When deciding between two DL doctoral programs, what criteria do (or would) you apply to measure the quality of the school and/or program? Besides how it fits you, of course. Here are mine (in no particular order). I'd like to see others: Degree awarded (PhD or alternate title) Length of program Residencies Cost Reputation/ranking of the school Academic rigor Faculty Learning community Accreditation type Methodology (i.e. taught, research, independent study, instructor-led, etc.) Others?
Rich, I think you have most bases covered. In addition to your list, I would like to see the following: * School/department placement rates in academia, corporate and so forth. * Publishing record for faculty and to a lesser extent students. * In addition to school reputation/ranking, I would like to see the reputation of the department within academic circles. * I would like to know faculty credentials, where they earned their degrees and publishing record. * I know that funding is moot on most DL doctorate programs. Nevertheless, I would like to know if there is opportunity for any possible funding down the road. * Are there any residency requirements? So far that is all I got. If I were ever to consider embarking on a doctorate program, these-- along with your list as well-- would be the things I look for in a program.
That's a good list. If it's not covered by "learning community" then I might add "alumni association", as in whether it's strong and active in general, and also specifically in the region where I am or want to be. I might also add "country".
