframe: 4–6 years
- Culmination: Doctoral thesis
- Format: 100% Online
Heriot-Watt University (UK) — Online DBA
- Timeframe: ~5 years
- Culmination: Research project/thesis
- Format: Online / self-study
The Open University (UK) — Professional Doctorates (EdD, DHSC)
- Timeframe: 4–6 years (part-time)
- Culmination: Doctoral project/thesis
- Format: Part-time distance
University of Leicester (UK) — Distance PhD
- Timeframe: 3–6 years
- Culmination: 80,000-word thesis + viva
- Format: Online/distance
Charles Sturt University (Australia) — Online PhD Programs
- Timeframe: 3–4 years (full-time)
- Culmination: Doctoral thesis
- Format: Online/distance with optional on-campus
Comparison of Fastest Online & Distance Doctoral Programs
Region | University | Program | Typical Duration | Dissertation Required | Format |
U.S. | Franklin University | DBA | 3 years | Yes | 100% Online |
U.S. | Liberty University | DBA | 3–4 years | Yes | Online + Residency |
U.S. | Chamberlain University | DNP | 2 years | No (Capstone Project) | Online |
U.S. | USC Rossier | EdD | 3 years | Applied Project/Dissertation | Online, Cohort-based |
U.S. | Johns Hopkins University | EdD | 4 years | Yes | Online + Campus Visits |
U.S. | University of Florida | EdD | 4 years | Yes | Online + Institutes |
UK | Aston University | Executive DBA | 4–6 years | Yes (Thesis) | 100% Online |
UK | Heriot-Watt University | DBA | 5 years | Yes (Thesis) | Online |
UK | The Open University | Professional Doctorates | 4–6 years | Yes | Part-time Distance |
UK | University of Leicester | PhD by Distance | 3–6 years | Yes (Thesis + Viva) | Online/Distance |
Australia | Charles Sturt University | PhD Programs | 3–4 years | Yes | Online/Distance |
Why Most “1-Year” Online PhDs Are Marketing Claims
Though you can find many institutions online that claims they are offering 1-Year PhD Online Programs, but you must understand that these 1-Year programs are often:
- Diploma mills or unaccredited schools
- Programs that count your work experience in place of coursework
- Designed more as executive certifications than full academic doctorates
If you’re aiming for a recognized and respected doctorate, aim for programs that are:
- Regionally or nationally accredited
- Transparent about curriculum and time-to-completion
- Recognized by employers, licensing boards, and educational institutions
How to Complete Your Doctorate Faster (Tips)
- Choose capstone over dissertation – Applied projects are faster to complete
- Use transfer credits – If accepted, they can shave 6–12 months off your degree
- Select self-paced programs – Competency-based learning helps you finish faster
- Start early with a research idea or problem – This will streamline your final project
- Enroll full-time – Part-time options are longer; go full-load if your schedule allows
- Avoid schools with heavy residency requirements – Online-only or hybrid is faster
Fast Track Doctorate Programs: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Shorter time to degree
- Lower overall cost
- Faster career advancement
Cons:
- Limited fields available
- Intense workload
- May not be suitable for academic research careers
Rarely. Most “1-year PhDs” are not truly accredited or require a very narrow path. Most fast programs are professional doctorates, not academic PhDs.
Doctorates in education, business, and nursing are the most common. You can realistically complete them in 18–24 months — sometimes faster with the right conditions.
It’s very difficult, but not impossible. Look for capstone-based programs, credit transfer policies, and accelerated formats.
Always prioritize quality and accreditation. Speed matters — but only if it comes with proper academic standards and recognition.