Online Doctorate Degrees
A challenging but rewarding goal for many is pursuing online doctorate degrees. The convenience and flexibility presents numerous opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills. Students can “go” to school anytime, and never have to worry about being late for class because of traffic or a family emergency.
The application process for online doctorate degrees is often similar to the on-campus process, but can vary depending on the selected school. Candidates are required to have both an undergraduate and graduate degree. A resume, purpose statement, and letters of recommendation are primary requirements. Some programs and specializations will have additional requirements.
Specialized careers in niche professions are accessible to those with a doctorate degree. Many have also experienced promotions in current jobs after receiving a doctorate degree.
Benefits of Online Doctorate Degrees
Doctoral students have confidence in knowing they are pursuing the highest level of academic achievement in the education system. Receiving an online doctorate degree places graduates among the experts in his or her field. Anyone committed to lifelong learning will find intellectual gratification with the rigorous study, writing, and research required. The process prepares students to apply practical solutions from the knowledge gained through research.
Another benefit to having a doctorate degree is the expanded number of career options. Careers in consulting or professorship, for example, are just a graduation date away. People with a doctorate may also see their earning potential increase, often earning more money than people with lesser degrees.
Doctoral candidates have also contributed to the body of knowledge in a particular field with a written dissertation, which can be used by future doctoral students.
Types of Online Doctorate Degrees
There are two primary types of online doctorate degrees: a research doctorate, i.e. PhD, and professional doctorates for medical doctors, dentists, and attorneys. Concentrations are available in areas such as accounting, psychology, international business, information technology, and organization leadership.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most common, but other research doctorate degrees also include the Doctor of Engineering (DEng), and Doctor of Education (EdD). There are a host of doctorates recognized by the National Science Foundation suitable for a number of careers, such as the Doctor of Public Health (DPH), Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
