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Are There Part-Time PhD Programs?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

While part-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs may not be as common as full-time PhD programs, there are some graduate schools that offer part-time study as an option. Often, these programs are intended to meet the needs of students who want to earn PhD degrees but have other commitments that make it difficult to pursue education on a full-time basis. For example, a person may be interested in earning a PhD but have financial responsibilities that make it critical for him to work a full-time job at the same time. Likewise, a person may pursue part-time PhD programs because he has other interests that make it difficult for him to work toward his doctorate degree full time.

The major difference between full-time and part-time PhD programs is typically the length of time a person has to complete it. In many cases, full-time doctoral programs must be completed in about three to five years. Part-time PhD programs, however, may allow a student to take seven to 10 years to earn the same degree.

Part-time PhD programs allow students to work and study at the same time.
Part-time PhD programs allow students to work and study at the same time.

In most cases, a person who pursues a part-time PhD has to fulfill the same requirements as someone who earns his doctoral degree through full-time study. This typically means taking the same courses as other PhD students, conducting research, participating in self-study, and meeting other doctoral program requirements. A part-time PhD student will usually have to write and defend a dissertation, and he may have to take exams as well. The lengthened program may just allow him more time to take care of other non-PhD-related responsibilities.

A doctoral dissertation is a multi-chapter academic paper written by a candidate for a doctorate degree.
A doctoral dissertation is a multi-chapter academic paper written by a candidate for a doctorate degree.

Often, part-time doctoral programs require students to commit to continual enrollment in order to pursue a doctoral degree in this manner. For example, if a person wants to earn a part-time PhD, he may have to work toward his doctoral degree during every regular school semester until he has earned the credential. He may not be eligible for such a program if he wants to take a fall semester off, for example.

Part-time PhD programs may be a good option for older students with jobs.
Part-time PhD programs may be a good option for older students with jobs.

Like traditional PhD programs, part-time PhD programs may be classroom-based or include online instruction. In fact, a person may opt to enroll in a fully online degree program to pursue a part-time PhD. Whether online or on-campus, however, many part-time doctoral programs require students to take at least a couple of classes per semester. On-campus programs often offer day and evening or weekend classes as well.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Fa5t3r

@browncoat - I probably depends on the kind of PhD you want to do though. I have several friends who have done it part time and absolutely loved it. Often in the sciences it gets worked into your career anyway.

I guess most of the time this happens when someone is offered the chance to do a part time doctoral program through their workplace, but that isn't a rare occurrence. It happens fairly often.

browncoat

@bythewell - In terms of workload they can be difficult as well. My mother decided to get an advanced degree in her field (education) while still working as a school principal, and it just became impossible. Her job wasn't flexible enough to accommodate the amount of work she had to do for her classes and she found it difficult to switch tracks between being a teacher and being a student.

I think some people just do better if they can save up time or money and just commit to a full time program.

bythewell

Definitely take a very close look at what this will mean financially. It might seem like the better option because you can work during the course, but there will be more ongoing costs associated with the degree, like travel or childcare, and you will likely have your student loans for longer as well.

Part time doctorate programs are a very good choice for people who have a career they don't want to leave while getting their degree, or for people who have some other commitment they can't abandon for years at a time. But they aren't necessarily the best choice financially.

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    • Part-time PhD programs allow students to work and study at the same time.
      By: Volodymyr Khodaryev
      Part-time PhD programs allow students to work and study at the same time.
    • A doctoral dissertation is a multi-chapter academic paper written by a candidate for a doctorate degree.
      By: Nazzalbe
      A doctoral dissertation is a multi-chapter academic paper written by a candidate for a doctorate degree.
    • Part-time PhD programs may be a good option for older students with jobs.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Part-time PhD programs may be a good option for older students with jobs.
    • Some PhD programs allow students to attend evening or weekend classes in order to continue working while earning their degree.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some PhD programs allow students to attend evening or weekend classes in order to continue working while earning their degree.
    • Part-time doctoral programs often require students to commit to continual enrollment in order to pursue a doctoral degree.
      By: auremar
      Part-time doctoral programs often require students to commit to continual enrollment in order to pursue a doctoral degree.
    • Part-time PhD programs may allow a student to take 7 to 10 years to earn the degree.
      By: Monkey Business
      Part-time PhD programs may allow a student to take 7 to 10 years to earn the degree.