Online PhD Programs in Arts

Posted on 12th September 2010

A PhD is the arts is for those who wish to have a broad education for a variety of career options. It provides the student with a wide range of studies on history, culture, art, social studies, communications, business, and more. Having a doctorate in the arts will give you an opportunity to work in a variety of jobs. This educational path will enrich your perspective on history and cultures to provide you with more depth, strength, and discipline on your chosen career. A PhD in the arts is now available online at many different schools.

Arts PhD Subprograms

An online PhD program in the arts will have subprograms to specialize your education. You can take subprograms in ministry, educational studies, or theology. Each different subprogram is designed to prepare you for your future career choice.

1. Doctor of Ministry. A PhD in ministry is for those that wish to lead ministries in theology. It is for heads of missions, evangelists, church leaders, psychology of religion, church administration, or church growth. To become a Doctor of Ministry, you need three years of ministry after you obtain your masters degree. The Doctor of Ministry degree requires one year of coursework and the completion of a dissertation or doctoral project. This degree takes from three to six years to complete.

2. PhD in Specialized Education. This doctoral program is designed for experienced education professional who want to advance their career to research, consulting, or teaching. It teaches advanced research, problem solving, and critical thinking. It may also contain classes to help teach adults, learning theories, and educational philosophy. This degree can take from two to four years to complete.

3. PhD in Theology. This doctoral program is for theologians who excel in the church, academy, and society. It emphasizes faith seeking understanding. The program combines faith, research, and teaching Christianity in the past and present. It is for specialize research and philosophical and theological practices of the past. Students of this doctorate are expected to learn Catholic and Protestant traditions and use critical thinking to evaluate different religions and positions. Students should be a master of research and learn how to integrate their learning and previous knowledge to make contributions to discussions.

Online Arts PhD Program Accredidation

Schools, both online and traditional universities, are accredited by a third party. This means they meet certain standards set by a non-government agency. Attending an accredited university means your degree will be accepted by your employer and credits should transfer to another accredited university.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for online universities just as it is for traditional universities with a campus. Government financial aid including work study, loans, and grants are only available to accredited schools regardless of whether they are online or not. The online school will have a financial aid office that can aid you in finding financial aid through the government or other sources

Funding for PhD Study

Some funding is available for for doctoral studies in the arts. Funding may be available from the university or your employer. It is ultimately your responsibility to find funding for your doctoral project. If you are unable to obtain funding, you may fund the project yourself.

Earning an online PhD in the arts is not an easy degree to complete. It can take longer to complete than other PhD programs, and may require more doctoral project work. However, once you obtain your doctorate, more job possibilities are open to you. Job placement is high and unemployment is low for those with PhDs in the arts. Funding for your research or your schooling may be available. Be sure to find an accredited online university for government grants and loans.