Customer Reviews

Journey to the Ph.D.: How to Navigate the Process as African Americans

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I am a black woman seriously considering the pursuit of a Ph.D. As such, I have been searching for literature detailing the struggles I might face and information on the African American's experience of obtaining a doctorate. I am happy to say that I've found what I was looking for.

The book consists of several chapters written by Black Ph.D. students and graduates. The contributors come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from rural to solidly middle class. Most are young, but several detail their experience of obtaining the Ph.D. while maintaining work and familiar responsibilities. A variety of fields are represented, from education to chemistry. I was pleased that the essays did not take the tone of, "It's awful being Black in America." (Readers are already aware of this--hence the need for the book.) Instead, I found the book helpful, uplifting and inspiring, with most of the contributors citing their family background and religious faith as motivating factors when times became difficult.

Journey to the Ph.D. also contains a helpful introductory section on the admissions process, and several contributors detail their admission/application experiences. Many include their viewpoints with regard to doctoral studies in PWI (Predominantly White Instutions) and how their experiences there conflicted with the notions of black heritage they learned at home. Some had never before attended PWIs and were thus quite shocked; others had attended PWIs at all levels of their education and were unphased.

Whatever your viewpoint, whether you are on your way to a Ph.D. yourself or just trying to understand the process from a Black perspective, this is an excellent resource.

I recommend the book to anyone who has aspirations of furthering their education. Though it is written with an intended audience of African Americans, anyone can benefit from the info within. I have purchased it and given it away several times, loaned out mine, and suggested to those who have purchased it themselves. Everyone who reads it says that they are so glad to have done so. It's hands on, practical, and something anyone interested in higher education can relate to.