Lawrie Millers's BA in 4 weeks and the link to the offerings for Masters makes it possible to to achieve both degrees in 56 weeks from ground zero. Now what if this board with all of its knowledge on schools, degrees and Doctorates could provide its own page of how to get the recognised/approved or accredited DL Doctorate in 44 weeks (even though conventional would be 78 weeks shortest and fastest route). Doctorate's in Ed.D, Th.D, Ph.D, DPhil, DSc, whichever can be achieved or reached the fastest. One more thing, cost and non residence is very important. John Roberts Ph.D (London ICST)
A big difference is that a Ph.D. is supposed to be significant new learning and research. There's also the panel of reviewers, defense etc. that has more of a fixed time about it.
Bill, your absoutly right, except for one thing. A seasoned professional with a masters, recognised in their field, published..and on and on, can get the Doctorate in 18 months. There are universities, some really weak and accredited ones, that a professional genius, could have it all together, completed prior to even apply for the admission to the program. A case in point, and an easy one, is the Business Management guy, boy wonder, MBA and all that, could conceivably get his DBA in 12 months?. It's been done in the UK. Now for those engineering types, the fastest one that I have seen is 18 months. Political Science people, Lawyers, real politicians..could do it in 12 months with a scribe to help? For the Arts/Liberal studies and Education types...is it possible to do this in a year or less?. Oh forgot, the Theology people. Can a seasoned minister/counsellor (Bishop or Pope level ability) get theirs in 44 weeks? John Roberts Ph.D (London ICST)
Science University of Tokyo has a "Paper Doctorate System" that awards PhD on past accomplishments and publications.