The McNair Scholars Program

What is the McNair Scholars Program?

The McNair Scholars Program at Georgia Southern University is a TRiO program that prepares underrepresented, high-performing students for graduate school. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the McNair Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students in Ph.D. programs, and ultimately, diversify the faculty in colleges and universities across the country.

Our program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors from any academic major on every Georgia Southern campus.

Apply to the McNair Scholars Program

McNair Scholars Program Benefits

By fostering mentoring relationships, promoting undergraduate research, assisting with GRE preparation, and enabling students to attend and present at conferences, we aim to produce highly competitive graduate school applicants who have the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in their graduate programs and earn a Ph.D.

McNair Scholar Stipend: Scholars receive an educational incentive of $2,800, along with room and board during the McNair Summer Research Experience.
Academic Development: McNair Scholars receive individual academic counseling from program staff and a faculty mentor in order to maximize their undergraduate program and prepare for graduate study.
Mentoring: Scholars select a faculty mentor who provides guidance throughout the undergraduate research process and advice during the graduate school application process. Mentors serve as role models and are an essential resource for each McNair Scholar.
Funding for Graduate School Campus Visits: Scholars may receive funding to travel to up to two graduate schools to meet with graduate faculty and to learn more about the department and institution in order to make their final graduate school decision.
GRE Preparation: The McNair Scholars Program assists scholars with GRE prep, finding the right graduate school and funding opportunities. Mentors help scholars navigate the application process, writing their statement of purpose and create a curriculum vita.
Supportive Scholarly, Social and Cultural Environment: Scholars engage with others through monthly seminars, group meetings and various cultural events.

McNair Scholarship Requirements

Undergraduates who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to the McNair Scholars Program:

U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Full-time student at the Georgia Southern University (Open to all majors).
Freshman, sophomore or junior with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above.
I am EITHER (A) a member of a group underrepresented in graduate education (African American/Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian and/or other Pacific Islander (with an affiliation with the United States), (B) a first-generation university student who also has a demonstrated need/income level established by the U.S. Department of Education, or BOTH A & B.
Have a strong interest in obtaining a Ph.D. or other graduate degree in a field that will lead to a career in teaching, research or administration on a college or university campus. (Programs that lead to law degrees (JD), medical degrees (MD), veterinary degrees (DVM), or pharmacy degrees (PharmD) are not eligible).

Unsure of Whether You Qualify?

If you are unsure about whether you qualify, please contact our office at mcnair@georgiasouthern.edu and we can advise you.

Who is Ronald E. McNair?

Dr. Ronald McNair lived a full and accomplished life. He was a research scientist, karate expert, jazz musician — a family man who was devout in his faith. In 1984, he also became the second African American astronaut to venture into space aboard the STS-41-B Challenger mission. Tragically, on January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after launch from the Kennedy Space Center. He was one of the seven-person crew who died.

Continue Reading About McNair

Born in Lake City, South Carolina in 1950, Ronald Erwin McNair was inspired to work hard and persevere in his studies by his family and by one of his teachers who recognized his scientific potential and encouraged him. He graduated valedictorian from Carver High School in 1967 and magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971. In 1976, at the age of 26, he earned his Ph.D. in laser physics from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

While working as a staff physicist with Hughes Research Laboratory, Dr. McNair soon became a recognized expert in laser physics. His many distinctions include being a Presidential Scholar (1971-74), a Ford Foundation Fellow (1971-74), a National Fellowship Fund Fellow (1974-75), and a NATO Fellow (1975). He was also a sixth degree black belt in karate and an accomplished saxophonist. Because of his many accomplishments, he was selected by NASA for the space shuttle program in 1978. His first space shuttle mission launched successfully from Kennedy Space Center on February 3, 1984. Dr. Ronald E. McNair was the second African American to fly in space. Two years later he was selected to serve as mission specialist aboard the ill-fated U.S. Challenger space shuttle.

After his death in the Challenger Space Shuttle accident on January 28, 1986, members of Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Their goal was to encourage low-income and first-generation college students, and students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups to expand their educational opportunities by enrolling in a Ph.D. program and ultimately pursue an academic career. This program is dedicated to the high standards of achievement inspired by Dr. McNair’s life.