Choosing an Online College: What You Need to Know Before Applying to a PhD Program

PhD programs are still relatively new in the online education world. While several fields of study fit perfectly into the online process, even at such a high educational level, there are still a few things you need to know about choose an online college. Here’s how to find the best school for your educational needs:

Make Sure the School is Accredited

Accreditation is a process where organizations appointed by the government look at colleges and their education programs and compare them to the programs being offered at other schools. If a school’s program doesn’t meet certain standards, it is not accredited. Going to a school that is not accredited might help you in some respects, but the PhD you earn won’t be recognized by state and national organizations, potential employers, and other educational institutions. Plus, there’s always the chance that you could get scammed if you choose a program that is unaccredited. You don’t want to give your hard-earned money and free time to a school that isn’t giving you a very good education.

Meet with Professors and School Officials

An important part of any PhD program is to meet the people with whom you’ll be working. Earning a PhD requires a lot of research and work, and if you don’t enjoy the same topics as those overseeing the work you do, it will be a difficult process for both of you. An interview at the PhD level isn’t one-sided; while you’re being interviewed to see if you’re a good candidate, you should also be interviewing professors and staff members to make sure you feel comfortable as well. Don’t be afraid to virtually tour several online colleges.

Financial Aid Availability

As a PhD student, you will have access to financial aid at some schools, and many will even offer a monthly stipend in exchange for your research with their college. Online schools have fewer opportunities for financial aid for PhD students, but they are out there. You just have to look for them. Make sure you meet, in person or virtually, with the school’s financial aid office to determine your eligibility for grants, fellowships, and other funds for students in your program.

Top Online PhD Programs

Every day, more and more accredited schools are offering online programs, making it easier to advance your career. Follow the links below to contact the schools for free information.

Public Policy: Criminal Justice (PhD) Teacher Leadership (EdD) Psychology (PhD) Counseling (PhD)	Walden University is one of the largest providers of online PhD programs in the country. Their course selection includes almost 30 degrees in several vastly different fields such as Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, and Education. Each field also has many specializations so you can further hone your education.
Business Admin (DBA) Management (DM) MIS (PhD) Education (EdD) Health Admin (PhD)	The University of Phoenix offers many challenging doctorate programs including: a Doctor of Business Administration degree that hones one's leadership skills in finance, marketing, legal issues and operations; the Doctor of Management program where students master leadership and its application; the Doctor of MIS program enabling professionals to evaluate the scope and impact of information systems and technology; the Doctor of Education program prepares students to strategically manage and lead complex educational organizations; a Doctor of Health Administration degree provides teaches management skills in the challenging field of healthcare.
Education Admin (PhD) IT Management (PhD) Social Work (PhD)	Capella University offers several Doctorate degree programs including: a PhD in Education Administration that is designed for students looking to excel their respective education in the field of administration; a PhD in IT Management consists of a curriculum that balances study of advanced management theory and practice with key information technology planning and delivery strategies; lastly, a Doctor of Social Work prepares student to lead social service programs, advocate for social justice and public policy changes, and teach the next generation of social workers.
Business Admin (DBA) Education (EdD) Public Admin (PhD)	Northcentral University offers several Doctorate degree programs including: a Doctor of Business Administration program designed for current and potential business leaders and senior managers to enhance their knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business and administration; a Doctor of Education program providing valuable coursework essential for today's successful education professionals; a PhD in Public Administration focusing on research related to government and public agency budgeting, government relations, public personnel policy management, political systems, and urban planning.
Education (EdD)	The Doctor of Education program at Grand Canyon University offers students numerous educational avenues from which to explore. The program instructs students how to take innovative paths involving research methodology, leadership models, and curriculum development. Specializations are available in higher education leadership, effective schools, and organizational development.
Business Admin (DBA)	The University of Liverpool offers students an online Doctorate of Business Administration. This degree program is designed for individuals pursuing a professional career and features learning and research modules that challenge the student to reflect on the attitudes and biases of the decision making process. Core modules include Knowledge Creation and Change and Crisis Management.
Criminology Educational Psychology Organizational Development Sports Psychology	University of the Rockies offers exciting courses including: Criminology where students can become a specialist in the psychology of criminal behavior; in Educational Psychology students learn the theoretical and practical study of psychology as applied to organizational environments; an Organizational Development degree teaches how to evaluate the impact of diversity in organizations as a competitive advantage; a Sports Psychology degree provides the tools to empower people with advanced psychological strategies to enhance human performance.