5 Easiest PhDs To Get: A Comprehensive Guide

Commonly Rated Easiest PhDs To Get

While no PhD is inherently “easy,” certain programs are known for their shorter durations or more accessible entry points.

Below are five PhD degrees that can be considered:

1. PhD In Education

Overview: A PhD in Education focuses on advanced research in teaching methods, curriculum development, educational policy, and leadership. It prepares graduates for careers in academia, educational consulting, and policymaking.
Challenges: Students often struggle with educational theory complexity, extensive data collection, and policy analysis. Balancing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies can also be challenging. Research is less resource-intensive but may require extensive reading and writing.
Typical Duration: A PhD in Education typically takes 3 to 6 years, depending on research depth and length of dissertation.

2. PhD in Humanities

Overview: A PhD in Humanities encompasses disciplines such as literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies, emphasizing critical thinking, textual analysis, and historical research.
Challenges: Challenges include extensive reading, developing original interpretations of historical or philosophical texts, and securing research funding. Writing a compelling, lengthy dissertation with a strong theoretical foundation is also demanding.
Typical Duration: Completion takes 4 to 7 years, as humanities research often involves extensive archival work and complex theoretical frameworks.

3. PhD In Business Administration (DBA)

Overview: A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a research-focused doctoral degree designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise in business strategy, leadership, and organizational management. Unlike a PhD in Business, which is more theoretical, a DBA emphasizes applied research and real-world business problem-solving.

Challenges: DBA candidates often face challenges such as balancing work and study, managing complex research methodologies, and ensuring their dissertation provides practical contributions to business practice. Additionally, the need for strong quantitative and qualitative research skills can be demanding, particularly for professionals with limited academic research experience.

Typical Duration: The duration of a DBA program varies based on institution and study mode (full-time or part-time). Generally, a DBA takes 3 to 5 years to complete, with coursework in the first phase (1-2 years) and dissertation research in the later phase.

4. PhD In Psychology (PsyD)

Overview: A PhD in Psychology focuses on research in human behavior, cognitive processes, mental health, and clinical interventions. It is ideal for those pursuing careers in academia, clinical practice, or psychological research.
Challenges: Students face challenges in designing ethical experiments, handling statistical analysis, and meeting clinical training requirements (for applied psychology fields).
Typical Duration: This degree usually takes 5 to 7 years, especially for those requiring supervised clinical training.

5. PhD In Nursing (DNP)

Overview: A PhD in Nursing is a research-intensive degree that prepares nurses for roles in academia, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical research. It differs from a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), which focuses on practical leadership and patient care.
Challenges: Common challenges include conducting evidence-based healthcare research, handling patient data ethically, and integrating clinical experience with academic research.
Typical Duration: A PhD in Nursing usually takes 3 to 6 years, with dissertation research often involving patient care studies or healthcare system evaluations.

Statistics on PhD Completion and Accessibility

PhD programs worldwide exhibit varied completion rates, durations, and accessibility levels. Understanding these statistics provides a clearer picture of why certain programs may be perceived as easier:

Professional Doctorates: Programs like the DBA and DNP often boast higher completion rates (70–80%) due to their practical focus and structured timelines.
Global Completion Rates: On average, only 50-60% of PhD students complete their programs, with higher rates in structured and professionally focused doctorates.
Duration: Traditional PhD programs average 5-7 years, while accelerated doctoral programs may take as little as 3-4 years.

These figures highlight how program structure, duration, and mode of delivery impact accessibility and ease, setting the stage for exploring specific options.

Table: Comparison of Easiest PhDs

Field Of Study	Duration	Focus Area	Key Challenges
Education	3-4 years	Pedagogy, Leadership	Writing-intensive
Humanities	4-5 years	Theoretical Research	Extensive Reading/Writing
DBA	3 years	Business Strategy	Balancing Work & Study
PsyD	3-5 years	Clinical Practice	Internship Requirements
DNP	3 years	Advanced Nursing Practice	Clinical Hours

What Makes a PhD Easy to Obtain?

Several factors contribute to the perceived ease of a PhD program:

Duration: Shorter programs or those offering accelerated timelines can reduce the overall time commitment.
Program Structure: Programs with fewer coursework requirements or a heavier focus on practical work may be less demanding.
Field of Study: Some disciplines require extensive lab work, field studies, or technical expertise, making them more challenging than others.
Support Systems: Access to funding, mentorship, and institutional support can significantly impact the difficulty level.
Personal Fit: Programs aligned with a student’s background and interests often feel less burdensome.

Alternative Options

Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs provide flexibility and accessibility for students who cannot commit to traditional, on-campus programs. These programs can be particularly appealing to working professionals or those with family commitments.

Advantages: flexible schedules, reduced relocation costs, and the ability to balance work and study.
Challenges: Limited networking opportunities and a need for self-discipline.
Fields Commonly Offered Online: Education, Business, Nursing, and Psychology.

Related Read: Is an Online PhD Program Recognized?

Accelerated and Integrated PhD programs

These programs combine Master’s and PhD programs and may sometimes fall into this category.

Advantages: They can be less time-consuming and are ideal for students with a clear research focus and a strong academic background.

Challenges: These programs demand intense focus and effective time management.

Example: Integrated PhD programs in the UK-Manchester typically last 4 years and combine coursework with research from the outset.

Related Reads:

Accelerated PhD Programs
Integrated PhD Programs

FAQs

What is the quickest PhD to get?

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degrees don’t require the large amount of research and dissertations that longer programs include and can be completed in two to three years, as they focus on practical applications.

Which PhD is easiest?

A PhD in Education aims to groom students for administrative roles in academia, research, and policy-making. These programs focus on the critical analysis of methodologies suited to educational principles and their applications.

Is a PhD hard?

The challenges of a PhD program vary, but they are generally considered intellectually, emotionally, and logistically taxing.

Conclusion

While the term “easiest PhD to get” is subjective, understanding factors like program structure, duration, and alignment with personal goals can help prospective students make informed decisions.

Whether opting for a traditional PhD, an accelerated program, or a professional doctorate, the key is to choose a path that complements your skills and aspirations.

The discussion of “easy” being relative underscores the importance of personal fit and support systems in determining the feasibility of a program. Accelerated and integrated programs may seem easier in terms of duration but often demand high levels of efficiency and dedication. Online PhD programs, while flexible, still require rigorous academic effort.

About The Author

Navjyot Gill

After a career in biochemistry and molecular biology, I now dedicate this ResearchDeep platform to simplifying Master’s and PhD research to assist postgraduate researchers worldwide. To know more, visit the ABOUT page.