Many online colleges and universities offer Ph.D. programs that are no different than those with "bricks and mortar" campuses. Today's technology makes it possible to conduct research, attend lectures and take tests without stepping foot in a classroom. Because all coursework is done online, it's possible to manage a career and family and still pursue a Ph.D.
Legitimate colleges and universities meet the standards established by agencies recognized as reliable educational evaluating authorities and receive accreditation. Attending an accredited school ensures that degrees are recognized by other schools and employers. In the United States, the most widely recognized form of university accreditation comes from regional and national agencies. Consult the websites listed under resources, below, for databases of accrediting agencies maintained by The U.S. Department of Education and The Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Beware of schools, called "degree mills," that call themselves colleges or universities (there is no law against it) and sell diplomas to anyone willing to pay. Some even advertise that they're accredited, but the accreditation comes from their own agencies and the diplomas aren't worth the paper they're written on.
All of the educational institutions listed on eCollegeFinder.org are accredited online colleges and universities. The Distance Learning Colleges guide recommends the following accredited online universities for doctoral and Ph.D. programs:
Capella University: Offers continuous enrollment; apply for credit for previous work and education. Offer search assistance, scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs and Veterans' educational benefits. capella.edu
University of Phoenix: The largest online school, with more than 100,000 students, offers a rolling schedule with classes starting weekly. Financial aid is available. Previous education and training can qualify for credit. phoenix.edu
Walden University: Encouraging students to collaborate with peers while applying coursework in their current career. waldenu.edu
A.T.Still University of Health Sciences: Offering a doctor of health education. www.atsu.edu
Argosy University Online: Member of NCA CASI. online.argosy.edu
Fielding Graduate University: Providing graduate-level learning in psychology, organizational development and educational leadership. fielding.edu
Concord Law School: Registered with the California Committee of Bar Examiners; graduates can apply for admission to the California Bar. Financing available. concordlawschool.edu
Liberty University: The world's largest evangelical university, ranked third in the nation out of all online universities by the Online Education Database for 2008. More than half of the 40,000+ student population study online. liberty.edu
Columbia Southern University: One of the top 30 online schools for military education by Military Advanced Education. Tuition assistance available; approved for Veteran's Educational Benefits. columbiasouthern.edu
University of the Rockies -- Online: Teaches how to integrate psychology with business and leadership. rockies.edu