completing a phd remotely

095: Should I Finish My PhD Remotely?

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A PhD takes years to complete, so it’s no surprise that your situation may change during that time. Your PI may move to a different University, your spouse may take a job in another town, or you may need to move back home to care for ailing parents.

In these situations, you’re forced to make a difficult choice: “Should I stay with my lab and finish my work, or find a way to finish this PhD remotely?”

That’s exactly the question we got from “Walker” this week. He and his wife desperately want to move to a new city, but he also wants to finish his degree.

Walker wrote:

I am currently in my third year of a PhD program in Computer Science and Engineering at a fairly prestigious university in the Midwest for graduate school. My wife and I are both quite unhappy here. The weather is awful 11 months of the year, neither of us really feels safe here, and my wife can’t find any jobs here where she can actually apply her degree. I’m done with courses, my research is going alright, and I’m hoping to propose my thesis before the end of this year. At this point, I have fulfilled my residence requirement, so I could possibly (with the ‘blessing’ of my adviser) complete my thesis as a non-resident meaning my wife and I could live wherever we want. I was hoping that you guys might be able to shed some light on the pros and cons to going non-res.

Walker’s case seems pretty clear-cut: he needs to get out of there! But for others thinking about finishing a PhD remotely, we have some important considerations to process in making your decision.

Is Remote Work Right for My Situation?

While there are some lifestyle and mental health benefits from living in a new place you love, it will almost certainly make your PhD research harder in other ways. Communicating with your advisor will be more cumbersome and less frequent. You’ll lose the support network of fellow grad students and access to libraries, seminars, and hallway conversations with other researchers.

That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead. Here’s a checklist to work through as you decide “Is this right for me?”

Are your goals well defined?
Do your advisor and committee approve of your research plan?
Is your advisor or committee likely to change their minds?
How long will it take to finish?
Will you need local resources? (Lab equipment, core facilities, libraries, expertise, etc.)
Is your personality a good match for remote work?

Question 6 is vitally important and perhaps difficult to answer if you haven’t ‘worked from home’ very often. If you’re the type of person who relies on external motivation and deadlines to finish a project, working remotely will be a challenge. Likewise, if you’re prone to feeling lonely or isolated, it may be tough.

But even these barriers may be overcome if you have a plan…

Remote Work, the Right Way

Finishing any project the size and scale of a PhD is all about motivation, project management, and persistence. Here are some things to consider when organizing the days, months, and years it will take to complete your PhD.

Environment

Figure out the best work environment to suit your needs.

Some people are happy and productive with a laptop on the couch, while others need a space where they won’t be distracted by chores, kids, or the TV.

Consider dedicating a space in your home where you eliminate distractions. Or try working from a coffee shop, library, or c0-working space in your community.

And of course, be sure to employ time-management techniques like the Pomodoro Timer and the Focus Funnel to keep yourself on task!

Project Management

Take your long-term goals (papers you need to publish or a list of dissertation chapters) and break them down into manageable pieces.

Track your progress with an online task management tool like Trello , Asana , or a To-Do app . Or try listing goals and tasks in a spreadsheet where you can check them off when they’re done.

For a lower-tech approach, you can write each task on a Post-It note and hang them on your wall, moving them to a “Done” zone when complete.

The point of all of these options is to force you to think through the work in advance, and to help you visualize your progress.

Communication

You won’t have the luxury of bumping into your advisor by the coffee machine, so you’ll need to be very intentional about your communication plan.

Figure out how frequently you’ll need to check in with your advisor or members of your team, and come up with a format for sharing your progress and requesting help. You may be able to share most updates via email, but plan on connecting by voice or video chat regularly.

You’ll also want to think about how frequently you’ll need to visit the University or advisor in person. Depending on distance, this may be costly, but it can be a valuable time to refine your research plan, meet with your committee, or utilize campus resources.

Collaboration

Depending on your field of study and the work you’re trying to complete, you may not need much input from your advisors or other team members. But if you’re collaborating on a project or expecting your advisor to edit your dissertation, tools matter.

Consider utilizing online resources like Google Docs, Dropbox, and Slack to stay in touch and edit your work. If you use an offline text editor like Microsoft Word, you’re likely to make changes while your advisor has a different copy under review. You’ll save time on merging conflicting changes if you’re both working from the same document.

While finishing a PhD remotely is no cakewalk, people do it all the time. Some students who go through the process said they felt more confident and independent, and if it puts you in a better place, it can be well worth the effort.

This week, we hear about the ever-expanding market to sell you things based on your genetic profile. No longer limited to 23andme and Ancestry.com, you can now send a sample of your DNA to learn what kind of wine you might like , what your babies will look like , and to personalize a pair of $130 socks .

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Five Tips for Conducting a Remote PhD

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2024 Best Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

A growing number of colleges and universities offer online PhD programs for working professionals. These programs have the same level of rigor as traditional PhD programs, but they provide more accessibility and flexible scheduling.

Enrolling in a program designed for working professionals makes balancing academic, work, and family commitments easier.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Additionally, these programs can help you advance your career or transition to a new field.

Best Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Chatham University

A DNP in Nursing is available through Chatham University. The program is designed for working nurses who hold a master’s degree. Courses are fully online and are 15 weeks long. A short residency near the end of the program and a clinical are required. There are fall and spring start dates.

Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers multiple PhD programs. The degree in Systems Engineering is entirely online, while Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Learning, Performance and Change are in a hybrid format. Most online courses are in an asynchronous learning format. Courses are semester-based, and there are start dates in the fall and spring.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University offers PhD programs with 4 week classes. The school currently offers 12 degree programs, including Instructional Design, Human Resource Management, and Data Science. Most programs are fully online and can typically be completed in 40 months.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers multiple online doctoral programs and degree including Higher Education and Education Leadership & Policy Studies. Both programs are in a hybrid format and require some courses on campus. Campus courses are offered on Saturdays. The program moves with a cohort and offers start dates each fall.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Sacred Heart University

A PhD in Social Work is available through Sacred Hearth University. Most courses are in an asynchronous format, and there are short residencies throughout the program. Courses are available part-time and last 14 weeks each. The program’s curriculum is designed to work around various schedules.

Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University offers a PhD in International Relations degree. The program is fully online. To customize the program, 10 courses are selected suited to an area of interest with a dissertation. The program starts in the fall and spring.

