Postgraduate degree programs offer students an opportunity to explore
a subject to attain the highest levels of proficiency in that area of
study. Courses can be based upon a curriculum or independent study and
research. A recent study released by both Penn State University
Outreach Marketing and Communications and University Continuing
Education Association revealed that distance learning is anticipated to
grow ten times quicker than on-campus education over the next ten years.
Further, about 45 percent of college enrollment are adult students who
frequently prefer distance learning opportunities to classes on campus.
Sun Chairman Scott McNealy states, "Technology has to play a huge role
in education. (It's) changed commerce...publishing...banking. It's
got to change education big time."
Distance learning postgraduate
online education degrees afford busy students the opportunity to earn
doctorate degrees at their convenience, without having travel to and
attend traditional classes. By the time students intend to pursue
distance learning postgraduate online education degrees, they are
usually computer literate, self-motivated and able to manage their time
properly. These are all essential elements to success in virtual
classrooms. The two basic types of postgraduate degrees students may
earn are professional doctorates or research doctorates.
Professional
doctorates. The United States requires terminal professional
doctorate degrees to perform in certain fields, such as dentistry,
medicine, law, chiropractics, occupational therapy and psychology.
Prior to entering these professional doctorate programs, students are
required to complete a bachelors degree, preferably in a related field.
Professional doctorate degrees, such as J.D. and M.D., usually do not
require students to complete a thesis, although some do require an
original research paper to be submitted. Doctorate degrees usually take
three years to complete after postsecondary education, although
distance learning postgraduate online education degrees may be earned
more quickly. Because online education courses are often geared for the
busy adult learner, students can progress at their own pace.
Research
doctorates. The research doctorate that is most commonly earned is a
Ph.D. The time is takes to complete research doctorate degree programs
can vary quite a bit, depending on course pursued. It is common for
students to take two to three years to complete coursework and three or
more years to conduct pertinent research. The benefit of a Ph.D. is
that a holder is qualified to pursue an academic career as an expert in
their field. Distance learning research doctorate degrees are
conveniently pursued online and can be easily worked around professional
schedules.
Honorary doctorates. These degrees may be awarded for substantial contributions to a field and are not necessarily academic.
Financial
Aid. Federal financial aid and loan programs may be applied to
distance learning postgraduate online education degrees. Employers may
offer tuition reimbursement for coursework. Private loans may also be
secured to pay for higher education. Students have several options
available that can help them finance their doctorates.
Thesis.
Some postgraduate doctorate degrees require students to write a thesis.
The learner defines their own area of research and takes years to write
a detailed paper, which may be made available as pertinent information
to other students in the field.
Coursework. Distance learning
postgraduate online education degree programs offer students ongoing
guidance through coursework, email, virtual lectures and online
discussions. Students are, however, expected to work independently and
use a variety of research resources to complete their course
requirements.
Online Students. A recent national study entitled
Degrees of Opportunity revealed some interesting facts about online
students. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed felt that the benefits
derived from higher education are equal to or even greater than the
money, time and effort involved. Lyungai Mbilinyi, Ph.D and author of
this report, stated, "Eighty-one percent associated higher education
with a sense of personal accomplishment and seventy-eight percent
believed education would better develop their talents or pursue their
interests. Despite the assortment of obstacles many adults face when
considering a return to school, the overwhelming majority believe the
resulting benefits have made it worthwhile." Finally, eighty-four
percent of enrollments in higher education programs are non-traditional
students such as distance learners and adults with jobs. Students who
participate in distance learning postgraduate online degree programs are
not only seeking better positions, but the increased knowledge and
self-esteem that comes with an advanced education.
The study
"Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United States, 2005" found
that full distance learning postgraduate online education degree
programs were offered by 38 percent of schools. The popularity of
postgraduate online degree programs makes it clear they are a viable way
to earn higher education and improve career options.