Distance Learning Doctoral Programs: Facts and Fallacies

In the not to distant past the idea of earning any sort of college degree anywhere but on a college campus was looked down upon. Distance learning programs have been around for quite some time but until recently they just didn’t carry the same weight as a traditionally earned degree. As technology has advanced distance learning doctoral programs have grown in both popularity and acceptance as a viable way to continue ones education.

Back before Al Gore “invented the internet” these type of classes were called correspondence courses that were mainly limited to secretarial courses, medical support roles, and technical subjects. Not anymore, today anyone with a computer and internet connection can take accredited classes from recognized universities and earn that PhD they might not have otherwise attempted to get. Today everyone from nurses to businessmen to teachers are continuing their education and advancing their careers through the internet.

It’s pretty easy to see the advantages of getting a PhD degree using a distance learning program. Not having to attend classes, studying around your schedule, and being able to take extra time with certain subjects and assignments. This is particularly advantageous for people who must work and have family obligations. Taking the time to drive to and from campus and spend time in classes just isn’t in the cards for many people whose lives are filled with other responsibilities. Add in the fact that most on campus programs don’t offer night or weekend classes and it’s easy to see how these types of programs are becoming so popular.

A question many people have is does a distance learning doctoral degree carry the same weight as a degree earned attending a PhD program on campus. Many people seem to want to discredit these online continuing education programs but the fact is that as long as the program one plans to attend is accredited there is no difference between the two types of programs. In fact many well known “brick and mortar” universities and colleges are offering online programs in order to compete for potential students who are interested in advancing their education.

One thing to think about when considering an online education program is what kind of student or learner one is. These types of programs work best for independent learners who have the motivation and skills to do the required assignments and class work without a lot of outside guidance. This doesn’t mean there isn’t help available from professors and advisors but it’s not in a face to face environment. There is a big difference between being on campus and attending classes on the internet. Just something to think about when considering all the options available.

The opportunities to attend a distance learning doctoral program are growing every year as more and more colleges and universities offer online education programs. There really is no better time then now to advance ones education and career choices. These programs give people who might not have thought about continuing their education the opportunity to do so.

Distance Learning PhD

Distance Learning PhD

Continuing one’s education can be an important part of a person’s career advancement plans. Obtaining a higher degree can open work opportunities not previously considered and help increase one’s income. This of course isn’t guaranteed but it does increase one’s chances of success. To help achieve this goal more people then ever before are looking to distance learning PhD programs.

A distance learning doctoral program is not much different then a regular university doctorate program. About the only difference is most of the school work can be done at home via the internet without the need to drive to and from campus. This gives the student more flexible schedule that allows them to tailor their study needs around their current work schedule.

Each universities online PhD program will differ from other institutions. Even classes within one program may have varying requirements depending on the class and the professor. Some classes may have a more stringent schedule, expecting the student to log into class at scheduled times. Other classes may only require that the student interact with the professor via email, chat, or the phone.

Listed below are some of the many benefits to doing a distance learning PhD program:

-More relaxed setting: Taking classes over the internet allows students the flexibility to live and learn as they go.  Morning person or night person it doesn’t matter because the student can do their lecture and course work at a time that works best for them.

-Individual attention: These distance learning programs make interaction with the professors very easy.

-Lower cost: Although this does not apply to all programs in most cases there can be some cost savings in the area of fees. Many of the fees required of on campus students are not applied to distance learners. While not a huge cost savings it can help students who may be on a tight budget.

-Accredited programs: As distance learning has grown more and more universities have been offering online PhD programs. It is an opportunity for these institutions of higher learning to attract more students or students who may have never thought of returning to school. And these programs aren’t just offshoots of their on campus classes; they are being tailored for the online learning environment.

-A Diploma: A degree received through a distance learning program isn’t any different then one received for spending time in class on campus. The diploma will be the same as will accolades that come with it.

A distance leaning PhD program can allow someone who might not otherwise want to go back to school the opportunity to get that most coveted of degrees; a Doctorate in the field of their choice.