What does it take to get into and through graduate school? What special challenges, opportunities, and issues face an African American graduate student? The African American Student's Guide to Surviving Graduate School offers a practical roadmap to help African American students get the most out of their graduate school experience. The book covers a number of issues, including: creating a program of study, financial aid, and the dissertation process. Author Alicia Isaac thoroughly covers the entire graduate process, offering case studies, anecdotes, words of wisdom from prominent African Americans, checklists, and self-assessment scales to provide a useful guide for students involved in or considering graduate study.
Are you considering graduate school as a way to further your career? Are you already pursuing an advanced degree part time? If so, Surviving Graduate School Part Time is a must read. If you are at the point in your career when a graduate degree is needed as a professional credential, the prospect of graduate school may seem daunting and ill-timed. You may already work long hours in order to establish your career and have probably made major financial commitments, such as the purchase of a home, or an automobile, in addition to paying off undergraduate loans. This practical volume addresses the concerns of the working professional seeking a graduate degree while trying to maintain career and family responsibilities. The helpful information, advice, and short cuts author Von V. Pttman provides are gleaned from nearly 20 years of service in the continuing education divisions at three major state universities. Beginning with an overview of the development of graduate school as a part-time phenomenon, the author goes on to explore practical matters such as choices of schools and programs as well as strategies to help cut throughùor cope withùuniversity bureaucracies and financing. The author also includes appendixes that provide valuable information regarding regional accrediting associations, academic guidelines, entrance exam preparation, and financial aid.
"As a novice researcher and doctoral student myself, I found this text basic, resourceful, and encouraging. I now feel that my research journey has been segmented into individual steps that are both manageable and practical." —NACADA (National ACademic ADvising Association) Chock-full of useful pedagogy, Doing Qualitative Research contains interdisciplinary and real-world examples and student diaries that speak to those readers undertaking new research projects and qualitative dissertations. Key Features Offers a thorough review of the major methods in qualitative research and data analysis techniques specific to each method Gives practical advice on key issues, such as defining "originality" and narrowing down a topic Presents end-of-chapter accounts of current or former graduate students' experiences with the topics covered in the respective chapters Contains web-based exercises designed to help students and their instructors incorporate web-based learning in their courses Includes exercises to test readers' knowledge and to encourage the development of relevant skills Intended Audience This lively, accessible textbook is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in the social sciences—including those in sociology, education, communications, anthropology, and health departments.
Addresses the mental health challenges of graduate school and how students can succeed and thrive. With rates of depression and anxiety six times higher among graduate students than the general population, maintaining emotional wellbeing in graduate school is vital! Students must be prepared with skills that will not only help them perform well but also help them feel well. Thriving in Graduate School: The Expert's Guide to Success and Wellness is the first book on graduate student mental health written by mental health professionals. It promotes psychologically healthy approaches to navigating the graduate school experience and teaches students that they are not alone in their mental health struggles. The authors introduce students to unique perspectives that are key to positive mental health. Additionally, this is the only book of its type to explore issues routinely faced by historically marginalized graduate students. Special sections at the end of each chapter written for faculty, administrators, and mental health professionals augment the book by suggesting ways that each of these groups can help guide and support graduate students through their journey. Featuring vignettes and experiences from actual graduate students, Thriving in Graduate School sheds light on common—but hidden—truths to help students manage the many challenges they will face and even thrive during their graduate school years. Written with compassion and humor, this is a must read for prospective students and those who seek to support them.
This book provides Latino students with a step-by-step roadmap for navigating the college process—from overcoming cultural barriers to attending college, to selecting the right school, to considering advanced degrees. The Latino community is the fastest growing minority group in America, and quickly becoming a major player in America's workforce. Unfortunately, Latinos encounter cultural and societal obstacles that can hinder academic achievement. This inspirational guide gives Latino students practical skills for advancing in a college environment. The Latino Student's Guide to College Success: Second Edition, Revised and Updated provides a blueprint for collegiate success. The first eight chapters guide students through subjects such as selecting a college, navigating the application process, forming effective study habits, accessing student support services, and planning for advanced degrees. The second part is comprised of eight inspirational stories by Latino graduates sharing their college experiences. Lastly, a third section features a listing of colleges with a record of graduating the most Latinos, as well as a list of the top ten colleges with the most undergraduate Latino students. The revised and updated second edition of this popular book features the latest economic and demographic changes that have emerged since the first edition was published. It also includes six new chapters introducing the impact of technological advancements and changes in cultural trends.
