McNair Program
McNair is one of eight TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

Supporting Future Scholars: The Legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was named after NASA astronaut and physicist Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair.
Participants are from marginalized backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential.
Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees.
The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from marginalized segments of society, such as first-generation and low income.
Learn More About the McNair Program
Students must meet following criterion:
- Be first generation (neither parent or legal guardian has attained a bachelor's degree or higher) and low income.
In addition, all students should:
- Possess a STRONG interest in obtaining a Ph.D.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have attained sophomore status
- Not graduate before December of current year
- Hold a minimum 3.0 GPA overall
- Plan to enter a graduate program by the fall after completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Personal and academic counseling and assessment
- Interaction with faculty & graduate student mentors
- Assistance with graduate admissions
- Preparation for the GRE
- Attendance at professional meetings and graduate school visits
- Presentation of research at national conferences
- Expanded library and research skills
- Guidance in completing a scholarly manuscript
- A summer research internship (with a $2800 stipend at minimum)

Get in Touch!
I worked hard to earn my doctorate, and I know exactly what you're going through. If you'd like to reach out, I'm always happy to help answer any questions you may have.
You can email or call using the links below, or send mail inquiries to:
Ronald E. McNair Program
The University of Mississippi
1111 Jackson Avenue West
Jackson Avenue Center, Suite D
University, MS 38677
Dr. Barbara Howard
Associate Director
-
Resources
Check out these resources and opportunities.
Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) McNair Journal 2023 -
Past Doctoral Recipients
Dozens of McNair scholars have received their doctoral degrees since participating in the program.
Check out our past doctoral recipients