THE McNAIR PROGRAM AT UCSD

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program was created by Congress to honor one of the first African Americans in the U.S. space program. As one of the original fourteen institutions to receive a McNair grant, UCSD has administered a McNair Program since 1989.

The UCSD McNair Program is a rigorous two-year program of scholarly activities that includes: a two-quarter, ten hour-per-week academic-year research placement; an eight- week, full-time summer internship as a research assistant on a faculty mentor's project; training in how to write and present a scholarly research paper; the opportunity to present a paper at a minimum of two research conferences; monitoring of academic performance; guidance in applying to graduate school and obtaining fellowships; preparation for the Graduate Record Examination; training in library research skills; and seminars presented by faculty. The program begins in Winter quarter each year and continues through the following Fall quarter.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to make a commitment to work as a research assistant at least 10 hours a week during the Winter and Spring quarters and 30 hours a week for 8 weeks during the summer. In addition, students must write a research proposal and paper, present their paper at a minimum of two research conferences, and attend all program events.

WORK CLOSELY WITH A FACULTY MEMBER

As a McNair scholar, you will work closely with a faculty mentor in your discipline. The opportunity to work one-on-one with a professor will give you a unique insight into the world of academia.

AWARDS

Students receive 4 units of 199 independent study credit during both the Winter and Spring quarters. During the Summer, students will receive a $2,800 fellowship, free on-campus housing, and an additional 4 units of 199 independent study credit (for a total of 12 units). In the fall, students who are prepared to apply to graduate school will receive a $500 graduate school application award to help offset application costs.