An exploration into success factors of African American males who obtained terminal degrees from majority White institutions.

Abstract

The study consisted of individual unstructured interviews with five African American males that completed a Ph.D. at an MWI. The interviews explored how these individuals made sense of their achievement of a terminal degree. The interviews generated data in the areas of academic success in terms of persistence, campus environment and mentoring, social support, and strategies for overcoming barriers. Once admitted into the degree program, failing or quitting the program was not an option for any of the study participants. This study identified factors that African American males who completed a terminal degree program at an MWI credited to their success. This investigation was qualitative in nature and used the phenomenology methodological approach to identify patterns of success. The theoretical framework was Critical Race Theory (CRT). The success rate of African American males graduating from Majority White Institutions (MWI) is dismal at best. It is an enduring enigma that continues to plague the academy and has negative implications for society as a whole. While African American females and other ethnic groups are making positive gains, African American males trail all others in academic success indicators. Yet, despite a plethora of challenges and countless obstacles, some African American males are successful in their doctoral pursuit.