Online PhD Degree?

[Kristen.NewCreation]

Anyone else in an online graduate program working toward your PhD? What have you found easy? What has been difficult?

I'm expecting to begin working on my doctorate April 12th, and it's primarily an online program with residential requirements. I'm wondering if anyone else is already doing this and what you like and don't like.

Kristen

 

[seaisabella]

How can you do an online PHD, are you corresponding with your advisor via email communications only? I've never heard of this, I am intrigued.

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

They have an online classroom, and so far we've communicated via phone and email. Next quarter I'll need to go to a residential program so that will be interesting and nerve wracking being it is the first time meeting face to face.

 

[seaisabella]

They have an online classroom, and so far we've communicated via phone and email. Next quarter I'll need to go to a residential program so that will be interesting and nerve wracking being it is the first time meeting face to face.

That is really interesting. I didn't know schools offered this kind of technology, but it makes sense especially for your PHD where, other than your first year, you really spend all your time doing research (at least for history my program) plus it would solve the whole issue of having advisors leave the school ect. I'm sure it will go well, if you've been communicating via technology there won't be any shocking surprises I'm sure. Good luck.

 

[heron]

Did you find a good one? Let us know how it goes.

I have been hearing a lot of talk about European schools being cheaper than US, even for nonresidents.

Ah, advisors leaving the school, yes.

 

[seaisabella]

I have been hearing a lot of talk about European schools being cheaper than US, even for nonresidents.

For a PhD you should get full ride in the US no? So wouldn't that be cheaper? All my friends who have gone to the states to do a PhD have been given a full ride plus an annual stipend because their research is consider a "job".

As for cheaper schools then both Canadian and some European are cheaper (e.g. places like Switzerland because education is completely free there for residents). However a lot of European schools are not internationally recognized which is something you should research before considering them.

 

[heron]

Ah, thanks. Someone hinted at that once.
US for PhD not always free. When tuition is charged, it's very high.

 

[seaisabella]

US for PhD not always free. When tuition is charged, it's very high.

Hm I didn't know that. I guess most of my friends went to big name Ivys so maybe they are more likely to pay both tuition as well as salary to their PhD students. I can't imagine being able to afford to do a PhD at an American school if it wasn't a full ride, which is why I assumed most were.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Anyone else in an online graduate program working toward your PhD? What have you found easy? What has been difficult?

I'm expecting to begin working on my doctorate April 12th, and it's primarily an online program with residential requirements. I'm wondering if anyone else is already doing this and what you like and don't like.

Kristen

Is it accredited by the government?

Not to sound pessimistic, but I doubt there are very many places or fields that would take on 'online doctorate' seriously. I also do not think anyone with a doctorate from a university would take it seriously.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Ah, thanks. Someone hinted at that once.
US for PhD not always free. When tuition is charged, it's very high.

It all depends on the school and area of study. A state school with a graduate program is going to be much cheaper than a school that is totally private or attended by a non-resident. Some fields offer fellowships in which one works or does research with the school in exchange for lower or no tuition costs.

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

Did you find a good one? Let us know how it goes.

I have been hearing a lot of talk about European schools being cheaper than US, even for nonresidents.

Ah, advisors leaving the school, yes.

It is a lot of work. It definitely is harder than going to the classroom because I only read the information, and don't get to hear it as well. This quarter is half over already. I think it's good so far- very research oriented, critical thinking and right from these first courses they are preparing us for being able to publish later.

Is it accredited by the government?

Not to sound pessimistic, but I doubt there are very many places or fields that would take on 'online doctorate' seriously. I also do not think anyone with a doctorate from a university would take it seriously.

They are accreditated by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Also, they are CACREP accredited, which is the same accreditation as the in person school for my masters. I thought the same thing, but many universities are offering the same thing for many programs, so I think it is more and more acceptable. By the time I graduate, I do hope that I don't have the difficulties that you are mentioning, with potential employers. You do bring up a good point that I hope won't be an issue.

 

[heron]

The online delivery should not show up on transcripts. I don't think individual courses usually do either. I think it is up to the individual to mention it or not.

I had an independent study master's before the Internet, and people considered it a self-disciplined way to go. But online now, there are so many options for cheating.

Thanks for the briefing. Publishing and research are such a big deal these days.