This paper focuses on the experience, reflections, and best practices related to training adult education researchers in an adult learning and leadership doctoral program at a Research I institution in the United States. We discuss embedding technology into the curriculum, fostering connections, and supporting the development of self-directedness as key elements of an effective online doctoral program. The paper offers suggestions applicable to other online, research-intensive programs catering to the working learner population. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]