As a doctoral competency, communication skills are distinct from interpersonal skills, being specific to the communication of research findings and subject-specific knowledge. For example, Capella University describes their competency, "Become a professional communicator" only in terms of appropriate written communication of academic research. Broader definitions of this competency include the oral communication of such information, in both formal and informal settings.
In the course of undertaking a doctoral degree, students are expected to develop their problem solving and analytical skills. This includes the ability to anticipate, recognize and deconstruct problems, to utilize a broad spectrum of sometimes conflicting theoretical knowledge, to interpret and make sense of problems, to use data and knowledge effectively and to develop original ideas, theories, and solutions. In addition, the student should learn to use the more creative aspects of cognition in designing their research and envisaging outcomes and possibilities.
Research is a major element of doctoral study. Relevant to all programs is the ability to conduct a thorough and efficient literature review, extracting relevant information and critically analyzing the quality of existing research. Students also develop proficiency in designing the course of their own research and in methods of information acquisition. While all doctoral students require some understanding of the experimental methodology used in their field, those intending to conduct original experimental research must develop a much more intensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and the rationale underpinning them. As a general rule, the more science-oriented the subject, the more central empirical inquiry will be to the program.
The term "emotional intelligence" was popularized by Daniel Goleman's (1996) bestseller "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" and refers to an individual's ability to understand, control, and direct their emotional states. A person's level of emotional intelligence can have a huge effect on every area of life but is especially important in endeavors requiring the degree of self-reliance, self-discipline and motivation necessary to doctoral study. Doctoral students must be able to maintain enthusiasm and motivation for their work and commit to regular periods of work. This is perhaps the doctoral competency that poses the steepest learning curve for most graduate students as they identify behaviors and mindsets that interfere with their research commitment and work to overcome these personal barriers to success.