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 meet the following criteria:

1. Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian holds a bachelor's degree) and meet federal low-income guidelines or
2. Be from a background underrepresented in graduate education, as defined by federal regulations.

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