Online classes today take advantage of multimedia advances to create interactive classrooms and peer collaboration opportunities as well as online library resources that rival brick and mortar libraries. Students can sign on to their computer at their own convenience to hear a lecture. While the rigor is not the least diminished in the process of earning an online PhD degree, the flexibility has dramatically improved the opportunity for dedicated students to obtain the university degree of their choice.

Doctoral Degrees Are challenging For Even the Best Students

A doctoral candidate will spend many hours in solitary study, working on a dissertation, reading assorted texts, and completing complex assignments. Thus, a distance-learning program with the availability of peer collaboration lends itself well to a doctoral program. A Ph.D. will take several years of study—usually at least four. If you can study year around, you may be able to shorten it to three years for the course work and then another semester to complete your dissertation. Once the course work is completed, you will have to take comprehensive exams, very possibly on campus or another designated, monitored location. It is quite common to be “ABD” for several years, (all but dissertation) while working on your dissertation. This is a book length work that explores some unique aspect of your career interest. You choose the topic, create a proposal, get it approved by a dissertation committee, and then set about to write it. While working on the dissertation, you must remain enrolled in the university, thus paying for at least one 3-credit course each semester. Thus, you will want to complete it as quickly as you can. Additionally, some colleges give a limit on the amount of time they will allow for the dissertation to be completed.

Doctoral programs online
Most Ph.D. online education degrees are offered at the colleges that first had the bachelor and then master’s degree programs. This was a natural progression as the need for the doctoral programs only developed once online students had already earned their masters’ degrees and wanted the status and pay of the doctoral degree.

Doctoral Students May have to Appear on Campus Occasionally
The doctoral programs that you chose may require some sort of campus attendance, either due to the requirements of a fellowship or to the need to attend seminars other activities. Some universities require that you already be employed in your field so the practical application and corresponding reports can be performed in real life

Rewards for Having a PH.D.

You will be respected. You will receive a higher salary than those without a PH.D. You will be able to teach at a college or university where a PH.D. is a requirement to teach. You will have a flexible schedule and a fulfilling career

Sample of 2010 Education Salaries

Assistant Professor, Higher Education $48,539 – $64,183
Professor, Higher Education $64,312 – $98,009
Associate Professor, Higher Education $52,500 – $65,767
Director of Program Management, Education $72,093 – $92,089
School Superintendent $91,325 -$150,343
Dean of Students (University) $60,923 – $90,948
High School Teacher $39,305 – $62,774

When choosing an online school check that the school is accredited. Talk to staff and other students before making your decision. Be aware of all costs involved and give much thought to your level of commitment, as this is a long and arduous undertaking.

Masters Programs in Education also Offered Online

MS – Higher Education – College Teaching / Learning
MS – Higher Education – General
MS – Higher Education – Enrollment/Institutional Management
MS – Higher Education – Leadership for Student Success
MS – Higher Education – Administration