Prepare, Succeed, Advance

Dr Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, New Testament, University of Durham) teaches Biblical Studies at Seattle Pacific University. He is the author of the book Worship That Makes Sense to Paul (2010), and over a dozen academic articles in theological journals. He is also assistant editor for Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letter.

"Getting a PhD in biblical studies ain't a walk in the park, it's more like running for your life through the African Serengeti at meal time! Lucky for would-be PhD students is that Dr. Nijay Gupta can be your tour guide as you start this journey. Nijay himself has been tried by the ordeal of a British doctorate, he's a successful graduate who landed a job, and an accomplished author to follow up. If you want to know about the A-Z of doing and finishing a PhD in biblical studies, this book will show you the way and save you much pain and frustration, too. Anyone serious about doctoral studies in the field of Bible or Theology should consult this volume first."Michael Bird, Lecturer in Theology, Ridley College, Melbourne"This volume is full of wisdom and advice from Gupta's own experience and countless hours of conversation about the topic. Nijay Gupta is a reliable guide for PhD studies-dispelling the myths and misunderstandings of academia. Gupta's Guidebook is essential reading for every stage of the journey."Daniel M. Gurtner, Associate Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary"It is hard to imagine a more insightful or practical guide to obtaining a PhD in biblical studies and beginning one's career in the field. Many budding scholars and their mentors will be ecstatic that Nijay Gupta has put his experience and wise counsel into print. I wish I had had such a book when I was starting out."Michael J. Gorman, The Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University"There is quite literally a wealth of wisdom in these pages, so quite a few will no doubt echo me in lamenting, 'If only this was published when I was writing my PhD!' Thankfully, this wonderfully helpful guide to the rigmaroles of PhD research also offers advice for those of us taking the first steps in teaching, publishing, conference paper presentation, and job hunting. This compact and lucid book will not only inform, inspire, and encourage at all kinds of levels, it could save many from the veritable smorgasbord of potential mistakes and traps that can beleaguer those with even the best of intentions. Read this book! You will only be doing yourself a favor."Chris Tilling, New Testament Tutor, St. Mellitus College and St. Paul's Theological Centre

• AcknowledgmentsIntroductionPrepare1 Choosing a Doctoral Program2 Preparing for Doctoral Studies: From Education to Application3 Making the ApplicationSucceed4 Orientation to the PhD and Choosing the Research Topic5 Researching and Writing the Dissertation6 How to Defend Your Work (Preparing for Your Oral Defense)Advance7 Orientation: From PhD to Employment and Beyond8 Conference Participation and Publishing9 Teaching Experience10 Job Hunting, Interviewing, and Publishing the DissertationConclusionBibliography