1-2 Year Online Doctoral Programs
Earning your doctorate in less than two years is rare, but not impossible. With the right background and a strong plan, you can complete an accelerated or one-year doctoral program and fast-track your academic and professional goals. This guide will show you how online learning can set you up for success and move even faster.
Doctoral programs typically require a 6- to 7-year commitment, depending on your field and educational background.
Today, however, some universities offer accelerated online doctorates that can be finished in as little as 1 or 2 years. While these programs are limited and not available in every discipline, they can help you:
- Stand out in competitive job markets
- Save time and money on your education
- Build advanced expertise without the years-long commitment
This guide covers your best options, as well as what to expect from a one- or two-year doctoral journey.
Explore the Fastest Online Doctorate Programs
While true one-year doctorates are extremely rare, several universities offer two-year doctoral programs in specific academic areas. Below are examples of fast, practical options that balance rigor with flexibility.
1-Year Doctoral Program: Breyer State Theology University
BSTU offers an Ethereal Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling that can be completed in 1 year. The program is designed for advanced students pursuing careers in grief counseling and requires:
- A master’s degree in grief counseling or a related field
- Completion of 11 six-hour classes
- A dissertation or final project in grief or bereavement counseling
Skills you’ll gain:
- Understanding of bereavement and psychological concepts
- Ability to recognize grief stages and develop therapeutic strategies
- Skills for supporting trauma survivors and those coping with loss
Example coursework includes:
- Grief counseling
- Ethics in Grief Counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Complicated Grief
- Loss, Trauma, and Resilience
- Therapy with the Terminally Ill
- Group Support for Bereavement
- Graduate Thesis or Final Project
Tuition: $4,500 (full program)
Doctorates without a Traditional Dissertation
Not every doctoral student needs to complete a dissertation. Many practical doctorates, such as PsyD and EdD degrees, use a capstone project or other replacements to give students real-world opportunities to apply their learning.
Here are examples of non-dissertation doctorate programs:
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Students can choose between two different tracks: Educational Leadership and Educational Technology Innovation. The program, regardless of concentration, can be completed within 6 semesters, including the fall, spring, and summer.
Length: 6 semesters, 2 years
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
This 100% online program allows nurses to earn their DNP without GRE or GMAT requirements. Students can earn their DNP in as few as 20 months or their DNP-NP in as few as 36 months. Another element that helps to accelerate the program is that there’s no waiting list for accepting students.
Total Credits: 20-36 months
Doctor of Education (EdD)
This 60-credit program focuses on healthcare organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and education systems. Instead of a traditional dissertation, the program requires a “dissertation-in-practice”.
Length: As few as 36 months
Programs that Count Master’s Credits Toward Your Doctorate
Many doctoral programs allow you to apply previous master’s coursework toward your PhD or professional doctorate.
By leveraging these credits, often called “dual credit”, you can shorten your program to 18-24 months and save on tuition.
A great strategy is to pursue your doctorate at the same institution where you earned your master’s degree, since those schools are more likely to:
- Accept your existing credits
- Streamline your transition
- Eliminate credit transfer delays
Here are examples of programs that help you earn your doctorate faster using prior credits.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Capella University offers a fully online EdD program with five specialization options: Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Performance Improvement Leadership, and Reading and Literacy.
On top of accepting transfer credits, the school lets service members and veterans leverage their experience for credit.
Length: Varies | “FlexPath” lets students complete courses at their own speed
Career Outcomes: University faculty, counseling supervisor, academic advisor, or researcher.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The DBA at Franklin University requires 60 credits, but students can transfer up to 55% of those credits. Students have the choice of choosing a focus area (optional) between eight different options, including accounting and criminal justice.
Length: As few as 3 years
Career Outcomes: Professor, management analyst, economist, or business executive.
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
Accelerated doctorates condense the same coursework found in traditional programs into a shorter timeframe. Each class covers identical material but in 6-8 weeks instead of 15-16.
If all required courses are available in accelerated form, you can finish one to two years faster than standard students.
While research-based PhDs typically require a dissertation, professional doctorates in education or business may not — a factor that greatly affects completion time.
Below are examples of accelerated online doctorates.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
This 35-credit MSN-to-DNP track takes just five semesters for incoming master’s students. It requires 15 courses, a residency, and a final project.
Length: 5 semesters
Career Outcomes: Nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, advanced practice nurse, or nursing officer.
PhD in Forensic Psychology
Walden offers an accelerated schedule and allows students to waive up to 6 PhD-level courses with a qualifying master’s degree. You can also transfer up to 53 credits toward your degree.
Length: Varies per student
Career Outcomes: Researcher, consultant, analyst, or college professor.
How to Start a 1-2 Year Online Doctoral Program
Getting into a fast-track doctorate program requires planning and focus. If you already know which degree you want, you can take smart steps now to shorten your time to graduation.
1. Complete Your Prerequisites Early
If you already know your desired degree, consider taking foundational or prerequisite courses before applying.
- Many of these classes overlap with your master’s coursework.
