Distance Learning Post Graduate Online Education Degrees

Distance Learning Post Graduate Online Education Degrees by Daniel Boyd

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, as of 2004 there
was a 3.4 percent increase in doctorate degrees awarded in the
United States. In June, 2004, a total of 41,155 research
doctorate degrees were earned by postgraduate students. The
recent increase in doctorate degrees awarded after a decade of
decline can be partially attributed to the convenience of
distance learning postgraduate online education degrees.

Postgraduate degree programs offer students an opportunity to explore a
subject to attain the highest levels of proficiency in that area
of study. Courses can be based upon a curriculum or independent
study and research. A recent study released by both Penn State
University Outreach Marketing and Communications and University
Continuing Education Association revealed that distance learning
is anticipated to grow ten times quicker than on-campus
education over the next ten years. Further, about 45 percent of
college enrollment are adult students who frequently prefer
distance learning opportunities to classes on campus. Sun
Chairman Scott McNealy states, "Technology has to play a huge
role in education. (It's) changed
commerce...publishing...banking. It's got to change education
big time."

Distance learning postgraduate online education degrees afford
busy students the opportunity to earn doctorate degrees at their
convenience, without having travel to and attend traditional
classes. By the time students intend to pursue distance learning
postgraduate online education degrees, they are usually computer
literate, self-motivated and able to manage their time properly.
These are all essential elements to success in virtual
classrooms. The two basic types of postgraduate degrees students
may earn are professional doctorates or research doctorates.

Professional doctorates. The United States requires terminal
professional doctorate degrees to perform in certain fields,
such as dentistry, medicine, law, chiropractics, occupational
therapy and psychology. Prior to entering these professional
doctorate programs, students are required to complete a
bachelors degree, preferably in a related field. Professional
doctorate degrees, such as J.D. and M.D., usually do not require
students to complete a thesis, although some do require an
original research paper to be submitted. Doctorate degrees
usually take three years to complete after postsecondary
education, although distance learning postgraduate online
education degrees may be earned more quickly. Because online
education courses are often geared for the busy adult learner,
students can progress at their own pace.

Research doctorates. The research doctorate that is most
commonly earned is a Ph.D. The time is takes to complete
research doctorate degree programs can vary quite a bit,
depending on course pursued. It is common for students to take
two to three years to complete coursework and three or more
years to conduct pertinent research. The benefit of a Ph.D. is
that a holder is qualified to pursue an academic career as an
expert in their field. Distance learning research doctorate
degrees are conveniently pursued 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 Aid. Federal financial aid and loan programs may be
applied to distance learning postgraduate online education
degrees. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement for
coursework. Private loans may also be secured to pay for higher
education. Students have several options available that can help
them finance their doctorates.

Thesis. Some postgraduate doctorate degrees require students to
write a thesis. The learner defines their own area of research
and takes years to write a detailed paper, which may be made
available as pertinent information to other students in the
field.

Coursework. Distance learning postgraduate online education
degree programs offer students ongoing guidance through
coursework, email, virtual lectures and online discussions.
Students are, however, expected to work independently and use a
variety of research resources to complete their course
requirements.

Online Students. A recent national study entitled 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
accomplishment and seventy-eight percent believed education
would better develop their talents or pursue their interests.
Despite the assortment of obstacles many adults face when
considering a return to school, the overwhelming majority
believe the resulting benefits have made it worthwhile."
Finally, eighty-four percent of enrollments in higher education
programs are non-traditional students such as distance learners
and adults with jobs. Students who participate in distance
learning postgraduate online degree programs are not only
seeking better positions, but the increased knowledge and
self-esteem that comes with an advanced education.

The study "Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United
States, 2005" found that full distance learning postgraduate
online education degree programs were offered by 38 percent of
schools. The popularity of postgraduate online degree programs
makes it clear they are a viable way to earn higher education
and improve career options.