Types of Online Doctoral Degrees
Research Doctorates
The research doctorate, often a Ph.D., is considered to be the highest academic achievement in the U.S. education system, and many people don’t know that this highly respected title can be earned through online education. Attaining this qualification online will be no easy accomplishment, but dedicated students who have completed graduate level work and earned a master’s degree will already have an idea of how much hard work it takes to push forward to the pinnacle of academic achievement. While the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is the most commonly-known title, other highly sought-after research doctorates that can be earned through an online university include the Doctor of Engineering (DEng) and Doctor of Education (EdD) qualifications.
Some of the most commonly given research doctorates (Ph.D) recognized by the National Science Foundation that can be earned online include: Doctor of Arts (D.A.), Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.), Doctor of Modern Languages (D.M.L.), Doctor of Nursing Science (D.N.Sc.), Doctor of Public Health (D.P.H.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc./Sc.D.), Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) and Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.).
One example of an online university that offers research doctorates is Argosy University, which offers students an opportunity to earn a D.B.A. in concentrations like marketing, accounting, global business sustainability and international business or an EdD in counseling psychology, organizational leadership or pastoral community counseling. Another example is Capella University, which offers an EdD in educational leadership and management; a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA); and a number of Ph.D/doctoral specializations including information technology, criminal justice, curriculum and instruction and nursing education, among many other options.
Professional Doctorates
Online students are not limited to research doctorates, though. Students can also earn professional doctorates through online universities. At traditional universities, professional doctorates are typically associated with areas like medicine (MD), dentistry (DDS) or law (JD), fields that require a doctorate in order for a person to legally practice in the field. While professional degrees in medicine and dentistry are not suited for online education, other professional doctorates can certainly be earned online.
One example of an online professional doctorate is the 3-year online program for licensed pharmacists offered through the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy. The program is designed for working professionals to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D). Another example is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offered by the University of North Carolina online.
