Online PhD Safety

When looking for an online PhD program, you must make sure to watch out for diploma mills or plain old fake programs. Online PhD programs may offer a quick way to a doctorate, but they can cost you a job and a career.

Considerations

There are legitimate online PhD programs, but also many PhD programs from unaccredited schools. Even at legitimate programs, you have to spend the same amount of time on your degree as a student at a traditional school--sometimes more, because there is less structure.

Risks

Some online schools send out spam that offers a PhD diploma in far less time than a normal program, usually by offering credit life experience. Other programs are unaccredited and usually not recognized in the academic or professional world.

Tip

Research any potential school before entering a PhD program. Claiming a degree from a diploma mill could be grounds for termination because the company may view a diploma mill degree as you lying on your application. Legitimate schools are accredited by one of the six regional accrediting councils, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Department of Education has a complete listing of accredited national and regional agencies (see Resources).

References

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Unconventional University Diplomas from Online Vendors: Buying a Ph.D. From a University That Doesn't Exist
• WorldWideLearn: Learn the Truth! The 7 Biggest Myths About Online PhD Programs
• DoctoralDegree.org: Introduction to Doctoral Degree

Resources

• Department of Education: Accreditation in the United States