Creating Educational Excellence in the Pipeline: Undergraduate African American Males’ Perceptions of Educational Research and Participation in the Black Male Project

The objective of this study is to examine Black male undergraduates’ perceptions of research in addition to analyzing their experience in a research class designed to encourage an interest in pursuing a PhD in education. The primary questions guiding the study are (1) what are Black male undergraduates’ perceptions of educational research and (2) what impact, if any, does participation in an undergraduate research course focusing on Black male retention have on their aspirations toward pursuing a PhD in education? The authors employed an in-depth qualitative methodology utilizing both semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. Findings reveal that most of the participants were unaware of what educational research entails along with the opportunities afforded in the field. Moreover, participation in a research course on Black males helped the participants acquire the methodological research and socialization skills necessary to influence an interest in pursuing a PhD in education. Implications for future research will be highlighted.