How many years does it take to earn a PhD?
When I earned my PhD, the university allowed early course completion, so I was able to expedite courses and complete in just over two years; however, for most students, courses must be taken for the full term, with limited on the number of courses taken. As a result, I see students complete their doctorate in 3–5 years; however, some as long as 7 years, which is the maximum time allowed by many universities.
However, according to O’Shaunessy (2012), the average student requires 8.2 years! This is confirmed by Gradschools.com (2019) as most students require 5-6 years, with many between 7-9 years to graduate. As I often advise doctoral students, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Consider the race to be run before beginning!
Interested in hiring a dissertation coach or editor? Contact Dr. Lonny today at help@mydissertation.coach, along with a copy of your current dissertation (if acailable) for an initial assessment and quote.
MY DISSERTATION COACH
My Dissertation Coach offers doctoral students comprehensive dissertation coaching, consultation, expertise, and resources. Dr. Lonny focuses on the dissertation fundamentals, to serve doctoral level candidates towards successful fulfillment of their terminal degree through individualized 1-on-1 dissertation coaching/mentoring. Dr. Lawrence (Lonny) R. Ness has significant experience in successfully overseeing and guiding doctoral research candidates from topic selection to final dissertation oral defense, and all steps in-between. Click HERE for more information…
ABOUT DR. LONNY
Dr. Lonny is a senior dissertation coach and chair with many years of experience at multiple online universities, as well as through personal consulting engagements, with over 80 graduated doctoral mentees. Dr. Lonny is qualified to walk you through your doctoral journey once you’ve decided to take the plunge! If interested, please complete the inquiry and/or contact form to let Dr. Lonny know that you would like to speak further about your desire to partner with a professional coach towards doctoral degree completion – or any phase/aspect of the process thereof. Dr. Lonny can be reached directly via email at drness@dissertation101.com or help@mydissertation.coach.