Perspectives: Boosting Criminal Justice Education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
African Americans make up about 45 percent of the prison population, but fewer than 200 minorities hold doctorates in criminology. HBCUs provide the perfect environment for nurturing minority criminologists, but they need resources.
http://diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_7323.shtml
May 14th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
This article depicts the truth regarding the AA statistics and the amount of AA enrolled in CJ programs. There seems to be little to no funding to supply staff to teach these programs.
Congratulations to Dr. Gabbidon, who was and probably still is one of the most passionate instructors in the field of criminology.
September 29th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
I have to agree with this article but there are some issues that do prevent/hinder some African American’s from pursing a PhD in CJ. One of the issues that I have found is the HBCU’s that I have lived near did not offer a grad level (Masters or PhD) CJ program. Second many colleges that do have a PhD and or Masters in CJ require an individual to have taken the GRE and many individuals are either reluctant to take the exam or their college/university just simply never required it therefore many people just accept what they have instead of going through all the headache of exams. Third: Some blacks have colorful backgrounds so, why would one obtain a degree when they will not be hired especially in a federal job. I know personally from the African Americans that I know in the CJ field will not advance or apply because their past maybe an issue. The ones that are not in the CJ field and want to will just avoid this field all together. Lastly, money is a big issue for many like in the department of corrections. Many individuals that hold a degree are not paid what they are worth, so people tend to shy away from many CJ jobs.
Myself for example: I work in the CJ field (State) making only $32500 per year (sickening isn’t it) and getting into the Fed jobs are next to impossible. I currently hold a Masters in Admin of Justice (B+ average), I was never required to take the GRE at the University that I had attended nor complete a Thesis. Now, since I have moved to Virginia I cannot take any grad classes without the GRE nor can I obtain a PhD., but if there was a way that I could obtain my PhD., I would but for now there is nothing I can do.
All I am saying is that there is a bigger picture that should also be looked as to why there are not many African Americans with PhD’s in this field.