Is A Distance Learning Phd The Right Choice For You?
Many people find it surprising to learn that you can earn a Ph.D. online. Because a doctorate of philosophy is a prestigious post-graduate degree, students may assume that it must be earned in the traditional way: through classroom lectures and typed/printed thesis papers. And while this is true for some fields, distance learning Ph.D. programs are growing in popularity.
Deciding to break from tradition can be a hard step, especially when your education and future career depend on it. Here are some ways to tell if a distance learning Ph.D. program will work for you:
Your Ph.D. degree adapts well to distance learning. Some degree plans can't be completed online, such as medicine. Not many patients would want a surgeon who had performed only virtual operations! But other degree plans adapt quite nicely to distance learning. Popular online doctoral degrees include Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), Doctor of Psychology (PhD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
You are self-motivated. Distance learning Ph.D. programs require intensive online learning and goal-setting. If you have trouble with procrastination and need someone to push you academically, distance learning may not work for you.
You are willing / able to be on-campus when necessary. Very few distance learning Ph.D. programs consist of entirely online courses. This may mean a full residency program (a year or more on-campus) or a limited residency program (a few weekend classes or lectures on-campus). Make sure you understand the residency requirements before enrolling in a distance learning Ph.D. program.
Your school is accredited. When selecting a distance learning Ph.D. program, accreditation is extremely important. If you are going to study for a Ph.D. then it just makes sense to choose a school that is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the U.S Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).