The credibility of any online program depends on multiple factors. Those factors can pose many question marks on the Institute, conducting such programs, as well as on the individuals’ sole intention. PhD – acronym for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ is the highest academic degree. And this degree can be achieved by sheer, thorough research work and an in-depth understanding of a chosen topic. However, many constraints line up when one even thinks of a doctorate, pushing the aspiring senior leaders/ working professionals/entrepreneurs/homemakers, and others to a corner, leaving them with no way out. Online PhD programs are a real boon for individuals who want to stand tall amongst the common crowd of peers and professionals.
In the lives of many, there are unheard sentiments of showing the world that one holds mastery in his/ her field. This can only be achieved by online PhD programs, which provide great learning at me-time and from the comfort of your home. Nowadays, there is an upsurge in online PhD programs. Through this blog, you will not only learn how the online PhD programs are evaluated for credibility, but also be made aware of whom they are useful for. You will also explore the factors that make your dream of acquiring the highest academic degree very much catered to in the structured online PhD Program. So, whether you are a working professional, a Senior Executive, a career switcher, or others, this blog will guide you to make an informed decision for a credible online PhD program.
The nuances of an offline PhD Program
Offline PhD programs are traditional in approach and curriculum. The minimum duration of a PhD course is 3 years, but in most cases it goes up to 5 years or beyond. Many universities offering PhD programs require a valid score in the national or university-level entrance exam, like UGC, NET, CSIR, GATE, etc. Some institutions even require a research proposal outlining the intended research topic beforehand. On top of this, even the shortlisted candidates have to undergo an interview to assess their research aptitude and suitability for the program.
To just secure admission in a PhD program, aspiring candidates need to go through the aforementioned steps. However, there is no commitment from the university side on the timely completion of the Doctorate Degree despite full commitment from the candidate side, leaving him/ her with full frustration. Therefore, for this basic reason, now only a select number of candidates undergo offline PhD programs who have a sole career path of a University Professor, Research Scientist, Product Manager, Research Advisor, et al.
Why Should One Choose the Online PhD Program?
In today’s scenario, the global e-learning market is booming. India does not remain untouched by the very concept of e-learning. In fact, the educational online market is currently growing at a CAGR of 8.56% approximately. This is very much expected to grow in the coming years. In India, the online educational market is growing exponentially, which can be attributed to many viz, policy support, mobile accessibility, aspirational gentry, etc.
In today’s fast paced professional arena, higher education has become the most essential credential for career growth. Online programs offered by well recognised institutes provide an effective and practical approach for working professionals/ aspiring individuals to pursue higher studies without much affecting their career commitments. Here are some reasons why many engaged professionals should go for online education.
1. Work and study Balance
Online education programs offer the freedom to learn at one’s own pace. Thereby enables professionals to balance work responsibilities with academic pursuits. The learners can engage with the course content at their leisure without affecting their job commitments.
2. Global Learning Resource
Geographical boundaries are no longer a barrier for higher education. With online education programs, professionals can now access any course from top universities and can interact with faculty from anywhere in the world.
3. Professional Growth
When a professional does an online program from a well recognised institute, then the acquired degree ensures their professional credentials, opens avenues for promotions, and also facilitates career shift.
4. Technology-enabled interactive learning
Advanced Learning Management System, virtual simulations, and AI-driven assessment can create an engaging, insightful, and personalised academic experience. This ensures practical application in the workplace.
Evaluating the Credibility of an Online PhD Program
The basic difference between an offline PhD program and an online PhD program is the focus of study. The online PhD program gives thrust in practical-oriented learning, whereas the offline PhD program focuses on academic learning. There are many parameters to draw the credibility of an online PhD Program.
The credibility of the online PhD Program rests largely on the reliability of the institution offering such courses, the program’s accreditation status, and the quality of academic delivery. Thus, online PhD Programs offered by the well-recognised and globally accepted institutes meet the aforementioned standards, which make their programs credible enough. Therefore, while evaluating the credibility of online PhD programs, there are key tips one should eye for.
