Yes. Many students choose to study part time, particularly when they are working professionals and self-funded. It is likely that the majority of funded PhD positions will require a full time commitment.
Unlike graduate or post graduate courses where the course duration are more or less fixed, doctoral programs’ durations vary from country to country. However, a minimum duration for a PhD is 2.5 years but it may take long depending upon how focused, disciplined and determined one is in pursuing his PhD. In certain special circumstances, the minimum duration can be reduced too. Students are expected to submit a thesis within 12 months of the end of the program (and preferably within the 2.5 year period).
PhD is a short form of Doctor of Philosophy which is one of the most common type of doctorate degree worldwide. Since all doctoral degrees are highest level of educationthat one can obtain in a field of study, they are often referred to as terminal degrees.
Although only certain disciplines award a Doctor of Philosophy, most do have doctoral degree program. Although the PhD is only 1 kind of doctorate degree, the 2 terms are often used interchangeably in the academic sphere since the PhD is by far the most common type of doctoral degree.
Essentially all PhD programs engage students in research and analysis work which is a prerequisite for almost all research & academic institutes from graduation level onwards across the globe. Not all doctoral degrees put emphasis on research work. Many other have more practical use of existing research and knowledge.
For example, if you choose to study education, you can earn a PhD in education or a Doctorate of Education, which is commonly written as EdD. Although both of these are doctorate degrees, the PhD in education focuses on giving students the tools and foundational knowledge that they need to produce their own research and contribute to the scholarly debates in their specialty fields. In contrast, the EdD in education promotes the use of existing research to improve education systems.
A Masters degree, or its international equivalent, is often required for entry onto a PhD and this is usually the case in arts and humanities subjects. In the sciences, however, students can sometimes progress directly to a PhD after their undergraduate degree. In addition to any postgraduate requirements, you’ll also need to demonstrate good performance during your undergraduate degree. An upper second class bachelors degree is generally the minimum entry requirement. If your PhD is not conducted in your first language, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency through a language test.
In today’s time when the entire world is virtually connected with one another, education is one field which has taken maximum advantage of it. Gone are the days when one was required to sit through the regular lectures in a physical classroom all throughout his learning session; today, even flying is taught in a simulator.
An online PhD gives you more flexibility in terms of place & time and makes it easier for you to work and study at the same time. However, it is important to remember that just because an online PhD offers you more flexibility, it does not mean that you will have less work to do. Online PhD programs are best suited for highly disciplined students who wish to advance their careers while they continue to work.
An online PhD program can provide you with greater flexibility by allowing you to watch lectures and post to discussion boards at times that fit your schedules. There will probably be strict due dates for assignments and discussion posts. However, you will have the freedom to complete your work when you want within a broader timeframe.
However, it is important for you to make sure that your online school is accredited by a nationally recognized educational agency or association. Accreditation ensures that the institution provides quality...
Doctoral degrees significantly improve your chances of finding employment and can often raise your level of income. With a PhD from an accredited university, you are far more likely to find a job than people with other lesser degrees. Besides, as an expert in your field, you are more likely to earn better pay for your knowledge and skills. A PhD does not necessarily guarantee higher income and full-time employment, but it can greatly improve your chances of having both. On top of that, the prestige that you receive of having the ultimate knowledge in a particular subject is beyond any other achievements.
Some professions do require a doctorate as a compulsory degree. In academics from graduation level onwards, it is now mandatory to have a doctoral degree to get a teaching job. In research institutes as well, a doctoral degree is a must. Even if you get a research or consulting job without a PhD, further promotions would be hampered without one.
However, you should be aware that PhDs and professional degrees require a large investment of time, energy, and money. The minimum duration to complete your PhD is 2.5 years, but often this duration is extended if your focus is not on completion.