Salve Regina is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers multiple PhD programs including Nursing and a BSN to PhD. GRE scores are not required. The programs require 6 to 72 credits. All coursework is fully online and in an asynchronous learning format. Degrees may be completed part-time.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

A PhD in Industrial Engineering is offered through the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Courses are online and may be attended synchronously or asynchronously. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The programs require 48 to 72 credits.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online PhD in Criminal Justice degree. All coursework is online with 4 on-campus residencies over the course of the program. A track selection is required based on whether the applicant holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice or another field. Accelerated tracks are also available.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western New England University

Western New England University offers a PhD in Engineering Management. The degree can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. The program is available full-time and part-time. The program requires 10 courses and a dissertation. Courses are 15 weeks long and follow a regular semester schedule.

Western New England University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

Colleges offer online doctorate programs for working professionals in a broad range of disciplines. There are many factors to consider when choosing a program, including the potential career outcomes and the curriculum.

Here are some of the most popular online Ph.D programs. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

Online PhD in Business
Online PhD in Computer Science
Online PhD in Criminal Justice
Online PhD in Education
Online PhD in Engineering
Online PhD in English
Online PhD in Nursing
Online PhD in Psychology
Online PhD in Public Health
Online PhD in Social Work

The online programs that are best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

PhD in Business Program

Business consultant discussing with executive

You can learn the ins and outs of the corporate world with a PhD in Business. This degree covers advanced topics like econometrics, management science, organizational behavior, and price theory. You’ll also research issues affecting corporations and the economy.

Graduates often apply their skills as professors of accounting, business, marketing, and other disciplines. They can also secure positions as business consultants, qualitative research analysts, senior data scientists, and more.

PhD in Computer Science

Computer systems engineer working in her office

If you want to study and develop the latest technology, you might consider a PhD in Computer Science. You’ll take courses in subjects like computer architecture, intelligent systems, machine learning, and social computing.

Additionally, you’ll learn how to use empirical algorithmics, statistics, quantitative methods, and other tools to conduct research. Current professionals often work as college professors, computer and information research scientists, and computer systems engineers.

PhD in Criminal Justice

A PhD in Criminal Justice enables you to research complex issues impacting the criminal justice and legal systems. The curriculum typically includes topics like criminal justice policy, intelligence analysis, and contemporary criminological theory.

People who earn a PhD in Criminal Justice tend to pursue careers in academia, government entities, and law enforcement agencies. For instance, graduates may become fraud investigators, policy analysts, and researchers.

PhD in Education

If you want to research the science of learning, you might be interested in a PhD in Education. You can study subjects like applied linguistics, educational psychology, and special education. This degree also teaches you how to generate original scholarship on pedagogical approaches, theories, and issues.

A PhD in Education prepares graduates for academic and research careers. You might consider becoming a college professor, an educational research scientist, or a senior education administrator.

PhD in Engineering

Engineer working on computational modeling

You can expand your knowledge of advanced engineering approaches and theories with a PhD in Engineering. Programs often offer concentrations in areas like biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and fluid and thermal systems.

You may also study research methods like data analysis and computational modeling. This degree can unlock careers in academia and the private sector. Current professionals work as consultants, innovation managers, research and development engineers, and professors.

PhD in English

Technical writer researching and reviewing scripts

A PhD in English might align with your interests if you’re passionate about literature and writing. This degree focuses on producing original analyses of books, films, and other media.

You may have the opportunity to take courses like composition theory, film theory, and Victorian literature. Graduates can use this degree to pursue careers as college professors, editors, high school English teachers, public relations specialists, and technical writers.

PhD in Nursing

Nurse scientist working on innovative research

A PhD in Nursing helps prepare you to conduct innovative research in clinical practice, healthcare policies, and nursing science.

Coursework may cover subjects like the evolution of nursing science, grant writing, and the role of the nurse scientist. You can also learn how to design experiments and use qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Many graduates apply their knowledge and research skills as clinical educators, healthcare consultants, and nurse scientists.

PhD in Psychology

Counseling psychologist in a session with client

A PhD in Psychology can deepen your understanding of human behavior, psychological processes, and mental disorders.

You can take courses like affective science, cognitive neuroscience, and statistical methods for behavioral sciences. You may also learn how to conduct ethical experiments with human subjects.

Current professionals frequently pursue careers as academic researchers, counseling psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and neuropsychologists. Additionally, some graduates become professors.

PhD in Public Health

Health equity officers discussing their plans for community

If you want to promote equity in healthcare, you might consider a PhD in Public Health. This degree helps prepare you to research challenges and policies affecting healthcare access and delivery.

Courses may address topics like environmental health, health concerns for women and newborns, and public health informatics. A PhD in Public Health helps prepare students for careers as health equity officers, nurse managers, and research scientists.

PhD in Social Work

Public service workers discussing outreach program

If you want to research issues in social welfare, you may be interested in a PhD in Social Work. You can take courses like data management, human development in context, and public service and social change.

You’ll also learn how to apply social work theories and research methods to study challenges in the field. A PhD in Social Work can help unlock careers like community program administrator and field researcher.

PhD Careers & Salaries

People who earn PhDs can pursue careers in academia, government agencies, and a wide range of industries.

Many graduates use their degrees to become professors at colleges and universities. These professionals teach courses in their discipline and mentor students. They also create and publish ground-breaking research in their areas of specialty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of careers often pursued by people with PhDs.

Government agencies also hire many people with PhDs. You might qualify for a career as a policy analyst or research associate.

The government also offers niche positions in specific fields. For instance, a graduate with a PhD in Criminal Justice could become an FBI agent, while someone with a PhD in Public Health could pursue a career as a health policy specialist.

Additionally, many graduates use their PhDs to become consultants for businesses, colleges, and other organizations.

Online PhD Degrees Admissions Requirements

Woman preparing requirements for Online PhD degree

The admissions criteria for remote PhD programs vary by college and discipline. It’s beneficial to research each school’s requirements ahead of time to ensure you meet the criteria.

Here are a few standard application materials you may be asked to provide:

Personal statement
CV or resume
Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions
Writing sample

You may also be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but many colleges have eliminated this requirement or made it optional.

Online Ph.D Programs Accreditation

As you research online doctorate programs, it’s essential to research each institution’s accreditation status. Regional accreditation is a mark of excellence that colleges and universities earn if they meet rigorous educational and ethical standards.

An external accrediting organization evaluates each school based on its curriculum, faculty credentials, and other criteria. Many employers hold PhDs from accredited institutions in high regard because they know graduates have received an excellent education. Also, it’s necessary to attend an accredited school to qualify for certain financial aid opportunities.

