The longstanding route to a doctorate degree goes from undergraduate school, through a master's programs and on to a doctoral program. At the end, the student has three degrees: a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and the doctorate. The process takes a minimum of eight years, unless the student graduated early from a degree program due to hard work. The process could take 10 years or more, especially if the student enrolls in a part-time program.
Some universities offer a program that allows students to enter a doctorate program using only a bachelor's degree. However, students do not skip any steps. Instead, the school combines the doctoral and master's programs to offer specialized training in a field. The purpose is to immerse the student in a highly competitive program. Prospective professors often go for this option, as do students who are certain of their career path and chosen field of study. These programs are not closed to students who try to enter with their master's degree from another university. The programs do offer traditional entry.
These options are available online. Not all fields of academia offer online doctorate degrees; only the fields do not require hands-on instruction. Hands-on programs are medical, engineering and some art degrees. Degree candidates complete their courses, advising and dissertation process entirely online. They turn in assignments via the shared virtual classroom. Instructors administer tests and lectures through this classroom portal as well. Students communicate with their professors and advisers via email or by phone. In an online doctorate, the infamous doctoral dissertation is optional. An exam takes the place of the dissertation.
In order to obtain the doctorate degree, degree candidates may be required to complete an internship component of the program. Internships are required for medical, and some technical fields. Internship requirements are clearly outlined at the beginning of each program. Degree candidates outside of these programs can look into using an internship to qualify as credit toward the doctorate degree.