Online Doctorate Programs - Online Doctorate in History

Online Doctorate Programs - Online Doctorate in History
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Facts on a Doctorate in History

Students interested in getting a doctorate in history online must go for a combination of online and on-campus education. There are, at present, no online doctorate programs in history that rely solely on the distance learning classroom for instruction.

An online doctorate in history may require four to six years of study after the master’s degree level; some schools also offer dual masters and Ph.D. programs; it is noteworthy that they have the same intensive work requirements as a stand alone Ph.D. program. The learning style is usually by way of online research, reading, presentation, live or recorded audio and video lectures, live seminars and workshops, and online or offline projects.

Students may be required to hold an offline teaching assistantship. Moreover, prospective graduates must complete a well-researched, lengthy dissertation on the selected topic, defend it before a panel of experts, and pass a written qualifying examination.

Before deciding to go for a doctorate in history online, it is advisable to carefully consider if you have the time and the resources to undertake such a commitment. Take some time to carefully consider the pros and cons of online study, as well as future career prospects.

Pros and Cons

Let’s look at some obvious pros of going for a doctorate in history online -

  • You have the advantage of flexibility in matters of location, work schedule and study time. You don’t have to give up your job or undergo an expensive relocation. You also don’t have to commute every day.
  • Since part of the work is online, you gain experience in using technology, online modules and online communications.
  • You develop essential research, organizational and communication skills.
  • You get to work and interact with professors and students from around the world.
  • You become more independent and self-reliant.

Here are some of the cons associated with a doctorate in history online -

  • Without the requisite technical equipment, software and technical know-how, you won’t get off the ground.
  • There is less amount of face-to-face interaction with professors, mentors and students as compared to what you get on a traditional campus.
  • You will have a hard time if your time management, work, organizational, and research skills are not up to par.
  • If you are the sort of person who requires frequent external motivation and guidance, this educational system may not be for you.

How to Research Programs

Once you have weighed all the issues and decided you want to go for a doctorate in history online, it’s time to check universities that offer online doctorate programs in history. Accreditation is very important. If the school you pick is not properly accredited by legitimate regional or national accrediting commissions, your doctorate degree won’t hold any value in the professional world. To this end, make a list of accredited colleges that offer online doctorates in history within the topic ranges you are interested in. For this, of course, you must first have a clear idea about your doctoral topic.

Visit the university websites and find out their eligibility requirements, course structures, technological and software requirements, course schedule, research requirements, projects, seminars, workshops, and dissertation expectation. Find out about fee requirements and the availability of scholarships and grants. Please select this link to check out prospective colleges.

Career Prospects for Graduates with a Doctorate in History

A Ph.D. in history prepares you for a wide range of careers in teaching, politics, writing and industry. Check out the current earning potential for people with history degrees at the U.S. Department of Labor website.