Online Doctoral Programs Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many doctoral students apply for financial aid to help pay for their remote PhD programs. PhD programs often offer full or partial funding packages that may include a stipend, tuition waivers, and other benefits. Many funding packages require students to work part-time as a research or teaching assistant for the department.

Additionally, you may qualify for grants, work-study programs, or student loans from the federal government. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for these federal aid opportunities. Your college’s financial aid office can likely direct you to additional resources.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree?

Management consultant discussing with executives

A doctorate degree can unlock many fulfilling and potentially lucrative career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median usual weekly earnings for people with doctoral degrees is $1,909. Many graduates use their advanced expertise and research abilities to pursue academic careers. They often qualify for positions as college professors and researchers in their chosen disciplines.

Current professionals also work in advanced positions in the private sector. For instance, graduates with PhDs in Business often work as chief executives or management consultants, while people with PhDs in Nursing frequently become nurse educators.

Should I Get a PhD Online?

As you might expect, online Ph.D programs tend to be demanding and require significant dedication. Here are a few signs that an online doctoral program might be right for you:

You’re passionate about your chosen discipline and want to develop greater expertise.
You need a PhD to achieve your career aspirations.
You want to produce and disseminate revolutionary research.
You have strong critical thinking and time management skills.
You’re interested in teaching and mentoring students.
You thrive when you can learn and complete work independently.

An online PhD or online doctorates could be a strategic choice if you fit these criteria.

Can You Get a PhD Online While Working Full Time?

Yes, you can get a PhD online or a doctoral degree while working full time. Many remote PhD programs offer synchronous evening courses and asynchronous classes to accommodate the schedules of busy working professionals. These options provide maximum convenience and flexibility.

On the other hand, many students find completing the shortest PhD programs challenging while working full-time. Accelerated 1 year online doctoral programs enable students to finish their degrees quickly, but they typically require intensive full-time study. As a result, current professionals who want to continue working full-time often choose more extended programs to increase their likelihood of success.

How many PhD programs should you apply to ? The general advice from experts is to consider applying to a range of 4 to 6 PhD programs. This allows you ample time to dedicate to meticulously crafting strong and tailored applications for each institution.

Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters Degree?

students taking PhD degree, doing research works

The admissions criteria for online PhD programs vary by university. Many doctoral programs only accept applicants who hold a masters degree in a relevant field.

But, some PhD programs admit students who have only earned a bachelor’s degree. These students may have the option to earn a master’s degree during their studies or proceed directly to their PhD. Remote PhD programs may also consider applicants without a master’s degree who have extensive work experience in the field or have completed graduate-level coursework.

Are There Fully Funded Online PhD Programs?

Yes, there are fully funded online PhD programs . These programs cover most educational expenses, such as tuition. Additionally, they typically provide living stipends, health insurance, and other benefits. Fully funded programs may still require students to pay for miscellaneous expenses, such as student fees and textbooks.

Many fully funded PhD programs require students to work part-time in exchange for their tuition waiver and stipend. For instance, students may assist faculty with research projects or teach undergraduate courses. These commitments can help students develop new skills and strengthen their CVs.

Is a Part Time PhD Worth It?

Yes, a part time PhD is worth it for many working professionals. Part-time programs provide flexible course options and opportunities for independent research. As a result, this type of degree is the easiest PhD to get if you have a busy schedule or numerous personal and work commitments.

Additionally, earning a PhD part time can allow you to apply your new skills in the workplace immediately. For instance, you might learn a new theoretical approach in class and use it to solve a problem at your job. This practical application of knowledge can help you learn more efficiently.

Getting Your Ph.D. Degree Online

An online PhD program enables you to gain new skills and generate original scholarship in your field. You can study advanced theoretical concepts, design experiments, and learn the latest research methodologies.

Many remote PhD programs cater to working professionals by offering online classes and funding opportunities. Also, some colleges offer 1 year PhD programs online that can significantly accelerate your educational journey.

If you’re ready to advance your career and immerse yourself in research, you can get started by exploring accredited online PhD for working professionals in your field.

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How to do a Distance Learning PhD at a UK university

Why do a distance learning PhD?

There are a number of reasons why a student might decide to study for a PhD or MPhil via distance learning. Some people, for family, career or other commitment reasons, may be unable to move near their choice of university to undertake their study. PhDs by distance learning (sometimes referred to as ‘e-learning’) are often undertaken by candidates based in a different country to the host university. These are now more common thanks to Covid-19 and the need for social distancing .

How does a distance learning PhD differ from normal PhD study?

Surprisingly little. As PhDs are research-based rather than taught, candidates work off their own steam, carrying out research and working towards the completion of their thesis in a very similar fashion to their resident fellow students. The entry requirements, amount of work required and academic expectations are generally the same as for resident PhD students. Distance learning students still pay tuition fees (which will vary depending on the institution) and are able to study either full or part-time.

The main difference is in how the PhD student’s progress is monitored and supported by the university department. The role of the supervisor is key in PhD study and distance learning students will have to be in regular contact with them by phone, email, post and/or fax rather than face-to-face. Some training or course content may be delivered via the internet and some departments may encourage interaction with other students via online discussion boards. Occasional visits to the university by the student may be necessary. Some universities formalise this process by operating an annual review meeting. Visits to the student in their own country by the supervisor may also be required. Some departments ask for a supervisor local to the student to be appointed and this may be up to the student to organise.

Where can I study a distance learning PhD?

Like any PhD study, it will depend on your subject area. Not all UK universities offer distance learning PhDs, and those that do won’t necessarily offer them in every subject. Laboratory-based research, for example, may be difficult to supervise from a distance. It is up to individual students to find out which of their preferred university departments offer distance learning PhDs in their subject area.

The good news, however, is that the number of UK universities offering distance learning at postgraduate level has grown dramatically in the last decade. In 2009, according to a report by the Higher Education Policy Institute ( HEPI ), 111 UK higher education institutions were offering some form of offshore provision, either by distance learning or overseas campuses, to more than 190,000 students. Of these, around 61,000 were postgraduates.

There are a number of websites that may be able to help you find out which universities offer distance learning PhDs in your field. www.findcourses.co.uk allows users to search for courses by keyword, study level and study type. https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/ (for students not based in the UK), allows users to search UK courses by study level and subject area, with the option to refine the search results to ‘distance learning’ only courses.

