PhD Distance Learning




PhD distance learning is available from a very large number of colleges both in and outside the United States, and in any field of study imaginable for those who would rather not have to travel to a campus for classes. If one already has a bachelor's and a master's degree, but want to advance further, PhD programs are offered in abundance. A degree through the doctoral distance learning program will elevate a psychologist to the level where he or she can offer helpful therapy for clients. Some of the PhD programs of study available are: Arts and humanities, health and medicine, business, science and technology, social sciences, computers, education and teaching, public policy, education and leadership, and human resources management.

One can find a list of colleges that offer doctoral degrees, and then the specific disciplines they address. Some offer very limited courses in their PhD distance learning programs, while others have a long list they make available. If looking for something in health care, for instance, the lack of other degree programs won't matter if the school only offers health care and business in their doctoral degree programs, as long as the student can rest assured that the school is accredited. The most efficient way to locate the school that will be best may be by searching for the PhD programs first, then see which schools offer those courses.

Different schools have different requirements for their PhD programs. Since a dissertation is required for any doctorate degree, it is important to know how much authority the dissertation committee has over what the graduate student does. Most PhD distance learning programs require 36-40 hours, but that could be expanded by the dissertation committee in some schools, so careful research by a student is very important before signing up for a doctoral distance learning degree. To take part in a doctoral program can be a very satisfying experience, or it can be frustrating. If the dissertation committee doesn't like what was written they can tell the doctoral candidate to start over, or if they feel that the candidate needs more hours in a particular aspect, they can require that too.

The frustrating aspect of attaining the approval of the committee can be likened to the hypocritical leaders of biblical times: "for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in" (Matthew 23:13). Regardless, to complete the process, a candidate should try to continue towards the goal of a final dissertation if with no other attitude than to play the strategic game of wits with the committee.

Another important piece of information for a student to ascertain is whether there are any required hours on campus. If there are, then the distance program might best be confined to campuses in one's locale, unless travel is not a problem. A doctorate degree carries with it a certain level of respect, so whether a person is seeking it through a PhD distance learning program or on campus, it adds prestige to one's resume. For some, a PhD program is simply a "want to" in their lives, while others need it for advancement in their careers. For either, a PhD program can fill that need.





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