Separate but equal?: The experiences of African American female graduate students in a college student affairs program

Abstract

Little research has been done exploring the experiences of African American women in graduate studies. Because of this, the purpose of the study was to examine the experiences of African American, female, graduate students in a College Student Affairs program. The participants were two African American, graduate students currently enrolled in a College Student Affairs program at a liberal arts, comprehensive institution in the Midwest. Data collection techniques included an in-depth interview in which participants responded to questions about their experiences in the program with regards to their interactions with classmates, professors, and other professionals in the field. The researcher also utilized natural observations of the participants in their classroom setting. Data analysis revealed jive themes as salient to the experiences of the participants. Furthermore, the results suggested that Critical Race Theory, and Black Feminist Thought are appropriate theoretical frameworks for examining African American, female, graduate students experiences. The results also indicated that the possible reason that African American females feel their graduate school experience is so much different than their White counterparts is because of the oppressive mindset that African American women carry with them into their graduate studies.

Date of Award	2010
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Catherine L Polydore (Supervisor)