Online education, despite already being around for decades still battle those suspicious of even the best online degree programs. In some cases it may be the HR representative does not believe in online schools, in others elitism may be at work. Regardless, those with degrees received online are often faced with the question as to whether their online program was as good as a traditional one.
This is even more true for those with online PhD’s. Doctorate degrees are the more difficult and arduous academic undertaking. However, for those interested in academia the title is an absolute must, and for those interested in high-level managerial positions it is a preferred quality that could give applicants the edge they need.
A Catch 22: An Online Doctorate Degree Only Option For Many
The problem is that many coveting the title of “doctor” cannot afford either the time or cost (or both) of traditional PhD programs. Therefore, the online doctorate programs are the only option they have; especially adult students that are already working in their respective industries.
This puts prospective PhD candidates in a bind. Andrew Borchers, who received an online PhD from Nova Southeastern University, is straightforward about the hard reality those with online PhDs face. He states, “If they think they’re going to get a job at Harvard or the University of Michigan, they’re kidding themselves”.
Online PhDs More Accepted in Non-Academic Industries
Then again, most graduates from traditional PhD programs are unlikely to land jobs at Harvard or the University of Michigan, as well. In fact, in academia jobs are becoming so scarce most universities are actively cutting professors, not hiring them.
Which means that those with online PhD’s are more likely to be successful in non-academic industries. This is because industry experience and time in the “real world” can trump where a PhD was acquired; and for most managerial positions simply having a PhD is impressive enough. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Accreditation is just as important to an industry employer as it is to an academic institution when it does hiring, and online schools must be accredited by the appropriate authorities.
Read more about online PhD stigmas at The Chronicle of Higher Education.