A Guide to the 15 Shortest Online Doctoral Programs for 2026

Earning a doctorate is a significant academic and professional achievement, but the traditional timeline of five to seven years can be a major hurdle. If you’re looking to advance your career with a terminal degree without putting your life on hold, an accelerated online doctoral program might be the perfect solution. This guide will explore 15 of the shortest online doctorates available for 2026, helping you find a path to the top of your field faster than you thought possible.

What Makes a Doctoral Program "Short"?

Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand what “short” means in the context of a doctorate. These programs are just as rigorous as their traditional counterparts, but they use specific structures to streamline the process.

Generous Transfer Credit Policies: Many programs allow you to transfer a significant number of credits from your master’s degree, reducing the total coursework you need to complete.
Integrated Dissertations: Instead of treating the dissertation as a final, separate project, some programs integrate dissertation milestones into the coursework from day one. This prevents the common problem of students getting stuck in the “All But Dissertation” (ABD) phase.
Accelerated Course Formats: Programs may use shorter, more intensive terms (e.g., 8-week sessions instead of 16-week semesters) to help you move through the curriculum more quickly.
No GRE Requirement: Many online programs for working professionals have waived the GRE requirement, saving you time on test preparation and streamlining the application process.

Top 15 Accelerated Online Doctorates

Here are 15 excellent online doctoral programs across various fields known for their accelerated timelines and flexibility. Keep in mind that completion times can vary based on individual progress, dissertation topic, and transfer credits.

Doctorates in Education (Ed.D.)

Education is a leading field for accelerated online doctorates, with many programs designed for current administrators and teachers.

1. University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education

Program: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership
Why it’s fast: This cohort-based program can be completed in as little as 3 years. The curriculum is highly structured, with dissertation work embedded throughout the program to ensure timely completion.

2. Johns Hopkins University School of Education

Program: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Why it’s fast: Designed for experienced practitioners, this program takes a minimum of 3 years. It focuses on solving real-world problems of practice, which helps streamline the dissertation process.

3. Maryville University

Program: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership
Why it’s fast: This program is 100% online with no residency requirements and can be completed in under 3 years. It features an applied dissertation project that students begin working on early in their studies.

4. Gwynedd Mercy University

Program: Executive Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership
Why it’s fast: This accelerated program is designed to be completed in just 2 years. It’s built for working professionals and features a dissertation-in-practice model.

Doctorates in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

The D.N.P. is a practice-focused doctorate designed for nurses seeking leadership roles. Many programs offer post-master’s tracks that are quite fast.

5. Duke University School of Nursing

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Why it’s fast: Duke offers several D.N.P. concentrations that can be completed in as little as 2 years (5 semesters) for students entering with a master’s degree. The online format is designed for working nurses.

6. Capella University

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Why it’s fast: Capella’s FlexPath option allows students to move at their own pace, completing courses as quickly as they demonstrate competency. Motivated students can finish in under 2 years.

7. Regis College

Program: Post-MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Why it’s fast: This program can be completed in as few as 24 months. It requires 36 credit hours and is offered fully online to accommodate the schedules of busy nursing professionals.

Doctorates in Business Administration (D.B.A.)

A D.B.A. is a professional doctorate focused on applying research to solve business problems, often making it faster than a research-intensive Ph.D.

8. University of Florida Warrington College of Business

Program: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
Why it’s fast: While rigorous, Florida’s online DBA program is designed for executives and can be completed in 3 years. The cohort model provides structure and support.

9. Creighton University Heider College of Business

Program: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
Why it’s fast: This 3-year, 54-credit-hour online program is designed for working professionals. It uses a cohort model and integrates the dissertation from the beginning.

10. Liberty University

Program: Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
Why it’s fast: Liberty offers numerous D.B.A. specializations that can be completed in about 3 years. Their 8-week course format and generous transfer credit policy help accelerate progress.

Doctorates in Other Professional Fields

Many other fields offer accelerated online options for those seeking the highest credential.

11. Simmons University

Program: Doctorate of Social Work (D.S.W.)
Why it’s fast: This program is designed for licensed social workers (LCSWs) and can be completed in as few as 2 years of full-time study or 3 years part-time. It focuses on advanced clinical leadership.

12. University at Buffalo School of Social Work

Program: Doctorate in Social Welfare (D.S.W.)
Why it’s fast: The online DSW program is practice-focused and can be completed in 3 years. It does not require a traditional dissertation, instead using a capstone project to demonstrate mastery.

13. Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health

Program: Doctorate in Public Health (Dr.P.H.) in Global Health Leadership
Why it’s fast: This executive-style program is designed to be completed in 3 years. It’s a hybrid program with minimal on-campus requirements, catering to established public health professionals.

14. Hampton University

Program: Ph.D. in Business Administration
Why it’s fast: While a Ph.D., Hampton’s online program is structured for completion in as little as 2.5 to 3 years. It’s one of the few accelerated online Ph.D. programs in business.

15. California Baptist University

Program: Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.)
Why it’s fast: This online program can be completed in approximately 3 years. It’s designed for managers in the public and nonprofit sectors and integrates dissertation development into the coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a professional doctorate like an Ed.D. or D.N.P.? A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is traditionally focused on developing original academic research to contribute new knowledge to a field. A professional doctorate (like an Ed.D., D.N.P., D.B.A., or D.S.W.) is focused on applying existing research to solve real-world problems within that profession. This practical focus is often why professional doctorates can be completed more quickly.

Are accelerated online doctorates respected? Yes. The key is accreditation. As long as the program is from a regionally accredited institution, the degree holds the same weight and value as a degree earned on campus. Employers value the skills and advanced knowledge a doctorate represents, regardless of the delivery format.

Can I work full-time while earning an online doctorate? Most of these programs are specifically designed for working professionals. The online format, flexible scheduling, and practical focus allow students to balance their career, family, and academic responsibilities. However, they are still demanding and require significant time management and dedication.