Ronald E. McNair
Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
We're on a mission to transform academia. A federally funded TRiO program, we empower visionary First Generation and Low-income (FGLI) or Underrepresented students in graduate school through transformative mentorship and rigorous academic support. McNair is housed in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC).
Two Year Timeline
Sophomore Year
Envision: Application, Decision, Research Design Course (Spring Semester)
First Summer
UROC Research Experience at U of A
Junior Year
Practice: Dive deep into graduate school research and preparation
Second Summer
Research Experience Elsewhere
Senior Year
Launch: Graduate Preparation Course, application, acceptances
Full-time U of A (Main Campus) student. US citizen, permanent legal resident, or has demonstrated their intention to become a permanent resident of the US. First generation college student who meets federal low-income guidelines (FGLI) and/or underrepresented in graduate education. Junior standing by end of upcoming spring semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Strong desire to pursue a doctoral degree
Am I Eligible for the McNair program?
Application Form (to be completed online at the time of submission)
Eligibility Documentation
- Income Verification Form
- All McNair applicants need to submit an income verification form with their application.
- Citizenship Documentation (if applicable)
- Typically, this is an I94 or similar government approved documentation. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions! We're happy to support you as you gather your application materials.
Required Essays
- Personal Statement (250-500 words):
- We want to get to know you and how our programs could empower you to achieve your goals.
- To support your writing, consider the addressing some or all of the following:
- Why is the UROC program you’re applying to a great fit for you? How will it help you achieve your graduate school and career goals?
- What unique skills and lived experiences will help you engage in research and graduate school?
- What academic experiences have been the most impactful for you?
- How will you contribute to the UROC Scholarly community?
- Research Internet Statement (250-500 words):
- What is a research project you would like to explore during your UROC experience?
- To support your writing, consider the addressing some or all of the following:
- Why is research interesting to you? What excites you about your intended field of research?
- What is a pressing problem you want to help solve or question you want to help answer?
- Why is your discipline a good place to explore this problem or question?
Connect with the McNair team if you need help with any materials! We're happy to answer any questions.
| Year | Semester | Activity | Course | Credits | Description |
| Sophomore | Fall | Apply | None | 0 | |
| Spring | Pre-McNair | GRAD 495a | 3 | Students will write a research proposal and conduct an initial literature review in preparation for their summer study. | |
| Soph/Junior | Summer
| UROC Summer Program | GRAD 492 | 3 | Directed research. |
| GRAD 495b | 3 | Students will be expected to compose a scholarly research report in conjunction with a small-scale study on a topic of the student's and/or the faculty mentor's choosing. This course will work in tandem with the students and their faculty mentors to assist in developing three articulations of their research: the research report, presentation, and poster. | |||
| Junior | Fall | Second Summer applications | None | Monthly 1:1 meetings, Cohort workshops | |
| Spring | |||||
| Junior/Senior | Summer | Second Summer (off-campus) | Depends on program | ||
| Senior | Fall | Graduate applications | GRAD 496a | 3 | Students will create their graduate school application packets, including their CV/resume and personal statement. Students will apply to at least six schools by the end of the semester. |
| Spring | Post-UA preparation | GRAD 496b | 1 | This course helps students choose their graduate program. Students will learn how to review offers and funding packages, budget for life after UA, and choose the best fit for them. | |
McNair Program Staff and Faculty
Caitlin Rosario Kelly, ABD
Tori Juvera
Astrid Liu
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program is sponsored through a federal grant (#P217A220105) through the US Department of Education, Federal TRIO Programs.