Are you thinking about pursuing a doctoral degree? It can open up a world of opportunities, whether you’re aiming for a career in research, academia, or advancing in a professional field. But it’s also a major commitment, one that requires thoughtful planning, preparation, and a clear understanding of what the journey entails.
A doctorate is the highest level of academic degree achievable and shows expertise in a chosen field. It’s not an easy road; attrition rates for U.S. PhD programs across various fields range from 36–51%. Understanding the journey towards a doctorate, including academic expectations, lifestyle impacts, and career outcomes, is essential for prospective students.
To help you make an informed decision about pursuing a doctoral degree, we’ll walk through the most important factors to weigh before getting started. These include time commitment, financial planning, research demands, and possible career paths. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of what this journey entails—and whether it aligns with your goals.
Types of Doctoral Degrees
The two main types of doctoral degrees are PhDs and professional doctorates. Both hold equal weight—one is not considered higher or more advanced than the other. They are also both the highest level of education that you can earn, but they serve different purposes.
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research-intensive degree designed for those interested in academic, research, or highly specialized professional careers. These programs emphasize theory development and the creation of new knowledge within a field. A significant portion of the PhD experience is dedicated to conducting original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes meaningfully to the discipline.
Professional doctorates, on the other hand, are practice-focused degrees aimed at working professionals in fields like education, business, and healthcare. These programs combine advanced coursework with the application of knowledge to real-world challenges. Instead of a traditional dissertation, students typically complete a capstone project or applied study. Common degrees include the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
The key distinction between the two paths lies in their focus:
- PhDs center on theoretical research and advancing knowledge.
- Professional doctorates center on practical application and leadership in a specific field.
If you see yourself pursuing a career in academia or research, a PhD is likely the right fit. If your goal is to lead within your industry or apply knowledge to solve complex professional problems, a professional doctorate may be the better choice.
Key Considerations Before Starting a Doctoral Program
Starting a doctoral program is a major commitment that calls for more than just academic readiness—it also requires personal, professional, and financial preparation. In this section, we’ll explore the key areas you should evaluate before applying, including how much time you can realistically dedicate, how to plan for tuition and living expenses, what research expectations look like, and the skills that will support your success throughout the program.
Time Commitment
Depending on your field of study, program format, and research requirements, completing a doctoral program as a full-time student may take between 3 to 7 years. Consider how this extended timeline fits with your personal and professional goals—and whether you’re ready to commit the time and energy it demands.
Doctoral students often work long hours, with weekly commitments ranging from 40 to 70 hours. Most PhD students spend most of their time on research, teaching or research assistantships, and dissertation development. Additional hours go toward coursework, writing, meetings, and professional development.
Professional doctorate students often face a different challenge: balancing full-time jobs with their studies. Their schedules are filled with coursework, applied research, capstone or project work, writing, meetings, and networking—often outside of traditional work hours.
Pursuing a doctorate can have a major impact on lifestyle and is a source of stress for many candidates. Balancing doctoral studies with personal life and family commitments can be challenging, especially for full-time students. You can help set yourself up for success by planning and prioritizing, setting clear boundaries, taking care of your mental health, and building a strong support system.
Financial Planning
Doctoral programs can come with a significant financial investment—including tuition, fees, and living expenses. When comparing programs, take time to calculate the full cost of attendance and explore available funding options. Many PhD programs offer financial support through research or teaching assistantships, which may cover tuition and provide a stipend to help with living costs. Grants and fellowships are also worth exploring.
If you’re pursuing a professional doctorate and are currently employed, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or educational benefits. This kind of support can ease the financial burden and benefit both you and your organization. In many cases, employers who help fund your education ask for a service commitment — usually one to two years — once the degree is completed.
If your funding is limited, consider student loans. Doctorate students can access federal loans with lower interest rates and private loans, which often have higher borrowing limits. Understanding loan terms and repayment options post-graduation is crucial—don’t get blindsided by accumulated interest and monthly payment obligations.
Research Expectations
While research expectations vary by degree type, field of study, and institution, most doctoral programs share a few core components.
Doctoral research is typically extensive and self-directed. For PhD students, this involves conducting original research that contributes new knowledge or addresses unresolved theoretical issues in their field. In contrast, professional doctorate students focus on applied research that addresses real-world challenges or enhances practices in their profession.
