Shortest Doctoral Programs: Everything You Need to Know

No matter which doctoral program you choose, it’s going to take commitment on your part to finish your doctorate. But why not earn your doctorate even faster with an accelerated yet rigorous doctoral program designed to help you finish faster? This brief guide will help you learn all you need to know about finding–and finishing–a shorter doctoral program. You can do it.

Ph.D. vs. Applied Doctorate: What’s the Difference?

Many people think there’s only one doctorate degree, the Ph.D. In reality, there are two types of doctorate degrees: Ph.D. and applied doctorate. A Ph.D. program focuses on academic research with the intention of expanding the discipline. In contrast, an applied doctorate program focuses on leveraging existing research to improve the practice of the discipline. Because applied doctorates focus more on application than theory like Ph.D. programs, they can be ideal for busy, working professionals.

Comparing Program Durations

A doctorate degree typically takes four to six years to complete—however, this timing depends on the program design, the subject area you’re studying, and the institution offering the program. Below is a comparison of typical timelines based on the program type:

5 Ways to Shorten the Time It Takes to Finish Your Doctorate

The time it takes to earn a doctorate depends on a lot of things–including you! Consider the following factors to impact when you’ll graduate:

1. Transfer Credit Eligibility: If you can get credit for previously completed graduate-level coursework, it can decrease your time to graduation. Look for programs that make it simple and easy to transfer credit so you can finish your doctorate faster.
2. Dissertation Methodology and Approach: With integrated programming and support, some accelerated programs can help you jump start your dissertation and complete it in one year.
3. In-person vs. Online Classes: Online classes give you the flexibility to complete courses around your schedule, whereas the strict scheduling of in-person classes can make it more difficult to get the credits you need in a timely fashion.
4. Part-time vs. Full-time Enrollment: While a part-time program may offer more flexibility than a full-time one, it also takes longer to complete.
5. Personal Commitment: It’s up to you to figure out how to take a full course load, conduct research, and write your dissertation, all while balancing your personal and professional life.

How to Find a High-Quality Accelerated Program

If you’re going to spend the time, energy, and money it takes to earn a doctorate, you need to ensure you’re getting a high-quality education. Rather than focusing on the length of your program, consider the method of instruction. Keep in mind, however, that online doctoral programs are not created equally. While a program might promise you’ll finish in 12 months or less, you want to make sure that the program is worth the investment.

To identify quality, we can look at five non-degree workforce program quality criteria that also apply to professional education:

• Labor market outcomes: There is evidence that the credential leads directly to an in-demand, high-quality job that provides at least the local living wage.
• Equity: The program’s graduates demographically resemble or include more underrepresented groups.
• Stackability: The credential provides the student with credit that can count towards a future advanced credential or college degree.
• Affordability: The program is affordable resulting in a reasonable average student debt load.
• Completion: The program has a respectable completion rate and pass rate for industry certification exams.

With a reputable online doctoral program, not only can you finish in about three years, you’ll get a rigorous education that’s professionally designed to deepen your knowledge and improve your critical thinking and leadership skills.