McNair Scholars Program

What We Do

Created by the U.S. Congress in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the astronaut and physicist who was among the first African Americans in the U.S. space program, the McNair Scholars Program at Augsburg College prepares students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Our goal is to increase doctoral degree attainment of students from segments of society now underrepresented in graduate studies. The program’s further purpose is to encourage these students to consider becoming college professors.

Interested in Graduate School?

The McNair Scholars Program offers you the opportunity to see what graduate school is really like. Graduate school is about research and teaching—is a time for structured exploration and analysis of a topic YOU value. It is learning and working in an environment that supports your scholarship, enriches your perspectives, and challenges your ideas. Your research is a reflection of your ideas and work, further shaped by the intellectual influences of professors and other students in your department.

Summer Research

The major component of the McNair Scholars Program is a 10 week-long summer research program. McNair Scholars will conduct original research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, and have opportunities to publish and present their work at a professional conference. For this work, Scholars receive both a research and room and board stipend and acquire the research tools needed for graduate study.

Benefits As a McNair Scholar

1. Paid ($2800 plus room and board stipend) summer research internship under the mentorship of a faculty member.
2. Opportunities for paid conference travel and professional presentation of original research.
3. Fee waivers for graduate applications and graduate fellowships designated for McNair Scholars only.
4. Tuition-free .5 academic credit course, Discourse in the Disciplines.
5. Tuition-free .5 academic credit course, Introduction to Research.
6. Intensive GRE preparation, the test required for admittance into most graduate programs.
7. Sharpened writing and oral presentation skills.
8. GRE test fee waiver ($140).
9. Academic and career counseling.
10. Assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate programs.
11. Social and cultural activities.
12. Acculturation to the graduate school experience.
13. The chance to be a part of a motivated, diverse and supportive learning community!

Hours