Hello, Everyone, When I first joined this group a while ago, I asked this question and I didn't ever see it post to the forum so I thought I 'd try it again. For years, I have been searching for an online Ph.D. in Sociology from a U.S. state university. Unfortunately, my mad Google skills have either failed me or one still does not exist. I understand that the field is one of the oldest and most traditional and if ever, it will probably be the last Ph.D. ever allowed online, but I will keep looking until I find one. I am not here to discuss the non-profit/for profit debate, but since I would like to at least teach adjunct classes one day, I'm incredibly hesitant to attend a for-profit program. Additionally, I have read horror stories about how many of these schools will draw out the dissertation process, costing the student tens of thousands more in tuition. I am not interested in getting involved in such an ordeal. If anyone is aware of such an online degree or if you have heard rumors of one coming online, I'd greatly appreciate if you'd let me know. I'd love nothing more than to go the traditional B&M route but that unfortunately is not an option for me. Thank you for any information you might have!
MPhil/PhD Sociology - Postgraduate Study - University of Exeter From their website "It may be possible to study for a PhD or MPhil with only occasional visits to the University." Not purely DL, you will need to go down. Sociology Distance Learning PhD — University of Leicester This one seems purely DL. Both are Public Uk Universities. So I don't think accreditation would be an issue. Maybe someone with better knowledge of accreditation can shed some light on their programs in US. I can't seem to find any US Uni's offering Phd's in DL format for sociology.
MPhil/PhD Sociology - Postgraduate Study - University of Exeter Not totally DL. Sociology Distance Learning PhD — University of Leicester Seems purely DL.
"Seems purely DL." Looks can be deceiving. UK universities typically don't consider their Ph.D. programs "DL." They have full-time students. They have part-time students. They have on-campus and off-campus students. But, typically, Ph.D. students should expect to spend time on campus. It's much more vague than Americans are used to from U.S. universities. You have to ask.
I agree ! best to ask :smile: The 2 Unis that i posted was just something that i recalled when i was doing some research into some masters programs sometime back.
That's what I'm learning. If you're a PhD student, it's never purely DL. You're expected to attend conferences, present research, meet people, know who's who in your field, etc. It's like learning what to do before you're asked to join the "PhD club." There is a definitely an "academic/scholarly" culture, and it's a good thing I've been around long enough to read the signs. I started in October 2013 and I was all ready asked to present a paper at an upcoming conference in my field (hint hint . . . gulp! OK . . will do! Thank you . .( I think?)). The idea for this paper came from one of my course papers, so I have to expand upon it.
Try Union Institute & University's Ph.D in Interdisciplinary w/ either Humanities & Culture orPublic Policy and Social Change
In deference to the OP: Not online. Not non-residential. Not cheap. (The program is open-ended, with the dissertation fee clock ticking the whole way.)
It looks like the University of Leicester program is purely DL (with only 2 on-campus requirements). The first visit is required after the first 24 months for probation review, while the second visit comes at the end of the program for the viva exam.
This is such a supportive group! Thank you for all of the feedback. So if I were to apply for an adjunct/lecturer position with a US university, would I have trouble getting an interview (or a job offer, for that matter) if I had a PhD from a UK university? This is not something that I know much about. Re: the academic culture comment, I know what you mean. My husband is in a PhD program that is offered mostly online (private, non-profit) and we have to make yearly trips to his school during the summers. He is also more than strongly encouraged to publish and attend conferences along the way. I guess I hadn't considered that... maybe the PhD route isn't for me just yet. Perhaps it will be in years to come. I will continue to watch and hope and dream until then. Thank you, everyone! Again, I appreciate the help!
Probably not much more than anyone else applying cold for a job. And that's not a good thing. The UK degree would neither help nor hurt. I could imagine scenarios where it would get you excluded ("What's that?"). But it also might pique interest in others. Hard to say. But it would not categorically exclude you.
PuppyMama and I seem to be looking for he same thing. I have been unable to find an online American PhD program in Sociology. I'm not opposed to a brief residency. PuppyMama may aot be open to this, but I'd look at colleges with Area Studies programs such as American Studies. There just isn't much out there, it seeems.
