A search for available doctoral programs in education via distance learning reveals intriguing results. Programs in English run the gambit from degree mills -- where a degree can be awarded despite the fact that the school is not recognized as a degree-granting institution -- to American, British, Canadian and Australian university programs which require residency on a part-time basis or offer the option to complete the entire degree by distance or online learning.

Three Distance Learning Options to Choose From

1. Consider distance learning focused on a research dissertation based on your local circumstances. Available at reasonable cost, with flexible scheduling, this option may meet your demands.

2. Some universities offer distance research studies in which learning modules are completed during school breaks in hard copy, or online.

3. A doctoral degree completed by distance learning coursework and shorter thesis, or professional portfolio.

While the choice of coursework (option three) may at first seem the likely route as it is more structured, the research approach (option one) can be more effective and less expensive. Focused on local workplace conditions, the research data can be applied back to the school as a basis for further study, and may offer some added benefit to your school. The distance learning research approach (option three) is your opportunity to use local factors in context, and by choosing a topic that highlights local conditions, can produce authentic results, applicable elsewhere.

The program you choose depends on individual circumstances such as fees, locale, preferred supervisors, or areas of specialization. Affordability is a major consideration when modular coursework or residency requirements involve travel and accommodation costs. Choosing a doctoral program that is innovative in its focus will support greater congruence between the university, the workplace and your professional endeavors, with results more focused on school transformation, and with the possibility for comparative studies conducted with other colleagues.

When considering a path to earning your doctoral degree, keep in mind you will be better able to sustain your research efforts if they are focused on an area of education about which you feel passionate. After all, you will be investing three or more years into the process.

Challenges of Doctoral Studies by Distance

Completing a dissertation by distance does have special challenges, especially from a remote location. The lack of reference resources including periodicals, texts and doctoral dissertations is a major obstacle. However, data generated in context and gathered from the internet may compensate for this lack. If access to print materials is limited from your location, a topic that investigates new areas of study may be more generative (e.g., Surakkhaka:2002; McKeown:2005).

Staying connected is essential! An experienced, empathetic tutor provides guidance and encouragement to assist you in crafting research arguments. Communicating by email, text messages, video conferencing, and online phone are all ways to maintain contact. Supplied with particular circumstances of the local context, your tutor will assist you in establishing connections that add relevance to your work. Your university tutor will request reports at scheduled intervals.

Periodically, take available opportunities to explain your work in progress to a circle of critical friends. Family, supportive colleagues, and other online students may provide regular, direct, timely and specific feedback, and help you refine ideas as data is gathered. To clarify developments, share your progress with school colleagues or at conferences. Sharing with individuals outside the area of expertise may help you to clarify issues and refine your arguments.

When your dissertation is submitted, there are three options that the appointed readers will give: accepted, accepted with revisions, or not accepted. Your dissertation may be recommended for additional clarification after the external readers have deliberated on the merits of the thesis and the supporting evidence.

Keep in mind that when submitting your dissertation, special binding, paper bond or other requirements may be stipulated and the needed materials may, or may not, be available locally. Fortunately printing services are available for distance learners, at a cost. A Google search should reveal the right printer for you.

The Viva Voce

Following the acceptance of your thesis, you will be invited to defend your work. The viva voce or oral is typically held at the university. However, in the case of distance learners, the viva can be accommodated in different ways, taking into account the requirements of the institution and the circumstances of the examiners and candidate. Since you and your tutor, external readers, and the institution may be separated by great distances, suggested viva voce alternatives include video-conferencing, on-line examinations, or a list of selected questions to be answered online within a restricted time frame.

If you have been contemplating earning your doctorate in education but didn’t think it possible from your current geographical location, think again. If you can connect to the internet you can earn your doctorate in education and from any corner of the world.