Is Getting a Doctorate Online a Good Idea?

There's no easy answer as to whether getting an online doctoral degree is any better or worse than going through a PhD program at a traditional college or university. There are some definite benefits to getting an online degree. Class work for an online degree is done at your own pace, for the most part, and on your own time. This lets you be in control of your schedule. But there are some things you should think about before investing in a PhD program online.

Are you ready to turn you life over to the pursuit of higher education, at least temporarily? Getting a doctoral degree is not like getting a bachelor's degree. Doctorate studies are intensive and require a major commitment. If you don't have the dedication, you'll never make it through.

What are your motivations for getting a doctoral degree? Are you trying to get a new job, a pay raise, status? There are no right or wrong reasons for getting a higher degree, but if you are looking for a pay raise in your current job, are you positive there are no simpler, less expensive, ways of getting it, like volunteering for a big project at work?

Can you do the job of your dreams without a doctorate? Some people feel that getting a higher degree will help them leap to the top of the company of their choice, which isn't necessarily the case. A higher degree can help with advancement, but some companies reward length of service and company loyalty over educational background. You may find that your time spent in class would be better spent networking.

Is your subject area something you are really passionate about? You are going to be spending an incredible amount of time on this subject. Is it something that you can remain passionate about even if you are reading about it every day for the next few years?

Is this a professional field you want to work in? A doctoral degree is a big investment of both time and money. If you aren't absolutely certain that it's a field that you want to work in for an extended period of time, do some volunteering in the field to get a feel for it. If it isn't very satisfying while you are volunteering, it probably won't be very satisfying as an occupation.

Do you need constant reminding to get things done? Online coursework is very much an independent way of learning. If you aren't good at staying on task and getting things done on time, you're going to have a very difficult time making it in online classes?

Are you ready to defend your decision to get an online doctoral degree? Some businesses and organizations still have an issue with online degree programs. It's not that they won't hire someone with an online degree, but you should be prepared to answer the question of why you chose to get an online degree instead of attending a brick and mortar university.

Does the online program have a good reputation? Check around online and see what people are saying about the doctoral program. Make sure the school is accredited to issue doctoral degrees. You don't want to spend good money on a useless degree.

Do you have the money to pay for the classes? There are still quite a few online programs for which you cannot get financial aid. In order to attend, you will have to have the money to pay for your classes at the beginning of each semester. Classes usually cost upwards of $1000 per class.

Will life get in the way? You may have the time to devote to an online doctoral degree program right now, but once you enroll, you could be in the program for anywhere from two to five or more years. Are you prepared to put your life on hold while you complete your degree? Or are you at least ready to work around your studies?

If you can answer these questions and an online doctoral degree still feels right for you, do some research before selecting an online school. Make sure you are investing your time, money, and energy into the right place.