Research is for everyone: Perspectives from teaching at historically black colleges and universities

This paper presents data on the underrepresentation of minorities in science, reviews the need for diversity to advance the field of psychology, and provides evidence that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been extraordinarily successful in preparing minority undergraduates for doctoral work and careers in science. In addition, a perspective is presented on the work we do at Morris Brown College and other colleges in the Atlanta University Center to involve students in research and to encourage them to pursue masters' and doctoral degrees in psychology, public health, and the biomedical sciences. As the number of minority students increases at Traditionally White Institutions (TWIs), similar approaches may prove useful in those environments.