The demographics of college learners are changing, in part because of the greater participation in online programs. According to a study by scholars from Brigham Young University and the University of Michigan, today's learners are more likely to be older than typical college-age students, more self-directed in their studies and display a degree of anxiety about learning in online classrooms. While some fears about online education are understandable, a talk with an admissions representative about your intended course of study and why the distance learning program is a match can help alleviate anxiety. The University of Phoenix, which has both in-class and online options, provides every student with personal guidance from a counselor, to help the student make the right choice.
Distance learning programs have evolved from the unwieldy correspondence courses of the past. The evolution of the Internet allowed distance learning to explode in popularity; students are increasingly embracing online learning environments.
Because distance learning allows students to complete the work on their own schedule and from any location, many of the traditional costs associated with getting an advanced degree in professional studies are lessened. There are no commuting costs, school fees are lower, and expenses for books and educational aids are generally reduced.
Most accredited distance learning programs require you to have some level of previous experience or coursework in a field before accepting you for Ph.D. candidacy. Some schools also require you to present an academic thesis before beginning your program. Distance learning programs do have admissions criteria, and some programs can have competition.
Many types of professional studies programs are available through distance-learning programs. Some of these options, as of 2011, are education, American Indian education, library science, human resources, law, English as a Second Language, psychology and communication.