Distance Education PhD Programs

by Sandra Wrangell

distance phd programsSearching for Distance Education PhD Programs?

Distance Education PhD Programs allow you to earn a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD), the highest degree one can attain in a variety of academic fields.

If you are like most students, you have a number of questions about Distance Education PhD Programs:

  • How are Distance PhD Degree Programs different from traditional doctorate programs?
  • Are PhD Degrees earned via distance education reputable?
  • Am I required to attend any courses on campus when enrolled in a distance PhD program?

How are Distance PhD Programs different from on-campus doctorate programs?

In terms of intensity and the length of studies, online doctorate degree programs are very similar to traditional, campus-based Ph.D. programs. You will still be learning advanced concepts in your field and will be required to put forth your best effort in order to complete the degree.

Are Distance Education Degrees reputable?

In terms of reputation, Distance Education Degrees are every bit as reputable as traditional, campus-based programs. In fact, the majority of accredited universities offering PhD degrees online have well-known campus programs. The only difference is that these universities also offer doctorate degrees online as well. The quality and reputation of the degrees, however, are identical.

Am I required to attend any classes on campus when enrolled in a Distance Education PhD Program?

It depends.

Most of the PhD Degrees offered online no longer require any on-campus attendance, unless, of course, you want to participate in graduation ceremonies. That said, each university offers a free Online PhD Program Information which will describe each PhD Program in-depth, including any on-campus requirements. You can request this free information by performing a PhD program search using the degree search tool below.

Distance PhD Programs

Currently, Walden University offers the most extensive list of distance education doctoral degrees. Located in Minnesota, Walden University is full accredited and offers 12 major types of doctoral degrees with more than 100 specializations available to better match your professional goals and interests.

Walden University – Accelerated 8-Week Online Classes

distance education phd programs

Walden University offers accelerated classes: 8 week online classes.

The Walden University campus is located in Minnesota. Currently, Walden offers over a dozen online doctoral programs with over 100 specializations/concentrations available, giving you the opportunity to tailor your doctorate degree to suit your professional goals and interests.

  • Doctor of Business Administration – DBA (10 concentrations)
  • PhD in Management (14 concentrations)
  • Doctor of Education – Ed.D. (6 concentrations)
  • Education Specialist – Ed.S. (6 concentrations)
  • PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (6 concentrations)
  • PhD in Education (12 concentrations)
  • PhD in Health Services (11 concentrations)
  • PhD in Human Services (17 concentrations)
  • PhD in Psychology (7 concentrations)
  • PhD in Public Health (3 concentrations)
  • PhD in Public Policy and Administration (27 concentrations)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

A distance PhD program allows you to earn a PhD in the field of your choice, without stepping foot in a classroom. And since the universities offering doctoral programs are regionally accredited (the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States), you can be sure that you degree is reputable and will be respected.

If you feel your career and/or your education goals have gotten stuck in a rut, consider getting your PhD online.  If you’ve considered getting your doctorate but dismissed the idea because of inflexible scheduling or not living near a university, now is the time to look into online PhD universities.  Distance PhD programs don’t just offer some distance learning opportunities, the entire program is focused in order to allow you to get your doctorate without setting foot in a classroom.

Online PhD Programs Cater to Your Needs

Maybe you work days.  Maybe you work nights.  Maybe you work rotating shifts.  With online classes, that isn’t a problem.  Many online classes not only are available at different times–they’re available all the time.  Want to earn your PhD fast?  Devote more time to schooling.  Want to work at your own pace, so you don’t have to detract from your other goals and responsibilities?  Online classes allow that as well.

If you still haven’t found the right online PhD degree program, try comparing some of the most popular distance learning PhD programs being offered online:

Once you’ve located a few programs that match your goals and interests, request free information from each college that interests you. In the long run, you’ll be glad you compared each school before making a final decision.