The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement program is one of a suite of federal TRiO programs sponsored by the US Department of Education. Its purpose is "to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities."
The McNair program was established in 1986, and the first McNair grantees were funded in 1989. The program has grown steadily in the number of grantee institutions, level of appropriation, and number of students participating in the program.
By 2000 the program was awarding close to $35 million in grants and serving more than 3,700 students annually. The total appropriation for McNair funding in FY 2017 was $950 million.
Morris's McNair program began in 2017.
The program is dedicated to the memory of NASA astronaut Ronald McNair.
About Ronald E. McNair
Ronald Ervin McNair was a laser physicist and molecular spectroscopist who was also a 5th degree black belt Karate instructor, jazz saxophonist, husband and father. He graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina A&T State University and earned his PhD in physics from MIT. He had earned numerous additional honors and was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously after his death in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger, on which he was a mission specialist, exploded after launch. Ronald E. McNair represents the best in academic excellence and serves as an inspiration for those served by the program that bears his name.
How does it work?
The plan for the project encompasses academic success, scholarly research and professional development. It begins with your acceptance into the program (whereupon you are officially recognized as a "McNair Scholar") and continues until attainment of the PhD/EdD.
This is a long-term commitment by us and by you! The general outline of the plan for academic year 2017-18 is given below; several other activities will be announced as the project gets off the ground.
What are the benefits?
Acceptance into the McNair program means that you will participate in a specially focused and carefully developed plan to help you succeed academically as an undergraduate while preparing you for your path to the PhD/EdD.
Central to the McNair Scholar program is a paid undergraduate research experience (with a $2,800 stipend) in which you will work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a scholarly research proposal, then carry out that work and present your results. Note: there are only 12 funded positions per year.
In addition, McNair Scholars will benefit from:
- Belonging to a close community of scholars and educators
- Specialized academic guidance and support coordinated by McNair staff
- Participation in several "Success Seminars" and workshops that introduce you to financial literacy, academic success tools, graduate school (what it is all about and how to get there), professional communication, research preparation, and preparation for the GRE
- Ongoing mentoring from peers, faculty, and McNair staff
- Opportunities to participate in research conferences and visit graduate schools
McNair Application FAQ's
Who can apply for the McNair program?
McNair Scholars must be:
- Low-income and First-generation
- Low-income (as defined by the Department of Education Federal TRiO Programs)
- First-generation (neither parent has a bachelor's degree)
You must
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Have earned 30 credits
- Be enrolled full-time in a degree program at Morris
While some preference is given for students working in STEM fields, all majors are welcome to apply. The key criterion for a McNair Scholar is a desire to excel academically as an undergraduate, gain admission into graduate school, and persist to the PhD/EdD. McNair does not support professional graduate pathways like, law, medical, or veterinary medicine, with the exception that they are combined with the PhD.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application. Applications are reviewed each semester in the fall and spring. Our recruitment focus each fall semester is candidates wanting research experience who have at least one year remaining at Morris.
And Submit the following offline requirements:
- A 600-900 word personal statement that details your interest in academic success, desire to be involved in scholarly research, and
motivation to obtain the PhD/EdD - A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well, preferably a Morris faculty member (The faculty member will be provided
instructions on how to submit the letter once you apply to the program.) - A signed and dated eligibility form
- A UMM unofficial Transcript
- A signed copy of your federal income tax form OR a tax receipt that shows taxable income
The top candidates will be invited for an interview with McNair personnel.
What is expected of me as a McNair Scholar?
As a McNair Scholar, you will be required to take part in academic year activities including attendance at recommended events, academic and development work in a Research Success Seminar and Graduate Success Seminar, and meet regularly with McNair staff. In addition, you will carry out at least one research project with a Morris faculty member prior to graduation from Morris.
Why should I even consider getting a PhD or EdD?
Going to graduate school to continue your education and obtain a terminal degree requires commitment and drive. Do you love to learn? Are you curious about the world around you, how things work and how we have come to be where we are at this point and time in the Universe? Obtaining a PhD or EdD brings with it a great sense of satisfaction along with deep knowledge in a subject that you are passionate about. People who have earned a PhD or EdD can hold positions of greater responsibility, respect—and, often, greater satisfaction—than those without the terminal degree. PhD/EdD holders often have more freedom in their jobs/positions and frequently earn higher salaries than those with the bachelors or masters degree. But getting a terminal degree is definitely challenging—that is why the McNair program exists. If you have the drive, commitment, and the passionate desire to learn, you should apply to become a McNair Scholar.
Can first-year students or seniors apply to become McNair Scholars?
You cannot be chosen as a McNair Scholar until you have earned at least 30 credits—but this does not mean you cannot participate in McNair programming that will make you a stronger candidate for acceptance as a Scholar. If you are a Senior by credits but have already had research experience and are planning one more year at Morris, you may apply.
If I want to be a medical doctor (MD) or lawyer (JD), can I still apply to the McNair program?
Unfortunately, no—the McNair program does not support professional degrees. If, however, you are interested in a joint program that focuses on research (e.g. MD/PhD), then you would still be eligible (provided you meet the other eligibility requirements).
What is the research requirement like?
As a McNair Scholar you will be required to work with a Morris faculty member to write up a research proposal and then work with your mentor to carry out the research during a funded 8-week summer research experience at UMM. One McNair-funded research experience is required but additional research experience—either during the summer or during the academic year—is encouraged.