Compare the Fastest Online PhD Programs
Want to earn your Online PhD or Doctorate Degree Fast and Cheap, it is highly recommended that fist you must compare the fastest online PhD and Doctorate Programs offered by the accredited and recognized universities and choose the best matching all your requirements and needs.
To make your search easy we not only offer you the best possible options matching your needs and requirements but also give you the realistic picture to identify what truly is Fast online PhD and Doctorate Programs are and what programs lies in the category of shortest online doctoral and PhD’s. In addition, we also offer you the accredited and reputed accelerated online PhD programs offered by the top Universities around the world.
Quick Reality Check: Fully Online research based PhD and Doctorate Programs normally take almost 3-4 + Years to complete. The quickest programs are professional doctorates like DBA, EdD, DNP. Etc. with capstone or practice-based projects instead of traditional thesis.
H2 What Makes a Program “Fast”?
- Accelerated – (5–8 weeks) or self-paced delivery
- Year-round enrollment (no long semester breaks)
- Credit transfer for prior master’s/doctoral work
- Capstone / doctoral study in place of a thesis (mostly in professional doctorates)
- Clear milestones and faculty support that keep you moving
Usually for research PhD’s, the dissertation is the most time consuming and longest milestone of all. To achieve your goal faster you must choose the institution that offers structured support and provide early dissertation start to complete you work faster as compared to the schools who do not adopt the following approach. For example, Capella and Walen both emphasize the centrality of the dissertation in their PhD programs online.
Fastest Online PhD & Doctorate Comparison
H2: Why Compare Fastest PhD and Doctorate Programs?
When searching for the fastest online PhD and doctorate programs, it’s important to look at factors such as program length, flexibility, affordability, and dissertation requirements. Some universities replace the traditional dissertation with a capstone or applied project, making completion faster and more practical.
H2: Featured Fastest Online Doctorate Programs
H3: Capella University (USA)
- Duration: ~3 years
- Format: FlexPath (self-paced, 100% online)
- Specializations: Psychology, Education, Business
- Dissertation: Capstone instead
H3: Purdue University Global (USA)
- Duration: ~3 years
- Format: Online, flexible terms
- Specializations: Education (EdD), Nursing (DNP), Business (DBA)
- Dissertation: Some, Others (Capstone option)
H3: University of Essex (UK)
- Duration: ~3 years
- Format: Online + Dissertation
- Specializations: Business, Education, Law
- Dissertation: Required
H3: University of the People (USA/Global)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Format: 100% Online, tuition-free (minimal fees)
- Specializations: Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Dissertation: Capstone format
H3: Walden University (USA)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Format: Online, accelerated term options
- Specializations: Psychology, Public Health, Education
- Dissertation: Applied project in select programs
H3: University of London (UK)
- Duration: 3 years (accelerated)
- Format: Distance/Online
- Specializations: Management, Education, Law
- Dissertation: Required
H3: University of Southern Queensland (Australia)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Format: Online / Distance Learning
- Specializations: Business, Education, Engineering
- Dissertation: Required
H3: Humboldt University (Germany)
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Format: Online/Hybrid (select programs)
- Specializations: STEM, Social Sciences
- Dissertation: Required
Side-by-Side: Fastest Online/Distance Doctorates (Global)
It is highly recommended that while looking for the fastest online PhD programs worldwide, you must compare the format also with the duration (Online vs. Blended) and the type of final requirement (Traditional Dissertation Vs Capstone Project) as well the flexibility of the program structure. For your review and convenience, we presented side-by-side comparison of universities in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada offering online accelerated and distance-learning doctorates and PhD’s, so you can easily choose the right fit as per your requirements and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Capstone-based programs (Capella, UoPeople, Walden) are usually the fastest.
- Traditional research doctorates (Essex, London, Humboldt) may take the full 3–4 years.
- Australia and Germany often offer funded PhD options, reducing tuition costs.
- USA universities give more flexibility with accelerated terms and no dissertation options.
