Through a summer research experience and programming throughout the academic year, McNair Scholars have an opportunity to sharpen their research and academic skills necessary to achieve admission to and successfully complete graduate study. McNair Scholars will have access to the following opportunities: 

• 8-week summer research experience with a University faculty mentor from their discipline with similar research interests
• Summer research stipend of up to $2,800. Additional financial support throughout the year for graduate school visits and conference travel.
• 3-course credits offered (Introduction to Research course)
• Weekly seminars on strategies for academic success and graduate school preparation
• Opportunities to present research at multiple conferences and other academic spaces
• Chance to build community with a cohort of McNair Scholars
• Year-round seminars and advising services

McNair Participation at a Glance*:

Sophomore Year	Junior Year	Junior Year (cont'd)	Senior Year
Fall Orientation to the McNair Program Participant Mentorship Program	Summer 8-week Summer Research Experience at TCU  Seminar Series: Graduate School Preparation & Professional Development I	Spring Seminar Series: Graduate School Preparation & Professional Development III Present at TCU Student Research Symposiums and external conferences	Fall Seminar Series: Finishing Graduate School Applications Graduate school visit(s)
Spring Intro to Research course (3 credit) Propose research for Summer Research Experience	Fall Seminar Series: Graduate School Preparation & Professional Development II Present research at TCU McNair Fall Research Symposium in September	Summer (Rising Senior Year) Participate in external Summer Research Experience or study abroad Take GRE (if applicable)	Spring Acceptance to graduate schools McNair Recognition & Graduation Ceremony

*Juniors and seniors are eligible provided they have an available summer left before graduation to conduct research.

Per federal mandates, a student is eligible to participate in the TCU McNair Program if the student meets all the following requirements:

(a) Is a 

(1) Citizen or national of the United States; OR
(2) Permanent resident of the United States; 

(b) Is currently a rising sophomore, rising junior,  or rising senior (with an available summer left before graduation) enrolled in a degree program at TCU and has a minimum 3.0 GPA (A GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered as space allows.)

(c) Is 

(1) A first-generation college student1 with lesser income  OR

(2) A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education; these groups are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Native American Pacific Islanders.

(d) Has not enrolled in doctoral level study at an institution of higher education.²

(e) Has a STRONG desire to attain a Ph.D.³

1 Lesser-income status is determined by annual taxable household income limits set by the U.S. Department of Education. First-generation status refers to an undergraduate neither of whose parents earned a baccalaureate degree or, in the case of a custodial parent, this parent/guardian did not earn a baccalaureate degree.

2 Postbaccalaureate students and students who already have one bachelors degree are not eligible for the program.

3 Students whose career goals only include a medical (MD) or other professional degrees (JD, MBA, PharmD, etc.) are not eligible for the program.

• Research and scholarly opportunities
• Seminars and other educational activities for doctoral studies preparation
• Tutoring
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation
• Academic counseling
• Mentoring with faculty, staff, and individuals from the community
• Cultural enhancement opportunities
• University and college campus visits, tours, professional conferences, etc.
• Graduate school application assistance
• Potential to earn up to $2,800 in stipends for research 

McNair faculty mentors are the main contributors to the success of the McNair Scholars Program because they assist students in developing professional work habits, research skills, and personal relationships to assist them in future doctoral pursuits. Through directly engaging in scholarship and research, students receive individual attention from mentors and integrate into the research team. Students work closely with mentors to design and execute a research project. The mentor assists the student to develop not only conceptual and technical skills, but enhanced understanding and knowledge of the graduate school process. More information about the faculty mentor role can be found here.

To complete an application, please submit all four of the following:

1. McNair Scholars Application (Click here to access. Please sign electronically.)
2. Essay (Please upload into application.)
3. Most recent copy (2023) of the IRS Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Return.
   Note: Form 1040 is the strongly preferred and easiest option, but the other below items of proof of household taxable income will suffice: (A) a signed statement from the individual’s parent or guardian, (B) verification from another governmental source, or (C) a signed financial aid (i.e., FAFSA) application. (Please upload into application.)
4. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation from higher education faculty who can speak to your research abilities and/or potential as well as writing skills. An additional third letter can be submitted from a non-faculty member. Within the application portal, you will be given a link to provide to your recommenders. Recommenders should submit directly via the link. 

Applications are being processed on a rolling basis. Interested students are encouraged to submit an application soon as interviews for the 2024-2025 cohort will be conducted on an ongoing basis until all available spots are filled. 

 

If you'd like to learn more about the McNair Scholars Program, schedule some time to meet with us at https://calendly.com/mcnair-program.