The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has been on the WTAMU campus since 1999. It is one of 19 such programs in Texas. Currently, there are 185 programs nationwide. This program is designed to prepare qualified undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. The goal of the McNair program is to increase graduate degree attainment of students from underrepresented segments of society.
Every spring semester, applications are taken for 11 slots in the WTAMU McNair Scholars program. Students conduct graduate level research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The research period begins in May and consists of 12 weeks or until the project is completed.
Selected students for the McNair program receive the following benefits:
- The guidance of a mentor who oversees the research project
- Series of seminars, which include the graduate school admission process, basic research methods and applying for financial aid
- Tutoring, academic counseling and intense GRE or GMAT preparation
- Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs
- Preparation for presentations of research findings at various research conferences
- Fee waivers for graduate applications, paid conference travel and fellowships for McNair scholars
McNair scholars are required to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a University faculty mentor from their academic discipline. This research project prepares the scholar for graduate-level research. The summer research project includes the following:
- Faculty-mentored research project
- Graduate school seminars and workshops
- GRE preparation
- Development of professional research paper
- Presentation of research at conference
- $2,800 research stipend
