Your ideal degree is so specialized that you might find it impossible to discover it on the lists of available online diplomas. However, many traditional colleges and universities are looking for opportunities to expand their online education offerings and provide interdisciplinary degrees. Using these three steps, you can identify the kinds of schools that may be willing to test the waters with you.

First, I recommend getting a clear vision of what you intend to do with your online degree. Do you intend to teach, research, or work with clients at a design firm? If you can easily explain your desired end result, you can communicate more effectively with the college officials who can help you.

Second, investigate some of the traditional colleges and universities that offer the kind of doctorate program you're looking for. Since a doctorate in your field involves a lot of field work and research, you can focus on finding schools that already support online learning. If professors have the technical support to distribute their classes over the Web and to interact with you via e-mail and chat, you have a stronger chance of success.

Finally, once you have identified three to five target schools, write a clear proposal to the chair of each design department outlining why you think his or her school is the perfect place for your graduate work. Be specific about the way your intended study fits existing courses and faculty specializations. You goal is to make it easy for the school to admit you to their program. If you can make your case effectively to an influential faculty member, you have a strong chance of getting approval for your experimental degree program. Good luck!