Convenience is one of the benefits that obtaining a doctoral degree through a self-paced program provides. After signing up for class, students typically have three months to one year to complete their coursework. Depending on the course and professor, students either mail their assignments in, submit them in person or send them electronically. Most schools require students to attend an orientation prior to starting classes, and this is just one of very few required meetings.
Students can also obtain doctoral degrees through self-paced online programs. Online education is very popular among non-traditional students. With most online degree programs, all meetings take place online, including orientation. Unlike traditional distance learning programs, online courses give students more opportunity to interact with one another. Students have access to each other's email addresses and correspond with one another and professors on message boards and in chat rooms.
Although students in self-paced doctoral programs can interact online, they have little or no face-to-face interaction with peers or professors. This can be challenging for students used to traditional classroom settings. For individuals who cannot do without some form of interaction, be proactive on the occasions that you do meet with professors, such as orientations or interim meetings. Ask other students for their phone numbers and email addresses, and obtain this information from your professor as well, along with his office hours.
It is important to determine whether you have the motivation it takes to complete a self-paced degree program. Whether you earn your degree through a traditional or non-traditional setting, you are going to have to dedicate a lot of time and effort if you want to succeed. If you procrastinate often, have organizational difficulties or need structure in order to complete important tasks, it is not wise to sign up for a self-paced program. Start with one online class and work on becoming more disciplined and self-motivated before committing to a program