At North Carolina State University, the Higher Education Administration-focused Ph.D. in Educational Research and Policy Analysis (ERPA) program has some distinct stages. If you are taking a full-time schedule of classes, the first stage is just that—taking classes. This stage lasts an average of two to three years. In that time, you turn in your Diagnostic Advisement Procedure (DAP), which is basically a sample paper to make sure your written work is up to par. Then, towards the end of your coursework, in lieu of a comprehensive exam, you write a Research Prospectus. The next stage is the big D where students propose their dissertation and then ultimately defend. Of course, if you pursue your Ph.D. part-time, then these stages are extended up to 8 years.

Grover (2007)[1] discusses other stages of doctoral study: exploration, engagement, consolidation, and entry. In a full-time plan of work, exploration and engagement are associated with the first two years of a full-time program where students investigate topics of interest and are savvy about research opportunities. Consolidation is where research efforts are funneled towards the dissertation, and entry pertains to exiting into the workforce.

On a less formal note, Haig (2011)[2] introduces six emotional stages of a Ph.D.: elated smugness, paranoid bemusement, domination, obsession, fear, and tranquility. This process might be summarized as the transformation from feeling excited about starting a Ph.D. program, to feeling like an imposter, to the freedom to express and study what you want to, to a complete fixation on your topic, to complete panic about being able to succeed, and, in the end, a feeling of peace to finally do other things besides dissertate.

While all doctoral programs vary, I assume that most Ph.D. students would agree with at least some portion of Grover and Haig’s models. The challenge throughout all of these stages is that a Ph.D. is hard. It can be lonely when you have no time to do anything but study. It can be costly when you sacrifice a full-time employee’s salary. It can be stressful when you have a million deadlines hitting all at the same time. And it can be sad when you have to face rejection and critical feedback. BUT pursuing your Ph.D. can also be exciting when you get a thrilling opportunity. It can be rewarding when you reach a major milestone. It can be happy when you have an opportunity to research things you really care about. And it can be really really happy when it’s all over and you are a Doctor!

The thing is, no matter how you feel, or what Ph.D. stage you are in, you’re not alone! If things are tough, or even if they are great, talk to your fellow doctoral students because they’re likely going through the same things as you (and want to talk about it). If you have fantastic and wonderful faculty like we do at NC State, then you should also talk to your faculty—they can be a tremendous support system and can help keep things in perspective. And, if you don’t feel comfortable talking to the people at your institution, look online because #phd #thestruggleisreal.

[1] Grover, V. (2007). Successfully Navigating the Stages of Doctoral Study. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 2, 9-21.

[2] Haigh, C., Hardy, P., & Duncan, F. (2011). Six stages of doctoral study: a new model for PhD students. Nurse Researcher, 18(4), 46-4.

Alessandra Dinin is a doctoral student in the Educational Research and Policy Analysis program with a Specialization in Higher Education Administration. She serves as a Director of Research for the National Initiative for Leadership & Institutional Effectiveness (NILIE). She is also a Doctoral Liaison for the Higher Education Association.