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What Are the Easiest Ph.D. Degrees to Get?

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest academic degree awarded in most fields of study. U.S. colleges and universities award more than 50,000 doctorates each year. Many people who pursue a Ph.D. have a passion for research, aspire to teach at the postsecondary level, or want to hold leadership roles in their field.

Earning any doctorate is a challenging journey that usually requires 3-6 years of study and includes a significant research component. However, some doctorates may be easier to obtain than others. The easiest Ph.D. depends on your strengths and interests. What feels formidable to some learners may come quickly to you.

Use the guide below to learn more about the easiest Ph.D. to get based on your background and expertise.

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Easiest Ph.D.s Based on Educational Background

STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. While many students might consider these subjects academically demanding, having finely honed skills in your field and an appropriate master’s degree can set you up for success. Thousands of people earn doctorates in these areas each year.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a STEM Background

STEM Education: A Ph.D. in STEM education focuses on teaching strategies and learning assessments for math and science educators. Your curriculum may focus on a practice like problem-based learning or a specific STEM subject.
Public Health: A multidisciplinary field, public health is concerned with promoting wellness in communities. Areas of focus may include epidemiology, biostatistics, or health management.

2. Humanities and Arts

In academia, the term “humanities” covers fields of study related to the human experience, including subjects like history, literature, and religion. The arts are fields related to creation and expression and can include music, writing, studio art, and dance. People who love to create, analyze, or research can thrive as doctoral students in these areas.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a Humanities and Arts Background

History: A Ph.D. in history provides an opportunity for you to investigate the past while sharpening your research, writing, and analytical skills. Common specializations include U.S. history, world history, and public history.
English Literature: In these 3- to 5-year programs, you can research and analyze the words, narratives, and written pieces that help shape the way society works.

3. Business and Economics

Business focuses on maximizing profit, while economics is a social science concerned with the distribution of resources. If you have experience or education in business, you may find it easy to complete Ph.D. programs in these fields.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a Business and Economics Background

Business Administration: A Ph.D. in business administration emphasizes research in business management, systems thinking, and management theory. This degree can provide a pathway for seasoned business professionals to move into higher education.
Public Administration: Unlike political science, which focuses on theories and systems of government, public administration emphasizes the practice of government. Programs in this field usually require skills in budgeting, finance, and analysis.
Economics: Students with a background in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and mathematics can flourish in an economics Ph.D. program. A background in data science or programming languages can also prove useful.

4. Social Sciences

Social sciences are the academic disciplines concerned with human behavior, problems, systems, and institutions. They include sociology, anthropology, psychology, and political science. Most advanced social science degrees require strong research and analytical skills. You may find these disciplines easy if you understand how to use data to solve problems.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a Social Sciences Background

Social Work: A Ph.D. in social work usually requires a master’s in social work, a social worker’s license, and experience as a clinical social worker. With the appropriate background, you can complete this degree in 3-4 years.
Psychology: A Ph.D. in psychology can emphasize clinical practice or pure research. A Ph.D. in clinical psychology may demand more time because of the clinical hours required to complete the degree.
Public Policy: Public policy degrees focus on how governments respond to issues. A Ph.D. in public policy usually includes coursework in leadership, policy analysis, and public management.

5. Health Sciences

Health sciences are concerned with a scientific focus on human well-being. Unlike a doctor of medicine program, which emphasizes wellness through medicine, health sciences Ph.D. programs explore public health, education, and administration. Depending on your academic and professional background, you can pursue a clinical or nonclinical health sciences doctorate.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a Health Sciences Background

Nursing: A Ph.D. in nursing prepares nurse-scholars to conduct scientific research relevant to the field of nursing. Research topics may include nursing theory, aging research, or social determinants of health.
Health Administration: Healthcare administration deals with the business of managing a hospital or other healthcare institution. Ph.D. students may focus on how developments in healthcare affect economics, policies, or institutions.

6. Education and Teaching

As an academic discipline, education is concerned with how people teach and learn. The field draws from theories in sociology, psychology, history, and philosophy. A master’s degree in education coupled with at least three years of teaching experience can prepare you well for the challenges of a Ph.D. in this field.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With an Education and Teaching Background

Curriculum and Instruction: Focused on enhancing the learning experience, a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction explores effective strategies for teaching and learning in formal settings. You can complete this program in 3-4 years after earning a master’s degree.
Educational Leadership: A Ph.D. in educational leadership typically emphasizes either K-12 school leadership or higher education administration. This degree often requires experience and a master’s degree for admission.

