Faculty members in higher education are called to be effective researchers; however, there is limited research examining the research development of Ph.D. students. The cross-sectional, correlational investigation we report here examined levels of research self-efficacy, interest in research, and research knowledge of Ph.D. in education students (N = 67). Higher levels of research self-efficacy scores were predictive of higher interest in research and research knowledge. In addition, the students who engaged in research activities, including publishing manuscripts, scored higher in research self-efficacy than those "not" engaged in the publication process. Implications for doctoral student educators and higher education are discussed.