Is it Worth Pursuing a Distance Learning PhD?

On the face of it a PhD would seem to be a natural fit with distance learning. After all most of the work done on a PhD is original research and writing your thesis, you can usually do this from almost anywhere. Things are not that simple however and in most cases a distance learning PhD offers fairly limited value.

The main problem with a distance learning PhD is that the main reason that people pursue a doctoral degree is so that they can get an academic position. The reality is that your chances of getting an academic position with a distance learning degree are very low. While online degrees have gained much wider acceptance over the last few years one area where they are not widely accepted is in the world of academia. In large part this is because distance learning is something of a threat to academics who obviously make their living from teaching students.

The other issue with a distance learning PhD is that if you are doing your research on your own you will not have regular contact with your thesis advisor. While this may not be a huge problem in terms of actually completing your thesis it does have an impact on your career prospects. One of the first things that will be looked at if you apply for an academic position is who you took your PhD under; there are very few top academics who will act as advisors for a distance learning degree. This will be another huge issue that you will have to overcome if you want to get an academic position.

So does this mean that distance learning PhD’s are a complete waste of time? The answer actually is no it doesn’t. Over the last few years credential inflation has been somewhat out of control. In large part online learning has been responsible for that. The result is that a PhD is not simply an academic degree anymore; it can now be a huge benefit out in the private sector as well.

Since a PhD is no longer just for academics it would be fair to say that a distance learning doctorate is worth the time and effort. Just keep in mind that it is not going to get you an academic position. If your goal is to be a college professor you are going to have to get a traditional on campus degree.