Accredited Distance Learning Ph.D. Degree Program Information
Higher Education Articles March 1, 2013Typically, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are offered as campus-based programs in universities and colleges. However, there are also online accredited doctoral programs in various disciplines offered by schools such as Boston University, Indiana University and the University of Phoenix.
Several Schools Offering Ph.D. Programs Online
Distance learning doctoral programs are offered exclusively through an online school along with physical college campuses with online learning options. These latter programs include hybrid Ph.D. programs that combine on campus and online instructions. To discover whether a college or university is accredited, students can search the United States Department of Education’s online database of accredited post-secondary programs and institutions (www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/). In addition, the Distance Education and Training Council (www.detc.org) that offers voluntary certification to distance learning colleges and universities, maintains a database of online schools that are accredited.
Boston University has over 32,000 students enrolled, and this is a campus-based school. Boston University offers over two hundred fifty programs of study, such as online doctoral degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and music arts. Through an interactive website, students can communicate with their professors along with taking their courses. Students are provided with a small group facilitator, program manager, and admission advisors, as well as technical support.
Indiana State University located in Terre Haute, Indiana was founded in 1865 and offers over one hundred majors at its campus. The school offers a Ph.D. distance learning program in Technology Management that provides students with expertise in technology as it relates to different careers, including politics or engineering. Students select a technical specialization along with completion of an internship and dissertation, which is completed at an outside government agency or research organization.
University of Phoenix has over 300,000 student enrollments nationwide, and it is an online university. The Higher Learning Commission accredited this school, and some of its programs are individually accredited. There are several doctoral programs offered at University of Phoenix, such as Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Doctor of Management in Organization Leadership, and Ph.D. in Nursing. Curricula are usually created in collaboration with organizations and businesses, and students will need to intern at an affiliated external entity.
