On line PhD Program

Researching to Find an On line PhD Program for You

Getting your PhD, whether through an on line program or a traditional campus based program requires a lot of investment, both personal and financial.  Those who receive their PhDs almost unanimously agree that the discipline and commitment were worthwhile.  But it’s of critical importance that you find the right program, to suit your needs and goals, considering the investment involved.

Accreditation

The very first thing you need to do is narrow your search to those programs at colleges and universities which are properly accredited.  To do so, first check to see that the school claims accreditation from one of the regional accreditation associations which are recognized by the US Department of Education.  Then, double check the claim by searching at the US Department of Education’s website.

Your on line PhD program must be accredited by one of these institutions for your degree to meet with universal acceptance.

Choosing a Focus

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to properly accredited institutions offering an on line PhD program, it’s time to decide what your focus will be.  This will depend mainly on your goals–your career.  You may be seeking an on line degree in psychology, or perhaps one in education.  Maybe you’re in IT, and want one in a computer science related field.  Find out each of the schools’ reputations in that particular field.

Checking out the School’s On line PhD Program Requirements

There are a very few on line PhD programs that are entirely based online.  While most do not require in-classroom attendance for coursework, many require some limited residencies.  These may be weekend residencies, or summer sessions, and usually involve working one on one or in small groups with other PhD candidates, with an advisor in your field.  Make sure that the requirements for the program are ones you are prepared to fulfill.