The purpose of this research was to investigate the characteristics and motivations that led to persistence in a doctoral cohort program of study. A phenomenological case study approach, utilizing a comprehensive interview format, was used to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon. The case for this research was Robert Morris University's Instructional Management and Leadership (IML) doctoral cohort program. This three-year program consists of 63 credit hours including a practicum and dissertation. Nine graduates from Cohorts I, II, III served as the participants in this study. A semistructured interview protocol provided the researcher flexibility so that the questions could be modified and elaborated throughout the interview process. This enabled participants to clearly describe their experiences so that the researcher gains an understanding of the lived experience. Eleven themes emerged from this study, falling into the categories: characteristics, intrinsic motivations, and extrinsic motivations. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]