| Given the extended study and intensive work required | | | | programs will require you to complete relevant courses |
| to earn a doctoral degree, only 1% of Americans attain | | | | and a dissertation. If a company demands full payment |
| this prestigious credential. Online PhD degree programs | | | | for the total cost of the program upfront and provides |
| are becoming a popular option for professionals who | | | | a P.O. box instead of a physical address, it is likely to |
| wish to earn a doctorate while maintaining a full-time | | | | be a scam. |
| job. Achieving a doctoral degree can have a | | | | 3. Recognized Faculty: Take the time to review the |
| tremendous impact on your career; however, it's | | | | credentials of the faculty for the PhD degree |
| important to do your research before choosing among | | | | programs you're considering. Do they have doctoral |
| the PhD degree programs available online. | | | | degrees and industry experience? Are they |
| What Is an Online PhD Degree Program? | | | | recognized as leaders in their field? Have they |
| In these advanced program, students lean in a virtual | | | | published important works in well-known journals? |
| classroom via the Web instead of meeting | | | | You'll want to make sure you're learning from the best, |
| face-to-face in a campus-based classroom. Many of | | | | and that you'll have ongoing communication with them. |
| those pursuing online PhD's currently work in their field | | | | It's important to establish a rapport with the faculty on |
| of study to meet the requirement for hands-on | | | | your advisory committee. Also, you should look to see |
| experience. Pursuing a PhD Online allow for greater | | | | if mentoring programs are available. |
| flexibility in scheduling class time around work and | | | | 4. Professional Affiliations: Check with the licensing |
| personal obligations. | | | | agencies or professional groups associated with your |
| Earning a PhD degree online may take between four | | | | field of study to see if they endorse your school and |
| to six years to complete, depending on your course of | | | | its online PhD or Doctorate degree program. |
| study and dissertation topic, and whether you are | | | | 5. Program and Course Availability: Review the |
| enrolled full-time or part-time. In most PhD programs, a | | | | academic calendar for the degree programs you're |
| panel of three to five professors oversee your | | | | considering. How many terms are offered each year? |
| academic progress and evaluate your dissertation. | | | | How long is each session? Are your required courses |
| What to Look for in a Web Based PhD Program | | | | available every term, or only at certain times of the |
| As with any degree program, your focus should be on | | | | year? These are important questions to answer when |
| the quality of your education. Following are key | | | | determining how long it will take to complete your PhD |
| considerations in choosing a school for an online | | | | degree online program. |
| Doctorate level degree program: | | | | 6. Financial Assistance: Of course, financing is a major |
| 1. Accreditation: Look for colleges and universities that | | | | consideration in any educational decision. In addition to |
| have been accredited by one of the agencies | | | | the cost of tuition, you may also need to pay for |
| recognized by the U.S. Department of Education | | | | books, supplies, lab fees, travel (if necessary) and |
| (DOE). These accrediting bodies have a strict | | | | other expenses. The schools you're considering should |
| evaluation process in place to ensure that schools | | | | have financial aid information listed on their website. Do |
| incorporate sound teaching methods and exceptional | | | | they offer scholarships, fellowships or grants? If your |
| faculty to deliver a high-quality education. Accreditation | | | | PhD program is offered by a regionally accredited |
| is important, as many employers will only consider | | | | university, you may be eligible for federal grants or |
| candidates that have completed online degree | | | | loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal |
| programs from an accredited institution. Verify that the | | | | Student Aid online to determine your eligibility. |
| schools you are considering are approved by one of | | | | Whatever your personal and professional goals, |
| the recognized agencies listed on the DOE website. | | | | earning a PhD degree online can help you advance |
| 2. Beware of Fraudulent Claims: Watch out for | | | | your career and achieve greater success. Do your |
| "diploma mills" that claim you can earn a PhD online in | | | | research and choose your PhD online degree program |
| weeks or months, using work or life experience in lieu | | | | wisely to ensure your place among the most influential |
| of coursework. All legitimate, accredited, degree | | | | leaders in your field. |