According to the Doctoral Degrees Earned Survey, beginning in 2004 there was a 3.4 percent increase in doctoral degrees awarded in the United States. As of June 2004, graduate students earned a total of 41,155 research doctorates. The recent rise in doctoral degrees awarded after a decade of decline can be attributed in part to the convenience of distance learning online graduate education degrees.
Graduate programs offer students the opportunity to explore a subject to achieve the highest levels of proficiency in that area of study. Courses can be based on a curriculum or on independent study and research. A recent study published by Penn State University Outreach Marketing and Communications and the University Continuing Education Association revealed that distance learning is anticipated to grow ten times faster than on-campus education over the next ten years. Additionally, about 45 percent of college enrollment are adult students who often prefer distance learning opportunities to on-campus classes. Sun Chairman Scott McNealy says: “Technology has to play a huge role in education. (It has) changed commerce…publishing…banking. It has to change education in a big way” .
Distance learning graduate online education degrees give busy students the opportunity to earn doctoral degrees at their convenience, without having to travel and attend traditional classes. By the time students intend to pursue distance learning graduate online education degrees, they are generally computer literate, self-motivated, and able to manage their time appropriately. All of these are essential elements for success in virtual classrooms. The two basic types of graduate degrees that students can earn are professional doctorates or research doctorates.
professional doctorates. The United States requires terminal professional doctoral degrees for employment in certain fields, such as dentistry, medicine, law, chiropractic, occupational therapy, and psychology. Before entering these professional doctoral programs, students must complete a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field. Professional doctoral degrees, such as JD and MD, generally do not require students to complete a thesis, although some do require original research paper to be submitted. Doctoral degrees generally take three years to complete after post-secondary education, although distance learning graduate online education degrees can be earned more quickly. Because online education courses are often designed for busy adult learners, students can progress at their own pace.
research doctorates. The most frequently earned research doctorate is a Ph. D. The time it takes to complete research doctoral programs can vary quite a bit, depending on the course followed. It is common for students to take two to three years to complete coursework and three or more years to do relevant research. The benefit of a PhD is that the holder is qualified to pursue an academic career as an expert in his or her field. Distance learning research doctoral degrees are conveniently earned online and can be easily worked around professional schedules.
Honorary doctorates. These degrees may be awarded for substantial contributions to a field and are not necessarily academic.
Financial help. Federal financial aid and loan programs can be applied for distance learning graduate online education degrees. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement for courses. Private loans can also be obtained to pay for higher education. Students have several options available that can help them finance their doctorates.
Thesis. Some graduate doctoral degrees require students to write a thesis. The student defines her own research area and takes years to write a detailed article, which may be available as relevant information to other students in the field.
Course work. Distance learning graduate online education degree programs offer students ongoing guidance through coursework, email, virtual lectures, and online discussions. However, students are expected to work independently and use a variety of research resources to complete course requirements.
Online students. A recent national study titled Degrees of Opportunity revealed some interesting facts about online students. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed felt that the benefits derived from higher education are equal to or even greater than the money, time, and effort involved. Lyungai Mbilinyi, Ph.D and author of this report, stated: “Eighty-one percent associated higher education with a sense of personal achievement and seventy-eight percent believed that education would better develop their talents or pursue their interests.” Despite the variety of obstacles many adults face when considering returning to school, the vast majority believe the resulting benefits have made it worthwhile.” Finally, eighty-four percent of enrollments in higher education programs are non-traditional learners, such as distance learners and working adults. Students who participate in online distance learning graduate programs are not only seeking better positions, but also the increased knowledge and self-esteem that comes with an advanced education.
The “Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United States, 2005” study found that 38 percent of schools offered full distance education graduate programs. The popularity of online graduate programs makes it clear that they are a viable way to obtain a higher education and enhance career options.
