What to Expect from an Online PhD Program

At one time online schools were under tons of scrutiny because it was so easy for scams to offer “diplomas” in exchange for anyone willing to pay the price of tuition. Today’s accrediting processes have made it easier for online schools to show that they’re legitimate, not diploma mills, and it’s not just bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that are available. More and more students are entering online programs to earn PhDs – one of the highest levels of education you can complete. But just what can you expect from an online PhD program?

Coursework

At an online school, you can expect to face the same rigorous coursework and schedule you’d expect at a traditional offline campus. Every program differs a little based on your field of study, of course, but you can you still expect to complete high-level research and even participate in internship and other hands-on learning opportunities. Don’t expect online programs to be easier!

Freedom

Most PhD students are given a certain level of responsibility and freedom when it comes to directing the course of study. However, at an online college, you can expect even more freedom, since you won’t attend classes in a traditional sense. You’ll be able to complete work whenever you see fit, so you have to be sure you’re prepared for that responsibility. It can be very tempting to procrastinate, which will lead to your downfall as a PhD student.

Resources

Online colleges do provide students with a number of resources to help with their education, but as a PhD student, you might also want to seek local libraries and labs that would be willing to work with you, since you won’t have traditional physical resources. Many online colleges actually have partnerships with schools across the country to allow students access to these resources, but it depends on the program you enter.

Feedback

An important part of an PhD student’s work is feedback from peers and professors. While you do not have the option for face-to-face meetings very often, there is still interaction online through virtual tools like email, chat rooms, and instant message programs. Many schools also require that you travel to campus once or twice a semester to meet with professors and peers face-to-face, though it depends on the college you attend.

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.