The Path is Not Always Linear: Practical advice and real-life scenarios to help in your decision to earn a research doctoral degree

The Path Is Not Always Linear is the perfect guide for undergraduate students contemplating their next steps forward.

Authors Holly J. Schoenherr, PhD, and Richard S. Pollenz, PhD, have spent years conducting workshops on graduate education. Their new manual provides all the information you need to make an informed decision about your graduate-school plans. It uses personal vignettes to illustrate the admissions process and reveal the important questions you need to answer before you make this choice.

Each chapter tackles an important issue in graduate admissions. These topics range from the types of graduate degrees available to ways of paying for your education. Schoenherr and Pollenz want you to be inspired by your decision but also warn you to look at graduate school with a clear understanding of your current finances and career prospects.

With simple stories, planning exercises, and in-depth discussions, Schoenherr and Pollenz give you advice that covers a variety of important topics you should consider before starting graduate school. The format of their guide encourages you to take action and start preparing for your bright future, wherever your path may take you.

Holly J. Schoenherr, PhD, is the director of human resources for Pinellas County, Florida. She has sixteen years of experience in higher education, serving in both academic and administrative positions at the University of South Florida, Rice University, and St. Cloud State University. Schoenherr received her doctorate in higher education administration from the University of South Florida. She completed her master's and doctoral degrees while working full time and raising two children.

Richard S. Pollenz, PhD, is a professor at the University of South Florida. He has spent much of his twenty-five-year career finding innovative ways to inspire students to what is possible. He has managed both graduate education and undergraduate research programs. Pollenz received his doctorate from Northwestern University. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been recognized for his research in molecular toxicology.