Navigating the Doctoral Journey

Amanda J. Rockinson-Szapkiw, Ed.D. serves as the Chair for Doctoral Research, teaches research, analysis and proposal development courses, and chairs dissertations for the School of Education doctoral program at Liberty University.Lucinda S. Spaulding, Ph.D. teaches research courses, chairs dissertations, and supervises and supports doctoral research in the Ed.D. program at Liberty University’s School of Education.

Navigating the Doctoral Journey provides an in-depth look at the typical structures and expectations of doctoral programs — both the PhD and professional practice doctorates, like the EdD and PsyD. Particularly valuable for working professionals considering a return to school, this book is a personal decoder ring, demystifying doctoral studies. From picking the right program, to mastering research methods, to navigating the competing demands of school and family, you will get a detailed tour of what you are signing up for. Each chapter includes specific strategies for success and concludes with questions for reflection, to help you make good choices and plan for the arduous road ahead.

• Foreword Elizabeth C. ReillyPreface Part 1 The Knowledge and Skill Development StageIntroduction Amanda J. Rockinson, Lucinda S. Spaulding, and Jill Alexa Perry1 Choosing the Right Program Model: A Research or Professional Doctorate Jill Alexa Perry, PhD2 Choosing the Right Program Modality: Distance Education or Residential Doctorate Jason D. Baker, PhD3 Assessing University Assets Jacqueline S. Stephen, EdD; Chelsie M. Dubay, EdD; and Jessica Herring Watson, EdD4 Assessing Personal Assets Jessica Herring Watson, EdD, and Jackie Gish-Lieberman, EdD5 Navigating Family, Academic, and Work IntegrationAmanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD; and Lucinda C. West, PhD6 Becoming a Digital Scholar: Technology for Learning and ResearchVictoria Lowell, PhD7 Creating a Personal Wellness Plan Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD; and Chuck R. Cadle, EdDPart 2 The Knowledge and Skill Development Stage8 Overcoming Stress and Burnout John Harrichand, PhD, and Christine Mayorga, MA9 Creating a Scholarly Community Fred P. Rovai, PhD, and Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD10 Overcoming Statistics AnxietyLawrence M. Lesser, PhD11 Understanding Qualitative InquiryJames A. Swezey, EdD12 Understanding Quantitative Inquiry Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD, and Rebecca Lafountain, EdD13 Understanding Mixed Methods of InquiryDao Nguyen, PhDPart 3 The Consolidation Phase14 Transitioning from Autonomous to Self-Directed LearningMichael K. Ponton, EdD15 Consolidating Learning Across the Doctoral Program Dave Holder, PhD; Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD; and Lucinda S. Spaulding, PhD16 Navigating the Comprehensive ExamJennifer Fellabaum-Toston, PhD, and Jeni Hart, PhDPart 4 The Inquiry Stage17 Identifying and Developing a Relationship with a Dissertation Chair Sharon M. Pratt, EdD, and Lucinda S. Spaulding, PhD18 Understanding the Different Types of DissertationsAmanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD19 Choosing Your Research Topic: Literature Gap vs. Problem of PracticeElizabeth A. Zumpe, PhD20 Understanding the Conceptual and Theoretical FrameworksLucinda S. Spaulding, PhD; Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD; and James A. Swezey, EdD21 Writing Your Literature Review Jill Alexa Perry, PhD22 Understanding the IRB ProcessFernando Garzon, PsyD; Daniel Hitchcock, PhD; and Jessica McCleese, PsyDPart 5 The Completion Stage23 Publishing and PresentingMichael Jones, PhD24 Transitioning from Student to ProfessorMark C. Rehfuss, PhD, and Amanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD25 Transitioning from Student to Scholar PractitionerLucas B. Hill, PhD26 Understanding the Excitement and Post-Doctoral Blues Following Degree ConfermentAmanda J. Rockinson, EdD, PhD; Lucinda S. Spaulding, PhD; and Elizabeth Debolt, PhDAbout the Authors