Program Information

Purpose:

The McNair Achievement Program (MAP) is designed to increase the number of Ph.D.'s awarded to students from groups underrepresented in higher education.

Design:

MAP provides low-income, first-generation-college, and underrepresented students the opportunities and activities to develop the skills necessary to excel in their academic studies and assistance in admission into a top graduate program.
 

Goals:

  • Pair students with a faculty mentor with similar background and interests
  • Engage students in at least one summer research experience
  • Provide the opportunity for students to experience increased comfort with an academic culture where graduate education is the expectation
  • Provide students with extensive knowledge of the graduate school application process
  • Build a learning community where all participants are encouraged and supported

Services:

The McNair Scholars Program provides a system of integrated services, activities, and experiences to help Scholars develop their academic, research, and communication skills for acceptance into quality graduate programs. The experience represents an investment in your future. We are committed to seeing Scholars succeed and in return we expect a firm commitment from you. The McNair Team looks forward to helping each Scholar achieve his/her academic goals! Scholars are encouraged to take advantage of the many services offered through the McNair Program.
 

The McNair Team will provide or arrange the following:

  • Research internship opportunities
  • Assistance identifying and obtaining information about appropriate graduate programs
  • Assistance in finding financial support for graduate study
  • Information about and referral to other campus resources
  • Access to our McNair computer lab and laptops
  • LASC 496a (fall semester): our one unit Prepration for Graduate School course which takes students through the application process for graduate school and national fellowships
  • LASC 496b (spring semester): our one unit Survival Techniques for Graduate School course which assists students with interviewing and finalizing decisions regarding graduate programs and provides survival tips on how to successfully navigate within your PhD program
  • GRE Preparation workshops
  • Faculty mentors to assist students formulate and develop their research interests and skills
  • Tutoring and study strategies assistance
  • Comprehensive academic advising including planning, counseling, leadership development and tutoring
  • Assistance in planning and traveling to research conferences
  • Assistance in identifying summer research programs for second summer research experience
  • Career information and counseling
  • Summer research stipend of $2,800, with living expenses (for some students), and six units of credit (tuition will be waived).