Program Information

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be either:

To be considered for the McNair Scholars Program, applicants must be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor's degree) and meet federal low-income guidelines.

Additionally, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student at Cleveland State University
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8
• Demonstrate academic potential for graduate study
• Have a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D.

Faculty Support

Each McNair Scholar is guided by two mentors:

• Discipline Faculty Mentor
  • Helps define a research topic
  • Teaches research techniques
  • Guides summer research and presentations
• Non-Discipline Faculty Mentor
  • Provides interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Assists in selecting a summer research topic
  • Facilitates faculty connections
  • Supports graduate school applications

Program Benefits

Individualized Mentorship

• Monthly meetings with the Program Director
• Regular check-ins with both discipline and non-discipline faculty mentors

Academic & Professional Development

• Monthly workshops and seminars on graduate school preparation, personal finance, and academic success
• Assistance with selecting graduate programs and tracking deadlines
• Free GRE preparation and financial support for the exam
• Graduate school application fee waivers from participating institutions
• Professional portfolio development and advising

Research & Experiential Learning

• Paid summer research internship with up to 4 paid independent study credits
• Fully funded travel to local, regional, and national research conferences
• Graduate school visits (including travel funding when permitted)

Resources & Financial Support

• Up to $400 per semester for textbooks
• Access to loaner laptops and tablets
• Dedicated study space with computers, printing, and relaxation areas in the McNair Scholars Suite

Community & Enrichment

• A supportive network of like-minded scholars
• At least one cultural event per semester (e.g., plays, concerts, art exhibits, special interest classes)
• Exclusive opportunities for graduate fellowships