Are Online PhD Programs Quicker?

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Did you know that you can earn doctorate degrees online? While not many people do it, it’s becoming more popular.

Are Online PhD Programs Quicker

While you’re looking at accredited online PhDs, it’s important to know how much time is needed to complete them. After all, you don’t want to be in school forever!

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In this article, we’ll discuss whether online PhD programs take less time to finish than in-person programs. We’ll also show you how to find available PhD programs.

Faster PhD Programs

woman earning her PhD online

Usually, online PhD programs take less time to complete than in-person programs. Some can be finished in 18 months to 3 years, but in-person programs may take as many as 7 years or more to complete.

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Online programs are often accelerated, meaning you’ll go through the course material more quickly. This may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you struggle to absorb information at a rapid pace. It’s important to consider this when choosing an online doctorate program.

What Kinds of PhDs Can I Earn Online?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), during the 2020-21 academic year, a total of 108,692 doctor’s degrees were conferred. This indicates significant participation in higher education at the doctoral level.

Here are five types of PhDs that may be earned online. Each can offer distinct academic and career paths.

  • PhD in Psychology: Offering rigorous coursework and research opportunities in psychology, APA-accredited online psychology PhD programs are often ideal for those aspiring to become licensed psychologists.
  • PhD in Education: Tailored for educators aiming to move into research or high-level administrative roles, these programs focus on educational theory, policy, and practice.
  • PhD in Business Administration: Perfect for aspiring business leaders or academics, these programs delve into advanced management theory, leadership, and organizational behavior.
  • PhD in Nursing: Designed for nursing professionals seeking to contribute to healthcare policy, education, or advanced clinical practice, these programs offer specialized research in various nursing fields.
  • PhD in Computer Science: Encompassing areas like artificial intelligence and software development, computer science PhD programs cater to individuals with a passion for advanced computing research and serve as the cornerstone for fostering technological innovation and scholarly contributions.

These are just some common PhDs that may be pursued online. Many schools now offer programs in a variety of fields. Pursuing your PhD online can offer flexibility and help open doors to new professional opportunities.

Why Earn an Online PhD?

professional taking an online phd

There are many reasons to earn an online PhD. They often offer more schedule flexibility, which can be especially helpful if you’re a full-time parent or employee. You won’t have to move things around as much to attend your classes. Your coursework may also be self-paced, allowing you to complete it on your own terms.

You might also save on tuition and extra fees. There are some fees that in-person students pay that online students may be exempt from, like activity fees, meal plans, and housing costs. You can learn more about the costs of attending online by visiting your chosen program’s website.

Are Online PhD Programs Accredited?

Accreditation is critical when looking at programs because a degree from an unaccredited institution may not be taken seriously when applying for jobs or research programs. Thankfully, many online PhD programs are accredited.

You can search for a college program’s credentials by visiting the US Department of Education’s website. They have a tool you can use to find college accreditations in the United States.

Where Can I Find Online PhD Programs?

student searching for online PhD programs

There are a growing number of online PhD programs available, and you can find more information about them at My College Guide. We’ll show you which schools offer doctorate degrees in a wide range of fields. You can try the My Degree Finder tool today to discover your dream school!

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Isaac Scott
WRITTEN BY Isaac Scott

Isaac has a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His primary focus is accredited schools offering degrees online or in a hybrid format.