Established in 1986 by the U.S. Department of Education and named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member Ronald McNair, UNL's McNair Scholars Program encourages students to pursue graduate studies by providing opportunities to define goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and student/faculty mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level.
The McNair Scholars Program prepares selected UNL undergraduates for graduate study at the doctoral level. Ten to fifteen new McNair Scholars are selected each year to participate in both academic and summer activities. The McNair Scholars Program aims to increase numbers of underrepresented students in doctoral programs. Find out more...
Benefits of being a McNair scholar
College students who are considering study beyond the baccalaureate level can realize their dreams through the McNair Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Here are just some of the benefits of being a McNair scholar:
- As a McNair scholar, you'll receive personalized one-on-one academic advising, coaching, and consultation to help you succeed academically, develop research skills, and apply to graduate school.
- You will participate in a summer research program that helps you develop your research skills.
- You'll learn how to construct a curriculum vita and write a personal statement for your graduate school application.
- McNair program professionals and Ph.D. faculty members will guide you in developing responsible academic skills and meeting scholarly performance standards needed to survive in demanding graduate school programs.
- You may attend national conferences where you will make formal presentations of your research to faculty and peers.
- As a senior scholar, you may receive funding to visit up to two of your top choice graduate schools to talk with faculty and graduate students.
- Over 200 colleges and universities across the country waive graduate school application fees (ranging from $50-$75 per application) for McNair scholars.
- Once you receive your baccalaureate degree, you will be eligible to apply for lucrative McNair fellowships that pay living stipends and the cost of graduate school attendance at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation.
- We are committed to seeing Scholars succeed and in return expect a firm commitment from you. We look forward to helping you reach your academic goals!
Interested?
Video: The McNair Scholars Program at UNL (4:31.94, 16.9 MB)
Also available: transcript of this video.
2012 McNair Summer Research Experience: Our 2011 cohort stayed busy over the summer, conducting original research under the direction of their McNair mentors.