The second I hung my master's degree on the wall I started thinking about earning a doctorate. A doctorate may be the most prestigious degree, but it also requires a substantial commitment of time and money. One of my recent About.com articles explores the costs and rewards of pursing an online doctorate degree. Here's a blurb:

"Because most online doctorate degree programs are reading and writing focused, doctorate students should be highly literate. They should have advanced research skills, be articulate, and have the ability to comprehend complex texts. Additionally, students should be self-motivated and able to work independently.

Keep in mind that earning a doctorate degree online may not automatically improve your salary. Most jobs requiring a doctorate degree offer a decent salary and a certain amount of prestige. However, many academic jobs such as professorships may pay less than jobs in the non-academic sector. When contemplating earning a doctorate degree online, research your future employment options to determine whether a new degree in your field will be worth it."

A lot of online doctorate students give up because their classes require too much time or because they are overwhelmed by writing a dissertation. Be sure you have the time and desire before enrolling in such a program.