Accredited Online PhD Programs: Know these basic facts before you apply

Accredited online PhD programs have been a boon to the academic and professional communities, and many PhD graduates are grateful for the availability of these programs.  If you’re just starting to research online PhD study, however, there are some important facts you need to consider before you even think about applying.

About Accreditation

Accreditation is something people didn’t have to think about too deeply before online learning became such an intrinsic part of academia.  Scammers didn’t invent the Internet, and the Internet certainly didn’t invent scammers, but they’re a match made in heaven (or elsewhere, maybe).  That doesn’t mean there are no reputable accredited online PhD programs, but it does mean you have to check, and double-check the accreditation. That means not only looking to see if the program’s advertised as being accredited but who accredited it.  Your best bet is to head straight to the US Department of Education’s website and check out the school’s listed accreditation against their own claims.

About Online Study

Online study has numerous advantages, and if you’ve been researching accredited online PhD programs at all, you’ve heard about them in great detail.  You’ve heard all about how you can study from home, not go to classes, have a very flexible schedule, save gas money, avoid relocating, not need to hire child care or change your work schedule and so on… and on… and on…  That’s all true.  But your program is still going to be very challenging and demanding.  Don’t sign up thinking “online” is code for “piece of cake.”

About PhD Study

PhD study will be different than any education you’ve ever experienced.  PhD study isn’t about learning what other people think–it’s about doing serious research and pioneering in your field.  Accredited online PhD programs continue this fine tradition.