Both paths require developing a research proposal, collecting and analyzing data, and defending findings. Most programs culminate in either a dissertation or a capstone project:
- PhD students submit a dissertation that showcases their ability to conduct independent, scholarly research.
- Professional doctorate students often complete a capstone project that addresses a practical issue, usually in collaboration with industry, nonprofit, or government partners.
Throughout the research process, students work closely with an advisor and committee. These mentors provide guidance, challenge assumptions, and help maintain academic rigor from proposal to defense.
Academic and Professional Skills
Throughout your doctoral career, you will develop and hone skills essential for success. These skills range from critical thinking and analytical expertise to effective communication and time management. Cultivating these competencies will take you beyond academia and will set you up for a thriving career.
Here are some of the top skills needed for growth and achievement in doctoral programs:
- Critical thinking and analysis: The ability to evaluate information, analyze data, and draw well-supported conclusions is essential for conducting research.
- Teaching and presenting: Many programs require students to teach or present research at conferences. Building these communication skills is valuable in academic and professional settings.
- Time management and organization: Doctoral students must efficiently manage coursework, research, and often additional responsibilities, like teaching or internships. Balancing responsibilities and meeting deadlines through organization is crucial for handling the demands of the program.
- Cultivating resilience and self-motivation: Doctoral programs can be stressful and demanding. Developing a growth mindset, maintaining focus, and persevering through challenges are critical for long-term success.Â
- Networking and collaboration: Building relationships with peers, advisors, and professionals in your field provides invaluable academic and social support. Making these connections also creates a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation and boosting mental well-being.Â
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Have you thought about the kind of career you’d like to pursue after earning your doctorate? Whether your interests lie in academia, industry, or non-academic roles, understanding the career paths available to you can help clarify your goals and guide your program selection.
Academic Careers
PhD graduates most commonly pursue academic roles. These include tenure-track faculty positions, research appointments, and administrative roles within universities. PhD programs are designed to prepare students for careers in higher education, where teaching and conducting original research are key responsibilities.
Industry Roles
Professional doctorates are highly valued in industries like healthcare, business, and engineering. Many students in these programs are already working professionals aiming to move into senior or leadership positions. Doctoral-level credentials are often sought for roles in research and development, data analysis, consulting, strategic planning, and executive management.
Non-Academic Paths
Doctoral graduates also thrive in roles outside academia and industry. Consulting, government, and nonprofit sectors offer opportunities to apply advanced research and critical thinking to real-world challenges. Positions in public policy, program evaluation, advocacy, and community development are ideal for those with applied expertise and a desire to make a broader social impact.
Is a Doctoral Degree Right for You?
The ideal candidate should have a passion for deep research or expertise in their field, be prepared for long-term commitment, and possess the grit and tenacity needed to persevere through challenges and hardships.
Are you ready to make the temporary sacrifices necessary for the rewards earning a doctorate brings? It’s the road less traveled, but doctoral graduates earn an average of $100,00 more per year than those who possess a master’s or less. Â
Before pursuing a doctorate, carefully assess whether it aligns with your life and career goals. This is a major commitment that typically requires at least three years of intensive research, writing, and rigorous analytical work. Make sure you have a solid financial plan in place to fund your studies. Above all, discuss your plans with loved ones and build a strong support network—you’ll need their understanding and encouragement throughout this journey.
Conclusion
Earning a doctorate degree is a great challenge that offers great rewards. Upon completion, you can pursue career advancement into leadership roles and explore opportunities in academia, industry, and the nonprofit or public sectors—often with a higher earning potential than those with lower-level degrees.
There are key factors to consider before starting a doctoral program, including the time commitment, financial planning, research expectations, and academic and professional skills required to succeed. Once you’ve assessed these fundamentals and confirmed that a doctorate aligns with your goals, your next step is to start exploring programs.
If you’re a prospective or current National University doctoral student interested in preparing for a dissertation, check out the NU Dissertation Boot Camp. It’s a two-and-a-half-day program that offers intense training on critical thinking, the development of doctoral acumen, and the tools necessary to conduct rigorous and impactful research. This is ideal for any student who values having a competitive advantage.
