Complete all required paperwork for application to graduate school. Universities have different application processes, but most require a written essay, letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all universities previously attended. Some universities require admissions examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admissions Test or subject area tests.
Hold a master's degree or have a demonstrated ability to continue studies at the doctoral level. Most doctoral students hold a master's degree in the same field for which they will pursue a terminal degree. Students who hold only a bachelor's degree are on occasion admitted to doctoral programs.
Successfully complete a minimum of 60 course credits above the master's degree to fulfill the requirements of a doctorate. For those who do not hold a master's degree, a minimum of 90 course credits are required.
Choose a mentor from among the qualified faculty in a program. The chosen mentor will provide one-on-one counseling, especially near the conclusion of the doctoral program when research and testing are intense.
Select an advisory committee. The committee is usually comprised of four or five individuals from the field of study or related fields of study. The mentor most often serves as committee chair.
Pass oral and written comprehensive examinations (sometimes called "comps"). The advisory committee will ask analytical questions derived from all doctoral-level course work. Comps must be passed before the student is allowed to advance to the final stages of the doctoral program.
Propose and undertake an original research project. Upon acceptance of the research proposal, the student is considered a doctoral candidate. The research project becomes a lengthy, written document known as a dissertation. Most dissertations require no less than one year to write.
Defend the dissertation to the advisory committee. The defense consists of intense questioning about the content of the dissertation. Upon satisfactory completion of the final oral defense, a doctorate is awarded.