How to Apply

Students who meet the following criteria may apply to the program

• Undergraduate student who has completed at least 45 hours (not enrolled in graduate coursework)
• Senior standing students must have one year remaining at SE
• US citizenship or residency
• A minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average or above
• Status as a first-generation college student with low-income eligibility and/or a member of a group underrepresented in graduate education
• Have not enrolled in any graduate-level courses

You need to have two faculty members submit a recommendation for you to participate in the McNair program. At least one of these faculty members will need to have a terminal degree (higher academic degree in their degree) or have a doctoral degree within your degree field.

You should communicate with the faculty about your interest in this program and your hope to get their recommendation before submitting this application.  Consider the following statement to include in this communication:

“Dr. (Faculty), I am interested in the new McNair Scholars program here on campus. It is a program that will help me develop skills necessary to be successful in graduate studies. Would you be willing to complete a recommendation form supporting my application to this program? Once I submit my application, the McNair staff will send a link to a form for you to submit your recommendation. Thank you for your support.”

Once you have requested to have recommendation letters completed, please submit your application to the McNair Scholars Program. You will need to submit your educational information and income verification. If anything additional is needed, the McNair staff will contact you. Then, the McNair staff will send a link to your chosen faculty members to complete in order for your recommendations to be submitted.

An interview with the McNair staff and McNair Advisory Board members is required to be completed for all qualifying and eligible students. The interview can be in person or via Zoom. It will take approximately 15-30 minutes.

Once accepted into the program, you will be paired with a Faculty Mentor. You will need to have monthly meetings during the Fall and Spring semesters and two meetings a week during the Summer semester. You will be expected to participate in research and scholarly activities with the McNair Scholars Program throughout the year.