A doctoral degree such as a Ph.D is the highest level of education that can be achieved in terms of certification. The student who has completed a degree at this level can work in research-oriented careers such as third-level teaching (university professors) and consultancy, and is viewed as an expert and a leader in his/her field. Furthermore, positions occupied by doctoral graduates are traditionally highly paid. Some examples of areas of expertise related to the doctoral level are business (DBA), education, psychology, public health, and engineering.
The online doctoral degree has consistently gained wider acceptance in academia and in professional circles, with its increased support from internationally renowned universities. Doctoral degree programs are now offered online by traditional universities and online-only institutions alike. Aside from the time and geographical flexibility offered by online doctoral programs, this format allows students with physical disabilities, for whom physically attending a full-time program is more difficult, to enroll and develop their potential to its fullest. Furthermore, working towards a doctoral degree online provides the student with more control over study pace, therefore allowing to better manage academic demands, family responsibilities and professional commitments. This last element is paramount because allowing the student to keep working avoids income disruption.
The average time expected to complete an online doctoral degree varies between two and four years. Due to the fact that doctoral degrees involve a large amount of research, the amount of study required therein is intensive and demands a strong sense of discipline. At the end of the curriculum, the student is expected to present a thesis or a dissertation, depending on the chosen program and institution. Online courses are given in the form of downloadable assignments and class notes, but also include audio and video streaming as well as live online video conferences. Despite the fact that lectures do not take place in a physical setting, the student is expected to actively participate to online discussions and forums. Furthermore, instant messaging software has made it possible and more efficient for classmates to collaborate on projects and discussions.
It is very important for the student to select and accredited program when considering the online doctoral degree. An accredited program is a program which has been and is regularly evaluated by a regional and/or national agency to ensure that it meets the high standards of education required at that level. When selecting an institution and a program, the student should always get informed about when the institution was accredited and when its next review will be. In addition to accreditation, it is possible for the student to gather information about an institution’s reputation and credibility by consulting publications like US News & World Report magazine, where programs and their corresponding institutions are given rankings based on diverse criteria.
The following are some of the best known universities offering online doctoral programs: