Getting a degree online may be the only option open to the physically challenged, busy stay-at-home parents and those living in remote locations. In 2005, about 62 percent of higher education institutions offered some sort of distance education programs, and the percentage is growing every year.
While there are only a few online-only PhD programs in liberal studies, there are many more that offer a combination online and on-campus study course. This, in many ways, is the ideal combination for distance learning, as you'll get more time to spend at home on your program, yet will receive all the benefits traditionally associated with on-campus study, such as access to fellow students and campus resources such as an academic library and quiet study spaces.
Some schools that offer PhD online programs in liberal studies include Wake Forest University, The New School, Saint John's College and Johns Hopkins University, among others. On-campus/online combination programs are offered by Georgetown University, Binghampton University and Union Institute Graduate College (see Resources below).
If you opt to pursue an online PhD degree in liberal studies, be prepared to work even harder than if you opted for an on-campus program. You will need to have tremendous self discipline to complete assignments on time and with little support from fellow students and professors. Since a PhD takes anywhere from four to six years to complete, doing so strictly online may make you feel disconnected and unsure of yourself--problems that are easier dealt with through regular, physically based programs. Even though online study has many benefits, it is a misconception to think that it is in any way easier than the regular route.
Due to its booming popularity, distance education is fraught with poor programs, programs that are not accredited or simply scams that will take your money and offer very little in return besides a fake PhD certificate. Use the link provided below to find legitimate PhD programs, and do extensive research on any program that looks good to you. Also keep in mind that even though your program may be offered by a recognized institution, many times it will be through their extension or adult education divisions, and will therefore not carry the same prestigious significance as their regular, on-campus programs.
Though distance education began as a series of correspondence courses conducted through the mail, it has evolved to sophisticated online instruction that uses the latest Internet technologies to provide seamless student-teacher interaction. With further advancements in technology, expect online education to include virtual presentations, video conferencing and extremely fast downloads of extensive course materials.