Currently, there is a need for physical therapists to support the expected growth in the field. However, a shortage exists in core Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty holding an academic doctorate. To reverse the shortage, the perceptions of the motives and barriers to pursuing an academic doctorate among DPT faculty needed to be studied. The literature has been studied regarding the motives and barriers to pursuing an academic doctorate among other healthcare professionals; however, little research has been conducted to identify what motivates or limits physical therapists' pursuit of an academic doctorate. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative research study was to identify core DPT faculty's perceptions of the motives and barriers to pursuing an academic doctorate and its impact on their job satisfaction. The theoretical framework that supported this study was that of the self-determination theory. Data were collected via virtual semistructured interviews that included 11 core DPT faculty working at traditional DPT programs across the United States. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing three resultant themes: academic passion, program inflexibility, and open doors. By instilling a passion for academia in DPT students, by creating flexible and cost-effective academic doctorate programs, and by sharing the benefits that an academic doctorate can bring, the shortage of DPT faculty with academic doctorates can be addressed to support the expected growth in the field. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]