7. Environmental Studies

Environmental studies experts use social and natural science tools to understand how natural ecosystems function and how they shape — and are shaped by — humans. Subfields include hydrology, ecology, and environmental engineering. A blend of the natural and social sciences can provide a strong background for a Ph.D. in environmental studies.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With an Environmental Studies Background

Agriculture and Environmental Studies: Building on a master’s degree in agriculture, food science, or biology, a Ph.D. in agriculture and environmental studies focuses on meeting the challenges facing the global food system.
Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the practices and tools needed to meet current standards of living with minimal compromise of future resources. A sustainability Ph.D. may include research in industrial ecology or sustainability science.
Conservation Biology: Conservation biologists work to maintain global biodiversity. Students in this field can research specific species and habitats or study practices like fishing, hunting, and logging.

8. Communications and Media

A broadly interdisciplinary field, communications and media includes an array of disciplines concerned with how people communicate one-on-one, in groups, between institutions, and through the media.

Easiest Ph.D.s for Students With a Communications and Media Background

Media Studies: A Ph.D. in media studies includes coursework and research in areas such as digital media, global media, identity, and criticism. Generally, students should already hold a master’s degree in the discipline.
Journalism: Many Ph.D. programs in journalism explore the effects of journalism on society, including politics, healthcare, and economics. The field’s diversity can make this degree more accessible to people with a broad array of backgrounds.

What Makes a Ph.D. Easy?

No doctorate is easy to earn, but the Ph.D. programs outlined above may be easier to obtain because many of them are more open to students with diverse backgrounds and experience. They also tend to focus on solving large-scale problems in broad fields such as education or communications.

Most reputable Ph.D.s will require 3-6 years of study, an original research project called a dissertation, and 60-90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Online doctorates and hybrid programs that combine in-person and distance learning can help you create a flexible schedule, but the work will still be rigorous and demanding.

Did You Know…

Why Accreditation Matters for All Ph.D. Programs

In the U.S., only degrees from accredited schools hold value in the marketplace. Accreditation demonstrates that your program has quality and credibility. Though unaccredited schools may offer low-cost degrees, they may also be running a scam. Check your school’s accreditation status by looking for information about accreditation on their website or by checking databases from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education .

College accreditation is voluntary and can be institutional or industry-specific. Institutional accreditors such as the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approve an entire college or university. Industry-specific bodies like ABET or AACSB International accredit individual programs or departments.

FAQ About Easy Ph.D. Programs

What is the difference between a ph.d and a professional doctorate.

A Ph.D. and a professional doctorate are both terminal degrees, but key differences separate the two. A Ph.D. features substantial research requirements, whereas a professional doctorate incorporates advanced practical training.

When it comes to easy doctoral degrees, Ph.D. programs typically run longer and require more intensive study than professional programs. The theoretical focus of a Ph.D. may also prove more challenging than a practical doctorate.

Can you get a Ph.D. without a dissertation?

Yes. While no-dissertation doctorates are more common for professional programs, some research-based Ph.D.s may also offer degrees that don’t require a dissertation. Some of these programs have a practical project, while others have a research component that doesn’t have the depth of a dissertation.

Are there any 1-year Ph.D. programs?

No. Though some professional doctorates may take 1-2 years, you generally cannot complete a Ph.D. program in that time. Many Ph.D.s take 3-6 years to complete.

What are the best Ph.D. programs for working professionals?

An asynchronous online program may be the easiest Ph.D. to get for working professionals. This delivery method allows you to complete your studies during the hours that suit you best. An asynchronous schedule can also accommodate nontraditional work schedules because of their added flexibility.

What is the most difficult Ph.D. program?

The most difficult Ph.D. program depends on how you learn best, but certain disciplines tend to be more difficult. Highly technical programs, such as mathematics and science disciplines, challenge many students. Very involved and intensive programs like engineering may also prove difficult.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed June 14, 2024.

