Who's in the pipeline? A survey of African-Americans in doctoral programs in criminology and criminal justice

Abstract

This article focuses on three areas (financial aid, mentorship, and alienation) that affect the professional socialization of African-American doctoral students in criminology and criminal justice. The respondents to a mailed questionnaire provide information about their experience in these three areas. Although the students indicate that they are receiving financial support and experience in teaching and research, and some report that they are being mentored, they are also alienated to some extent by their programs. This article identifies the ways in which these areas may distract African-Americans from successfully completing terminal degrees. It also offers ideas about professional socialization that may increase the success rate of most graduate students.