I am looking for a Distance Learning Phd that has a very short time frame, i.e., from beginning to dissert. maybe 18 months. Must be accredited. Must have very little residency (preferrably none). Cost not an issue. Liberal acceptance policies a must. Please advise!! Mike
What do you mean by "liberal acceptance policies"? I can't think of any programs that will allow you (at least, according to their literature) to finish the Ph.D. in less than 2 years. Your post, however, says "from beginning to dissert. maybe 18 months." Does that mean everything leading up to, but not including, the dissertation? If so, many programs will let you complete your coursework in that period of time. But expect another year or so to complete the dissertation. Rich Douglas
Rich, Thanks for the reply. Liberal Acceptance Policies: Very little difficulty getting in with Accredited degree's (From DL institutions). 18 months from beginning through conferrance...Now I realize that this is probably impossible at an accredited institution! However, would like to be done in minimal amount of time possible. I read your postings and it seems that you are moving along quite well...I would not attempt to copy your path but I use yours (as well as others as a barometer for what I may be capable of accomplishing). As I posted in my first visit as a member of this forum...I am trying to catch up on lost time. I spent many years in the Military (very proud of it) and now that I am in the corporate world I just don't have the educational background to peer or especially compete to keep my current job...and trying to advance is even tougher. Time is not on my side...traditional education is not on my side...and most importantly my employer is not on my side!!
No, I'm not "moving along quite well." I started my doctoral program in 1986! Having DL degrees from accredited institutions shouldn't be too much of an impediment getting admitted to a doctoral program, especially one designed to accomodate working professionals. Expect a minimum of two years time-in-program; it could take you much longer. I would recommend The Union Institute. Many learners get through in minimum time, usually by taking advantage of prior learning. (They don't mention that, but you can couple your prior knowledge with new learning and demonstrations of mastery to get through your learning areas quickly. You can also work on your dissertation--"PDE"--while you're at it, synthesizing both. I'm not saying Union is easy, just more flexible. And if cost is no object, then Union's the place! Rich Douglas
