Pursuing a Doctoral Degree

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 from Creighton. She and her husband, Jawed, enjoy opera and discovering delicious snacks while traveling.

• 1. So, What’s This Book All About? 2. So, You Want to be a Doctor… 3. Family, Friends, and Emotional and Financial Support 4. How Did Our Participants Select a School? 5. The Admissions Process for Doctoral Programs 6. Faculty and Staff Support During the Doctorate 7. Program Cultures and What’s Right for You 8. Course Memories 9. Faculty and Staff Support During the Dissertation 10. How Did the Doctorate Change You Personally and Professionally? 11. What Our Participants Want You to Know and What They Want to Tell Universities 12. So, What Did We Learn and What Should You Do?

"Anyone who is involved in doctoral education, from student to faculty to administrators to those who support doctoral students, needs to read this book. While many books have centered on the dissertation, there are literally no books that take a much-needed reflective look at the entire journey. Martin and Bharwani provide insights that expose the light and shadow sides of the doctoral experience. Most importantly, they share critical lessons and action steps that will make the doctoral experience more meaningful for all."Gail M. Jensen, PhD, PT, FAPTA, Vice Provost for Learning and Assessment, Professor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University Omaha, USA