Find your PhD here

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CAREER COLUMN
30 March 2020

How to defend a PhD remotely

Alyssa Frederick 0

Alyssa Frederick is a postdoctoral scholar at the Bodega Marine Laboratory in Bodega Bay, California, part of the University of California, Davis.

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In November 2019, I conducted my PhD defence using the videoconferencing software Zoom.

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Tips for working from home during your PhD

Nov 12, 2020

Have you checked out the rest of The PhD Knowledge Base ? It’s home to hundreds more free resources and guides, written especially for PhD students.

Author: Vivienne Corcoran

For all of us studying, remote learning is now a reality and, with virus numbers rising and falling around the globe, it may be for some time. So how best to handle doing something as big as a PhD remotely?

Sort the logistics

Some universities are set up for remote learning, but some have only recently added it to their repertoire. You have to know how the systems work and how to get access to all the things you need. You need to know how to contact your supervisor, access the libraries, submit work, and so on. When you first start, they will give you a list of all these things – don’t put it off until you think you need them – investigate them all straight away and get used to them. Ask lots of “ dumb” questions until you know how everything works. Familiarity with all the staff and systems will make a big difference to how long things take and how frustrating things are when you really get going. If your university does not have everything you need, look for other local organisations, maybe business associations, maybe alumni from other universities that can help.

Hello, Doctor…

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Now half price. Join hundreds of other students and become a better thesis writer, or your money back.

Be your own coach

When studying on campus, you get to talk to each other, see your supervisor on a regular basis, get inspiration from just being around learning. Remotely you have to be able to motivate yourself to do what needs to be done. The University or your supervisor will set reporting deadlines, but you’ll need to set your own timetable. Draw up a timetable of what you want to have done by when – words, chapters, experiments and put it somewhere you can see it and it can keep you going. Track your progress against the timetable.

This is also a time to learn about yourself and learning. Form a group online with others in your field, make time to listen and encourage each other to stay on track. Look for motivational quotes, speeches, self-help books, podcasts – anything that can help you stay keen and energised.

Get local help

Much as you’ll be driving yourself, you can also get help. Maybe you need a PhD coach or buddy as well as your supervisor, or maybe you can rely on a friend or colleague who’s already done a PhD can provide you with advice. Whatever works for you. Unless you grew up in a family of academics – which I certainly didn ’ t, without other students around you will need a group of people local to you – or at least in your time zone that you can talk to. Find and build a network of people that are interested in your study. I found a group of commercial research colleagues who were able to provide great advice and assistance when I needed it. They were fantastic.

Your PhD thesis. All on one page.

Use our free PhD structure template to quickly visualise every element of your thesis.

Set a schedule

Motivation is one thing – all of a sudden you feel inspired about an idea that drives you to work, but you need to be able to get things done on days when you’re not feeling inspired. If you are working, you have children, or other responsibilities that claim your attention, you need to set yourself a schedule where you can fit study in. Pay attention too to your body clock – work out when you work best. For me, I like to get up early, exercise and then study straight away.

Only when I have done a couple of hours do I have breakfast and look at other work. You might need to do family things first thing in the morning then study in the middle of the day, family in the afternoon and then read over what you have done in the evening. Some people are great midnight thinkers. Whatever works for you, set a schedule, and stick to it for a couple of weeks and see how you go. If it does not work, then change it, but give it a real go first. Once you get in a rhythm that works, you will feel less frustrated and get more done.

Celebrate and reward yourself

Without colleagues nearby, it is easy to feel isolated and think you are getting nowhere. Whenever you achieve a milestone – words, sections, whatever goal you set yourself – celebrate! Tell your support group, post online, make a cake, take a day off, whatever you like that makes you feel happy.

After all, this is your journey, you are in charge and you can do what you like!

Vivienne is working on a PhD with Edinburgh Business School from lockdown in Melbourne, Australia. She is an author, speaker, strategist, marketer and qualified company director who develops and implements change for growth. Vivienne’s book, Growing Your Professional Practice, has been described as the ‘must have’ manual for professionals. Visit her website here .

Interested in group workshops, cohort-courses and a free PhD learning & support community?

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Essay on completing your ph.d. remotely.

Marcelle Dougan offers tips for staying on track.

https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2015/01/30/essay-completing-your-phd-remotely

Schools & departments

PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors.

The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. This must include at least one face-to-face supervision session each year with additional meetings and communication on a regular basis.

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both ESRC and AHRC regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning.

Experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme however this is not a specific requirement for admission.

It is important however that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study.

Applicants must also provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed.

Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to have a discussion with the proposed principal supervisor and to complete a provisional study plan in consultation with them as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

What programmes are available by distance?

Counselling, psychotherapy and applied social sciences.

PhD/PhD by Distance Counselling Studies

The PhD/MPhil in Counselling Studies programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy.

PhD/PhD by Distance Health in Social Science

Doctoral research students are a new and crucial part of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences research community and we welcome applications from potential students in our fields of research interest.

Clinical and Health Psychology

Phd/phd by distance.

The PhD/MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

PhD/PhD by Distance/MSc by Research

Nursing Studies

Phd/phd by distance nursing studies.

The PhD/MPhil Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

PhD/PhD by Distance/MPhil Nursing Studies

The Research Whisperer

Just like the thesis whisperer – but with more money, designing your remote or hybrid post-doctoral fellowship.

Catrine tweets from @CatrineDemers .

Andrea’s ORCID is 0000-0002-4752-9476, and she tweets from @AAN_MacLeod .

As noted by Burgio et al. (2019) , the expectation that post-doctoral scholars move for short-term positions poses a particular burden for under-represented groups, including women, which contributes to perpetuating bias and reducing diversity. The global COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to explore alternative options, such as remote or hybrid postdoctoral fellowships.

We’ve been experimenting with a hybrid model since June 2020. In this post, we share our experiences as postdoctoral fellow (Dr. Catrine Demers) and a supervisor (Dr. Andrea MacLeod) in the Multilingual Families Lab – aka MultilingualFamLab – at the University of Alberta, Canada. Catrine is based in Gatineau, Québec, and Andrea is just a quick 36-hour drive away (across 3453km) in Edmonton, Alberta.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Catrine began her postdoctoral fellowship remotely from Gatineau in June 2020 for three months. From September till mid-December 2020, she joined the MultilingFamLab in Edmonton. She then spent one month in Gatineau and returned to Edmonton in mid-January 2021. We will be spending another four months on the University of Alberta campus before Catrine returns home in the beginning of June 2021. Afterwards, Catrine will alternate between Gatineau and Edmonton for 3 to 4 months in each location. There is a 2-hour time difference between these locations.

