How to Design Your Own Curriculum for a Distance Learning PhD

Doing a Ph.D through distance learning is an ideal option for people who don't have the time--or, possibly, the inclination--to attend doctoral classes. Designing your own curriculum--Latin for "course"--is an ideal time for you to reflect on what you have accomplished in your field and what you would like to concentrate on for your studies. Some doctoral distance learning programs require you to follow the coursework they have in place, but others require you to design your own curriculum. Since all studies lead to writing your dissertation, structure your curriculum in that direction.

Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce your area of interest until you have to put it under a microscope to see it. Forget about writing about ancient Rome, and reduce it to the murder of Julius Caesar. Think small and specific.

    • 2

      Develop a time line in your curriculum studies. Indicate when you expect to complete your review of the literature, and project when you will have the first draft of your introduction ready.

    • 3

      Outline how you are going to review the literature of your specific topic, and build it into your curriculum design. Provide background information on books and articles you have read on the subject, and project other readings you will do. Although you have more latitude than you did as a master's student, you still have to reference all statements in your dissertation.

    • 4

      Write your doctoral curriculum in easy-to-understand English. At this point, you don't have to be concerned with terms you will eventually explain in your introductory chapter. Clear presentations exposes weaknesses, and this will help you spot the flaws in your Ph.D curriculum design.

    • 5

      Maintain a consistent academic tone in your curriculum design. Do not use too many adverbs, stay away from jokes and remain objective.

    • 6

      Review your curriculum design with your academic adviser. Ask her for advice on how to improve the design, and incorporate her suggestions into the final copy of the curriculum you are designing for your distance learning Ph.D.

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