McNair Scholars Program
Focusing on graduate school preparation, Wayne State University McNair Scholars Program demystifies the graduate school application process and provides you with a simulated graduate school experience, including research. The program offers a scholarly environment whereby you receive academic, financial and social support.
As a McNair Scholar, you will:
Engage in Research. Participants conduct research under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor. Quality research projects provide a realistic picture of graduate school scholarship, while also preparing students for the doctoral school climate.
Participate in Summer Research Program. Students participate in a 8-week summer program during which they continue individual research projects, attend graduate school seminars, participate in a graduate school visitation program and attend GRE preparatory classes.
Develop & Deliver Professional Research Presentations. Each student culminates his/her McNair Program experience by presenting his/her research at Wayne State University's Annual McNair Scholars Conference. In addition, students have the opportunity to travel to additional McNair conferences nationwide and to network with graduate school representatives, as well as McNair scholars from across the country.
Visit Graduate Schools and Meet with Graduate Faculty Members. Students travel to various graduate schools throughout the country to examine institutions and departments as possible graduate school destinations. McNair Scholars have had the opportunity to visit campuses all over the country including (but not limited to) those located in Washington D.C., Chicago, IL, San Francisco, Ca, and Puerto Rico. To receive information on frequently visited campuses please view Undergraduate Research.
Attend Graduate School Preparation Seminars and Workshops. Students attend weekly graduate school seminars and/or workshops that focus on specific topics designed to demystify the graduate school application process including how to identify the graduate programs that “fit” their needs and interests and how to excel in graduate school. These meetings commence throughout the academic year and are typically held Fridays from 3-5 pm.
Schedule and Attend Meetings with Program Director and Faculty Mentor. McNair Scholars are expected to keep in close contact with academic supports and will be required to meet regularly to discuss progress and issues regarding their individual research projects and applying to graduate school.