Consensual Qualitative Research on the Value and Meaning of Doctoral Degrees: Focusing on Current Practitioners in the Field of Vocational Counseling Services

This study aims to explore the purpose and motivation behind pursuing a doctoral degree in vocational counseling services, the experiences during the doctoral program, the driving forces that sustained participants through the process, and how they construct the meaning and value of the doctoral degree in their lives and workplaces after graduation. Using Consensual Qualitative Research(CQR), in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 individuals who had earned a doctorate in this field. The analysis revealed 5 domains, 15 categories, and 34 sub-categories, as follows. First, the motivations for entering the doctoral program were identified as ‘professional growth’, ‘a passion for learning itself’, and ‘a hope for healing and transformation’. Second, the experiences during the doctoral process included ‘a time of growth and recovery’, ‘challenges of balancing multiple roles’, ‘a time of immersion beyond personal limits’, and ‘diverse expectations from students’. Third, the driving forces behind completing the doctoral degree were ‘self-belief and determination’ and ‘support and encouragement from others’. Fourth, the perceived value of the doctoral degree was constructed through ‘contributions to self-growth and enhanced efficacy’, ‘expansion of career opportunities based on expertise’, ‘evolving meanings of the degree’, and ‘the unique value of the doctoral degree in vocational counseling services’. In particular, the distinctive value of a doctoral degree in vocational counseling services was found to lie in its ‘practical applicability’, ‘interdisciplinary potential’, ‘sense of mission and vocational calling centered on human service’, and ‘originality and rarity’. Finally, the practical wisdom for achieving the doctorate was captured in ‘realistic strategies for degree completion’ and ‘efforts to generate and expand the value of the degree’. Based on these findings, the study offers implications for strengthening doctoral programs aimed at cultivating highly competent professionals with both expertise and practical capabilities in the increasingly diverse field of vocational counseling services. Suggestions are also provided for adult learners considering doctoral studies in this area.