Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2010

Thesis Director

James Wallace

Thesis Committee Member

Richard Roberts

Thesis Committee Member

Heidi Larson

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to explore issues relevant to challenges faced by African American male graduate students who attend Eastern Illinois University, with particular attention given to retention issues and challenges that serve as both support and barriers. The sample population for the present study consisted of African American male graduate students admitted during the fall 2009 semester. At the time of the study, these students had been accepted and enrolled fulltime in a degree program offered by the Eastern Illinois University Graduate School. Qualitative inquiry facilitated the ascertaining of perceptions, myths, and descriptions of the lives of the participants. Several conclusions were drawn from the findings. The results are presented as discussions of research questions based on responses from African American male graduate students who served as participants. Recommendations for Eastern Illinois University administrators and future researchers are provided.

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