Catrine’s view as a post-doctoral researcher

From my perspective, completing a postdoctoral appointment in a hybrid format is the best of both worlds.

Since my research focuses on children and teachers within school settings, the in-person format is important for me to acquire knowledge of the community, the population, and the city. Nothing compares to living within your research field to get to know it. As with any type of living abroad experience, living in a different city, even within the same country, is enriching and eye-opening. Being in-person allows me to better understand the research context, and in my specific research, to get to know better the reality of the linguistic diversity, the community services, and the educational system. Being on site, even within the COVID-19 context, is helping me engage with partnered community organisations and network with other researchers. Since I am a newcomer to this city, my conversations with new collaborators have focused on being new to the city and to my positive experiences in the city. I have also found that being in the same time zone facilitates the coordination of meetings. There is also an advantage of being away from home, as it allows me to often be more flexible and to spend more time on research, especially when living alone.

On the other hand, the remote format is relevant in the COVID-19 context with the now-limited access to university offices. Almost everything can now be done remotely as most data collection and meetings have moved from being in-person to online. Being in a different time zone can be an advantage: we have found it helpful with short deadlines, for example with my supervisor sending me a version in the evening, then I work on it in the morning, and I can return a new version before my supervisor begins her work day. Working remotely has also provided more time for me to spend with family and friends, and benefiting from these social supports. It is not to be neglected as it helps with having a good life balance and has supported my wellbeing. This is even more true within the COVID-19 context.

Lastly, completing one or more postdoctoral fellowships often involves moving to another city or even country, but maybe only for a couple of years, or even just six months or a year. It is somewhat expected and normalised for postdoctoral fellows to do that. The next city to move to in the next year is often unknown and dependent on future opportunities (which are scarce). The uncertainty can be hard to manage. This situation can have an impact on the stability of the life of the postdoctoral fellow and this is influenced by their needs, goals, and situations. Just to name a few of these potential impacts: moving can make it harder to find a long-term partner, to foster a long-term relationship especially when the partner cannot move, to start a family, to take care of children, to take care of an ill family member, and to accumulate wealth. The remote option can help with life stability and make many postdoctoral fellows’ lives easier.

Andrea’s view as a supervisor

I have found this hybrid approach presents a solution that balances Catrine’s longer term goals, benefits the lab by bringing in her research expertise, and moves my own research forward in exciting directions.

At the outset of her postdoctoral fellowship, we developed a plan to ensure that I knew Catrine’s goals and vice versa. We use this plan to guide decisions around roles and responsibilities, but it is also a living document that we can adjust as we move along.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Catrine began her postdoctoral fellowship remotely. She supported research assistants in the lab during the busy summer period through video conferencing and check-ins. As she noted, we were in different time zones and this helped us meet some tight deadlines by sending drafts at the end of my work day, and her responding early in her work day. During the summer months, she also supported knowledge mobilisation activities we took on with the lab members. She reached out online to nudge and keep the project moving, provided tips and support, and made sure we had time to share drafts during our lab meetings. This was all done online and really helped to keep everyone in the loop.

Following this initial remote period, Catrine joined the lab in person and continued to build relationships with the MultilingFamLab students, and more particularly with our community partners. She was able to access our lab, resources, and University to support her work.

Although her arrival coincided with the beginning of Fall semester, we were able to jump into projects and lab life since we had already worked together over the summer months. She even helped to make the lab more chaleureux , by buying some plants, setting up a tea corner, and decorating with our lab logo. During her time on campus, Catrine also networked with other early career researchers at the University.

To make sure she was included and part of the MultilingFamLab life, we meet weekly via video conference to discuss progress on research projects, provide feedback, and work through ideas and decisions. We use Trello to organise lab ideas, journal club readings, and questions. In this way, the information is available to all members, and everyone can chime in with their perspective. We also have a shared online folder and keep notes of our meetings in this space. By having a shared folder, we are easily able to look back on decisions, questions, and concerns.

In our experience and for our research, the hybrid format is the best of both worlds. While we had planned on a 25/75 week hybrid fellowship (3 months remote, 9 months in person), COVID-19 and our experience has shifted this plan to a 50:50 hybrid fellowship.

When planning for the in-person periods, we have chosen months that require more meetings, coordination, and in-person data collection (fingers crossed). This plan works best for life-work balance and the needs of the projects, but other factors may come into play.

Moving or travelling across cities or countries and renting a second home can be costly for the postdoctoral fellow. The subletting of the postdoctoral fellow’s apartment or house and the finding of a new place can add complexity and stress. The moving back and forth can also affect life stability of the postdoctoral fellow and work stability of both. Moving for only a couple of months at a time twice a year might not be feasible for others with families or other considerations. The plan we chose together was designed according to both of our needs.

We have found that this hybrid approach to a postdoctoral fellowship has been positive and productive for both of us. We recommend having an open conversation between the postdoctoral fellow and the supervisor regarding the postdoctoral fellowship format to acknowledge the needs of both. Within our current hybrid format, we have found that the key element to our success is communication : communicating about expectations and timelines, during in-person and remote phases.

Research Remotely

The spring 2020 move to a remote workforce and virtual campus required rethinking about virtually every aspect of research, teaching and learning, and daily work. Many of the services and resources featured on this website are available digitally and do not require a physical presence. The service contacts listed can provide more specific information about each offering.

In addition, a number of resources related to remote research and other work are available around the University:

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

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Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

Campus + Online
In-State $25,830
Out-of-state $25,830
Retention Rate 75%
Acceptance Rate 47%
Students Enrolled 796
Institution Type Private
Percent Online Enrollment 98%
Accreditation Yes

Clemson University

In-State $14,118
Out-of-state $37,110
Retention Rate 94%
Acceptance Rate 49%
Students Enrolled 27,341
Institution Type Public
Percent Online Enrollment 49%

Keiser University

In-State $20,800
Out-of-state $20,800
Retention Rate 72%
Acceptance Rate 96%
Students Enrolled 19,861
Percent Online Enrollment 50%

Mississippi State University

In-State $9,110
Out-of-state $24,790
Retention Rate 81%
Acceptance Rate 76%
Students Enrolled 23,086
Percent Online Enrollment 43%

Nova Southeastern University

In-State $33,510
Out-of-state $33,510
Retention Rate 78%
Acceptance Rate 93%
Students Enrolled 20,898
Percent Online Enrollment 52%

Old Dominion University

In-State $7,029
Out-of-state $26,664
Students Enrolled 23,494
Percent Online Enrollment 76%

Saybrook University

In-State $0
Out-of-state $0
Retention Rate 0%
Acceptance Rate 0%
Students Enrolled 915
Percent Online Enrollment 100%

Texas Tech University

In-State $8,935
Out-of-state $21,204
Retention Rate 85%
Acceptance Rate 68%
Students Enrolled 40,542
Percent Online Enrollment 68%

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren’t legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,596 for a public institution and $28,017 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know…

lowest unemployment rates at 1.6%.
In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school’s courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

Whether the program is fully funded
Whether your school is public or private
Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student
How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don’t Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student’s original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It’s typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $108,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

What is the quickest ph.d. to get.

