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Online Doctoral Degree Programs

Earnings Chart

With employer’s demand constantly on the rise for higher-level education and training, you must distinguish yourself from the competition. It’s time to take the next step toward your future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ chart below proves the benefits (click for full-size):

Education Pays

Top Ten Doctoral Degree Fields of Study

  1. Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  2. Business
    Accounting, Admin, Finance, etc.
  3. Computer and Information Sciences
    Computer Security, IS, IT, etc.
  4. Education
    Admin, General Ed., Special Ed., etc.
  5. Engineering
  6. Healthcare
    Admin, Nursing, Public Health, etc.
  7. Physical Sciences and Science Technologies
  8. Psychology
  9. Social Sciences and History
  10. Visual and Performing Arts

Source:
nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d09/tables/dt09_273.asp

If you’re contemplating earning a doctorate degree than congratulations on being ready to take your education and career to the highest level. A doctorate degree is a prestigious credential that acknowledges top efforts and achievements in your field of study. Pursuing your PhD today is more accessible than ever. Doctorate programs, both online and traditional, have expanded over the past few years. The result is that more opportunities are available for students to continue their education.

What is a Doctoral Degree?

A doctorate degree is a distinctive honor that represents mastery of an academic discipline. Students commonly earn the title of PhD (a Doctor of Philosophy) upon completion of coursework, a doctoral dissertation, and the required fieldwork. Doctoral classes focus heavily on research and train students for leadership positions in their professional field. The traditional seven to ten year term of study will vary depending on the chosen programs and specializations.

How to Obtain a Doctoral Degree

After completing your bachelor’s degree and possibly a master’s degree, you are now an old pro at the application process. Applying for your PhD will be matter of course. However, what’s unique about the doctoral program is that candidates are often viewed as job applicants. Many universities offer substantial stipends and pay students to work as research or teaching assistants. Therefore, the application process is more involved and time-consuming. Schools prefer students who have completed extensive research and have leadership experience.

Before downloading the application, be sure to review the following steps to ensure you apply to the right school for you.

  • Research Programs: Spend significant time reading about each program to which you are applying. This knowledge will help you sort through the many available options. Remember that doctorate programs are an investment, both financially and emotionally. Be sure to do the necessary research to avoid making costly mistakes.
  • Review Faculty Bios and Publications: Make sure to review faculty biographies and their list of publications. Yo will be working closely with professors and other PhD candidates so doing the research now will ensure that your interests align with those in the department.
  • Network: Find current students or alumni of the program to which you plan to apply. Send an email or schedule a meeting to learn more about their experiences in the program. This will give you very unique insights and their advice may even be useful during the application process.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

Common research programs for doctorate degrees include:

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Dentistry
  • Education
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Public Health

Other types of doctorates include:

Professional Doctorate Degrees

  • Business Administration (D.B.A)
  • Law (J.D.)
  • Medical Doctor (M.D.)
  • Professional Studies (D.P.S)

Why Pursue an Online Doctoral Degree?

Doctoral curriculum requires an enormous amount of dedication and perseverance. Not all students have the ability to attend or afford a traditional school. Distance learning offers a variety of doctorate degree programs to support your success. Advanced technology has made it possible for accredited institutions to offer online PhD programs without sacrificing quality. Students can enroll in classes to fit their schedules, learning styles, and locations.