Distance Learning Doctoral Degrees
Distance Learning Doctoral Degrees: Should you choose an online program?
You know you want to get your PhD. You’ve been thinking about your dissertation, well, for years, and you can’t think of anything better than spending your time doing in-depth research and learning more about–and contributing to–your field of study.
But of course, there comes a time when it’s not all about daydreaming and you have to actually choose a program, enroll, and get started.
Distance learning doctoral degrees have become increasingly popular, leading to more schools offering them, and of course, more options for you to choose from.
So should you get your doctoral degree through a distance learning program?
Consider the Pros and Cons of Each Option
Before adding a selection of distance learning doctoral degrees to that growing stack of choices, consider whether a traditional program or a distance learning program–overall–is the best choice for you. There are some features of each that might disqualify all programs that are traditionally based or distance learning based, and simplify your decision-making process.
Pros of Distance Learning Doctoral Degrees
If you go the distance learning route there are some definite advantages. No commuting, and limited residency requirements (if any at all). Coursework is usually done according to your own daily schedule versus a strict class schedule. You can also typically find accelerated coursework options–speeding your way toward dissertation study. If you have a job you’re not willing to put completely on hold, a distance learning doctoral degrees can be the best option.
Pros of Campus Based Doctoral Programs
If you’re not great at self motivating and prefer the structure of classes, and face to face advisor meetings, you might prefer a traditional program. If you need to offset the cost of your tuition with a teaching fellowship, there are usually better options available with tradition programs than with distance learning doctoral degrees.
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