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don’t require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you’re attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

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Can I do a PhD while working?

Study tips Published 31 Mar, 2022 · 4-minute read

Completing a Doctor of Philosophy requires some serious dedication. But committing all your time to research can leave a significant gap in your income. So, can you work and do a PhD at the same time? Let’s find out.

We spoke with two UQ PhD candidates, Chelsea Janke and Sarah Kendall, to get some insights into whether you can get a PhD while working – and how to balance your work with your research.

Can you get a PhD while working?

The simple answer is yes, but we wouldn't exactly recommend it. There’s nothing technically stopping you from continuing to work (at least, to some extent) while you pursue a PhD, but doing a higher degree by research is a big commitment. So, you need to think carefully before you attempt to juggle both.

The more complex answer is that it depends heavily on the type of work you’re doing and how quickly you want to complete your research.

PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research. Of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work.

Keep in mind : some PhD scholarships are only available to full-time candidates and may not allow you to earn more than a certain amount to remain eligible. If you’ve applied or plan to apply for a scholarship, make sure to check the relevant terms.

For international students , some extra restrictions apply. You can work up to 40 hours per fortnight, but this must not interfere with your full-time study load or your academic performance. Further limitations may apply if you're on an RTP scholarship (maximum 270 working hours per year) or being sponsored by your government.

Doing a PhD while working: full time, part time or casual?

Chelsea is quick to warn us that both working and researching full time is a recipe for disaster.

“A full-time PhD could not be done whilst working full time,” she says.

Doing both part time is feasible, but only if you’re happy to wait a few extra years to see the fruits of your labour.

“I know people who have worked part time and done their PhD part time – usually in the same research group or field,” says Chelsea.

“But keep in mind it took them 7-8 years to finish their PhD; it’s not the most efficient strategy.”

Committing to a full-time PhD while doing some incidental work on the side seems like the most popular approach for candidates, in Chelsea’s experience.

“Most full-time PhD students will pick up some casual work tutoring, marking, helping the lab manager, or assisting other researchers with their work,” she says.

“This means they can do a few hours here and there without their own PhD work being too disrupted.”

Sarah’s circumstances allow her to maintain a part-time job while completing her PhD, though she acknowledges you have to be lucky to be in a position to do so.

“PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research; of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work,” says Sarah.

“Both my research and work are very flexible, and I can complete them whenever suits me.”

Learn about Sarah’s research or read her series about becoming an academic in law .

How to balance work with your PhD

If you plan to work whilst doing your PhD, you will need to manage your time well.

It’s one thing to ask can I do a PhD while working – actually managing to juggle the two is a whole other challenge. Sarah and Chelsea agree that time management is the most important part of making this work.

Sarah suggests keeping a strict schedule to divide your time evenly between your commitments, as this is what works for her.

“I find that I maintain a balance best by setting specific hours to work on my PhD (usually from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday) and then on my other work commitments (usually Saturdays and sometimes a couple of hours before dinner),” she says.

“The hours you set to work on your PhD and other commitments will depend on whether your other work has set hours though, as well as when you work best – you might get some of your best research and writing done at 5am!”

Top tips for working while doing your PhD

Only do so if you really want/need to and if you know you can manage the dual workloads.
Tell your boss. Make sure your employer knows about your plans to juggle a PhD with your workload. See if there’s anything they can do to make the journey easier for you. For example, just like Sarah, your employer may be able to provide you the flexibility to complete your work on a schedule that accommodates your research hours.
Consider a part-time PhD if cutting your hours or quitting your job isn’t a viable option. Yes, it might take longer. But if it means maintaining a comfortable balance between your research and your current career, it might be the best choice for you.
Chat with your PhD supervisor. They’ve been there and done that, making them a great source of wisdom when it comes to pursuing a PhD while also balancing your other life commitments. You may also have peers currently doing a PhD who can provide some advice.

Haven’t chosen your supervisor yet? Read these tips for finding a suitable academic. It’s also a good idea to be upfront with your supervisor about your intention to work/research part time, as some supervisors prefer to work with full-time PhD candidates.

Seek casual work at your university and in your field where possible. By keeping your work and research close together (both in terms of location and mindset), you may find it less challenging to keep on top of both.
Make sure you’re passionate about your PhD topic . If your research just feels like a second job on top of your usual work, you’ll likely burn out before long. When developing your research proposal , make sure your thesis is providing that spark of curiosity that’s going to keep you inspired to follow through with your research – even on nights when you’re drained from work.

Ready to get started? Whether you’re dedicating yourself to a full-time PhD or keeping a balance between research and work, The University of Queensland is ready to support you.

Learn more about completing your PhD at UQ

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How to get a PhD scholarship or funding

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How Remote Work Can Help Universities Achieve Sustainability Goals

Adam Stone writes on technology trends from Annapolis, Md., with a focus on government IT, military and first-responder technologies.

Going green is a major theme in higher education these days.

“A growing number of universities and colleges are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” says Jenay Robert, a senior researcher at EDUCAUSE . To that end, they are “finding and using renewable sources of energy, adopting green technology and making curriculum changes.”

Remote work also can help schools to achieve their overall sustainability goals .

Environmental benefits of remote work include “reducing an institution's carbon footprint, especially by minimizing commuting,” says Donald Nieman, professor of history and provost emeritus at Binghamton University , part of the State University of New York system.

On campus, remote work boosts green targets by “reducing energy consumption in heating, cooling and lighting,” says Josh Prigge, formerly Hawaii Pacific University ’s first sustainability coordinator and now owner of Sustridge Sustainability Consulting and North Star Carbon Management .

