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on line phd programs

Choosing Between On line PhD Programs
Important Questions to Ask Regarding the Program

Studying for your doctorate is a huge commitment.  You’ll be challenged, and experience many opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth.  But to get the most from any of the on line PhD programs you consider, you need to choose a quality program to start with.

Consider what it means to have a PhD in your field.  It varies, really, from one to another.  Is it simply a checklist requirement? You need a PhD in education to be promoted to assistant principal, perhaps, and the school board is not interested in what on line PhD programs you chose.  Or is where and how you got your PhD  important?  For some teaching positions in universities–specifically in certain fields–these things matter.  If it does in your case, knowing the right questions to keep in mind as you choose your program is critical.

Where have former graduates of on line phd programs ended up, career-wise?

Knowing where the alumni of the current program have ended up in their careers after earning their doctoral degrees is a great way to to get to know which on line Ph D programs offer you the most advancement in your field.  And what about those that entered the program, but didn’t graduate?  While drop out rates average 50% for doctoral programs in general, an unusually high rate might indicate something about the particular program worth investigating.

How is the program conducted on line?

Having a full understanding of how the program is structured is essential when looking into an on line Phd program.  Traditional Phd programs are usually based around a mentor/mentoree system which matches students with a suitable faculty adviser.  Is the program you’re researching structured similarly, and if so, how is this mentoring carried out online?

Getting your Phd is a life-changing decision; do the research you need to do to find the best program for your needs.


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