- You can take them online or at a community college for lower tuition.
- Completing them ahead of time helps you save money and time once you begin your doctoral program.
2. Earn a Master’s Degree
Having a closely related master’s degree can earn you transfer credits and let you take on heavier course loads.
Master’s programs also give you valuable space to refine your research ideas, which can later become part of your dissertation or capstone project.
3. Maintain a Competitive GPA
Most accelerated doctorate programs expect a 3.0 GPA or higher in your prior coursework. A strong academic record demonstrates your ability to manage a rigorous, condensed program.
4. Prepare a Writing Sample
For research-focused doctorates (PhD), you’ll likely need a writing sample. Choose a paper that shows your:
- Research and analytical skills
- Ability to form clear arguments
- Potential for success in doctoral-level study
5. Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation
Most applications require two to three letters from professors, supervisors, or professionals who can vouch for your skills and potential.
Give your recommenders at least two months’ notice before the deadline — and provide them with your resume or statement of purpose for context.
Pros & Cons of Short Online Doctoral Programs
Accelerated programs have many advantages, but they also come with unique challenges.
Here’s what to expect as you plan your fast-track journey:
Benefits
1. Lower Tuition Costs
Because these programs require fewer semesters, you’ll spend less overall on tuition and living expenses.
Many online schools also offer in-state tuition rates for all distance learners, even if you live elsewhere.
2. Less Time in School
The faster you finish, the sooner you can focus on career, family, and personal goals.
Traditional doctorates can take up to seven years; fast-track programs help you move forward in one to two.
3. Earlier Entry Into the Workforce
Graduating sooner means you can start earning faster. A short online doctorate can position you for high-level roles while saving years of opportunity cost.
Challenges
1. Limited Preparation for the Job Market
You’ll need to use your time in school wisely.
Try to make early connections through career centers, faculty mentors, professional organizations, and networking events.
2. Heavy Time Commitment
Even fast programs require serious dedication. You’ll need to balance coursework, research, and personal life carefully.
The flexibility of online learning helps, but time management is key.
3. Fewer Opportunities to Publish or Network
A shorter academic window means less time to publish research, attend conferences, and build professional relationships.
Still, with organization and initiative, you can make meaningful connections and strengthen your professional profile before graduation.
Example: 2-Year Online Doctorate Timeline
If you’re aiming to finish your doctorate in two years or less, you’ll need to stay on track with your school’s schedule — no retakes, no missed semesters.
Here’s an example based on the Doctor of Education and Leadership in Healthcare program at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).
- Length: ≤2 years (full-time) | 3 years (part-time)
- Capstone Project: Replaces a traditional dissertation
- Credits: 44
- Delivery: Fully online, asynchronous (self-paced) | 2 summer residencies
- Admission Requirements: Master’s degree in an education or healthcare field, minimum 3.0 GPA, admissions essay, resume, transcripts, and interview
Sample 2-Year Course Plan
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year One | Program orientation: 0 credits Leadership in organizations: 3 credits Legal and ethical Issues in organizations: 3 credits Organizational change and accountability: 3 credits | Healthcare policy: 3 credits Biostatistics: 3 credits Organizational outcomes and sustainability: 3 credits | Population health: 3 credits Research: 3 credits Capstone I: 1 credit |
| Year Two | IT in healthcare and education: 3 credits Capstone II: 3 credits | Teaching, learning, and instructional methods: 3 credits Capstone III: 3 credits | Healthcare finance: 3 credits Curriculum planning and education: 3 credits |
FAQs About 1-Year Online Doctoral Programs
How does online learning help me finish faster?
Online programs often use asynchronous classes, meaning you can view lectures and complete work on your own schedule.
Even in synchronous formats, you’ll save time by skipping campus commutes — making it easier to stay productive.
Can I work while completing my doctorate?
Yes, but it depends on your discipline and time management.
Doctoral programs require critical thinking and deep engagement, so success depends on how well you can organize your schedule and maintain focus.
Are accelerated doctorates as respected as traditional ones?
Yes. Accredited fast-track programs meet the same academic standards.
They simply use a condensed format — making them ideal for professionals who want to advance quickly without sacrificing quality.
Which doctorates work best for accelerated formats?
Career-focused degrees like the Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) are often better suited than heavily research-based PhDs.
These programs emphasize practical application over long-term research.
Resources for Doctoral Students
Here are some trusted resources to help you make the most of your doctoral education. From writing support to stress management and professional development, you’ll find the help you need.
GradHacker: Tips and advice for graduate students from Inside Higher Ed.
Grad Resources: Tools for managing stress, mental health, and academic pressure.
Imagine PhD: Free career-planning platform for graduate students and postdocs.
Pearson Accelerated: Helps you plan academic paths and make informed financial decisions.
Purdue Writing Lab: The go-to source for writing guides, citation help, and plagiarism prevention.
University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education: Offers resources for research, proposal writing, and time management.
Versatile PhD: Connects current doctoral students and graduates with career resources, webinars, and mentoring opportunities.