Online Ph.D

Will getting an online Ph.D guarantee you a job?

The short answer is that although there are exceptions to every rule, those who hold Ph.Ds are much less likely to be unemployed than those who don’t have Ph.Ds.  But that doesn’t really answer the question.

If someone has the dedication, intellect, and motivation to earn an online Ph.D, not to mention skills (or the potential to learn them) required to earn a Ph.D, they’re probably going to be resourceful, flexible, and creative in their careers.  Basically, the better answer is if you have it in you to get a Ph.D, you’re probably not unemployed unless you choose to be.

There seems to be a growing trend of false assumptions about distance learning, and college diplomas in general.

The first is, “the higher your diploma, the better the job and the more money you make.”  The truth is, many people who pursue post graduate study don’t do it for higher salaries.  They do it because they love their career field or want to participate in academia.

The second is “online means easy.”  An online Ph.D isn’t any “easier” than a traditional Ph.D–it simply offers the opportunity to study in a different manner that might be more convenient or feasible. If the only thing that’s been holding you back from studying for you Ph. D is, for example, that there aren’t any programs in your region for your field, online study may well be a good option.  But studying online doesn’t negate the fact that it takes a rare level of intellect and commitment to earn your Ph.D.

Long story short, don’t run out and enroll in an online Ph.D program because you think it’s a ‘get rich quick n’ easy’ scheme.