Abstract
Statement of the Problem:
The purpose of this work was to interview seven black women from similar backgrounds about their experiences and how that led them to not pursuing an advanced degree. This study focused on the following questions: What obstacles have black women faced that led them to opting out of pursuing an advanced degree? What are the challenges, if any, have black women experienced prior to completing their undergraduate degree? Has the mentorship or lack thereof impacted black women’s decisions regarding their education?
Conclusions Reached:
The women in this study confirm most of the theories found in the literature review. Many of the women share similar challenges and ideas surrounding the idea of pursuing an advanced degree. All participants in this study shared their experiences of how race and gender play a direct role in choosing to continue education after completing an undergraduate degree. All the women agreed that having a mentor would have made them consider a different path. However, all seven women expressed there was not one thing that made them opt out of pursuing an advanced degree, it was the overall experience of being a black woman and navigating a plethora of obstacles.