Shortest EdD Programs Online: Fast-Tracking Your Doctorate

Are you ready to step into a leadership position in education? Whether you have ambitions of becoming a superintendent, school principal, or university president, an online EdD can help you reach your potential.

The fastest online EdD programs elevate your expertise and show employers that you’re ready to advance — without the longer time commitment of traditional programs.

But how do these accelerated programs work? How fast can you finish? Are they affordable? Get answers to these questions and more with this guide.

Spotlights: A Look at the Shortest EdD Programs Online

Finding the fastest online EdD can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what else to consider. Affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and concentration options are all key factors.

Below are three standout programs to help you begin your search.

Lamar University

At Lamar University, you can earn your online EdD in just six semesters (about 18 to 24 months), making it one of the shortest online options.

Concentration include:

• Global Leadership: Prepares leaders to advocate in local, national, and international settings.
• Educational Technology Innovation: Focuses on designing and assessing technology-based projects aligned with curriculum standards. Students also build leadership skills required for principal certification.

Additional details:

• A residency of 18 consecutive hours in three consecutive semesters is required (typically completed in year one).
• All students pay in-state tuition for the 63-credit program.
• Applicants must meet general admission requirements. Those with GRE scores older than five years must retest.

National University

At National University, you can earn your EdD 100% online in 33 months. The process starts easily with no required GRE or GMAT scores.

Throughout the program, students develop strategies to improve practice, ensure regulatory compliance, and support diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and ethical leadership.

Students can choose from 17 specializations, including:

• Curriculum and Teaching
• Early Childhood Education
• English Language Learning

To graduate, students complete 16 courses (48 credits). Graduates qualify for various K–12 and postsecondary roles, including educator, education administrator, and training and development specialist.

South College

South College’s competency-based EdD allows students to finish in as few as 2 years by demonstrating mastery of each competency. Innovative assessments help students move quickly through familiar content and spend more time on new material.

Program highlights:

• Completion of 10 courses (90 quarter hours), including a dissertation
• Six specializations, such as Adult Learning and Development, Higher Education Leadership, and Organizational Leadership
• Strong support through one-on-one faculty mentorship
• Applicants must hold an accredited master’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA

Sample Timeline: Fast-Track Online EdD Programs

Accelerated online EdD programs often condense 54–60 credits into roughly two years, offering an intense but manageable path to your degree. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect.

Features of the Fastest Online EdD Programs

When it comes to a accelerated doctorate degrees, time truly is money. Knowing what to look for ensures you choose a doctoral program that gets you to the finish line faster.

Credit Transfer Options

Many programs allow you to transfer prior graduate credits or apply professional experience toward degree requirements.

Example: Franklin University allows students to transfer up to 40% of its 60-credit EdD program.

Flexible Schedules

Accelerated EdDs are typically online and asynchronous, giving you the freedom to:

• Work through familiar topics quickly
• Spend more time on new material
• Study when it fits your schedule

Generous Funding Options

Programs with strong funding models make it easier to focus full-time on your studies.

Example: South College uses a subscription-based tuition model, letting students pay a flat rate for six-month periods. Many programs also offer scholarships and grants, alongside federal aid like student loans.

Summer Sessions

Summer terms allow you to:

• Complete additional courses
• Lighten your regular academic-year workload
• Stay on track for a faster finish

Is an Accelerated Degree Right for You?

Accelerated EdD programs are demanding, but they’re a great fit if the pace and format align with your goals and strengths. Use the considerations below to evaluate your readiness.

You Need an Adaptable Learning Format

You’ll complete the same amount of coursework as a traditional EdD, but in far less time. Most courses are asynchronous, requiring strong self-motivation and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

You’re Highly Motivated

Accelerated programs move quickly. Without consistent discipline and momentum, it’s easy to fall behind. Students who thrive are proactive, organized, and driven.

You Want to Advance Your Career Quickly

Most accelerated EdDs take about two years, compared to the three or more years required by traditional programs.

Example: Gwynedd Mercy University’s program takes two years, eight months.

If you’re eager to progress in your career, an accelerated online program may be the ideal fit.

You Want a Practical, Applied Focus

Accelerated programs often emphasize hands-on, career-aligned coursework.

Example: National University offers applied specializations in areas such as:

• Curriculum and Teaching
• E-Learning
• Early Childhood Education

Even if you choose a non-accelerated option, knowing you prefer a practical approach can help guide your program and research choices.