I have hesitated to reply to this question because I would be promoting my own employer. However, it is possible to do your PhD by distance learning. See the University of Leicester, School of Museum Studies, website http://www.le.ac.uk/ms/study/doctorate.html 

We are proud of our research community which has students from many countries. For some of them, see http://www.le.ac.uk/ms/research/phdresearchsummaries.html

There has been an interesting discussion recently in UK newspapers about the escalation in  qualifications since the increase in university students, saying, in effect that a first degree is becoming essential for all but the least skilled jobs and that PhDs have become the new Masters. I don't know what the situation is in the USA, but those of us who left school in the 60s are seeing all the youngsters coming up with highr and higher degrees.

Jim

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Jim Roberts Hon FMA
Webmaster
University of Leicester
School of Museum Studies
 
http://www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies
 
+44 (0)116 252 3961
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The University of Leicester's School of Museum Studies has the highest proportion of world-leading research in any subject in any UK university (RAE 2008)

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