Online Ph.D. programs offer one of the most convenient ways to reach your field’s
highest level of education. But you may feel hesitant about applying to such programs or believe they aren’t as “legitimate” as traditional, in-person options for earning a Ph.D.
However, most online Ph.D. programs are legitimate and offer quality instruction to students to prepare them for their fields. In this guide, we’ll cover common myths about online Ph.D. programs, give you the facts, and explain why online Ph.D. programs are excellent choices for many students.
Common Myths About Online Ph.D. Programs
Many prospective students question whether online Ph.D. programs are legitimate due to myths that are either entirely false or at least somewhat misleading. Come along as we debunk the most common misconceptions about these programs.
MYTH #1: Top universities don’t offer online Ph.D. programs
You may be under the impression that online Ph.D. programs are only available at for-profit degree mills or obscure colleges that you’ve never heard of before. In fact, some of the most prestigious universities in the United States offer these programs. As of this writing, the schools listed below are ranked among the top 100 national universities by U.S. News and offer online Ph.D. programs in the following fields of study.:
- University of Florida: Classical Civilization and Latin and Roman Studies.
- Purdue University: Higher Education and Education Leadership and Policy Studies.
- Florida State University: Nursing.
- George Washington University: Systems Engineering.
- Texas A&M University: Plant Breeding, Interdisciplinary Engineering, and Biomedical Sciences.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Systems Engineering.
- Indiana University: Music Therapy and Nursing Science.
- Clemson University: Healthcare Genetics; Literacy, Language, and Culture; Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management; Rhetoric, Communication, and Information Design; Special Education; and Teaching and Learning.
- Stevens Institute of Technology: Engineering Management and Systems Engineering.
- Colorado School of Mines: Space Resources.
- University at Buffalo: Information Science.
MYTH #2: The academic quality of online classes is worse than in-person classes
Some people believe that online classes don’t have the same level of academic rigor as in-person programs because, in the past, much weight has been placed on face-to-face discussion and interaction. However, the instructor is the most important factor in the academic quality of any college course.
The instructors who teach online college classes generally also teach in-person classes, and effective professors know how to explain complex topics and gauge how well students understand course materials.
The academic quality of online degree programs is especially strong when you can take synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending live lectures through a video chat platform. This format allows you to ask questions, receive feedback, and even interact with fellow students in real time, just like you would in an on-campus setting.
MYTH #3: Online students are on their own
Most schools also use video chat technology to provide their online students with resources such as academic advising, counseling, tutoring, and tech support. You will likely have access to such resources over the phone as well.
Many online programs also offer virtual community spaces where students can connect, find support, and build meaningful relationships. Meetings are often held over Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and groups may have dedicated forums or Discord channels for discussion.
Overall, you should be able to access all of the student support services you need without making a trip to campus.
MYTH #4: Employers don’t respect online degrees
You may be concerned about employers taking your online degree seriously. After all, you do not want to spend thousands of dollars and years of your life pursuing a program unlikely to advance your career. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and larger acceptance of remote work have also led to more widespread acceptance of online degrees.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2024 survey found that 87% of employers who responded had hired a graduate with an online degree. While it’s true that there are still some employers out there who are skeptical about online degrees, it’s not going to be a dealbreaker for the vast majority of hiring managers.
Earning a PhD from an accredited institution will help ensure that employers and professional organizations accept your degree. When researching schools, confirm that they are regionally or nationally accredited.
MYTH #5: Online degrees show that you earned them online
Once you’ve completed all of your online Ph.D. program’s requirements, your diploma will be mailed to you within a few months (if your college holds commencement ceremonies, you should also be able to participate in this). Generally, accredited universities do not indicate on this document whether you earned the degree in person or online. Your diploma would look the same if you earned it the traditional, on-campus way.
It’s also worth mentioning that you have no obligation to disclose that you earned your degree online to a prospective employer. Of course, you should never lie in a job interview. If you get asked directly about your college experience or the topic comes up naturally in conversation, it’s better to be honest now than risk being revealed as dishonest later.
Why You Should Attend an Online Ph.D. Program
Now that we’ve dispelled the most common myths about why you shouldn’t get an online Ph.D., let’s review why you should consider these programs.
More lucrative job opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with this level of education earn an average of $2,109 per week, while workers with just a master’s degree earn $1,737 per week, and those with just a bachelor’s earn $1,493 per week. And with average weekly earnings of $899 per week, workers with only a high school diploma earn less than half the average income of workers with a Ph.D.
Easier to find a job
The BLS data also shows that it’s much easier for Ph.D. holders to find jobs than less educated workers. The unemployment rate for Ph.D. holders is 1.6%. This is lower than the rate for those with a master’s degree (2%), bachelor’s degree (2.2%), or high school diploma (3.9%).
Affordability and flexibility
As for why you should consider earning your Ph.D. online, there are two key reasons: affordability and flexibility. Some colleges charge less for online classes than in-person classes, as they require less overhead to operate.
Also, unless you already live near campus, you would need to pay for either housing or commuting to classes to complete an in-person program. Attending an online program instead eliminates this expense. The lack of commute also makes it easier for students with children, a full-time job, or other demanding responsibilities to find time to complete their coursework.
Is an Online Ph.D. Program Right for You?
Online Ph.D. programs provide an affordable, convenient way to earn a terminal degree in your field, but they aren’t right for everyone. Below are some questions to ask to help you decide:
- How much time do you have to dedicate to the program? Pursuing a Ph.D. is a time commitment, and choosing an online program doesn’t change this. While you may not spend as much time in the classroom listening to a lecture, you still need room in your schedule for reading, research, and writing a dissertation.
- How self-motivated are you? If you aren’t forced to show up at class at a certain time, it can be difficult to keep up with your studies. Students need to be independent, self-motivated, and realistic about their strengths and weaknesses.
- What are your goals for the program? While all students want to graduate with a degree, an in-person program may be better if you place a higher priority on networking and interacting with others in your field. These opportunities do still exist in online programs, but they can be harder to find and develop.
Interested in Learning More?
Earning a Ph.D. is an incredible accomplishment, and online programs can provide greater opportunities for those working toward this achievement. Get started by checking out our list of the top online Ph.D. programs in 2024.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.