Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs offered by accredited online colleges with doctorate programs are designed to help you earn the most highly regarded academic honor - a doctorate degree.

Your participation in online PhD programs will certify your personal commitment and passion to your field of study, allow you to further your career and fulfill a lifelong dream of learning and discovery. Individuals who earn PhDs are often invited to do consulting, speaking, and writing engagements within their chosen fields.

Why should you get a PhD online?

Online PhD programs make it possible for those who are busy working, supporting their families, and being involved in their communities to achieve the highest level of academic excellence: earning a Ph.D. in their field.

Particularly for those who have already earned their master's degree, online doctoral programs and distance learning PhDs make achieving the next level of education possible. By pursuing your PhD degree online, you will be able to keep working and study flexibly, according to your own hours.

Among other benefits, the chance to be recognized as a global leader in your field is one of the most powerful aspects of completing an online PhD program.

By choosing to earn your PhD online, you get the option to choose your preferred graduate program from a wide pool of universities with online PhD programs without leaving your current location. Individuals wishing to obtain a PhD are looking to get the very best education, access the best professors and industry experts so they can gain all the knowledge possible pertaining to their field of interest.

PhD vs. Doctorate Degree?

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a type of Doctorate degree; in that manner, all PhD's are Doctorate degrees but not all Doctorate degrees are PhD's.

Accredited distance learning PhD Programs can be earned in many disciplines, in addition to other online doctoral degrees. Popular PhD degrees that you can earn online include PhD in business, education, health services, human services, social work, management, psychology, public administration, marriage and therapy among others.

Are online PhD programs of the same quality as traditional PhD programs?

In the U.S higher education system, if you enroll in an accredited program, your education will be of the same quality as a campus-based program. Your school's accreditation is what ensures that your degree will be recognized and has been evaluated by the United States Department of Education.

As you consider earning PhD degree online through distance learning, it is important to ensure the school you choose has achieved accreditation in order for your education to be respected in the industry and to qualify for any form of financial aid. If in doubt of a college's accreditation before selecting a program, you can look up the school's accreditation in the US Department of Education or Council on Higher Education Accreditation's databases.

If you're concerned that earning your degree online will take away the prestige of earning a PhD, keep in mind that your diploma will not indicate that you earned your degree by distance learning - you will be able to display it proudly and feel good about earning your doctoral degree online, as it will be as legitimate and prestigious as a traditional degree.

Is financial aid available for online PhD students?

Yes. If the college or university that you choose is an accredited institution, as a distant learner, you will be entitled to the same government-based financial aid options as you would when attending a school campus.

While you will be required to fill out the FAFSA, just as you would with any other degree, being a candidate for a PhD program also allows you to tap into a whole new pool of opportunities.

Because PhD programs are mostly based on research and the extension of the existing knowledge in a particular field, many reputable schools are being offered research grants, which allow them to support their students and offer institutional financial aid or work-study program for researchers. This is determined by each school individually and you should inquire within the institution of your choice regarding possible opportunities for you.

Is an online PhD program completed purely online?

Not all PhD programs are completed 100% online. Some of the programs require campus visits at some point--at the beginning, in-between or at the end of study for thesis defense. Some online PhD's require face-to-face residencies that take place on-campus or in different locations that a student may choose. Depending on the specific online PhD degree, you may also need to do an internship or practicum as part of the program completion.

Is pursuing a PhD program online suitable for everyone?

Earning a PhD online is certainly not for everyone. You are required to be industrious and highly motivated as most doctorate level students are attempting to successfully balance career, family and the pursuit of higher education.
Ideal candidates will be hard workers, dedicated learners and individuals willing to work diligently without direct supervision, and actively engage in all levels of online learning, balancing course requirements, participation and assignments.
If you chose to earn your PhD online, you will also need a good amount of discipline, prioritization and time management skills considering the intensity an online program of study requires.
Accredited online PhD programs and doctoral degrees are perfect for anyone who possesses the required qualities and qualification, has a passion for their area of interest, and is ready to become a leader in their field.