Compare No-Dissertation Online Doctorates
Capstone or applied doctorate programs designed for speed, flexibility, and professional impact.
| University | Degree Type | Duration | Format | Final Project | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global (USA) | EdD, DNP, DBA | 3 years | 100% Online | Capstone project | Professional-focused, flexible terms |
| Capella University (USA) | DBA, EdD, PhD in Counseling | 3 years | Online (FlexPath) | Applied project | Self-paced “FlexPath” model; no dissertation |
| University of the People (USA/Global) | Doctor of Education (EdD) | 3–4 years | 100% Online | Capstone project | Tuition-free (minimal fees); global accessibility |
| Athabasca University (Canada) | Doctor of Education (EdD) | 3 years | Online | Capstone project | Leading Canadian distance university |
| University of London (UK/Global) | Professional Doctorate (Education, Law, etc.) | 3–4 years | Distance Learning | Applied research / project | Prestigious UK brand; widely recognized |
Interpreting the Table (and Avoiding Traps)
- PhD vs. Professional Doctorate: Professional doctorates (EdD, DBA, DNP, etc.) finish much faster as they use capstones instead of multi-year dissertations. Example: Purdue Global’s EdD.
- Online No-Dissertation PhD: Be cautious — accredited PhD programs typically require a dissertation. “No dissertation PhD” often refers instead to PsyD/DBA/EdD programs.
- Major Providers: Capella, Walden, and National University require dissertations for their PhD tracks. Be wary of misleading claims.
- International Distance PhDs: UK universities (Leicester, Portsmouth, Open University) offer distance PhDs but still require a thesis and VIVA defense.
Fastest PhD (Research) vs. Fastest Doctorate (Applied)
If your career goals focus on higher leadership roles quickly, applied doctorate programs
with capstones (EdD, DBA, DNP) are the most feasible.
If you aim for academic research or tenure-track roles, choose an online PhD with a dissertation.
Though it takes longer, it aligns with academic career requirements.
Quick picks by intent:
- Fastest research path (PhD): Walden’s fast-track, Capella’s milestones, National’s weekly starts.
- Fastest applied path (non-PhD): Purdue Global’s EdD with a capstone project.
How to Shave Months Off Your Timeline
- Transfer credits from a master’s degree.
- Choose accelerated or self-paced terms with frequent starts (monthly/weekly).
- Start dissertation early (PhD) with providers like Walden (fast-track model).
- Align professional doctorate capstones with your current employer for faster approvals.
- Study year-round (no summer breaks) with consistent weekly effort.
If you are looking for realistic shortest timeframe for a research PhD Online than the fastest timeline can be 2.5 to 3 years, but this route needs aggressive approach may requires full-time study, strong topic understanding and as early dissertation progress. ( Walden University is offering a minimum of 2.5 Years of coursework + Dissertation).
If you want accredited Online PhD degree than almost all the reputed universities require Dissertation for their online PhD programs. Though you can enroll in professional Doctorate Programs with no dissertation like EdD/ DBA/DNP/PsyD etc. As these programs requires capstone or doctoral study.
No. Reputable online PhD programs still require a dissertation. If you see “no dissertation,” you’re likely looking at an EdD/DBA/DNP/PsyD with a capstone or doctoral study. (Capella and Walden both state dissertation requirements for PhDs; National University requires dissertation + defense.)
Most of the UK Distance or Online PhD programs requires substantial remote supervision, but still, you need to provide thesis or may have engagement expectations, plus an in-person online VIVA. It is recommended you must check the school policy before enrolling. Check UK universities offering Online PhD programs and Online Doctorate Programs.
Likely professional doctorates with capstone requirements (EdD/DBA/DNP). If you specifically need a PhD, pick providers with proven dissertation scaffolding and fast-track options.
Bottom Line
- If you want the fastest possible completion, prioritize capstone-based professional doctorates.
- If you want the PhD credential, plan for a dissertation and select schools with fast-track structures and early dissertation support.
- Internationally, UK distance PhDs provide strong remote options, but timelines are similar to on-campus routes and still revolve around the thesis and viva.