Online Doctorate Degree

Types of Online Doctorate Degrees

The online doctorate degree is the highest academic classification that can be achieved by a student in the United States. It is available in a number of different forms, many of which duplicate traditional doctorate degree titles. The only two exceptions are that there is no online doctorate law or medical degree offered. Here are some of the common types of online doctorate degrees available:

• The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most general form of doctoral degree and can be associated with any number of majors. It is the simple title for most online doctorate degrees and can span majors from history to mathematics to finance.
• The Doctor of Business Administration degree is tailored to students who choose to focus on topics related to business. The majors that are typically seen in this online doctorate degree include finance, quantitative finance, project management, marketing, and accounting.
• The Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) degree is intended for students who want to find work in the educational system, typically as administrators such as principals or superintendents. This online doctorate degree teaches students the ins and outs of the American educational system.
• The Doctor of Health Administration degree is typically presented in the field of health leadership. It focuses on the administration, policy, and organization of healthcare institutions and prepares students to become managers in the healthcare arena.

Where Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree?

There are many online colleges that offer online doctorate degrees and a simple Internet search is all that is needed to find them. Students should verify that the school they plan to attend is accredited by a recognized agency prior to enrollment.

How Much Will an Online Doctorate Degree Cost?

The price of an online doctorate degree can rest within a wide range of prices. The demand for a major, credibility of the school, teaching quality, and convenience of the program all factor into the cost of the online doctorate degree. An online doctorate degree usually costs about the same or less per credit as on-campus doctorate programs, meaning it can range from $30,000 to $100,000.

Financial Aid

While the cost of an online doctorate degree may seem high, there are resources available for students who cannot afford the full cost of tuition. The first step to receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines a student's eligibility for scholarships, loans, and grants. If a student is employed, it is worth asking his or her employer if they offer tuition assistance as many companies help pay for their employees’ education.

Transitioning to an Online Doctorate Degree

The majority of online doctorate degree students are working professionals who are looking to augment their experience on the job with further education. Many of these students are far removed from the educational system and have not attended classes in years. Most online colleges understand this dilemma and have counselors who guide students through the potentially difficult process.

Majors

The online doctorate degree program staffs all of the majors that are offered by on-campus doctorate degree programs with the exception of medical and legal degrees.