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University of Phoenix More Info

Besides the fact that you don’t have to attend a lecture in person with online Ph.D. programs, there are many other differences from on-campus, traditional ones.

Advantages of an Online Ph.D.

Convenience: Graduate students are able to access their lectures at anytime and anywhere—home, on the road or on their lunch breaks at work.

Flexibility: Since there are no set lecture times, students are free to complete their assignments and study for tests at their own pace. This means that you can finish your work at a speed that suits your study habits.

Pricing: More often than not, an online doctoral program can be less expensive than attending a traditional brick and mortar school.

Disadvantages of an Online Ph.D.

No face-to-face instructor: Since you will be earning your doctorate via distance learning, there will be little in-person time with your professor(s). Instead, you will engage through Internet chat sessions, emails and message boards.

Reputation: Even though more and more online institutions are becoming accredited by highly respected agencies, some employers and traditional schools still view a degree earned online less favorably than one earned on site.

Socialization: Your classmates will be virtual, meaning little or no face-to-face contact with your peers. All or most interaction with study partners will be done via the Internet.

Lack of a physical environment: To some this may not matter, but distance learning does not provide the campus atmosphere found in other higher education programs.