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The Top 10 Easiest PhDs: Tuition, Duration, and Financial Aid

If you’re wondering what the easiest doctorate degree is, this really depends on your definition of easy.

You may find a lengthy research dissertation challenging, or you may love writing and struggle with mathematical or analytical assignments. Equally, depending on your lifestyle, a flexible program that allows you to study online at your own pace could be much more manageable. Or it may be better to go all-in on an accelerated program that you can finish in a short space of time.

With all these factors and more in mind, you can learn about the easiest PhDs available today across various fields.

Table of Contents

The Easiest PhD Majors

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and we all excel in different areas. Having said that, a significant proportion of people find math and science challenging, so many people will find the following majors the easiest PhDs to get:

Religion/Theology

However, the easiest PhD for you could be quite different. If you have a head for numbers but don’t do so well with languages, you mind find a PhD in mathematics or engineering much easier.

Your interests also come into play: it’s always easier to apply yourself to a topic that you’re passionate about.

The Easiest PhD Programs

We’ve ranked the following programs based on various criteria to find the easiest doctoral degrees across a range of disciplines while mostly staying away from courses heavy in maths and science, as areas that people typically find challenging.

We looked for programs that offer a high level of flexibility, making it easy to fit your studies around other parts of your life. We also prioritized shorter programs that allow you to earn your doctorate in record time and progress with your career and avoided those with lengthy dissertation requirements.

Walden University, The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences

PhD in Education – Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Self-Designed)

Walden University was named first in the USA for PhD Education graduates. This is one of the easiest PhD programs to get into, as the University has an acceptance rate of 100%. It is also one of the shortest PhD programs in the field, offering a fast-track option that allows you to transfer up to 50% of your total credits and finish the program sooner.

Courses include: Leading the future of education, education law, policy & governance, and higher education in the 21st century.
Credits: 86 quarter credits
Duration: 3-8 years
Delivery: Online
Tuition : $692 per quarter hour
Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans
Acceptance rate: 100%
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Capella University

PhD in Psychology – General Psychology

Capella University offers a wide range of online programs for students looking for ongoing education with a high degree of flexibility, including being able to study at their own pace. This PhD in Psychology is also one of the easiest online PhD programs, as it gives you the option to complete the doctorate in as little as five quarters.

Courses include: Ethics & multicultural issues in psychology, advanced inferential statistics, and quantitative research methods in psychology.
Credits: 87
Duration: 5-9 quarters
Tuition : $545
Financial aid: Scholarships, employer discounts, and military benefits

The University of Florida, Department of Classics

PhD in Classical Studies

The US News & World Report named the University of Florida one of the top 5 public research universities in the USA for 2023. With a focus on the humanities, many people will find this PhD program relatively easy, focusing on subjects like languages, culture, and history.

Courses include: Greek prose composition, the roman tradition, and Latin prose composition.
Credits: 60
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: On-campus
Tuition : $12,744
Financial aid: Fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistantships
Acceptance rate: 31%
Location: Gainesville, Florida

Faulkner University

Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities

Faulkner University was founded on Christian principles and offers many flexible programs designed to help students balance their education with their other commitments. This is one of the easiest PhD programs because you can complete it in just 48 credit hours while gaining a global intellectual and spiritual perspective through courses covering thought, ideas, and literature in the Western tradition.

Courses include: Scholarly inquiry & writing in the humanities, historical investigations, and literary analysis.
Credits: 48
Duration: 3 years+
Tuition : $650 per semester hour
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans
Acceptance rate: 76%
Location: Montgomery, Alabama

Regent University

PhD in Renewal Theology

Regent University is a popular private institution that offers programs in over 150 areas of study, including some easy PhD programs that can be completed with very flexible study arrangements. This theology doctorate program aims to create future church leaders with a global outlook based on a Renewal approach to history and contemporary issues.

Courses include: Advanced hermeneutics, renewal theology, and advanced cosmogony & anthropology.
Duration: 4 years+
Delivery: Online (with 2-week on-campus residency each fall)
Tuition : $670 per credit
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans
Acceptance rate: 50%
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boston University, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College

Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD)

Boston University is a private institution ranked #1 in occupational therapy by the US News & World Report. This PP-OTD is one of the easiest doctorate degrees in physical therapy because you can complete it in just 18 months. It aims to equip practicing therapists for higher leadership roles capable of innovatively addressing the field’s key challenges.

