PhD Degrees: No longer just for the elite

People once looked enviously at those with Ph.Ds, thinking such a thing was beyond their reach. Thanks to the internet and distance learning, you can now get an online doctoral degree that is backed by the same high standards and respected universities as a traditional PhD. continued below »

Online doctoral programs
The abbreviation PhD, which stands for “Doctor of Philosophy,” doesn't mean that you have a degree in philosophy. A PhD is simply a research degree, meaning you have devoted the required amount of time to becoming an expert in the area of your choice and have written at least one book on the topic. There are many other types of doctoral degrees, many of which are also available through online study. One of the few that would not be available through the internet would be the MD or medical doctor along with several other degrees in the health field that require some sort of internship before receiving the document that would actually allow you to practice a particular kind of medicine.

Many doctoral degrees, however, are available online although they may have a one or two semester residency requirement. There is the juris doctorate, which is a degree in law, the D.A. or doctor of arts degree, a PsyD which is a doctor of psychology, a DD or doctor of divinity obtained by ministers and other church workers, the D.Ed, which is a doctoral degree in education, and many others, to include even an MBA online PhD.

The internet lowers the cost of doctoral degrees
The biggest stumbling block to getting a doctoral degree has always been the cost. In a traditional university, select professors work in the doctoral programs, and spend one-on-one time with doctoral candidates. They give advice, discuss your findings, administer the comprehensive exams, and of course, read and evaluate your doctoral dissertation. They get paid very well for that.

Online study opens the doors
When you study for your degree online, you are taking the bulk of the responsibility out of the hands of the professors. You will still communicate regularly and will still complete the same coursework, but you will do so on your own time, and without having to report to anyone face to face. This allows the professors to spend their time with traditional students and to simply evaluate your work via email or a regular chatroom session. Both you and the professor can accomplish this from the privacy of your homes if so desired. You also have access to the same libraries and research materials as traditional students.

Ph.D entirely online
Doctoral degrees typically take from 4 to 6 years of study, but if you can adjust your work schedule, you can complete the program in much less time. If necessary, you can also take longer.

Know the University and the Program
Many online universities offer advance degrees, but before enrolling in one, you need to check with the Department of Education for the state or with the U.S. Department of Education, to verify that it is an accredited program. If your career will requires licensure, make sure the degree program is recognized by the bureau that will be awarding your license. Popular fields for online doctoral study are juris doctor (law), psychology/ counseling, criminal justice, education, public health, and business with new fields appearing every year.

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