Fastest Online PhD and Doctorate Programs 2025-2026
Many have misconception that earning a PhD or Professional Doctorate only can be completed in 5-6 years. It was true some time ago but now top universities around the world are offering Fastest Online PhD and Doctorate Programs or Shortest doctoral programs online providing opportunity to enthusiastic learners to earn their doctorate degree fast and quick in the shortest period of time like 2 to 3 years and in addition all these quickest doctorate programs comes with fully online option.
No matter you want to pursue your career in education, business, nursing, or criminal justice, these fastest Doctorate online programs tailored to meet the requirements of busy professionals to make it easy for them to manage their studies and professionals and personal commitments.
Most of the accredited universities around the world offers self-paced study, credit transfer and no dissertation options to shorten the timeline without sacrificing academic quality and accreditation of the degree. Here at Top PhD Online we offer you the best fastest doctorate degree programs online and shortest PhD programs online offered by the best universities in the U.S. and internationally – Giving you the opportunity to explore and compare the best program that suits your career goals, budget and most important timeline.
What Makes a Doctorate or PhD Fast?
Traditional doctorate programs take around 4-6 years to complete, but fastest online PhD Programs and shortest doctorate degrees tailored in a manner that shorten the completion time.
Accelerated Terms
Shorter modules—6–8 weeks instead of 16-week semesters.
Transfer Credits
Apply previous graduate coursework
No-Dissertation Options
Capstone or applied project instead of a full thesis.
Self-Paced Learning
Advance as you master the material.
Year-Round Enrollment
Begin anytime, no long breaks.
💡 Tip: While a fast PhD or quickest doctorate degree is appealing, always check accreditation and faculty quality.
Fastest Online PhD and Doctorate Programs:
For your review and convenience, below you can find some of the top universities around the world offering fastest and shortest online PhD and Doctorate Programs.
University | Degree | Duration | Format | Notable Features |
Capella University (USA) | PhD or DBA (Business, Education, IT) | 2–3 yrs | Online, self-paced (FlexPath) | Accelerated courses, credit transfer |
Walden University (USA) | EdD, PhD in Psychology | 2.5–3 yrs | 100% online | Capstone or applied project |
University of Essex (UK) | DBA, PhD in Business or Law | 3 yrs | Online + virtual supervision | Globally recognized |
University of the People (USA) | DBA | 2.5–3 yrs | 100% online | Accredited, tuition-free, global access |
Atlantic International University (USA) | PhD in Education, Business, Engineering | 2–3 yrs | Competency-based online | Fast track for professionals |
University of Southern Queensland (Australia) | DBA | 3 yrs | Online + remote research | Structured supervision |
European International University (France) | EdD, DBA | 2–3 yrs | Online | International faculty, flexible schedule |
Open University (UK) | Doctorate in Education or Business | 3–4 yrs | Distance learning | Part-time flexibility |
- For more options and comparison of Fast and short PhD and Doctorate Programs online check our Compare Fastest Online PhD Programs ↗︎
Fastest PhD Online in USA
The U.S. can be the best choice if you are looking for quickest PhD Programs to enroll, as many accredited U.S. universities like Capella, Walden and University of People are offering Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees that are not only quick to earn, but also easily accessible, affordable and flexible and can be completed in just 2-3 years of time.
Quickest Doctoral Programs UK
For Quickest Doctoral Programs Online United Kingdom (UK) is another best option as top universities like Essex online Open University offers shortest online doctorate options with major focus on guided research and virtual supervision.
Fast Online PhD Australia
For Fast Online PhD Australia is also good option as Australian universities like University of Southern Queensland and Charles Sturt University are known for their quickest PhD Programs Online blending modular coursework and remote mentorship.
Fast Online PhD Europe and Asia
European International University (France) and Asia e University (Malaysia) provide globally recognized fast PhD programs in business, IT, and education. There are many other options are also available.
Shortest Doctoral Programs by Field
While exploring quickest doctoral programs you must know that every discipline has its own pace – some of the disciplines are designed for quicker completion. Normally, Programs with applied or professionals focus offers you the opportunity to earn your doctorate faster through structured coursework and capstone project.
For you review we present some of the quickest doctorate degrees that you can pursue online, each offering flexibility, easy accessibility and career focused study paths with accreditation.
Accelerated DBA Online
Accelerated Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs emphasize leadership, management, and innovation. Many fastest online DBA programs can be completed in 2–3 years while working full-time.
👉 [Explore Fastest Online DBA Programs →]
Fastest Nursing (DNP) Online
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focuses on advanced clinical leadership and healthcare innovation. These shortest doctoral programs in Nursing are often finished in 2–3 years through flexible online study.
👉 [Explore Fastest Online DNP Programs →]
Fastest EdD Online Programs
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is among the fastest doctorate degrees online. With applied research and no-dissertation options, most educators finish in about 2.5–3 years.
👉 [Explore Fastest Online EdD Programs →]
Criminal Justice (PhD) Online
Accelerated PhD programs in Criminal Justice prepare graduates for leadership, policy, or academic roles. Many fast online PhD tracks offer flexible schedules and focused research modules.
👉 [Explore Fastest Online PhD in Criminal Justice →]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the shortest PhD program available?
Some accelerated online doctorates can be completed in 2.5–3 years, especially if dissertation is replaced with a capstone project.
Q2. Can I do a PhD online in 2 years?
It’s rare, but some programs offer intensive fast-track options — especially in education and business disciplines.
Q3. Which subjects offer the fastest PhD online?
Education (EdD), Business (DBA), Public Health (DrPH), and Psychology are popular for fast-track formats.
Q4. Are no-dissertation programs really faster?
Yes. Replacing a multi-year dissertation with an applied capstone project can significantly reduce completion time.