Pursuing a Doctoral Degree: Candid Advice to Plan for Success

Pursuing a Doctoral Degree demystifies the journey of selecting a program, navigating the application process, and engaging in the work required to complete a doctorate.

Drawing on extensive interviews from over 20 diverse, accomplished professionals who have successfully attained doctorates, this book provides a roadmap to inform prospective doctoral students’ decision-making process. With in-depth insights into the nitty-gritty of doctoral programs - including coursework, time management, relationships inside and outside academia, the final project, future employment, and more - readers will benefit from a comprehensive picture of the requirements, benefits, and challenges that are inherent in completing a terminal degree.

Both forthright and conversational in tone, this book is the perfect starting place for students considering a doctorate, embarking on the application process, or in the initial stages of a program.

James (Jim) R. Martin, Jr. is an associate professor at Creighton University, USA. He has a PhD in Comparative Politics from Florida State University, USA, and an MA in International Relations from Creighton University. He spends his spare time debating current events with his partner, journalist Katrina Markel.

Sara W. Bharwani is an assistant professor at Creighton University, USA, in the Departments of Medical Humanities and Psychiatry in Omaha, Nebraska. She earned an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership and an MA in International Relations, both at Creighton. She and her partner, Jawed, enjoy opera and discovering delicious snacks while traveling.