Earning a doctorate is a major commitment, but it can open doors to advanced career opportunities and deepen your expertise in your chosen field. But how long does a doctorate take?

Whether you're considering a PhD to contribute to academic research or a professional doctorate to advance in your career, understanding the time investment required can help you decide whether it's time to go for the pinnacle of academic achievement.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

On average, earning a doctorate takes anywhere from 4 to 7 years. However, this timeline isn't set in stone and can vary widely based on several factors, including the field of study, the structure of the program, and personal circumstances. 

Some students move through their programs efficiently, while others take longer due to the complexity of their research or life commitments. Many institutions offer accelerated programs to help you get the degree faster.

Doctorate degrees are generally divided between academic and professional. 

  • Educational degrees are for those seeking a PhD or other types of research-based doctorates.
  • Professional doctorates include, but are not limited to, medical doctors (MD). They focus on the practical application of a field.

How Many Years Is a Doctorate Degree Program in Different Fields?

Not all doctorates are cut from the same cloth. For example, the answer to "How long to get a PhD?" isn't the same as "How long does it take to become a lawyer?" 

Let's look at some of the major fields and break down the time. These estimates are in addition to the education required for a bachelor's and master's degree. 

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Usually takes about 2.5 to 3 years and is one of the fastest doctorates. It’s a hands-on degree that gets students ready for clinical work in physical therapy. Some schools even offer accelerated options.
  • Juris Doctor (JD): The standard law degree typically takes 3 years, though some programs can be finished in as little as 2.5 years. 
  • Doctor of Education (EdD): This one usually takes 3 to 5 years, depending on whether you go full-time or part-time. It's designed for those looking to step into leadership roles in education, like school administration or policy work.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Expect to spend 3 to 6 years on this degree, which helps nurses move into advanced clinical or leadership positions in health care.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This is the longest of the academic doctorates, typically taking 5 to 7+ years. It's all about original research and deep specialization, which means lots of time spent writing that dissertation. 
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): Becoming a medical doctor typically takes 4 years of medical school, but when you add residency and specialization, it can stretch to 7-12 years.

Keep in mind that the length varies based on part-time or full-time status. If you're a working professional considering a doctorate, you might set your own timeline.

What Influences How Long It Takes to Earn a Doctorate?

The length of a doctorate can vary a lot depending on a few key factors. One big one is whether you’re studying full-time or part-time—full-time students usually finish in about 4 to 6 years, while part-timers can take 7 to 10 years or more. 

Funding also plays a role; having a steady financial situation can help you focus on your studies while working alongside school can slow things down. 

The dissertation or final project is another major factor—some research takes longer than expected, especially if you're dealing with experiments or large amounts of data. Institutional requirements, like coursework and residency expectations, can also impact your timeline. 

Plus, personal life can get in the way—balancing family, work, and school isn’t always easy. Especially if you're pursuing a career change or advancement mid-life.

How Long to Get a PhD?

My partner has his Doctor of Philosophy. As I wrote this, I said, "Babe? How long did your PhD take?" After a few seconds of scrolling on his phone, he showed me a photo of Tom Hanks on the island in Castaway. "That long," he said without looking up. 

He's fresh off a dissertation presentation, so we'll let that one slide. Overall, a PhD takes three years of coursework and then another two to five years for the dissertation. 

A dissertation is crucial for a PhD because it's all about original research and contributing new knowledge to the field, which is the whole point of a PhD. Other doctorates, like an EdD or DBA, focus more on applying existing knowledge to solve real-world problems, so a hands-on project or capstone makes more sense for those programs.

Tips for Navigating the Doctorate Timeline

Earning a doctorate is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on course and make the most of your experience:

  • Plan Ahead: Research your program thoroughly and understand the timeline before enrolling. Setting realistic expectations from the start can prevent surprises down the road.
  • Choose the Right Program: Ensure the program aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances. Some programs offer more flexibility with part-time or online options.
  • Stay Organized: Managing coursework, research, and personal life requires strong organizational skills. Tools like project management apps and setting regular check-ins with advisors can help keep things on track.
  • Maintain Work-Life Balance: Burnout is a real challenge in doctorate programs. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and socializing to stay mentally and physically healthy.
  • Find Mentors: Having a mentor or support network can provide invaluable guidance and motivation when challenges arise.

Get Started on Your Doctorate Today

Since there are several paths to take for a doctorate, we can help with these quizzes, designed to help you find the right fit for your future career growth.