PhD Degree In Distance Learning - for Mastery of Online

PhD Degree In Distance Learning - for Mastery of Online Education by Jim Zorn

A PhD degree in distance learning is the most prestigious degree
awarded in the field of education these days. PhD or Doctor of
Philosophy is awarded for a number of specializations including
Instructional Design for Online Learning, Leadership for Higher
Education, Leadership in Educational Administration,
Postsecondary and Adult Education, Professional Studies in
Education, Training and Performance Improvement, etc. The PhD
degree is awarded in recognition of an original contribution to
the subject, the demonstrated mastery and knowledge of the
subject or for conducting and presenting scholarly research on a
selected topic. This is known as the doctoral thesis or
dissertation.

Educational Requirements for PhD Degree

The PhD degree in distance learning requires completion of a
master's degree in education accompanied by two to five years of
postgraduate research training. Some institutions may not
require a master's degree, if the candidate has relevant
expertise. The aspiring doctoral candidates in distance learning
are selected on the basis of written and oral examination. Then
they must conduct the research on their chosen subject and write
a dissertation. On completion of the research, doctoral students
have to satisfactorily present the dissertation before a
committee of professors in the field.

The minimum registration period for a full-time PhD is two years
and a maximum of three to four years. But there can be broad
variations from university to university. Most of the PhD
programs in distance learning have a residency requirement.
Doctoral students are required to spend a specific time at their
chosen university. This provides the support and valuable
sources of information from fellow students and instructors.

Advantages of Acquiring a PhD Degree

The PhD degree in distance learning can lead to a high level
position in a number of educational settings whether they are
traditional, corporate or online. The PhD program in distance
learning is designed to prepare researchers and includes
coursework, internships, and independent work in distance
learning course planning, data analysis, and instructional
theory. A PhD degree is required to become a professor, dean or
an administrator in a university.

The PhD degree in distance learning is offered by a number of
accredited universities. Some of them are University of Phoenix
Online, Walden University, Capella University, University of
Maryland University College, Boston University, University of
Florida, etc. PhDs in distance learning offered by these
universities prepare students to lead and manage challenges in a
variety of educational settings. The program provides expertise
in designing, organizing, teaching, and evaluating course work
for online education.

So, if you aspire to achieve a high level position in any type
of educational set up or gain indepth knowledge and expertise in
the field of distance learning, a PhD degree is extremely
helpful.

About the author:
Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please
visit to learn more about online colleges and universities,
distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered.