The Pros and Cons of Online PhD Programs

There are many pluses and minuses that are associated with earning your doctoral degree online. PhD programs are being offered and utilized more often nowadays as recent graduate students are being forced to enter the workforce before being able finish their desired level of school, which in many cases includes receiving a PhD in their respective studies.  But, with the new addition of online PhD courses, you are able to find an even balance between work and being able to achieve your highly anticipate doctoral degree.

Some of the pros that are associated with earning your doctoral degree with an online program for your PhD is that you have the ability to earn the distinguished honor of a PhD while still being able to maintain a full time career. Most online programs let you earn your degree working at your own pace in the hours that you have free. In the end, this may take you exceptionally longer to earn your degree, but by having the ability to work when you have time gives you the undeniable freedom that you would not get when being confined in a classroom environment.

There are also cons that go along with online PhD programs. The outside world can sometimes look down upon online coursework as not being from a “legitimate” university; however, if they looked closer, some of these online programs are from distinguished Ivy League universities. You also do not get the hands-on experience that you would benefit from inside on a classroom, nor would you get the attention and true experience of listening to a professor teach his/her course. Many people thrive on that type of environment, structured and professional. Others, however, fare much better lounging on the couch in their pajamas with their laptops earning their doctoral degrees that way. There are definite pros and cons to both online and onsite doctoral programs and each should be weighed equally and decided on an individual basis, making the best decision you can for you and your future.