Educating yourself on the web!
Educating yourself on the web!
The PhD is the pinnacle of the academic world, there is no higher degree and no degree that is more respected. Many people desire a PhD and this has resulted in a number of online programs becoming available. There are however, far fewer online PhD programs than there are other types of degrees. There are a few reasons for this, most of which have to do with the differences that make the PhD a unique degree.
A PhD is different from other degrees because it is primarily about your ability to perform original research. Unlike degrees you completed early there are no required classes for a PhD, may attend classes if you want to or you may choose not to. A PhD will be awarded on the basis of the research that you do. When you enter a PhD program it will be assumed that you already know everything that you need to know about that subject and can find out anything you don't know on your own. Your purpose now is to add to the knowledge of the subject by doing original research, that will done in the form of your thesis. You will be expected to make a significant contribution to the field. You won't be expected to do it all on your own, you will have a supervisor to help you steer you in the right direction but the research will be conducted by you.
There are not a lot of online PhD programs but there are a few. The reason for the shortage of PhD programs online is that it is awkward to arrange for a supervisor for your thesis if you are not actually at the school. Although most of the actual work is done independently you will be required to meet with your thesis supervisor on a regular basis in order to discuss the progress you are making. The other problem with doing a PhD online is the lack of research facilities that you are likely to have at home. A PhD program pretty much requires a university library, you are unlikely to find the information you need at the public library. That means you are going to have to make regular visits to the university if you want to complete your thesis.
Another reason for the small number of online PhD programs is simply a lack of demand. There is little to be gained in terms of career enhancement from pursuing a PhD. Doctoral degrees are intended for people who are intending to become professors not working professionals looking to upgrade their qualifications. Although online degrees have become widely accepted one place that they are still looked down on is in the world of academia. This shouldn't come as a huge surprise, online education is a threat to the professors livelihood. Therefore it is unlikely that you will become a professor with an online PhD, which of course means there isn't a lot of demand for them.