Navigating the Doctoral Journey: A Handbook of Strategies for Success

This co-edited book provides doctoral candidates with a practical, cross-discipline handbook for successfully navigating the doctoral process – from initial program selection to the final dissertation defense and preparing for the faculty interview. Invited chapters from established higher education experts cover topics ranging from university and program selection, preparing for comprehensive exams and dissertation research, self-care and self-management strategies, and recommendations for maintaining personal and professional support systems.

Each chapter includes strategies for success and practical tips, including how to create a study guide for the comprehensive examination, how to create a professional support group, how to talk to your family about the doctoral process, how to select and work with a chair and committee, how to identify an appropriate research design, how to navigate the IRB process, and how to master the research and writing process.

Amanda J. Rockinson-Szapkiw, Ed.D. serves as the Chair for Doctoral Research, teaches research, analysis and proposal development courses, and chairs dissertations for the School of Education doctoral program at Liberty University.

Lucinda S. Spaulding, Ph.D. teaches research courses, chairs dissertations, and supervises and supports doctoral research in the Ed.D. program at Liberty University’s School of Education.