2 Legit 2 Quit: Employing Racialized Legitimacy to Explore Black PhD Candidacy

• In Event: Barriers and Burdens of Graduate Students in Higher Education

Abstract

Little research exists on doctoral qualifying exams despite growing concern about their negative consequences. This study seeks to understand how Black students experience qualifying exams and the transition to doctoral candidacy as a racialized process. The authors analyzed data from interviews and focus groups with 18 PhD candidates enrolled in education and physical science programs across the US We argue that advancing to candidacy is one vital context in which legitimacy in the academy is a racially differentiated experience. Our analyses found that Black faculty and peers are salient sources of legitimacy among Black candidates in resistance to norms of Whiteness. These findings may inform research, policy, and practice for racially equitable processes and outcomes in doctoral education.

Authors

• Kaylan Baxter, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author

• Aireale J. Rodgers, University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Presenting Author

• Julie Renee Posselt, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author

• Isaiah Simmons, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author

• Gloria C. Anglón, University of Southern California
  Presenting Author