Online doctorate degrees may be obtained after approximately two to four years of full-time study. A master's degree program should be completed prior to beginning a distance doctorate program. Accreditation is a system that helps ensure that a basic quality level exists for the education you choose to receive and is not government affiliated in the U.S. Accreditation is particularly important for distance or online learning institutions so that degrees are accepted and recognized to attain career goals.
Northcentral University's School of Behavioral and Health Sciences offers a program for professionals who wish to obtain advanced degrees in marriage and family therapy and psychology. The accredited programs include studies that focus on key psychological health practices and principles. The studies are designed to prepare students for various types of work in psychology and therapy related occupations.
Walden University's doctorate curriculum, since 1970, has involved comprehensive studies focused on degrees relating to over 10 programs with over 60 specializations. Programs include education, health services, public health, management, business administration, counselor supervision and education, psychology, human services and in public policy and administration. The Walden community encourages students to share experiences on a worldwide basis to effectively apply studies to existing careers.
Chicago's Loyola University offers a doctoral program developed for students interested in Counseling Psychology. The doctorate program was created for professionals involved in the practice of psychology. Accredited by the American Psychological Association, the program may include teaching, conducting research and a variety of counseling situations. Graduating students who meet State of Illinois requirements can also have the opportunity to take the Clinical Psychologist licensure examination.
Capella University includes accredited doctoral studies from its School of Business and Technology, School of Education, School of Public Service Leadership and the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Some of the degree programs include accounting, general business, information technology, organization and management, education and leadership, human services, public administration and psychology. The school's classes are hosted by faculty member scholars and practitioners.
Many accredited distance learning schools offer extensive doctoral education programs. For more information, visit websites such as the Distance Learning College Guide to find out about the hundreds of distance learning doctoral programs available (see Resources). Areas of study may include business, education, management, and leadership and psychology. Top accredited universities such as Boston University offers online doctoral programs such as those in the musical arts, music education, occupational therapy and physical therapy (see Resources).