What is the shortest possible PhD?

Asked by: Amelia Rogahn  |  Last update: December 19, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (64 votes)

The shortest PhD programs out there are accelerated or sometimes online PhD programs. Some of these are only 1-2 years long, but there are comparatively fewer programs available, and they are only suitable for certain fields and careers which require less intensive research which defines most PhD programs.

Which PhD is the shortest?

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees can be completed in two to three years. They are two of the shortest doctoral degrees available because they focus on practical application and don't require the large amount of research and dissertations that longer programs include.

Is there a 1-year PhD program?

1-year PhD programs online is a bit of a misnomer, at least, the 1-year part. There are few to no legitimate PhD programs online or in-person that last only one year. The minimum for how long does it take to get a PhD is three years, and even those programs are few and far between.

What is the lowest duration of PhD?

Full time – Minimum 3 years /Maximum 5 years.

What is the minimum length of a PhD?

A PhD takes three to four years to complete; this might extend to six to eight years for a part-time doctorate.

What is the shortest doctoral degree?

23 related questions found

Can you write a PhD in 3 months?

Targets and consistency. I set myself a target of 3 months, broken down into targets for each chapter. This would give me about 3 months in reserve before the final absolute deadline. I had a daily minimum target of 500 words, which I knew I could meet even on the least productive days.

How fast can you do a PhD?

While many PhD programs are designed to be finished in four or five years, the average completion time is much longer when you factor in the time it takes to research and write a dissertation. In 2020, for example, doctoral students took between six and twelve years to complete their PhDs [1].

Can I finish my PhD in 6 months?

This will depend on the requirements for your specific thesis or dissertation. Pro tip: make sure that all of your discussion chapters directly contribute to answering your research question(s). Once you've established your overarching thesis structure, start working on one chapter at a time.

What is the PhD dropout rate?

Attrition rates for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in the United States across the fields of engineering, life sciences, social sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, and humanities range from 36 – 51%.

What country has the shortest PhDs?

It becomes particularly clear when considering the time allocated to research during a PhD in different countries: Denmark 1½-2 years (3 year degree) UK 3 years (3 year degree) US 4-6 years (4-6 year degree)

What's the fastest you can get a PhD?

The fastest PhD programs are the short, 1-year accelerated programs. These programs have fewer credit hours to complete, and some have no dissertation requirement, only qualifying exams to finish. However, there are not many programs out there, and they are not available for every field of interest.

Can you finish a PhD in 1 year?

While most doctoral programs require a significant time commitment, some universities now offer fast-track online programs that can be completed in as little as one or two years.

What's the easiest PhD to get?

Easiest PhD Programs
  1. PhD in Education. A PhD in education prepares scholars for advanced roles in academia, research, and policy-making. ...
  2. PhD in Business Administration. ...
  3. Doctor of Nursing Practice. ...
  4. PhD in Psychology. ...
  5. PhD in Public Health. ...
  6. PhD in Social Work. ...
  7. PhD in Information Technology. ...
  8. PhD in Criminal Justice.

Is 52 too old to start a PhD?

As society ages and with employers having problems finding eligible workers, the problem of ageism will become less severe. Getting a PhD at any age is going to be a viable option. If you are interested in a PhD and it's something you have a burning desire to do, don't let age stop you.

What is the hardest PhD to get?

Neuroscience: Studying the brain and nervous system is incredibly complex. It involves a combination of biology, psychology, and even engineering, making it a challenging field to master. Astrophysics: Trying to understand the mysteries of the cosmos is no easy task.

Is there an oversupply of PhDs?

Oversupply Of PhDs & Shrinking Academic Positions

This is particularly evident in the humanities, where the lack of openings is becoming increasingly prevalent. The previous academic year, for instance, had the fewest professorial job listings in history since records began in 1975.

Is 30 too late to finish PhD?

The answer is an definite 'no. ' While many people start their PhD before they turn 30, or immediately after their undergraduate education, it is absolutely normal to start a PhD in your 30s. It is OK to do a PhD in your 30s. Read this post if you want to learn what a PhD student does all day (It's very interesting).

Is it hard to fail a PhD?

As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, very few people fail the PhD. So, while the viva can be difficult and intimidating it's also highly unlikely to have a negative outcome. Overall, a PhD is a long and often challenging learning process.

What is the shortest time for a PhD?

A select group of students complete their PhDs in two years, while a tiny number of elite students can get it done in 12 months. It's hard to overstate how rare and impressive this is, but it is always a possibility. The key to a fast-track PhD is building up a strong academic CV before you even start.

Can you write a PhD thesis in 3 months?

I started writing my PhD thesis in May. I submitted my final thesis by August. This is how I overcame writer's block to write a PhD thesis in less than 3 months: Start with a Plan Having a clear outline or structure for your thesis can provide a roadmap that makes the writing process feel less overwhelming.

What is the least duration of PhD?

3.1 Ph. D. programme shall be for a minimum duration of two years excluding course work, and a maximum of six years. 3.2 Extension beyond the above limits will be governed by the relevant clauses as stipulated in the Statute/Ordinance of the individual Institution concerned, but not beyond more than two years.

What's the quickest someone has completed a PhD?

What is the fastest time someone has completed a PhD? One year. Here are two examples. Alessio Figalli did his PhD in one year.

How old is the youngest PhD holder in the world?

The youngest person to be awarded a PhD is the German child prodigy Johann Heinrich Friedrich Karl Witte (born 10 July 1800; better known simply as Karl Witte), who received his doctorate from the University of Giessen, Germany, on 10 April 1814 at the age of 13 years 283 days.

What is the difference between a doctorate and a PhD?

While a PhD focuses on academic research, a professional doctorate makes a significant and original contribution to furthering professional practice. A professional doctorate consists of coursework and a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words.