What Is An Accelerated Doctorate Degree Online?

Updated April 11, 2023

At the beginning of a doctoral program, students take introductory courses that explain the basics of the field.

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Online 1-Year Ph.D. Programs

Earning an accelerated doctoral degree online can help students earn an advanced degree quickly. Accelerated programs let students earn a degree faster than traditional on-campus and online programs.

This guide covers information about pursuing accelerated doctoral programs online. It details common courses, types of degrees, and education formats.

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Before Enrollment: Research

Figure out which schools offer your degree in an accelerated format.
Ensure that you have already completed the education necessary to enter the program.
Calculate the total cost of attendance and research available financial aid options.
Identify admission requirements and whether you can meet them.
Determine the technology requirements for remote learning, such as software and hardware requirements.
Find out if the program features in-person requirements. If it does, ensure you can meet those requirements.
Consider the different types of doctoral degrees you can pursue. Some take less time to complete than others. One of the key differences between programs lies in the research phase of the degree.
A doctor of philosophy program, more commonly known as a Ph.D., requires a research component called a dissertation. Nonaccelerated versions of these degrees may take more than eight years to complete. Accelerated versions may take three years or less.
Instead of a research-focused Ph.D. program, students can pursue a practice-oriented doctorate that requires less time. Some options include a doctor of business administration (DBA), a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of public health (DrPH).

Enrollment: Apply

Complete the application.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
Demonstrate that you have completed the required credit hours or degree to enter the accelerated program.
Pay all fees by the deadline.
Apply for financial aid.

Attendance: Year One

Most schools offer courses on a semester system. However, some institutions follow a quarter-based or trimester-based system. In many online accelerated doctoral programs, courses do not follow the campus schedule. Instead, they occur in shorter blocks that may last between 5-8 weeks.

At the beginning of a doctoral program, students take introductory courses that explain the basics of the field. As they move through coursework, classes become more advanced. Students also take specialized electives. In accelerated doctoral programs, learners take classes all year, including over the summer.

Graduation: End of Year One

Credit requirements vary by program. After students complete all required coursework, they often must submit a dissertation to graduate. Once they finish their research, Ph.D. candidates submit it for review and defend their conclusions.

Example Curriculum: Accelerated Doctoral in Counseling

Courses vary by program. The following includes a sample curriculum for a doctorate-level counseling program.

Quarters 1-2 or Semester One

Psychotherapy Overview
Grief Counseling
Ethical Issues in Counseling

Quarters 3-4 or Semester Two

Counseling Across the Lifespan
Treating Complicated Grief
Group Grief Counseling

Accelerated Doctoral vs. Regular Doctoral Timeline

Candidates should compare timelines of accelerated and nonaccelerated doctoral programs. Through the link below, students can learn about the typical time commitment for an online doctoral degree.

How long does it take to earn a PhD online?

Tips for accelerating the college timeline.

Fastest Doctoral Programs

Accelerated online Ph.D. programs attract many students looking to earn a terminal degree quickly. Members of the military, those seeking high-paying jobs, and students looking to quickly enter the healthcare field make great candidates for fast-track doctoral programs. In the next section, degree-seekers can explore doctoral degrees for each of these groups.

Check out our guide to online programs for working adults to learn more about earning a degree while working full time.

Accelerated Doctoral Programs For Military Members

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice

Completion Time: Through accelerated doctorates in criminal justice, students can earn their Ph.D. in significantly less time than traditional programs. These programs may let students start the dissertation process early and work on research throughout the program. Through accelerated courses, students can finish their Ph.D. in three years.

Example Courses:

History and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Students explore the history and developments of crime, policing, and terrorism.
Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems: In this class, Ph.D. candidates explore the development and evaluation of criminal justice policy.
Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis: This research-focused course teaches students the statistical techniques they need to conduct advanced research projects.

Program Requirements: Ph.D. programs in criminal justice require students to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and often also requires a master's degree. Applicants must submit official transcripts and may be required to demonstrate at least a 3.0 GPA. Some programs prefer a professional background in criminal justice.

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Human and Social Services

Completion Time: Students who pursue an accelerated online doctorate in human and social services can expedite graduation by taking a full course load each term. They may also start their research early in the program and take dissertation seminars throughout their studies.

Example Courses:

Introduction to Human Services: This course covers major human services areas, such as counseling, criminal justice, family studies, and social work.
Leadership Development in Human and Social Services: Students explore the roles and strategies of managers in the public sector.
Grant Writing: This course teaches students the skills they need to secure funding for organizations.

Program Requirements: These programs often require a master's degree. Additionally, students typically need to submit official transcripts that demonstrate at least a 3.0 GPA. Doctoral programs in human services do not usually require standardized test scores or professional experience.

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

Completion Time: Accelerated forensic psychology programs let students expedite graduation by taking a heavy course load each semester. Learners typically take three courses each term rather than the traditional two. Students also start their dissertation research early in the program instead of working on it after finishing coursework.