1. Accreditation
The online PhD program is accredited by international or national education authorities. In India, there are many institutes that offer Online PhD Degree Programs that are accredited by international universities. That is the doctorate degree is formally issued by the foreign partner, which is often called a dual degree or collaborative program. Internationally look for accreditation from bodies like CHEA (USA) or QAA (UK). When an institute has accreditation from international bodies, that means it is evaluated for academic quality, faculty, infrastructure, research output, and student support system.
2. Research Component
A genuine PhD program must have a strong research and dissertation component. Many well recognised institutes maintain the same academic rigour, research standards, and evaluation processes as their in-campus counterparts. Faculty work closely with candidates through virtual meetings, collaborate on digital platforms, and access online libraries for review. Even the final dissertation is submitted electronically and defended by the candidate through video conferencing.
3. Faculty and Mentorship
Good programs offer access to world-qualified mentors and faculty, thereby ensuring regular academic guidance and peer interaction. Gaining knowledge from seasoned faculty will open doors for enhanced research work. A good online PhD program makes sure that each candidate is assigned to an experienced faculty member. This faculty not only possesses subject expertise but also understands the nuances of supervising research in a virtual environment. In totality, this faculty mentorship in an online PhD program bridges the gap between learning and high-quality research work. It empowers the candidates to produce research that is both original and relevant.
4. Technological Line-abreast
The technological advancement is the quintessential key for unlocking interactive online PhD classes, remote supervision, and access to global research platforms. The academic integrity and research productivity are well ensured by various technical tools like digital libraries, plagiarism checking software, and collaborative workspaces. Whereas secure video conferencing surely supports the remote thesis assessment. Technologies enhance the academic experience, making high quality Doctoral Programs accessible worldwide.
Who all can benefit from Online PhD Programs?
Online PhD programs are beneficial for a unique set of individuals who are committed to acquiring knowledge while remaining in or maintaining their daily work.
1. Working Professional
Individuals who are in corporate, academic, or Government roles who want to upgrade their qualifications without leaving their respective jobs.
2. Senior Executives or Military Officers
Individuals with significant field experience who want to upgrade their expertise into an academic contribution.
3. International Students
Learners from different countries who are seeking to upgrade their academic standards.
4. Stay-at-home Individuals or Parents
Individuals who can not travel but are inclined to pursue higher education.
5. Career Switchers
Professionals who want to switch over to research work or academic careers.
Conclusion
Online doctorate degree programs are now the only means by which a highly engaged individual can carve an elite status of intellectuals for themselves. The much sought-after prefix – ‘Dr’ before the name catches the attention of not only the layman but also leaves an untarnished remark on the minds of professionals. This brings home all the admiration and attention to the years-long expertise of the working professionals.
The ability to study while working ensures that the newly acquired knowledge and skills can be applied immediately in real job scenarios. This flexibility is provided only when the highest level of academic degree is available through credible online PhD programs. If the aspiring candidates choose the right institutes as brought out above, then surely the Doctoral Degree will be achieved for career advancement and academic contribution.
Doctoral degree while continuing job/ other commitments, then an online PhD program is the only ray of hope!
Recommended Reads
- Top 8 Honorary Doctorate Degrees In UAE
- What is an Honorary Doctorate(Honoris Causa)?
- Top 8 Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Dubai
- Top 10 Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Abu Dhabi
FAQs
Ans. All well recognised institutes ensure that their online PhD programs are accredited by international accreditation bodies. This makes it legitimate.
Ans. Yes. If the program is accredited and done from a well recognised institute, employers do value it.
Ans. Yes.
Ans. Yes, because they offer strong faculty mentorship as well as online research infrastructure.
Ans. Yes, if the online PhD programs are accredited by regional accreditation bodies.