The Acceptability of a Doctoral Degree Earned Online as a Credential for Obtaining a Faculty Position

A national survey was used to assess the acceptability of a job applicant's qualifications that included online coursework. The questionnaire, sent to hiring committee chairpersons, described three hypothetical applicants who earned degrees through a "traditional" institution, a "virtual" institution, and "mixed" coursework. The respondents were asked to select one applicant for the position and provide written explanations. The applicant with a traditional degree was preferred in two different hiring scenarios. The respondents' comments revealed five categories of importance: experiences, institutional quality, face-to-face interaction, socialization, and mentoring.