are there any online phd programs in history?
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While a PhD program will indeed include a couple of years of coursework, courses are seminar format, and students need to be there to present their reading and research to the others in the seminar, and to critique the work of others. In other words, participation in an active scholarly community is a necessary part of doctoral-level work.
Language proficiency is also acquired while in a PhD program, so courses in German for Reading and French for Reading will also be necessary, as well as training in whatever languages are required for one’s specific area of subspecialization. Again, not doable online.
One should also attend numerous lectures by visiting scholars in one’s discipline, and in associated disciplines. Not doable online.
Qualifying exams must be taken on campus. Dissertation research can be done at any university library, but usually also requires archival research, which entails travel.
Dissertation advisors also MUCH prefer to meet with their advisees in person, and these meetings happen all the time. Oftentimes, unscheduled. Online communication is insufficient.
Socializing with one’s peers and professors is also an integral part of doctoral level studies. Where else will you learn about the expectations of each professor, and each student’s experience working with each professor? Where else will you see other dissertations in progress, find out about their writers’ challenges, and share your own troubles and travails? Who will you converse with about appropriate archives to visit, or fellowships for which to apply? Where will you learn how to apply for jobs, give job talks, and interview? For all this, participation in a scholarly community is necessary.
And the dissertation defense is conducted in committee, which also, of course, must be done in person.
In sum, no responsible and respectable department would be able to, or would evey TRY to replicate a doctoral program online.
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