Disadvantages of an Online Doctoral Degree

Online degree programs have a number of advantages to offer students such as flexibility and affordability. However, there are also some inherent disadvantages associated with online degree programs. This is especially true for an online doctoral degree program. Some of the drawbacks to online education include: lack of opportunity for teaching or research assistantships, a feeling of isolation, fewer networking opportunities, and failure of the degree to be taken seriously by employers. Individuals should be aware of these limitations when considering any type of online degree program. Even with these deficiencies, pursuing a degree online can be an excellent option for many. Understanding both the pros and cons of online degree programs can help individuals make more well-informed decisions.

Traditional doctoral students typically have the opportunity to be involved in teaching or research assistantships. Assistantships can be extremely beneficial to students by helping them secure employment within their field of study. Individuals earning an online doctoral degree may have a more difficult time finding opportunities for teaching or research assistantships. Additionally, since online students complete the majority of their coursework on their own, individuals may begin to feel a bit isolated. Online students are not involved with their fellow students or professors on the same level as are traditional students. Even when individuals succeed at online education, they may still feel a void due to lack of social interaction with their peers.

Online students may have a more difficult time finding networking opportunities. While the internet does provide numerous networking options, online students may find they do not have the same networking advantages as traditional students. Face-to-face interaction or word-of-mouth referral by a professor are coveted networking resources that may not be available to online students. Furthermore, employers may not take an online doctoral degree seriously. Some employers may feel that if the degree is not earned by traditional means, it is somehow lacking in authority and prestige. Fortunately, not all employers take this stance.