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Online Doctoral Programs, Doctorate Degree by Distance Education
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Distance Education - Online Doctoral Programs
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Doing an Online Doctoral Program - Benefits of
studying online:
In recent years, accredited online doctoral
programs have become increasingly more accepted
and respected in academia and in the wider
employment market. In recognition of this, many
educational institutions that offer doctoral
programs in a traditional classroom setting are
now also providing online programs.
Alternatively, you can also choose to complete
your doctoral program with an educational
institution that is based solely online. There
are many reasons why you may choose to complete
your doctoral program online. Perhaps your
geographic location or a physical disability
makes it difficult for you to attend a full-time
course. Studying online also gives you the
advantage of being able to schedule your study
at your own pace around your family or work
commitments. You do not have to interrupt your
career and your lifestyle and income are not
affected.
Choosing a doctoral course:
A doctoral qualification is the highest level of
education you can formally achieve through a
college or university. A qualification such as a
Ph.D allows you to work within your professional
community as a researcher, a teacher or as a
consultant. Once you have completed an
accredited course, you will be recognized as a
leader in your field and may go on to write
books or academic papers on your chosen area of
expertise.
While doctoral programs are offered
for a wide variety of subjects, some of the most
popular courses are in the fields of Psychology;
Education; Engineering; Public Health and
Business. Your areas of specialization within
these fields depend on your career goals. For
example, if you are completing a online
doctorate degree in Business Administration (DBA),
you could focus on areas such as Accounting;
Strategic Planning, Business Research or
Organizational Theory among others. Graduates of
an online doctoral program in Psychology can
specialize in areas such as Human Development;
Social Psychology and Multicultural Issues among
others.
If you are completing an online doctoral
degree in preparation for becoming a full-time
faculty member of a university, you should
ensure that you are aware of the specific
qualifications required by that particular
university.
What is involved:
The length of time required to complete a
doctoral program online varies for each
institution but will generally be between two
and four years and require very intensive study.
They are considered research degrees and you
will be expected to carry out independent
research in addition to coursework. Courses in
research methodology will usually be included in
the curriculum and you will also be expected to
produce a dissertation or thesis.
When studying
online, you generally download your lecture
notes and assignments. Alternatively, lectures
can be supplied via streaming audio or web
conferences. You are often expected to
contribute to online discussions with your
classmates on various topics. Some assignments
may also require you to collaborate with
classmates. The use of web-based technologies
such as instant messaging can make these tasks
easier.
Accreditation:
It is essential that you select an accredited
online doctoral program. Accredited programs
have been evaluated to ensure that they meet
high standards of education. They will give you
a competitive edge in the marketplace. Many
unaccredited courses are not recognized by
universities or by employers.
If you are unsure
whether the doctoral program you are interested
in is accredited, you should contact the
educational institution directly to ask. You
should also ask when the accreditation was
granted and when the school is due for their
next review. There are regional and national
agencies involved in the accreditation process.
For example, the accrediting body for doctoral
programs in Business Administration is The
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
Business (AACSB).
However, there are also six
regional accrediting agencies in the US that
your doctoral program could be accredited by.
Many accredited online doctoral programs,
particularly in fields such as business or the
health professions, are given rankings from
various institutions or publications such as US
News and World Report magazine to help potential
students make informed choices about the best
program for their needs. Some aspects of the
course measured to determine the rankings
include faculty resources, starting salaries for
graduates, peer assessment etc.
Career Options:
Graduates of online doctoral programs are suited
for research-oriented careers, particularly
within academia. A Ph.D is essential for those
who aspire to becoming professors and highly
recommended for anyone who wants to be
considered for a teaching position in third
level institutions. Graduates also work as
consultants within their chosen field and can
command high salaries as recognized experts in
their areas of specialization.
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