Doctoral Degrees Online

Online PhD Programs : Doctoral Degrees Online From Judy Hedding

Online Doctorate is Now a Reality
The Distance Education and Training Council in Washington, D.C. estimates that more than 2.25 million people currently are studying online at U.S. colleges and universities. IDC estimates that the number of degree-oriented students taking online courses will grow at a compounded rate of 33% for the next several years. So, who is getting a degree online? The answer is: busy, globe-trotting working men and women who find the anytime/anywhere convenience of online learning ideal for achieving their academic goals. Those people include army reservists, single/divorced women who want to advance their careers and earning power, and older adults who don't have the time to commute or the desire to share classes with 18 year-olds.

In addition to existing accredited online programs for technology, education, business and nursing, the University of Phoenix offers the ability to obtain a doctoral degree online.

The University of Phoenix Online is the country's largest online university with more than 140,000 students. It established the School of Advanced Studies which offers four online doctoral programs: Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Health Administration degree program.

According to Dr. William Pepicello, Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Advanced Studies, the "new doctoral programs will build on content areas in which the University has proven expertise, and for which there is a demand among adult learners. Consistent with the University's mission, these programs will provide access through flexible formats that allow students to continue working while they earn their doctoral degrees."

Don't think, though, that obtaining a doctoral online will be any less rigorous than achieving one by more traditional means. Here are some things you should know about getting an online doctorate at the University of Phoenix.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Doctorate?
The University of Phoenix Online Doctoral programs are designed to be completed in approximately three years through a flexible online format that allows students to maintain professional and personal commitments. Most of the 62-credit curriculum is delivered via the Internet, allowing students to study at times and places that fit their schedule. Classes are taken sequentially in eight-week modules, with one-week breaks between classes.

Is the program 100% online?
Students are required to attend residential workshops in Phoenix, Arizona, for eight days in the first and third year, and three days in the second year. These workshops include important face-to-face discussions, projects, and presentations.

Is the online doctoral program entirely self-study?
During the online classes, students must log-on for group discussions at least five days a week, but at their convenience, day or night.

Does a person still have to write a doctoral dissertation?
University of Phoenix doctoral students are required to complete and orally defend a significant, substantial, and independently completed Doctoral Dissertation. The program is designed to provide each student with research skills and appropriate faculty support for successful completion of the program in approximately three years, including the dissertation.

Source: http://phoenix.about.com/cs/education/a/doctorate01.htm