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McNair Scholars | Application

The McNair Scholars Program is a Federal TRIO program that prepares first-generation undergraduate students for doctoral studies (Ph.D. or Ed.D.). The Program supports students from historically underrepresented groups with documented financial needs and major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Nutrition, Health Sciences Administration, or Criminal Justice.

McNair Scholars engage in courses, seminars, and workshops related to graduate school preparation and professional development. Scholars are also compensated as they conduct summer research under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor. Students then have the opportunity to present their research at local, regional, or national conferences. The McNair Program staff works closely with students as they complete their undergraduate requirements and graduate school applications.

Before pursuing the application process, please ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria. The McNair Scholars Program is federally funded, prospective students must meet the required criteria. However, should you fall into a grey area, contact the McNair Team at mcnair@fiu.edu.

McNair Scholars Program applicants must adhere to the following:

  • Intend to pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. (professional degrees such as an M.D., J.D., MBA, PharmD, etc., are not eligible).
  • Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  • Are a rising junior or senior by Summer 2023 term and have completed approximately 60 credits of undergraduate courses by the start of the 2023 Summer Research Experience (SRE).
  • Major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Psychology, Math, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Nutrition, Health Sciences Administration, or Criminal Justice.
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale).
  • Are either a first-generation college student (neither parent nor legal guardian has a Bachelor’s degree) and have a documented financial need* (based on family size and taxable income) and /or a member of a group historically underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., African-American/Black/Afro-Caribbean, Latinx/ Latino/Hispanic, Native American/ Indigenous, Pacific Islander, or student with a disability).
  • Have identified a research mentor at the time of application and/or demonstrated commitment to research.
  • **To find out the low-income guidelines established by the Department of Education, please click here.
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Additional Required Documents

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS PDFs

  • Brief essay (1000 words or less) describing your interest in becoming a McNair Fellow and how it will assist you with the goal of obtaining a PhD.
  • Research abstract (150 word max) describing the objectives and the hypothesized outcomes of the proposed study. Please include the title and the name of your faculty advisor/mentor (if available)
  • A copy of unofficial transcripts from Florida International University and other schools attended
  • A copy of your Free Application for Student Aid (FASFA)
  • A copy of your parent’s income tax return, if applicable
  • A copy of your income tax return, if applicable
  • A complete response to supplemental questions in AcademicWorks
  • Two letters of Recommendation from faculty submitted into the AcademicWorks system. Recommendation Request for the McNair Program will only go out to your recommender once you fully submit your application.

Priority will be given to early applicants.

If you did not file last year’s tax return and/or do not have a copy of your most recent FAFSA form, please provide other means of income verification.

If you have any questions, contact the McNair Scholars Program at McNair@fiu.edu.