This guide is designed to help black students prepare for standardized tests, negotiate admissions, find a faculty mentor, choose a field of study, select the best curriculum, adjust to the campus, master technology, engage in research and publishing, secure graduate assistantships, develop a global identity, maintain black pride and self esteem, and interact with other cultural groups. What are the models of success for black students in graduate and professional school careers? What should be expected and prepared for? What struggles lie ahead, and how have others overcome the obstacles? This guide is designed to help black students prepare for standardized tests, negotiate admissions, find a faculty mentor, choose a field of study, select the best curriculum, adjust to the campus, master technology, engage in research and publishing, secure graduate assistantships, develop a global identity, maintain black pride and self esteem, and interact with other cultural groups. In the first section of this guide, 21 scholars offer sound, nuts-and-bolts advice on preparing for-and excelling in-graduate and professional school. In the second section, 40 scholars from varied professions share the personal experiences that led to their successes. In the third section, current students recount their problems, solutions, and overall achievements. Their essays embody the advice and information provided in previous chapters, humanizing and reinforcing the themes of the entire book. Their success may begin in theory, but their stories and accomplishments are real. The primary audience for this guide consists of black undergraduates, black graduate students both prospective and current, deans of graduate and professional schools, graduate admissions counselors and recruiters, faculty advisors, and collegiate coaches in both predominantly black and white higher education institutions. The secondary audience includes high school students, parents, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, and civic, community, and religious organizations.
So many parts of society target citizens of color for violence--what can be done? Violence as Seen Through a Prism of Color examines violence from a structural perspective, including violence in prisons, schools and colleges, churches, homes, and within political/corporate structures. This unique, hard-hitting book argues that individual violence stems from the structure of our society and its institutions. Most of the contributors are African- American educators and practitioners who have a thorough understanding of structural violence. Some have experienced political violence; others have expert knowledge of structural violence within the criminal justice system, educational institutions, and elsewhere--even in churches and homes. Their writings are undeniably, unflinchingly authentic--it is impossible not to be moved and enraged by what they have to say. The good news is that in addition to calling attention to the structural violence in our society they provide excellent insights on how the situation might be resolved. Violence as Seen Through a Prism of Color shows: that much of the violence within the criminal justice system stems from decisions made at the highest levels of government that minority offenders are much more frequently convicted and more harshly sentenced than their white counterparts how cultural racism contributes to the construction of motives for lynching, hate crime, and police violence against Americans of color such as Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo, and Rodney King how the judicial system encourages black on black violence by neglecting to halt criminal activities in non-white neighborhoods how, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ”Poverty is the worst form of violence” You’ll also learn: how corporations are amassing great wealth through privatizing prisons and conscripting the labor of non-violent African-American prisoners how racial profiling affects people of color how the media has exploited black men imprisoned for minor drug offenses how and why violence occurs in and against the black church Helpful charts and tables (like one that names the corporations that use prison labor) supplement the material--you’ll be surprised at what you learn! Extensive references are included at the end of each chapter.
For an African American scholar, who may be the lone minority in a department, navigating the tenure minefield can be a particularly harrowing process. Kerry Ann Rockquemore and Tracey Laszloffy go beyond standard professional resources to serve up practical advice for black faculty intent on playing?and winning?the tenure game.Addressing head-on how power and the thorny politics of race converge in the academy, The Black Academic?s Guide is full of invaluable tips and hard-earned wisdom. It is an essential handbook that will help black faculty survive and thrive in academia without losing their voices, or their integrity.
This book comprehensively reviews the factors that facilitate access and success of Black students in STEM majors in higher education, and it shares compelling testimonies from Black STEM professionals that will help inspire the next generation of Black scientists and engineers. Most experts agree that America's success depends on having a workforce that is highly prepared in STEM areas. Unfortunately, students of color continue to be underrepresented in higher education, and specifically, in completing degrees and entering careers within the STEM fields. This book supports African American students (as well as all students) who are interested in STEM careers, providing information on the top colleges with STEM-related programs, particularly those that best support racially diverse students; practical advice for preparing for entrance into STEM programs; and inspirational stories of successful African Americans in STEM-related careers. Authored by three educators expert in the areas of academic development of African Americans and minorities, STEM, and higher education, The African American Student's Guide to STEM Careers focuses on preparing Black students for STEM from K–12 through graduate school. Readers will more fully appreciate the importance of STEM, recognize why more Black students need to be more actively engaged in these disciplines, and understand how to prepare Black students for success in STEM throughout the educational pipeline.