Strong connectivity is crucial to making the remote work experience successful in higher education. To realize the environmental benefits of work-from-anywhere, colleges and universities need modernized networks and a partner such as Citrix that shares higher education’s sustainability goals.

DISCOVER: Explore the full catalog of Citrix solutions for sustainable networking.

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Commencement address by Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87

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Below is the text of MIT alumnus Noubar Afeyan's Commencement remarks, as prepared for delivery on May 30.

Thank you, Mark, for that generous but somewhat embarrassing introduction.

President Kornbluth, trustees and faculty, students and families, guests, and members of this remarkable community of scholars and solvers: It’s a special honor to be with you today.

Graduates, I once sat where you now sit, brimming with excitement and the sense of accomplishment that comes with a hard-won MIT diploma. Congratulations!

Families, as the father of two MIT alums, I know first-hand the pride and emotion you feel today.

Faculty members, as a senior lecturer here for 16 years, I saw up close how well you prepare these graduates for what lies ahead. And fellow trustees, it is a great privilege to serve alongside you.

I spent my childhood in Beirut, Lebanon. Three generations of my proud Armenian family shared an apartment on the ninth floor of our building. The window in the bedroom I shared with my great aunt looked out over the red-tiled roofs of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine buildings and beyond to the Mediterranean Sea.

When civil war erupted in 1975 and the government imposed strict curfews, the state broadcaster often shifted from airing three hours of TV a day to offering round-the-clock programming of mostly American television shows, a diversion for my brothers and me when we were forced to stay inside.

One show in particular had me captivated. Just hearing the theme song would set my heart racing — perhaps you know it, too.

That’s right… “Mission Impossible”!

Even if you never saw the TV show, you likely know the movies with Tom Cruise as agent Ethan Hunt.

The encoded self-destructing message to the agent always began the same way: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it …”

No matter how long the odds, or how great the risk, the agents always took the assignment.

In the fifty years since, I have been consistently drawn to impossible missions, and today I hope to convince each and every one of you that you should be too.

Class of 2024, one incredibly challenging mission is already under your belt: You were given the assignment to begin your studies at MIT … without being at MIT. Going to college, without going to college, was not a mission you’d signed up for, but it is what you got. A handful of you did move to campus, but even for you, masking, testing, social distancing, and virtual classes meant orienting to a foreign land. You even learned a new language, as terms like “Q-week” and “SCUFFY” entered your MIT lexicon. No one knew what would happen next, or when it would all end.

And yet, you found ways to thrive. You dove into your coursework and started to build mostly virtual friendships. In the words of your classmate Amber Velez, who rented a Cambridge apartment with three MIT roommates, you “patched together a little lifeboat in this vast sea of students, spread out over the world.”

Earlier that year, just up the road in Kendall Square, my colleagues and I at Moderna had received another mission that seemed impossible: Develop a safe and effective vaccine that could save lives, restart the economy, and do so in less than a year. Oh, and while you are at it, get a billion doses manufactured, distributed, and into the arms of people around the world.

It was clear that if we accepted this challenge, it would take everything we had. We would have to slow 20 ongoing drug-development programs and focus on solving COVID.

We embraced the mission!

Just 48 hours after Moderna obtained the sequence for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, we deployed our mRNA technology to produce a potent vaccine. Less than two months later, we enrolled our first patient in a clinical trial, and on November 16th, the vaccine was determined to be 94.5% effective against Covid-19. By some estimates, Moderna’s vaccine saved over 2 million lives during the pandemic.

How did we do it? That’s another speech for another day.

But what I do want to talk about is what it takes to accept your own impossible missions and why you, as graduates of MIT, are uniquely prepared to do so.

Uniquely prepared – and also obligated.

At a time when the world is beset by crises, your mission is nothing less than to salvage what seems lost, reverse what seems inevitable, and save the planet.

And just like the agents in the movies, you need to accept the mission – even if it seems impossible. I know the odds don’t appear to be in your favor. But this age of polycrisis is also a moment of poly-opportunity, fueled by artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, and other modern technologies that are changing the world faster than people believe is possible.

Now, you are uniquely equipped to turn science fiction into science reality.

With the right mindsets, “Mission Impossible” can become “Mission Improbable” – as you overcome obstacles and seemingly long odds by imagining and innovating your way to novel solutions.

So: How do you go about that? How do you become the agents the world needs you to be?

You already have a head start, quite a significant one. You graduate today from MIT, and that says volumes about your knowledge, talent, vision, passion, and perseverance – all essential attributes of the elite 21st century agent. Oh, and I forgot to mention our relaxed uncompetitive nature, outstanding social skills, and the overall coolness that characterizes us MIT grads.

More seriously, you are trained in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology – fields that, when properly harnessed and supported, can be deployed against almost any seemingly impossible challenge.

You may not realize it yet, but your MIT education has given you a superpower – like X-ray vision – that lets you see through the illusion of impossibility and surface the blueprints for solutions.

And as of today, you even have a secret decoder ring, better known as the Brass Rat!

MIT’s history underscores these special powers. The telephone, digital circuits, radar, email, Internet, the Human Genome Project, controlled drug delivery, magnetic confinement fusion energy, artificial intelligence and all it is enabling – these and many more breakthroughs emerged from the work of extraordinary change agents tied to MIT.

Now let me ask you a question: Aside from MIT, what do such agents have in common? What equips them to accomplish seemingly impossible missions?

I’d argue that they do three things that make big leaps possible. They imagine, they innovate, and they immigrate.

And now, it’s your turn.

Start by unleashing your imagination.

People often see imagination as the exclusive province of the arts: of movie making, literature, painting.

I think that’s nonsense. Imagination, to my mind, is the foundational building block of breakthrough science.

I am not making an argument against reason. Reason has a role to play, but in accomplishing impossible missions, it’s the servant, not the master. You can’t expect reasoning to do the work of imagination. At its best, scientific research is a profoundly creative endeavor.

You have mastered proofs, and problem sets, and design projects, but in the words of mathematician and author Lewis Carroll: “Imagination is the only weapon in the war with reality.”

To the great Irish writer George Bernard Shaw, its role is even more fundamental. As he put it:

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”

It is also your turn to innovate. Think of innovation as imagination in action. Or, perhaps, mens et manus, or “mind and hand,” but I hear that line is taken.

MIT did not prepare you to shy away from the unknown, quite the contrary. You are now prepared to leap for the stars, sometimes quite literally — just ask the more than 40 NASA astronauts with MIT degrees.