Example Courses:

Criminal Behavior: Students examine a variety of nonviolent and violent criminal behaviors from a biological, sociological, and psychological viewpoint.
Psychology in the Courts: This course explores consulting, expert testimony, and other important ways that forensic psychologists participate in the court system.
Understanding Forensic Psychology Research: Through this course, students learn to interpret data and critically evaluate psychology literature.

Program Requirements: Prospective students must submit an application and official transcripts. They often need a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework. Some programs may include residencies. Forensic psychology programs with a clinical emphasis may include a supervised clinical practicum.

Accelerated Online Healthcare and Medical Doctoral Programs

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Behavioral Health

Completion Time: Students earning a fast-track doctoral degree in behavioral health online graduate quickly. They may take classes that each last only 7.5 weeks.

Example Courses:

Psychopharmacology: This class covers medications that psychologists and other professionals use to treat behavioral and mental conditions.
Healthcare Systems and Delivery: Through this course, students explore the U.S. healthcare system. They may study other healthcare systems.
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues: This course prepares students to approach legal or moral problems they may encounter during their career.

Program Requirements: These programs often require a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some clinically focused behavioral health doctoral programs require a master's in a health-related field and licensure in an approved healthcare profession. Some programs also require in-person clinical components. [/accordion-minimal-item]

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Nursing Practice

Completion Time: An accelerated online doctorate in nursing may let students complete their degree in two years or less. Some programs shorten degree-completion times through flexible online classes. Some schools let students with a master's degree in the field take fewer courses.

Example Courses:

Epidemiology: Students explore basic epidemiology principles and examine its relationship to public health.
Healthcare Policy: Students learn to develop policies that influence healthcare delivery at the local, state, and federal levels.
Clinical Information Systems: This course covers the selection and use of information systems that healthcare professionals use.

Program Requirements: Doctoral programs in nursing prepare current nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other nursing professionals for advanced clinical work. These programs include supervised clinical internships that build high-level skills. Applicants need an active RN license, a satisfactory GPA, and clinical experience.

Accelerated Online Ph.D. in Psychology

Completion Time: An accelerated Ph.D. in psychology may allow students to begin their dissertation earlier than they can in traditional programs. Additionally, students may take extra courses each term to finish faster. Accelerated Ph.D. programs may take three years or less.

Example Courses:

Social Psychology: Students explore social psychology theories to understand relationships, motivation, and prejudice. They also study group behavior and aggression.
Research Theory, Design, and Methods: This course prepares students to analyze current psychological literature and design their own studies.
Lifespan Development: Students examine psychological development throughout a person's lifespan, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Program Requirements: Applicants to online Ph.D. in psychology programs sometimes need a master's degree. However, many institutions accept bachelor's degrees. Prospective students may need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants might also need to submit GRE scores, recommendation letters, and an essay. These programs sometimes include a practicum.

Accelerated Online Doctoral Programs for High-Salary Careers

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Education

Completion Time: Students who pursue an accelerated online doctorate in education can earn their degree in three years or less. Programs may feature accelerated courses and on-campus intensives that speed up completion time.

Example Courses:

Theories of Educational Leadership: This course covers educational and organizational leadership theories. Students learn to lead academic organizations effectively.
Advanced Learning Theory and Research: Learners study the latest literature on learning theory, classroom management, and motivation.
Curriculum Theory: Students explore the basic concepts behind K-12 curricula. They also learn about the curriculum development process.

Program Requirements: Doctoral programs in education typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and recommendation letters. Applicants often need relevant professional education experience, a master's in the field, and/or a current teaching position. Education doctoral programs may include on-campus residencies.

Accelerated Online Doctorate in Business Administration

Completion Time: Typical doctoral programs in business administration may take six years or more to complete. Students in accelerated programs can graduate in three years or less. Accelerated programs feature shorter classes and a faster dissertation process.

Example Courses:

Organizational Leadership: Students explore leadership concepts and theories, assess their strengths and shortcomings, and build leadership skills.
Organizational Performance Analysis: Students learn to assess overall workplace performance using data points, including shareholder value and organizational learning.
Ethics and Social Responsibility: Business students learn to apply ethical decision-making theories to the workplace. They examine social responsibility in modern organizations.

Program Requirements: DBA programs typically accept students with many years of management experience. Additionally, many schools require a master's degree in business administration or another business-related field. Applicants may also need to hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

Accelerated Online Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Completion Time: Accelerated Ph.D. in education leadership programs might feature shorter courses and a faster dissertation process. This format allows students to graduate in three years or less.

Example Courses:

College and University Administration: This course studies administrative and organizational structure in higher education institutions.
Educational Law: Students explore educational law and the ways that society and culture impact legal precedent.
Teaching the College Student: Learners examine the college student from a sociological, psychological, and cultural standpoint.

Program Requirements: Applicants typically need to submit a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, GRE or MAT scores, and transcripts. Prospective students may not need professional experience or a master's degree in the field.

Other Popular Accelerated Degree Subjects

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