Earning A Doctorate Online?

Question

I am thinking about trying to earn my doctorate in psychology, starting next year, and one option i have been looking at is doing it online. I am wondering, would earning an advanced degree online make the learning process far more independent than at an actual university? Is earning a masters or doctorate with real life classes still a very independent process?

Answer 1

My experience at the master's level is that there is very little difference between online coursework and in the seat coursework when comparing both at the same school.

For the most part, it's about reading, researching, and writing -- all as easily done from home as on campus. All done mostly on your own with guidance and direction for your professors and advisors.

Where you need to be careful is in your choice of school. Right now, there aren't a lot of good online doctorates to pick from in the social sciences. If you wanted to go for an EdD in educational administration - there are plenty of well respected choices. Even a DBA is easy to find from a well respected university (but very expensive).

If your ultimate goal is private clinical practice then it doesn't matter as much but if your goal is an academic appointment, pick carefully.

Add: Those who consider all online education a joke are generally very closed minded and a touch behind the times. This is 2007 not 1981. I am certain beyond any doubt that the online degrees at such places as Harvard, Boston U, UMass, et al... are far from being a joke. Just my opinion.

further: I don't need to get drunk and smoke pot with the other "students" to gain social skills. Especially at this level, the socialization argument is 100% invalid. Socialize at church and work - learn at college. "Interaction" occurs at a much higher level when you are interacting with professionals whether online or in the class, the programs online tend to have professionals in them whereas the in the class courses have a load of wannabes and ne'r do wells. Just my opinion again though...

Answer 2

Online or traditional grad school is a very independent process- it's not like high school and college where you do a lot of in class work. It's more research oriented.

The question you have to ask is what do I want to do with this degree? While some online programs do have a practicum, if you intend to do clinical work APA accreditation is essential unless you have clinical experience at the master's level. Check the license requirements in your area, as well. Some online schools are approved by the NYC BOE, and one can earn a raise with this credential- which I think is an indication of quality. Many, however, train one academically and not clinically. And academia is not accepting of non-traditional degrees at this point if you seek to work as a professor.

If you seek career advancement it may also be useful. Depends what you do for a living.

Check out Lincon-Nebraska, they have doctoral programs online and are a respected brick and mortar school.

Answer 3

Let me say this about online degrees: they are a joke.

Going to an actual university gives you the experience of actually interacting with classmates and professors which is a HUGE part of the graduate experience. Graduate work is independent, but you also do a lot of your learning from those around you.

Additionally, watch out to make sure that the online school is accredited- not all of them are but folks assume they are!

The quality of education is usually much worse- I was reading through some dissertations the other day from online schools, and I was actually laughing they were so bad. The difference in my education from an actual school and the online dissertations was huge (not to be arrogant, I'm just saying)

One other thing- I know a guy who has worked in HR for many different companies for roughly 30 years. When he receives a resume in which the applicant has listed an online university as their degree, he throws out the resume. Literally, he wads it up into a ball and throws it into the trash. Thats how respected those degrees are

Either way, good luck with your education!