Leaps often involve unreasonable or even seemingly crazy ideas. Ordinary innovations are often judged by how reasonable the idea is as an extension of what already exists, and how reasonable the person proposing it is.

But ask yourself: Why do we expect extraordinary results from reasonable people doing reasonable things?

As you’ve probably guessed by now, I am utterly unreasonable, and an eternal optimist. As a lifelong entrepreneur and innovator, I have to be.

But I’ve always practiced a special kind of optimism – I call it paranoid optimism. This means toggling back and forth between extreme optimism and deep-seated doubt.

The kind of paranoid optimism needed to make scientific or technological leaps often starts with an act of faith. By that, I mean belief without facts — the very definition of faith.

I know faith is generally associated with religion. But interestingly, in my experience, pioneering science also starts with faith. You take leaps of faith and then you do experiments.

On rare occasions, the experiments work, converting your leap of faith into scientific reality.

What a thrill when that happens!

On your innovation journey, beyond optimism and faith, you will also need the courage of your convictions. Make no mistake, you leave MIT as special agents in demand. As you consider your many options, I urge you to think hard about what legacy you want to leave — and to do this periodically throughout your life.

Not every mission you are qualified for is a mission worth accepting. You are far more than a technologist – you are a moral actor. The choice to maximize solely for profits and power will in the end leave you hollow.

To forget this is to fail the world — and ultimately to fail yourself.

I know many of you here – and some in the Class of 2024 not with us here today — are deeply troubled by the conflicts and tragedies we are witnessing. As an Armenian, descended from genocide survivors, and co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, I feel deeply the wounds of these conflicts.

I wish I had answers for all of us, but of course, I don’t.

But I do know this: having conviction should not be confused with having all the answers. Over my many years engaged in entrepreneurship and humanitarian philanthropy, I have learned that there is enormous benefit in questioning what you think you know, listening to people who think differently, and seeking common ground.

As you grapple with today’s hard choices — and the many that lie ahead — rely again on your imagination. Imagine the world you want to create and work backwards from there. Be open to the many paths that could carry you towards this goal and let the journey inform which ones will succeed.

I’ve urged you to imagine, and to innovate. The last thing I want to leave you with is the need to immigrate.

I’ll say more about what I mean by “immigrate” in a second, but first I want to give a shout-out to others who, like me, have left their homelands.

For those of you who have emigrated here from far away, or whose parents did, or whose grandparents did, please stand.

I applaud you.

It may often feel like a disadvantage, but you will soon learn it is quite the opposite.

When I first arrived at MIT, I worried I did not belong here: I spoke with an accent, my pastime wasn’t hockey or lacrosse, but Armenian folk dance.

Then one afternoon, late in my first year here, I was walking down the infinite corridor when a poster caught my eye. Staring back from the poster was a Native American chief in full headdress, eyes defiant, finger pointed, seemingly right at me. The poster read: "Who Are You Calling Immigrant, Pilgrim??"

I can’t tell you what an impact that had on me. Aside from Native Americans, we all, at some point, come from somewhere else. It helped me realize I belonged here — at MIT, in the United States. And graduates, families, YOU. DO. TOO.

But here’s the really interesting thing I’ve learned over the years: You don’t need to be from elsewhere to immigrate.

If the immigrant experience can be described as leaving familiar circumstances and being dropped into unknown territory, I would argue that every one of you also arrived at MIT as an immigrant, no matter where you grew up.

And as MIT immigrants, you are all at an advantage when it comes to impossible missions. You’ve left your comfort zone, you’ve entered unchartered territory, you’ve foregone the safety of the familiar. Yet, you persist and survive. You figure out how to accomplish your mission.

Like elite agents, immigrants are the ultimate innovators, equipped to navigate obstacles, to never say never. In fact, I often describe innovation as intellectual immigration. Just like those of us who emigrate from other countries, innovators pioneer new environments seeking a better future — not just for themselves but also for the larger world. So, whether you grew up in Cambodia, or in California, or right here in Cambridge, you can immigrate – and you need to keep immigrating. You need to leave your comfort zone, to think in new ways, to acclimate to the unfamiliar and embrace uncertainty.

If you imagine, innovate, and immigrate, you are destined to a life of uncertainty. Being surrounded by uncertainty can be unnerving, but it’s where you need to be. This is where the treasure lies. It’s Ground Zero for breakthroughs.

Don’t conflate uncertainty and risk — or think of it as extreme risk. Uncertainty isn’t high risk; it’s unknown risk. It is, in essence, opportunity.

I began with a TV show; I’ll end with a movie — the most recent Mission Impossible film released just last summer.

The film is a daunting reminder of all that your generation is up against: complicated geopolitics, climate threats and technological pressures, and AI tools that will both simplify and complicate our world.

But graduates, as I look at all of you, I see a large team of agents who are entirely capable of completing your missions. I see agents for good, agents for change.

MIT has prepared you to tackle impossible missions.

To harness the future and bend it toward the light.

My wish for you, my fervent hope, is that you not only choose to accept impossible missions, you embrace them. Welcome long odds. Embrace uncertainty, and lead with imagination.

Approach the unknown with the courage, the confidence, and the curiosity of an immigrant. With paranoia and optimism.

And always remember the strength of working in teams. Show the world why Mission-Impossible-Team inevitably shorthands to M – I – T.

Graduates, set forth on your impossible missions. Accept them. Embrace them. The world needs you, and it’s your turn to star in the action-adventure called your life.

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PRESS RELEASE:

ProNotary Enhances Business Efficiency with Advanced Remote Online Notarization Solutions

Pronotary's ron solutions offer a seamless and complete platform for businesses to notarize documents remotely.

Source: ProNotary | Tue, 04 Jun 2024, 07:00:34 EDT

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Since its inception in 2018, ProNotary has experienced significant growth and recognition in the industry, establishing itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable notarization solutions. With a focus on customer satisfaction, ProNotary continues to lead the way in remote online notarization, dedicated to transforming the notarization process for businesses across the globe.

Learn more: https://pronotary.com/

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ProNotary was founded in 2018 with the goal of providing an efficient and convenient way to bring all parties of a transaction together. Utilizing a single space for document execution, ProNotary alleviates the concern of location and time. As the demand for notarized documents throughout global commerce increases, it only makes sense to tear down the barrier of pen and paper along with physical presence to in turn build a remote solution. This technology gives both clients and notaries reassurance while mitigating risk by capturing all transactional information.

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