Choose to pursue a doctorate, which is the most important career choice you will make. Although it is not necessary (typically) to obtain a master's degree before studying for your doctorate, you must completely master a subject as well as extend the body of knowledge about that subject to earn your degree. You must be willing to commit two to nine years to earning your doctorate. This significant commitment will require you to set aside other personal interests as you move toward your goal.
Choose to pursue a doctorate for the right reasons. You should have a passion for the subject you choose for your doctoral studies. This is important because you will not be able to change your mind after you have committed years to your chosen coursework. According to Purdue University, it is not enough to seek prestige or wealth. The commitment required will exceed the benefit you are seeking.
Know thyself. Get help from qualified counselors who will assist you to choose the right career path for your ambition and abilities. According to Purdue University, it is extremely hard to analyze your own abilities. The learning environment in doctoral studies is not structured as in undergraduate studies, and the student must be able to find order out of chaos. These are important sign posts in the decision to seek a doctorate.
Master your chosen subject, and add to the body of knowledge about the subject. To do this, you will complete required coursework according to the guidelines of your chosen university as well as use the library to do extensive research. You will also do external research. After two to three years, you will be required to complete oral exams with a small group of faculty members. Peterson's reports that as many as five out of six students drop out of their doctoral studies before their comprehensive oral exams.
Complete your dissertation. You will research and write your dissertation under the sponsorship of an assigned faculty member. Completing the dissertation is the work of several years. This paper expresses your thoughts about the subject and hopefully offers new insights. Your study will make you more knowledgeable about your subject than your sponsor but the sponsor is a vital part of the process. Your sponsor may become your mentor and advocate as you proceed through the process of earning your doctorate. Your dissertation offers insight to your body of knowledge on the subject.
Present your dissertation to your advisers who will offer critical advice about your paper. You will rewrite your dissertation and present it to the staff when it is complete. Now, you must defend your thesis. This sounds frightening, but Peterson's states that very few fail at this part of the doctoral process. The professors who will critique your work will be familiar to you and have an interest in seeing you succeed. According to Purdue University, when you pass this milestone, you will join less than 1 percent of graduates who earn a doctorate.