Online PhD Degrees

Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA) ~ A recognized leader in distance education!

Looking for a great opportunity to earn your doctor’s degree online? Check out the online PhD degrees available at Regent University! From Organizational Leadership to a nationally recognized Communication Studies program, Regent University has more online PhD degrees than you could imagine. Read on to find the one that’s just right for you!

Regent University’s Online PhD Degrees ~ It’s hard to sit on good news!

It’s a truism in life that whenever something goes particularly well, we feel like we’ll burst if we don’t tell someone about it. That’s how I feel about my positive experience earning my PhD at Regent University. You might say I’m a little bit like the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz – “I just gotta tell ya how I feel!”

Regent University ~ “People come and go so quickly here!”

It seems like only yesterday that I first phoned Regent University to inquire about their PhD programs – back in the spring of 1996. The telephone counselor told me about Regent’s online Ph. D. degrees – and I must say – I was a little skeptical. In fact, it all sounded too good to be true. I had heard about the large number of diploma mills that were churning out PhD degrees. Some of the schools I’d read about were granting degrees after less than one year of study. One school even touted its program as “requiring no dissertation!”

Regent University ~ “where iron sharpens iron.”

During my admissions interview with the dean of the school of communication, Dr. Robert Schihl, I quickly realized that the online PhD degrees at Regent University were quality programs. I’ll never forget what Dr. Schihl told me during that interview.

“John,” he said. “Here at Regent, our program is one “where iron sharpens iron. We support our students and give them everything they need to succeed. Then we challenge them to excel. We have a reputation to maintain and we expect each student to contribute greatly to the field of communication studies.”

I liked what I was hearing, but -- I must admit – my initial skepticism had now been replaced by intimidation! My intimidation factor went up even more when I enrolled in my first online class (with Dr. Schihl) and realized that I had to write four, 10 – 15 page papers! I almost freaked when I saw the syllabus for COM 700: Philosophy and Communication. There, in bold print, under the heading “Determination of Grades,” I found these frightening words:

“Irrespective of the student’s GPA, in order to obtain an A for this course, at least one of the four required papers must be published!”

Again, like that ol’ Cowardly Lion, all I could say was, “…Oh my!”

If I had any doubts about the quality of education I could receive at Regent University, they were now all laid to rest.

Online PhD Degrees at Regent University ~ A wonderful way to get an education!

During the next few years, I worked harder than I’ve ever worked in my life. But I learned to appreciate the “iron sharpens iron” philosophy of Regent’s School of Communication and Arts. Looking back, it seems that time did indeed pass quickly.

Then, on a lovely May morning in 2000, I suddenly found myself walking across the library plaza as I received my PhD from Regent University. It took four years to earn the required 50 graduate credits in Communication Studies and to write my dissertation, but my experience at Regent University is one I’ll never forget – it’s very high among the most rewarding of my life!

Graduate of Regent’s Online PhD Degree ~ New professor of communication!

When I applied for my present job at Elizabeth City State University, in northeastern North Carolina, I’ll never forget the reaction of the chairperson of my department, Dr. Velma Blackmon: “Oh, I see you went to Regent!”

I’m sure I sat a little taller in my seat as I beamed a smile in response to Dr. Blackmon’s comment. Then, in absolute chorus, we both added, “Where iron sharpens iron!”

The rest is history – and I’ve enjoyed writing every line!

Wishing you a great educational experience at Regent!

Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

About the Author: Dr. John W. Luton

Before joining the mass communication faculty at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, Dr. Luton served as pastor of churches in Maryland and North Carolina for more than 20 years. He is a licensed clinical pastoral counselor with the National Christian Counselors Association and he holds the advanced certification. Dr. Luton is also the primary author of Mastering Pastoral Counseling Utilizing Temperament, a Phase II course that is offered by the NCCA as part of its national licensure program for pastoral counselors. The course is used in many seminaries and counselor training centers throughout the nation.