Courses include: Social policy & disability, health promotion & wellness, and evaluating clinical theory & research.
Credits: 33-37
Duration: 18 months
Tuition: Varies
Financial aid: Scholarships, employer reimbursement, and federal loans
Acceptance rate: 20%
Location: Boston, Massachusetts

The University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Social Work

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Clinical Practice & Leadership

The College of Social Work is a higher education institution that strives to provide exemplary education in social work. It’s also heavily involved in international projects, which allows students to develop a global perspective on the sector. You could consider this DSW to be an easy doctorate degree, as an accelerated program designed to train existing clinical social workers in advanced clinical practice and leadership.

Courses include: Neuroscience for clinical practice, psychopathology & psychopharmacology, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, federal work-study, graduate assistantships, veteran services, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 78%
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

New York University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

New York University is one of the largest private universities in the country, with campuses and academic centers across the globe. In this JD program, students enjoy a strong blend of theory of law and practice through the school’s more than forty legal clinics.

Courses include: Constitutional law, survey of criminal procedure, and international law.
Credits: 83
Duration: 5 years
Tuition : $73,216
Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, veteran benefits, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 21%
Location: New York City, New York

North Carolina State University, College of Design

Doctor of Design (DDes)

NC State University is among the top 1% of universities worldwide, according to the Center for World University Rankings. This program encourages practicing professionals to develop innovative concepts and promote them more generally in the design community and society. It is an easy doctorate degree in design in that you can complete it in three years or even less.

Courses include: Research methods in design, case study analysis in design, and design for health & wellbeing.
Credits: 57
Delivery: Online (with one week of on-campus study every semester)
Tuition : $505.28
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
Acceptance rate: 46%
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Frontier Nursing University

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Frontier Nursing University is a not-for-profit institution with several accolades for nursing education, ranking third for online master’s family nurse practitioner programs. The program is designed for working professionals and emphasizes evidence-based practice, with a quality improvement project in collaboration with your chosen clinical site. With this easy doctorate program, you can earn the highest nursing qualification in mere 15-18 months.

Courses include: Epidemiology & biostatistics, ethics & health policy, and leadership & organizational dynamics.
Credits: 30
Duration: 15-18 months
Delivery: Online (with 3-day on-campus orientation)
Tuition: $19,380
Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, employer benefits, veteran benefits, and loans
Acceptance rate: 66%
Location: Versailles, Kentucky

What’s the Difference Between a Professional Degree and a Doctorate?

A PhD program largely focuses on theoretical learning and the analytical aspects of the discipline you’re studying. It typically involves extensive research presented in a lengthy thesis or dissertation, often proposing a new theory or innovative findings.

On the other hand, a professional doctorate or master’s degree emphasizes gaining knowledge for practical applications and does not typically involve a dissertation. While a PhD can make you an erudite scholar well-equipped to work in research or academia, a professional degree typically leads to a career path as a professional in the industry, government, or nonprofit sector.

FAQs about the Easiest PhDs

Which phd is the easiest to get.

The PhD you’ll find easiest will depend on your own strengths and weaknesses and your passions. Generally, most people will find doctorates in the arts and humanities the easiest. Flexible programs that can be completed online and accelerated ones with a shorter overall time commitment are the easiest to complete in terms of meeting other life commitments.

Which Subject Is Easy for a PhD?

Subjects like the humanities, education, theology, and psychology are generally considered the easiest, mostly because they involve less quantitative research and rely on qualitative study methods.

Final Thoughts

The easiest PhD for you will depend on your own talents, weaknesses, and which practical aspects of the program will make it easiest for you to earn your doctorate. Many people find the arts and humanities easier than science and math, though your passion for any subject can make studying it relatively easy. Having the flexibility to study online , at your own pace, or alternatively, in a shorter, more intensive period like a 1-year PhD program can also make it easier to finish your PhD.

Although easiness is one factor to consider when choosing the right PhD for you, it certainly isn’t everything. Most importantly, you should opt for the program that matches your interests and is most likely to help you achieve your career and life goals.

Want to explore more options? Check out our list of the highest paying PhDs to learn about the programs that will give you the best return on your investment.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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