Accessing Doctoral Education: Salient Factors of Black Ph.D. Student Narratives

• In Event: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Doctoral Education

Abstract

Although a great deal of literature exists that explores factors that hinder and facilitate underrepresented student of color access to bachelor’s degree attainment, few studies focus on revealing factors that influence the aspirations and decisions of these students seeking access to doctoral degrees. This study is part of recent efforts to fill the research gaps in access to doctoral education for underrepresented students. This case study of an elite research university is based on semi-structured interviews with Black PhD students and provides narratives indicating seven factors relevant to their aspirations and decisions to enter the doctoral education pipeline: faculty interactions, campus racial climate, a social justice orientation, financial aid, work experiences, family/networks, and identity development.

Authors

• Theresa E Hernandez, Columbia University

• Veronica Puente